So here's the latest chapter! I know it's short. The next one will be too. We're so close to the end, but not yet. Sorry for any grammatical errors. Thank you for everyone who has been putting up with my l ong waits. I know how long it feels to not have the next chapter right there. Please R & R! :)

The crowd stood up and applauded loudly. I saw Maka's face light up with happiness and confusion. I smiled at her and the others. I looked to see Justin nodding and Dr. Stein as well. I bowed and got off the stage. It was probably the best performance of my life, thus far. I moved backstage to see the others waiting for me.

"Soul, that was amazing," Black Star screamed. The others all nodded in agreement and I grinned at them.

"Yeah, Soul. It was so great," Kid said.

"Maka must be so happy," Tsubaki grinned.

"Hey guys, I gotta go," I explained nodding my head towards Maka. She separated herself from the group because I told her to wait for me. She looked over at me and grinned while waving to the others. They nodded and went back to their rooms.

I grabbed Maka's hand and led her back to her room. I shut the door and she sat on her bed. I sat down next to her, holding her close. Her eyes met mine and she smiled at me. I tilted her head up and kissed her softly. She looked at me with her shining, lively green eyes. She rested her head on my shoulder, trying not to fall asleep.

"Soul, that song was so beautiful. I can't believe you wrote that yourself," she explained.

"Like I was the only one with a surprise tonight. I can't believe you wrote your own sonata, Maka. It was perfect for you. It truly told the story you intended."

She looked up at me and smiled. I pushed a stray piece of hair behind her ear and put my arm around her waist.

"I thought you said you couldn't sing, Soul. Were you lying to me," she asked sarcastically.

"We both seem to be full of surprises then. Right Maka?"

"Yeah I guess you're right," she said.

She looked away from me for a second and pulled one hand away.

"You okay, Maka? Are you really tired?"

"Soul, I need to tell you something important," she paused. "You're the most perfect guy I have ever met. I don't know where I'd be without you. I can never stop thinking about you. Soul, I love you."

I looked at her and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around my neck and lay down. I was pulled down with her and I kept my arms around her. I couldn't resist Maka any longer. She was too perfect. I didn't leave Maka for a breath. I stayed with her, my lips on hers. I wouldn't want to ever leave Maka. So we didn't leave each other for even a second…

A few minutes later...

I looked at Maka and smiled. She looked back and we both laughed. She inched closer to me and I didn't move.

"I love you too, Maka," I whispered.

"I know, Soul."

"No, Maka. I've loved you for a while. That song was for you, just like all the others. I will always love you, Maka."

"Me too, Soul. I have a question for you," she said.

"What's that?"

"Can you stay with me tonight?"

"Maka, there's no way I'm going back to my room. You shouldn't have to keep asking. I'll stay with you forever."

I saw a tear fall from her eye. I wiped it off her cheek with my thumb and rubbed my thumb back and forth along her cheek.

"Everything's going to be okay, Maka," I cooed.

"Thanks, Soul. I forgot to ask before. Why do you have a scar all over your chest?"

I was afraid she was going to ask about that. It was the worst experience of my life. I took a deep breath and sighed.

"Maka. What I'm about to tell you is absolutely confidential."

"Okay."

"When I was young, I started playing the piano. Although I was very good, I never was good enough to live up to my parents' standards. My brother's friends once heard me play an original piece. It was one of the most distorted things I had ever played. It sounded like someone slamming on the keys, not like an actual piece.

They didn't understand this. They told my father I was making a mockery of the Evans name and my father was pissed. He didn't take to kindly to this and that's when the beating started.

This wasn't a beating alone though. He took me far away from Death City and threw me on the ground. He took off his belt and hit me across the face. He then took out a knife and cut me across the chest.

He told me that I couldn't change who I was. He told me I was a failure and would stay that way because I was always a piece of shit. I was never close with my dad, but that shattered what little was left."

"Soul. I'm so sorry. What are you going to do since we're released tomorrow?"

"I'm not going to live with my parents again. I'm not going to be stay with my brother either."

"Then where are you going to go?"

"I don't know. What about you, Maka? You're obviously not going to live with your father again. Would you go live with your mom?"

"I didn't think about that. What are we going to do?"

"We'll figure it out in the morning. Everything will be okay, Maka. I promise I'll take care of you, no matter what. Good night, Maka."

"Night, Soul."

There was a hint of uncertainty in her voice, but she quickly drifted off from exhaustion. She looked so peaceful and I smiled at her. I pulled her close to me and matched my breathing with hers.

I don't what I'd do without Maka. She changed me to be the best I could be and taught me to appreciate who I am. We were a lot alike. We love simple things such as art and music, but were similar in more personal ways.

We always know how to make through anything. That's what brought Maka and I together. That's one of the many reasons why I loved her deeply. I soon drifted off, smiling. I was happy to know that Maka and I had made it through. We broke each other's reclusive barriers and taught each other how our scars make us stronger.

Ok, so I hope you liked this chapter! :) I don't know when I'll update next. It may be awhile. I love writing this and don't want it to end. The best performance of your life thus far thing with Soul is actually something we have during the marching band season :) Yes, I am an anime otaku, but a band geek. Please R & R with any comments, questions, and suggestions. I will be talking about my newest idea in the last chapter. Would love feedback on it. Guilty Crown is so amazing! Halfway through. Okay, I'm rambling...

~Sab Out~