Everyone had eaten, Soul had taken over the cooking shift and made sure all of his friends had eaten, Black*Star sat, bloated, "Ahhh, that really hit the spot! I'm surprised you didn't have that much Tsubaki!".
Tsubaki sighed, "That's because you had most of my food Black*Star..." Tsubaki said, her voice grew more dark.
Black*Star laughed nervously, "Well, you took your time eating it soo-".
As the two began to bicker as always, Kid got up and stretched, "Well, since we're back to school tomorrow, I see it as fair that we take advantage of this weather! Basketball anyone?". Everyone cheered in agreement.
Soul hopped up, "Alright! Get ready to lose Black*Star! I'm gonna be captain! You can be the other captain!".
Black*Star dashed up to Soul, "Alright! You're on Soul! Get ready to feel the power of the Star-team! You're gonna eat dirt!".
Soul folded his arms, "Right, let's get to the court and see!".
Liz picked up her plate, "Ok guys, shouldn't you wait until-", Liz was interrupted by Soul and Black*Star zooming off out of the building, leaving behind an outline of them both in smoke, before it faded away with a poof. Black*Star and Soul's voices screaming and growing more and more quiet as they burst through the alleys.
"We clean up?" Liz continued after seeing them run off, "Aye aye aye, alright, well I suppose we'll stay and clean up then".
Kid nodded in response, "It's only fair, Maka, why don't you go on ahead? The least we can do is clean our own mess".
Maka shook her head, "N-no honestly it's fine! I'll get to it this evening, let's enjoy this day while we can!".
With that, the group headed out of the building, Patty began to sing to herself, Kid explained to Tsubaki his techniques in basketball and how he was talented at it, naturally Liz rolled her eyes and proved how flawed he was at the sport in actuality.
Maka went through the door frame before stopping, "Oh!" she squealed before doing a one-eighty turn to the table and chairs. Her green hoodie was still on the arm of the chair, she ran over to pick it up, "Can't forget this" she said smiling, she then drifted off into a daydream...
*Flashback*
It was a winter day, months ago, Maka and Soul were walking back from the DWMA, Maka had on her earmuffs and her cream vest with a buttoned undershirt, Soul wore an orange hoodie complemented by his winter black beanie on his head.
The two were just leaving the gates before Maka began to speak up, "Brrr! Jeez it's getting colder each day! The afternoon's are getting worse!", her breath being visible in the brisk air.
Soul sighed, letting out a condescending breath, "You need some winter attire, if you didn't spend it all on geeky books then-". Soul's skull was soon being cracked by the spine of a book, "Ow! The hell? All I was saying was you'd have more money to keep yourself healthy!".
Maka looked away from her partner, "I spend my money how I wish Soul, besides it helps with my studying, you should know that".
Soul sniffed, "Even then, you should keep an eye out for your psychical health, not just your mental health...", he claimed, rubbing his skull.
The two kept quiet until they walked past a clothes shop, "Maka" Soul said grabbing Maka's arm.
"W-what?" Maka responded, she looked up, "But Soul I don't have any money, we JUST went through this".
Soul grinned, "Don't worry, I got this", he dragged Maka into the store, it was a neon lit clothes store, there was catchy pop-music playing in the background to support the 'go-getting' vibe. "Alright" Soul began, "Don't worry about the price, you just tell me what hoodie you want, I'll buy it for ya".
Maka looked at her partner, "You don't have to-".
"No, it's the least I can do, besides you know the saying, I'm your weapon partner, and I'm willing to die for my meister, if that means buying you this stuff to keep you healthy, then that's what I'll do...". Souls words were quick and sharp, he meant what he said and he intended on supporting his partner.
Maka gave a genuine smile, "Alright, let's see...".
Maka was swiftly cut off by Soul looking to his right, "Woah headbands, stay there Maka I'll be right back!", Soul strolled off to examine the headbands they had on offer.
Maka sighed, but wasn't annoyed, "Anyway, hoodies, alright...". Maka walked up to the hoodie section, she looked at them and didn't seem too convinced on them... But one caught her eye, "Ooh" she said picking out a green hoodie, "It's in my size too" she claimed, putting it up to her body, "I hope it's not too much...".
Soul walked beside her, "So, this the one ya want?", he raised an eyebrow afterwards.
"Well, if it's not too much trouble, y'know..." Maka muttered.
Soul put his hand on Maka's shoulder softly, "Don't, worry, about it". Soul headed to the checkout, "Hey, I'll take this one, please".
"Certainly" the attendant said, she was quite perky, "Want a message on it?".
Soul looked at the hoodie, "Uhh, does it cost extra?".
The attendant simply shook her head, "No no, it's free".
Soul glanced off in a daydream, thinking what to put, "In that case, make it say 'I'm not alone'".
Soul waited for the attendant to get to work, Maka was now checking out the headbands herself, "Soul seems to like these, hmm, oh they're pretty cheap... I may be able to afford that". Maka pulled out the money in her pocket, "2200 yen, just enough, I can save up for that novel I wanted another time..." she said picking up a grey headband.
Soul took the hoodie from the attendant and paid up, "Thanks" he said, examining the hoodie on the front and back, "This'll do fine".
"Well you're certainly welcome!" the attendant exclaimed, Soul winced a bit at her giddiness...
Maka stood beside Soul, "This one please" she said, putting all of her money on the counter.
Soul looked at the item she chose, then darted his eyes back and forth between Maka and the item in question, "M-Maka? You're getting a headband?".
Maka chuckled, "Well, yes, but I'm getting it for you Soul, I see you eye these up all the time! It's the least I can do, it's not as much as you're paying for that hoodie but, take it as a token of my thanks" she said smiling.
Soul smiled back, Maka carried on designing the headband, in which Maka and the girl behind the counter spoke about different designs and possible ways to customise it. Soon Soul had fallen asleep on a chair in the corner of the store, snoring.
Eventually the two left, Maka put on her hoodie and saw the message on the back, "Thanks Soul, this is great!".
"Hey don't mention it", Soul started, "Thanks for this too, this is the one I've been wanting for weeks now, and the design's pretty cool too!", and there it was, Soul's trademark headband.
Maka pulled up the hood of her new hoodie, the two began to trek home, Soul spoke up, "I'll always wear this as a token of us being partners Maka, thanks".
Maka shrugged, "Don't mention it".
*Flashback End*
"Maka? MAKA!", Maka snapped out of her daydream, Liz and Kid were standing waiting, "Took long enough, what kept you?" Liz asked tapping her foot with her arms folded.
Maka picked up the hoodie, "It's nothing, just reminiscing" she muttered whilst letting out a genuine expression of happiness, "Let's go!".
"About time" Liz said, "Unless Crona turns up I'm not playing" she said as the three set off after Maka locked up.
"Liz, trust me, with me on the team we will excel! They won't stand a chance..." Kid reassured his weapon, however Liz wasn't exactly convinced.
"Ok... Well I vote to not be on Kid's team!" Liz said, Kid seemed slightly offended at that response, all Maka could do was laugh as Kid began to question why he'd not be a valuable asset.
Soon enough the group of friends were bathing in the sun, still laughing continuously.
Soul and Black*Star stood beside each other, Soul had the ball underneath his left arm. "Alright, Black*Star, head or tails?".
"Heads! No, tails! No, yes, tails!", Black*Star batted the decision back and forth.
Soul frowned, "Just call a damn side already, sheesh".
Black*Star huffed, "Fine, tails! It's gotta be tails!".
Soul flipped the coin, "...Heads".
"I call a redo!", Black*Star demanded, stomping the ground a few times.
"No way you idiot it's fair game!" Soul shouted at him, leaning back like he was above Black*Star.
Black*Star wouldn't have any of it, "Redo! Redo it Soul!".
"Ugh, fine" Soul groaned pulling out the coin, "You flip it this time".
"Will do!", Black*Star grasped the coin, "Alright, I call tails!". Black*Star flipped the coin and caught it, he placed it on his arm and glared at the coin.
...
"Damnit!" Black*Star screamed, "Fine, you get first pick, lucky...", he folded his arms defensively.
Soul chuckled arrogantly, gently tossing the ball up and down, rubbing it in, "Alright, Maka, you're with me".
"I won't let you down!" Maka cheered standing by Soul.
Black*Star walked up to the others, "Kid, come on in".
"Certainly, I think I'll be viable in this game" Kid said standing straight behind Black*Star arrogantly.
Liz relaxed on the bench, "Ahh, this is more like it, let them play along, it's three aside, so since I'm the seventh, I don't have to play. I'd rather watch, I'm not too good at sports anyway", she said with a lil bit of glee in her voice.
A shadow cast over Liz, she turned, lifting her hat like some western cowgirl in some old movie, "Eh?".
The boy was slender, pale and had pink, unkempt hair, "H-hello Liz", nervous as always, Crona had turned up to join in.
Liz stood up, "Oh hey Crona, since you're here I guess I have to join them in their game", she moaned, unintentionally being harsh.
"O-oh, I don't wanna be trouble...", Crona whined.
Black*Star took notice of Crona's arrival, "Crona! Over here! Come join in!".
Soul rolled his eyes, rubbing his ear in response to Black*Star's yelling, "Scream a little louder I'm not sure Death himself could hear ya...".
"Patty, tag in" Soul said motioning his thumb behind him.
"Alright! Hockey! I'm gonna hit a home-run!" she screamed in joy.
"N-no Patty it's basketball" Maka informed her friend.
"Ohh! So full body contact?" Patty asked in the distance.
"No" Maka replied.
Liz walked over with Crona, Crona seemed quite anxious, "If I can play, it'd be f-fun".
Kid nodded, "Of course, we just need to decide teams still".
A black substance grew out of Crona's body, hardening into the little being it was, Ragnarok popped out to interact, "C'mon! Crona and I are the best! You don't wanna try and take the ball off us! We're a force to be reckoned with!".
Kid scratched his head, "Wait, wait, do they count as two people? Or should we rule out Ragnarok as a player?". Everyone agreed to make Ragnarok stay inside Crona, after grumbling for a bit, Ragnarok went back into Crona's body.
"Sorry, he's been getting more excitable to know you guys...", Crona said, apologising for his blood's actions, rubbing his arm as he apologised.
"No sweat" Soul assured, "Now stand there a sec, we're waiting on Black*Star, still".
Black*Star stared at the possible team mates, "Huh... Hrm... Alright, Liz, come join!" he commanded.
Tsubaki was shocked, "Not even me? Your partner?!".
Black*Star shrugged, "Sorry Tsubaki, it's just how it is...". Tsubaki was at a loss for words right now, she couldn't say anything back.
Liz hesitated but went into the team Kid was in, "Oh, I don't have high hopes for this" she whined.
Soul yawned, "Ok, Crona, come on over!", Crona joined Soul's team, which left Tsubaki to join Black*Star's team last.
Soul stood with the ball, "Alright, since I got first pick, I'll let you start with the ball", he passed it to Black*Star who caught the ball, "You've already lost" Black*Star said with determination in his eyes and voice.
The group began the game, of course Black*Star got competitive, "No way! Patty fouled Liz!" he screamed, "I call a free shot!", Soul didn't argue back, Patty genuinely fouled her sister.
"I thought it was full contact, Maka said so...", Patty claimed with her index finger under her mouth innocently.
Maka stood baffled, "Wh- no I didn't!".
The game went on, and each team gave their all, or, some of them gave their all, while Black*Star, Soul, Kid and Patty tried their best, the others, couldn't figure out the timing for anything. The climax was approaching to the game.
Soon Liz lined up for the shot, "Alright, final shot" she said, half-assed, however, if she scored this they'd win the game.
"Liz!" a voice shouted from behind, it was Kid, attempting to offer advice.
Liz groaned, "What now Kid?!".
"Make sure your shoulders are spread evenly! they have to have perfect balance in gravity! Spread your legs too! they have to be a rounded distance apart! It's the ultimate way! Make sure to balance your center of gravity! Balance is key!" Kid rambled.
Liz didn't listen, she took the shot with little care and scored anyway, she just wanted it over with.
Kid stood baffled, "Wh-what? How? Was I wrong all this time?" he said slumping to his knees, a small spotlight hanging over him.
Black*Star began to jump around with Tsubaki and Liz, "Alright we thrashed them!" he cheered, shaking both of the girls with him, they couldn't remove themselves from his steel grip.
Maka sighed, "Ah, I thought we had it..." she said sadly, she felt Soul's hand on her shoulder, causing her to turn her attention to him.
"Who cares? It's the taking part that counts, you kicked ass out there!" Soul reassured her, patting her on the back in addition.
Maka beamed, Soul complemented Crona and Patty too, though all he could say to Patty was, "Uhh, nice tackles". Patty took the complement pretty well, soon the crew were on their way back to Maka's for the evening, Crona had to depart to check on Stein once more, so it was just the seven of them together again.
"Don't take the loss too bad Soul, it was only natural! It was one-sided!" Black*Star said holding his hands on the back of his head, laughing obnoxiously. Soul began to argue back with Black*Star in his defense, the two carried on as Maka turned to Kid who she was beside.
"So, school's back on tomorrow? Right Kid?", Maka asked, she knew full well that it was on, but she wanted to ask Kid simply so she could get more hyped that her studies could resume.
"That's right Maka, we'll be back there tomorrow, things will finally be straightening out" Kid said with certainty in his voice.
Maka looked at Soul and Black*Star competing, "They argue so much, but they're close huh?", she quizzed.
"Yes, it's a wonder how they stay so strong, perhaps it's what makes them stronger to point out their own positives in comparison to each other" Kid said, pondering also, thinking he may be on to something.
Maka looked down at her hoodie, "Well, I know I'll be there for him, and we have to be ready for any possible upcoming threats".
Kid looked up, "Good to hear, that reminds me, I need to start running by Liz and Patty our new training schedule.
Maka's eyes widened, "Schedule, I'm starting to feel sorry for Liz and Patty right about now..." Maka thought to herself. Soon the group were in Maka and Soul's residence relaxing once more. The place had been pretty baron since Blair moved out, she still visited from time to time however.
Maka had brought everyone hot drinks, "Hope these are alright, I made them for y-".
"Maka! Seconds please!" Black*Star blurted out.
Maka stood dumbfounded, "B-but I just put them down".
"Seconds!" Black*Star yelled, cocoa smeared around his mouth.
Black*Star was soon slapped on the back of his head, "Make it yourself Black*Star, Maka deserves to rest too!" Tsubaki briskly said.
Black*Star grumbled and headed to the kitchen, Soul was there drinking and talking with Kid, "So then after you passed out because you apparently 'could not get the k right...'". Soul and Kid broke away from their conversation to see Black*Star.
"Are you feeling alright Black*Star? You're not gorging off others for once" Kid asked.
Black*Star laughed a little, "Not yet anyway" he retorted.
Soul began to drink some more, Kid spoke up, "He has always confused me" Kid said quietly.
Soul raised an eyebrow, "Huh? Black*Star? Yeah the guy's adrenaline, testosterone and energy itself in human form".
Kid nodded, laughing a bit at Soul's remark as well, "It's fascinating isn't it? I wonder what it's like to have his determination, and have his willpower".
Soul put his cup down on the worktop, "Hey don't start thinking like that dude, it's not cool to forgot what makes you useful out there on the field".
Kid snapped out of it, "Y-You're right, sorry, anyway, about that k I couldn't get right, allow me to explain why it was so vital...". Soul was now being dragged into one of Kid's long-winded explanations as to how important symmetry was.
As Soul begged for help in the background, Maka, Tsubaki, Liz and Patty were having typical girly conversations, Black*Star ended up taking to the outside balcony to relax and have some peace to himself.
Liz began to tell Tsubaki and Maka the time when Kid panicked in the Pharaoh's Tomb when he thought one of the paintings was 'leaning a teensie bit to the left'. Patty joined in and added in some parts Liz forgot to get the full picture across, Tsubaki paid full attention to them, interested as to how they put up with his behaviour.
Maka was in deep thought, she stared at Soul for a little while, "We can do anything, I'm sure of it, he won't let me down" she thought, then looking at her hoodie that she took off. She noticed how Soul still wore the same headband she bought him, he was really protective of it as well. It was symbolic in a way... Eventually Maka came to reality and pretended she heard the whole story Liz and Patty were telling.
Soon enough, time passed and everyone was on their way home. The others left in a group as they only had to go two separate directions when they came to a fork in the pathways. Maka closed the door, Soul was cleaning up the cups and plates, "Well, that day flew by" she said standing beside Soul, ironic that the two had ended up in the same positions as they were this morning, but swapped around.
"Yeah" Soul said, "But school's school, and it may not be cool in itself, but we have a plan, and you're gonna make me into a death scythe" he smiled, holding his hand out, "We made an agreement, right?".
Maka looked at him and grabbed his hand, shaking it, "Yeah, we did", Maka headed to brush her teeth before bed, Soul sat on the sofa, he had his hands on his chin supporting his head.
Soul slumped off the sofa and looked out to the city, "Well, here comes the new term, sure didn't last...", he grumbled. He turned to Maka who was standing behind him, "Woah, hey".
Maka seemed too quiet, Soul folded his arms, "What's up Maka? This is usually your bedtime".
"Well, I just wanted to say thanks for everything" Maka beamed.
Soul frowned, "Huh? Where's this coming from?", he asked, chuckling a little under his breath.
"You've helped me overcome more than I could imagine Soul, so I just wanted to say thanks, I've got your back" Maka confirmed, sounding dead serious.
Soul grinned, "Alright, thanks, you know I've got yours too" he said walking by her, "Anyway I'm off to sleep now, we have a day ahead of us, g'night partner".
Soul closed his door, Maka stood for a few seconds, "Goodnight, Soul".