Author's Note: Thanks you guys so much for all the positive reviews and feedback! The hotel that Maka and the girls go to in this chapter is a 4 star hotel in Nevada I just looked up using google in case anyone was wondering.
Chapter 16: The Games We Play
Maka just stared blankly at Black Star for a second before starting to smile and laugh causing Black Star to look at her in confusion.
"Uh, this isn't supposed to be funny you did hear me correctly, right?" Black Star asked as Maka continued to snicker.
"Oh I heard you Black Star. I just think it's funny that you would accuse me of being Emerald of all people when you don't have any evidence to even back it up!" Maka stated as her giggling calmed down.
"This isn't a joke! I could call Soul right now on my phone and let him know everything I saw today!" Black Star snapped as he took his phone out to show he was serious.
Maka only grinned. "Oh go ahead and call him! What are you going to tell him? Hey Soul I just saw Maka playing the sax don't ask me how she knows how to play or how I knew it was her I'm just going off of what I think I saw!" Maka finished sarcastically.
Black Star frowned; maybe he should have thought this better through than just accusing her without proper evidence to back up his claims.
"You know I'm not even good with music, so it's pretty dumb even for you to think that I would be her." Maka huffed out before turning back around to head home.
"Hey hold on, we're not done talking yet! I may not have the proper information to prove that you're Emerald, but you can't deny that earlier I saw you with Hiro and that one guy also!" Black Star retorted.
Maka cursed under her breathe. "Just how long have you been following me around anyways?"
"AHA! So you don't deny it anymore! You were with Hiro and that one guy and you all went into that club where I watched you all perform!" Black Star exclaimed proudly.
"None of that actually proves anything though you realize that, right?" Maka answered tiredly.
"Look we can argue about this all day, but you know I'm not going to let you leave until you tell me the truth. At least tell me why you were spending time with those guys. Are you like dating both of them at the same time?" Black Star questioned becoming a bit serious.
Maka took out her book and promptly hit Black Star's head multiple times.
"Gross! What type of girl do you think I am?! I would never date Hiro and I would sooner move in with my Dad than go out with Travis!" Maka scoffed, scrunching her face in disgust.
"Well you could have just said that instead of just hitting me!" Black Star yelled rubbing his head.
Maka sighed and sat down at a nearby bench. "It's not like I really hang out with them on purpose you know."
Black Star watched her and leaned back against a tree. "So why do you do it then?"
"It started out with Hiro giving me music lessons and me giving him advice on how to stop getting beat up all the time, but then it just got more complicated." Maka explained.
"Wait a minute. So that means you're the reason why I can no longer use Hiro as practice for my new moves!" Black Star cried out shocked.
Maka shrugged. "Don't blame me for Hiro getting tired of constantly being used as a slave. Besides it's not as if his personality got any better. He only became arrogant just like when he had Excalibur with him."
"Well that doesn't really explain that other guy though. Where does he come in?" Black Star questioned.
Maka groaned; that was going to be the more difficult part to reveal. "He's blackmailing me and Professor Stein suggested I keep watch to make sure he doesn't try anything against the school."
"Whoa wait a minute what is he blackmailing you with?" Black Star questioned loudly.
"He has recordings of us talking that he threatens to show all over the school, but I'm pretty sure he has more than just that I don't want him to go around hurting any other students." Maka speculated.
"It's odd for you to just give into his commands just like that. I figured you were stronger than that." Black Star mused.
Maka growled. "I'm not submitting to him! Travis hasn't done anything yet that would make me have to attack him, all he's done for the most part is be an annoying flirt and asked me to be his meister."
"The main point is that he hasn't tried anything YET. You really should be careful around him." Black Star mentioned seriously.
"Great. Is Black Star going to start acting like Soul now and pestering me about Travis's case?" Maka thought wondering if she should have just continued to try to lie.
"No I'm being serious this time! I managed to get a quick peek at his notes and he's into some really creepy stuff." Black Star stated.
"I believe you Black Star, but right now dealing with Travis is something I can handle alone." Maka said confidently.
For a while neither Maka nor Black Star said anything, until Black Star spoke up again a teasing smile growing on his face.
"So you never told me, but why are you doing all this anyways? I mean couldn't you go to Soul for help if you so badly wanted to get better at music?" Black Star asked.
Maka blushed slightly and looked down. "Soul would only make fun of me if he knew I was trying to get better at music so I just wanted to try and get better without his help or him knowing."
Black Star only snorted. "Well looks like you only just complicated matters trying to do that. Like I mentioned earlier you may need to bribe me if you don't want this going around."
Maka scowled and rolled her eyes. "Really Black Star that again?! You should be on my side not Soul's side! I've known you longer therefore I should have top priority as your older friend."
Black Star laughed loudly at that. "Wow Maka even you know that isn't a very good excuse for me to keep your secret! Tell you what though give me a pen and paper and I'll write down some stuff you can do for me!
Maka pouted a bit, but was interested in what Black Star was going to write down so she complied with him and waited a few minutes while he wrote some stuff down.
"Okay here it is you might have to do all of them I haven't really thought it through yet." Black Star stated as he handed the paper back to her.
Maka just chose to ignore him and read over what he had written down.
Option 1: Refer to me as a God or "The Great One" from this point forward
Option 2: Do all of my homework until we graduate from the DWMA
Option 3: Give me all the money you make from being in Masquerade or at least half of it
Option 4: Since Hiro won't do it anymore, be my new person to practice moves on
Maka read over each option before starting to laugh and tear the paper into pieces.
"Black Star why the hell would you even think I would do any of that crap?!" Maka asked as she threw the torn pieces into the trash.
"Hey they weren't that bad! Options 3 and 4 weren't even that horrible!" Black Star retorted, but Maka's glaring just silenced him from saying anymore.
"Look I know I can't stop you from telling Soul or really anyone, but I want to be the one that tells Soul what I've been doing and not anyone else, okay?" Maka stated quietly as she stood back up.
Black Star pondered over what Maka had said before nodding in agreement.
"Okay Maka I won't tell Soul what I found out today, but you have to promise me one thing at the least."
Maka eyes narrowed in doubt. "This better not be something stupid again."
Black Star just shook his head. "All I ask is that at some point you not only tell Soul the truth, but that you will also perform like you did earlier for the rest of us without wearing your mask."
Maka thought it over before smiling and nodding her head. "Okay Black Star I promise someday I'll perform for everyone without my mask, but I can't promise it will be anytime soon."
Black Star only nodded and waved goodbye to Maka as she left to go back home. 'She better keep her promise to perform without her mask. Wait a minute oh crap what I am I supposed to tell Soul about what happened today?! Damn and I really wanted to get that extra 50 bucks also…'
~X~
"Maka you look so tired is everything alright?" Tsubaki asked as she watched Maka lay her head down on the lunch table.
It was only the following day at school, but Maka already felt drained of her energy after not only having to deal with performing and Black Star yesterday, but also having to deal with Ox Ford taunting her when she had incorrectly answered one of Dr. Stein's questions proper battling techniques earlier.
"Tsubaki's right Maka; you've been so tired out lately has Soul been keeping you up all night?" Liz suggested with a smirk.
Maka blushed and sat up properly to shake her head. "No Liz, geez and keep your voice down! He might hear you!" Maka hissed as she looked back at the other table where Soul was sitting with Black Star and Kid. Luckily he hadn't seemed to have heard any of the conversation.
"Oh come on Maka there's no need to keep your relationship a secret from us!" Liz stated with a pout.
"It can't be a secret if the relationship doesn't even exist in the first place!" Maka retorted back.
"I thought you two were together though. Didn't you say you two went out for a date just the other day?" Tsubaki questioned innocently.
"Ah well yeah we did, but it was just to see a movie and walk around town for a bit nothing special." Maka explained, calming down a bit.
"And none of that leaded into anymore kissing or making out?! Gosh both of you move so slow!" Liz cried out.
Maka reddened again and sighed. 'It's not like Soul and I haven't kissed before, but really the situations weren't exactly romantic and afterwards we pretty much acted the same way as we always do around each other.'
"Hey sis you should tell her the plan you had in mind!" Patty exclaimed excitedly.
"Oh that's right thanks for reminding me. Maka you better make sure to clear your schedule this weekend because we're going to spend all of Saturday and Sunday pampering ourselves and spending some time away from the guys!" Liz continued on cheerfully.
Maka just look confused. "We are?"
"Yes we are! I know waiting to tell you until Thursday is a bit late, but it seems like you are always busy doing something after school lately." Liz continued on.
Maka felt a bit guilty at Liz's statement. She had been spending so much time practicing and performing trying to get better at music and do her schoolwork that she ended up neglecting spending time with her friends in the process.
"Did you know anything about this Tsubaki?" Maka questioned as she turned towards her.
Tsubaki nodded her head. "Yes, but I promised Liz I would keep it a surprise until we were all able to meet up."
"Where are we going to go anyways?" Maka asked.
"That's a surprise also! Just make sure to pack a bathing suit, clothes, money, and all the other necessities needed for a weekend getaway oh but don't bring any books you won't be needing those. We'll meet at Gallows Manor at 3 pm tomorrow after school; don't make me have to come find you!" Liz said as she stood up to throw away her trash.
Maka was about to try and get more information out of Liz, but the bell rang signaling the end of the lunch.
'Well I guess there's nothing wrong with taking a break from everything even if it is just for a little bit. Trying to be both Maka and Emerald has tired me out like they all noticed and I really do miss spending time with all of them.'
"Don't worry Liz I'll be there on time." Maka said as they all left for their afternoon classes.
~X~
"So you're going to be spending some weekend at a hotel or villa with Liz and the girls?" Soul asked just to make sure he had the story correct.
"Yeah it came as a surprise to me, but I really do want to see what she had in mind for us to do." Maka replied back as she doubled checked her suitcase to make sure everything was there.
"Well you should be fine since you'll be with all of them, but still be aware of your surroundings since it's going to be area you aren't familiar with." Soul reasoned.
Maka huffed. "Soul stop worrying about me! You know I can protect and take care of myself just fine."
Soul just reached out and grabbed her hand. "Just don't go hooking up and bringing some random guy back home with you! We have enough problems with Blair here!"
Maka scoffed, but squeezed his hand back. "Who do you think I am, my papa?! I'm only going to spend the weekend relaxing probably by the pool and I may check to see if they have a fitness center."
"And anyways I have a perfectly nice guy right here at home with me…" Maka added on looking up with Soul with a blush and a smile.
Soul grinned and lifted her chin up as leaned in to kiss her when suddenly the phone rang causing the two of them to pull apart.
"Ah that's probably Liz making sure I'm on my way." Maka stated in rush as she left her room to pick up the phone.
Soul scowled and followed her out into the living room just as Maka was finishing up the conversation.
"Yes I was just checking to make sure I had everything. I'm about to leave the apartment now. No I did not do that with Soul! Okay see you in little bit." Maka said as hung up.
"So that was Liz I presume?" Soul asked leaning against the kitchen counter.
"Yeah by the way what are you going to do while I'm away this weekend?" Maka asked as she grabbed her suitcase out of her room along with her backpack.
"I'll just spend the weekend with Black Star and Kid it's not like we can't find something to do pass the time." Soul replied back with a shrug.
Maka nodded her head in understanding. "Okay well I guess I'll see you Sunday evening. Don't do anything too crazy while I'm gone!" Maka said as she opened the doors.
"Wait Maka you forgot something!" Soul piped up just as Maka was about to close the door behind her.
Maka turned back around in confusion and opened the door back up. "What could I have forgotten? I made sure I had everything!"
Soul smirked and pulled her in by the arm. "This." He whispered softly before leaning in to gently kiss her on the lips.
Maka dropped her suitcase and wrapped her arms around Soul's neck to allow the kiss to go deeper.
"Soul why do we keep doing this?" Maka whispered once they had pulled apart.
"Doing what?" Soul asked still holding Maka close to him.
"You know what. Flirting and teasing each other like this. I have to know does it really mean anything to you?" Maka asked nervously.
"Well I don't know how you feel, but behind all this teasing and flirting my feelings for you are serious." Soul replied back trying to hide his embarrassment.
Maka smiled feeling relieved. "I feel the same way Soul, but I don't want to rush things with you since this would be my first relationship and we both know how bad they can get."
Soul just lightly kissed her forehead. "Don't worry Maka I don't mind taking things slow with you. Know you better seriously get going before Liz really gets mad."
Maka shook her ahead in agreement as she picked back up her suitcase. "Make sure to lock the doors behind me!"
~X~
"About time you got here Maka what kept you?" Liz grumbled angrily as Maka walked up to them.
"Sorry I just wanted to make sure I had everything packed!" Maka replied back out of breathe.
"Is that the real reason or did you need to give Soul a going away present?" Liz questioned teasingly as Maka reddened.
"Stop it Liz! Anyways can you please tell me now what the name of the hotel is that we're going to?" Maka asked.
"Nope! Now come on the limo is already here to take us to the resort." Liz stated excitedly as she grabbed her by the hand to pull her inside.
"Wait a limo? This trip isn't going to be expensive is it?" Maka asked once they were all settled inside.
"Don't worry! Any expenses have already been paid for by Kid or I will just use his credit card in the worst case scenario!" Liz replied back settling into the soft cushions of the limo.
Maka sighed and shook her head. 'I guess it shouldn't surprise me that Liz would abuse the new income Kid gets as being Shinigami.'
The rest of the ride to the hotel was rather quiet and peaceful. Maka spent the time chatting about random things that had happened over the week with everyone or just sleeping.
"Hey Tsubaki do you know how far this hotel is from Death City?" Maka asked after about an hour had passed.
"I think Liz had mentioned earlier that it was about 2 hours outside of Death City so we should reach there in about another hour." Tsubaki replied back.
Maka sighed and turned her head to look back outside the window. "Oh I wish I could just take out a book to read right now, but I promised Liz I would find other things to do to pass the time." Maka thought in boredom.
After deciding to take another nap, Maka was awakened to the sound of Patty's yelling at her to wake up.
Maka yawned and stretched her arms as she woke up and followed everyone out of the limo. Maka's eyes widened as she took in the scenery of the hotel. It was huge with many connected buildings.
"Wow if it looks this good on the outside than I wonder how it will look on the inside!" Maka thought in excitement.
"Maka this is the Peppermill Resort Spa and Casino we are going to make this a weekend we will never forget! Liz stated as she grabbed her luggage and walked inside. After everyone was properly checked in, Liz managed to sweeten the deal by getting everyone their own personal room, the only problem was that they were scattered throughout the different towers that the hotel contained.
"So where is everybody at just so we can have some place where we can meet up at?" Maka asked as she looked at the map the concierge had provided them with.
"I'm in the Peppermill Tower." Tsubaki stated glancing at her room key.
"I'm in the Peppermill North Wing." Liz said as she read over the spa features.
"I'm in in Peppermill West Wing." Patty said gazing at the chandeliers.
"And I'm in the Tuscany Tower." Maka said finishing things off.
"So did you guys just want to rest up a bit before meeting up for dinner again like at 8 since it's a little past 5 right now." Tsubaki suggested.
"That sounds good to me I want to check out what free stuff they have in the rooms for us!" Liz stated walking in direction of the north wing.
"Hey wait for me sis I'm heading in that direction also!" Patty called out running after her.
"Well I'm on the fourth floor of the Peppermill Tower, but according to the map Tuscany Tower is just a short walk from the North and West Wings." Tsubaki said
"Yeah I see that too I guess I'll see you later then for dinner." Maka replied back as the two parted ways.
Maka made her way down the walkway just taking in the sites when she accidently bumped into someone.
"Oh I'm sorry I was looking where I was going!" Maka apologized quickly.
"It's no problem Maka." A familiar voice replied back.
Maka's eyes widened in dismay as she recognized the owner of the voice.
"Travis what the hell are you doing here?" Maka spat out.
"Oh Maka, you didn't honestly think you could get away from your life as Emerald or just keep me hidden from your friends forever, did you?" Travis stated smoothly.
"I don't know what in your sick head caused you to decide to stalk us here, but I won't let you do anything to harm my friends or any of the guests here!" Maka hissed coldly.
"Oh I would be worried more about your own safety than the safety of your friends. After all I finally have you in the situation I've been waiting for and Soul finally won't be a distraction for you…" Travis said mischievously.
Author's Note: That's it for Chapter 16, let me know what you think with a review and as always thanks for reading!