STORIES AND MELODIES: Dragons
IV. Goodbye Kisses
Soul E. (23:44): You mean to say, you've never watched it before?
Maka (23:44): No and you make it sound like that's unbelievable. It's not like I've watched every existing film on this planet.
Soul E. (23:45): I knew that but, c'mon, it's a very cool film. And besides, it just came out not even long ago. I was assuming you've watched it already.
Maka (23:45): I haven't really updated my movies for years since I began writing.
Maka (23:45): I'm actually surprised you like it.
Maka (23:45): And I'm not judging you, I promise!
Soul E. (23:46): Har har Albarn. Of course you are.
Soul E. (23:46): But I insist.
Soul E. (23:46): For our movie night tomorrow, we're watching it! I'll bring my DVD.
Maka (23:46): You have a DVD of it…
Maka (23:47): Dork.
Maka (23:47): If you're so excited to have me watch it then, okay. We'll watch it.
None of them spoke about the kiss on the forehead incident. It's as if there was a mutual agreement that they will not talk about it. It wasn't a bad thing actually. They've gotten a lot more closer since then, contrary to Soul's thinking that it may cause them to be awkward around each other. They texted and called each other a lot more.
Their usual movie night had to be postponed for a week though.
The two of them haven't seen each other for a whole week because of their schedules were suddenly packed and their means of communication went back to texting and calling. They missed each other a lot, though none of them would admit that too.
Soul was actually excited for their movie night. He packed his things, making sure that he had everything in his knapsack before driving to Maka's. It was four in the afternoon and he'd probably get to Maka's by 5:00 PM but he'll take that one hour drive everyday just to be with Maka. He was in some deep shit and he knew it all too well.
Yes, they did not talk about him kissing her on the forehead but somehow, he knew that she knew about his feelings and he could also tell that Maka felt the same. It's just that nobody's taking the initiative to actually take an even more further step forward but he's fine with it for now. Besides, all his thoughts about Maka liking him back were all his assumptions. What did he know? Maybe he was reading things wrong? He didn't really have enough basis about what she truly feels.
After a whole hour of driving. Soul arrived to his destination: Maka's apartment. He climbed the stairs and walked over to the furthest door on the left. The pianist knocked. Footsteps from inside followed and he couldn't help but smile when the door finally opened. There was Maka, smiling brightly as well.
"Hey." He settled for the small smile and short greeting.
"Hey." Maka replied, not quite sure what to do. She missed him a lot and she wanted to hug him but restrained herself not to because, that would be embarrassing, wouldn't it?
She mentally sighed. Embarrassing, really? The two of them had been cuddling and Soul had already kissed her on the forehead. What could a simple hug do? Maka ushered him in like she usually did. The author noticed how the pianist never entered her apartment without her permission - like there was a spell on her door or something - and it intrigued her. "You do know you can enter without me telling you, right? I mean, I did open the door for you already."
Soul placed his backpack on the side of the couch, crouching down to find the DVD. "You noticed that huh?" He said. "I don't know why as well but I'd feel disrespectful if I go in here without you actually telling me to come in. Habit, probably."
There was something in his tone that made Maka unconvinced about his reply but she shrugged. Maybe it was just her imagination. "I see." She replied, nodding her head. "Oh and uhm, I already got the popcorn! Lemme just go get it." She skipped towards her kitchen, towards the oven to be exact. Meanwhile, Soul placed the DVD on her player.
And with that, they were back to their routine. Maka was proving herself to be a human-armadillo, curling herself into a ball next to him. She always started out like this but after the first few minutes of the film, she'd already be nudging him to place his arm around her. Right now though, the movie had been playing for almost ten minutes now and she's still curled up into a ball.
His selected movie was How To Train Your Dragon and like in their text conversation. He really couldn't believe that she haven't watched it yet. Not like he really looked forward to watching it. It's just his cute and adorable cousin, Travis, stayed over with him for a week and Soul bought a collection of animated film DVDs just to keep the kid entertained for a whole week without bothering him that much when he's working. Travis just dragged him to watch How to Train Your Dragon with him one day and to his surprise, he actually enjoyed the film.
But really, he thought Maka was the ones who would see the new animated films as soon as they're released in theaters because she talked about Brave with passion but she reasoned out that 'I find it great that Disney made such a good film like that because she doesn't have a prince, doesn't actually need one and she totally kicks ass! Women empowerment, yo!' Her words, not his.
It's actually the first time that Soul recommended what they'll watch and Maka liked it, from what he was seeing which was a relief. It was a nice change. For once, they're not watching those heavy plotted movies. Not that he didn't like those kinds of films.
Soul watched Maka's reactions and expressions as she watched the film. She was so focused especially during the scene when Hiccup was trying to pet Toothless. The dragon's charm really works on everyone. "Awww, Toothless is so cute!" He heard Maka coo, her hands clasped together. He couldn't blame Maka. Even he thought that the Nightfury was cute. By then, Maka was sitting straight, all too absorbed in the movie.
The pianist was almost jealous with the attention that Maka's giving the dragon. Almost. Good thing she paused the movie only to lift his arm up and snuggle up next to him, resting her head against his chest and making his arm wrap around her. "Mm, there… much better." She mumbled.
"And you say I'm the cuddly one." Soul whispered, rolling his eyes at Maka.
Maka hit his stomach lightly. "Oh shush, you." She giggled, pressing the play button on the remote. She ate some popcorn which she got from the bowl on Soul's stomach who was slumped on the couch, resting his head on hers.
Maka was indeed very engrossed about the film since she would gasp, groan, laugh and do all sorts of reactions that was very much appropriate for the scene. "Are those two going to end up together?" She asked Soul when Hiccup was stopping Astrid from telling anyone about Toothless. "They are aren't they?"
"Good deduction skills, Sherlock." Soul said. smirking when Maka smiled happily. "Ship them?" He asked. He was definitely getting used to this whole shipping and OTP and all the other terms Maka taught him.
The girl nodded. "I mean, look at them! They're too adorable!" Maka pointed out.
"You're too adorable." Soul grunted silently but Maka caught it. The two of them looked at each other and Soul made a failed attempt to cover his mouth by stuffing some popcorn in it and leaving the hand there on his face.
"I hope you know you're a dork, Soul." Maka grumbled, looking back at the movie but smiling in secret. She placed an arm around Soul's waist and continued watching. "But, thanks."
Maka was pretty much cheering when the movie ended especially when they showed that part when the dragons were already accepted and was living in Burk already. Soul got up (to Maka's dismay, she expressed it by rolling up into a ball again and pouting but making sure that Soul doesn't see her tantrum about him leaving her side for less than thirty seconds) to change the DVD and play the sequel. He pulled her to him once he sat down and flicked her forehead for no apparent reason. The author looked at him in disbelief and nudged her head against his arm which Soul actually found cute.
When the movie was already playing, the two of them settled back into their previous positions. "Wowzers, Hiccup went from cutie to hottie." Maka gasped at Hiccup's first appearance. "Puberty's kind to him." She added, but pausing the movie immediately afterwards.
"What?"
"Let me go get a soda." She smiled at him and he nodded. "Would you like some?" Maka asked Soul.
He was too focused on the potato chips that he was eating (because Maka ate popcorn too damn fast) and simply shook his head. The author darted for the kitchen and went back after a minute, holding a can of Dr. Pepper in hand with a straw. She curled up next to Soul who leisurely placed his arm around her shoulder and played the movie. The author quietly took a sip from the straw before raising the can towards Soul, the straw inches away from his lips.
The musician blinked repeatedly. Did she know what that would mean? I'd be indirectly kissing her, he thought. But she probably wasn't thinking about that. After all, she was simply raising it to him, inviting him to take a sip, as she kept her eyes on the television screen. He slightly parted his lips open and took a small sip.
Another contrary to Soul's belief, she was actually aware of the fact that they just had an indirect kiss but she only realized this when Soul actually took a sip of her drink. It would actually be rude if she pulled it back all of a sudden so she simply played it cool. After she felt that Soul was done, she settled it on her lap for a few seconds and then, she took another sip before settling it on the coffee table.
This girl was gonna be the death of him.
"Toothless is so cute I mean, look at him!" She pointed out during the scene where Astrid and Hiccup were talking about Hiccup becoming the chief.
"Y'know…" Soul started, amused. "A lot more people were probably be more thrilled to see Astrid and Hiccup all lovey-dovey than watching Toothless on the background." He said.
The author laughed, shaking his head. "Well, they're cute, yes, but they're already canon so I'm expecting that already. Besides, they'd probably kiss by the end of the movie. Toothless, on the other hand-" She squealed when Toothless and Stormfly began their little 'head banging' dance on the background. "Look at that! Isn't he super adorable? I mean, he looks all tough and mean but then he's loyal and protective and super cute! He's like a big ball of fluff!"
Chuckling, Soul easily figured out who Maka's favorite character was.
A good few minutes into the movie and the revelation about Hiccup's mother is already on screen, Soul heard a sniff from Maka and he immediately looked at her to find her crying. He pulled her closer and she lifted her head to meet with a pair of questioning eyes. "S-Sorry." She paused the movie once again. "I just missed my Mama all of a sudden."
"Wanna talk about it?" Soul asked. He doesn't really know the right response to that so he went with the good 'ol, 'I'm-here-if-you-wanna-talk' kind of approach.
Maka shook her head and he felt a bit sad that she didn't want to open up to him. "After the movie, I guess?" She said and he felt his heart lighten. He drew patterns on her arm with his finger which seemed to soothe her. She stayed in his arms and played the movie.
When Maka began the second movie, she did not imagine to go through such a feel trip. Not only that the movie made her think about her mom but it actually made her cry her heart out when Stoick died and Hiccup got angry at Toothless for it.
Soul, on the other hand, was shocked at the sudden tears that poured out of Maka. He did not expect her to bawl. Sure, Maka had cried because of a few movies they had watched in the past (A Walk To Remember, Ghost, The Breakfast Club, Forrest Gump) and yes, Maka had already watched these films but can't help but cry again. But, he never expected there to be this much tears from watching How To Train Your Dragon 2.
The movie had ended and Maka's smiling at Soul, drinking her Dr. Pepper as he looked at her curiously while they were both sitting on the couch. "Okay, so, I didn't know I should've brought tissues with me." Soul started.
"Kinda lost it, didn't I?" She scratched her head, laughing sheepishly. "Hiccup's just so lucky to have found his mother. And she actually knows what he looked like." There was sadness in her smile and the way her voice sounded. "My mom left me to my dad after she was fed up with him cheating on her. I was four. I never really understood back then why she had to leave me behind. My dad loves me but, he can't quit the whole womanizing thing." She explained and Soul stayed silent. "My mom would write to me every now and then and I'd write back to her. She travels around the world so I don't know if she received half of my letters or if she received any at all.
I look up to her, for following her dream and doing her best to be happy but, I really wonder why she never even visited me once as if she didn't care about me. So, seeing a mother really caring for her child just brings me to tears, you know?" She said, taking in a deep breath and closing her eyes.
"C'mere." Soul opened his arm out to her and she gladly crawled to him.
"Lie down, I wanna rest on top of you." Maka slightly pushed him. Soul chuckled and did what he was told. They were now lying down together on Maka's cramped, worn out couch but that was okay with them. They wouldn't want it any other way.
Soul patted her head, ran his hand through her hair and settled on the swell of her back. "Maka-"
"No, you don't have to apologize for anything. I loved the movies, Soul." Maka stopped him from saying anything - and he hasn't even started yet. That said something about the level of their relationship. "Ah, hey," Maka raised her head slightly to look at him. "Did you cry when you watched it?"
The pianist chuckled before shaking his head. "Cool guys don't cry because of an animated movie." He smiled.
"Oh, so you did cry then?" Maka teased, earning her a pinch on the side from Soul. "Kidding! I was kidding!" She laughed, hitting Soul on the chest with her fist. He stopped and stared at Soul who was pretty much doing the same. "You know Soul," Maka began, placing a hand on his face.
His smile faded and he gulped. What was she about to do? "Yes?"
"Your teeth kinda remind me of Toothless. Actually, you remind me of Toothless."
Well that killed his mood. "What?" He asked but then, remembered something. "Didn't you say Toothless is cute? Does that make me cute too?" His grin was back on his face and he chuckled when he saw her cheeks redden.
"No, yes, no - don't put words into my mouth Soul!" She rebuked him, glaring at him. He couldn't stop laughing though because, she has the most adorable glare ever, Soul thought. "Are your teeth even natural." She poked his cheek.
Nodding, Soul groaned. "They scared you off the first time we met, didn't they?"
Again, she placed her hand on his face and she noticed how Soul had stubbles on the side of his cheek. "No. I think they're cool." She confessed, smiling gently at Soul. "And like what I've said, you really remind me of Toothless."
"And why is that?"
"Because," They look into each other's eyes and they just couldn't look away. "the first time we met, you were so guarded and really intimidating," Soul rolled his eyes at that "but getting to know you better, you're this really sweet and caring and nice kind of person." She noticed how she's slowly leaning in towards him.
She also noticed how Soul was leaning towards her as well. "Yeah?" He smirked.
"Yeah."
Was this actually happening? They were inches away from each other and he could almost taste her with how she's breathing into him. Oh, how he was a goner for this girl. "Maka, can I…"
They were slowly leaning in, their lips were inches away from each other when they were suddenly interrupted by the ringing of Soul's phone.
Fuck!
Dagnabit!
"I-It can wait." Soul told her but she shook her head,
"It might be an important call. I mean, it is, almost 11 PM." She smiled gently at him before she stood up. "I'm just gonna go clean this up." Maka then began to clean the coffee table before running to her kitchen.
Oh, he was pissed. He was pissed alright. He answered his phone. "What the hell do you want at 11 PM, Wes?" He growled.
"Woah, calm down Soul. Did I interrupt anything?"
Oh, maybe you just interrupted me from kissing this girl that I like and maybe tell her how I felt for her afterwards?
"No."
"Good!" He could hear Wes' usual 'that's-good-now-listen-to-me-while-I-tell-you-something'. "Meet me at the pizza parlor near your apartment. Where are you anyway? I knocked like, a hundred of times!" He said.
No you didn't you asshole. You like exaggerating things.
"I'm not anywhere near my apartment." He replied, groaning.
There was a pause before he heard a sigh. "Listen, just meet me halfway then. You say the place. Gotta talk to you about something. Parents' orders."
Soul sighed at the last two words. Parents' orders. He hated it when his brother did that. "You know what, fine. Since you messed up everything anyway." He grumbled the last part inaudibly. "Meet you at that McDonald's on 5th Avenue."
"Gotcha."
From the corner of his eyes, Soul saw Maka emerge from her kitchen. "Maka, I kind of… have to go meet someone." He said, actually hating the fact that he had to go. He grabbed his bag and zipped it close, slinging it on his back.
"That urgent huh?" She said, her tone obviously cheerless.
"Yeah."
They were back to being awkward again and Soul wished he just ignored the call and insisted on kissing Maka. "You be careful, okay?" Maka smiled but immediately looked away.
"Maka-" He couldn't actually say something so he stepped towards her, his hand on her cheek. He lifted her face to meet with hers and placed a kiss on the side of her lips.
He pulled away shortly after and looked at her. "Can I kiss your lips?" He asked, his eyes all too focused on her.
There was something really annoying and adorable at the same time about Soul's constant asking for permission. "It's always okay if it's you, dummy." She whispered and Soul closed the gap between them.
The kiss was soft, almost too gentle but there was still this feeling of eagerness in it, both from Soul and Maka. What's holding them back is that they both knew he can't stay.
He wished he could.
The writer was the first one to pull away, placing a hand on Soul's chest. His heart is beating so fast, she noted. "So, urgent matter?"
"Yeah, I should get going." He unlocked her door and opened it. "Maka,"
She nodded at him, smiling. They'll talk about it this time. Just, not now. He'll just get the things with Wes and his parents done and then, they'll talk and settle this. "Be safe."
With one a quick kiss on her forehead, Soul walked off and Maka closed the door and stared at her apartment, the couch in particular. She brought a hand up to touch her lips. She could still feel the sensation of kissing Soul and she really liked the feeling.
Her gaze soon fell on the DVD case of How to Train Your Dragon 2 which Soul forgot after leaving too soon.
She smiled and murmured a little thanks before heading to her room, smiling even as she fell asleep, a certain pianist invading her dreams.
(A/N: You know, this is actually like the prompts for day 1, 2, 3 and 4 in one story. It actually has more relevance to the prompts than my previous entries so, yeah, shoot me. Anyway, I told y'all this'll seem very rushed xD Enjoying SoMa week so far? I'm havin' a blast! Check out the tumblr tag #soma week 2015 for more fanfics and tons of fan art from the artist of this fandom. They're amazing!)