Disclaimer: If I owned this series, this wouldn't be here...
Author's Note: Thank you to those who put this story on alert. ^^ It's encouraging, and feedback is also welcome! This takes place mid-series when Soul's outfit changes...Enjoy!
He walked out of his room, down the stairs and into the living room, tentative and uncertain as he approached the kitchen, as if stepping across a minefield. He glanced around, unwilling at first to step over the threshold and into the warmth. Eventually, however, the mouthwatering aroma of breakfast and his roaring stomach drew him in.
Maka curiously watched him from the corner of her eye, but decided it best not to pry into his early morning endeavor. He probably wouldn't answer her even if she politely asked. "Good morning, Soul," she greeted hesitantly, neatly setting the table.
"'Mornin'," he grumbled in response, quietly beginning to dig in.
She sat down across from him cautiously, scrutinizing his silence as if answers could be provided from his wary looks, his shifting scarlet eyes. The mild tension consumed her slowly, and soon, to get her mind off this strangely intense moment, she began to play with her silverware, and her food.
"Aren't you going to eat?" he asked, sounding concerned at her lack of interest.
"Aha!" she exclaimed suddenly, grinning like the cat that caught the canary, throwing him completely off-guard. "Did you do something to your hair?"
He looked up and nodded. "Well, I switched my headband," he admitted almost sullenly. He could see a bit more clearly now that most of his bangs were shoved neatly off to the side and out of his vision.
"I like it." Satisfied at solving the puzzle, she heartily began to eat her meal, as if it were her prize for figuring out the morning's mystery.
"Thanks," he muttered, trying hard to hold back a blush.