"Bye, guys!" Maka called as she headed out the door. "See you tomorrow!"

"See ya," Soul muttered, flipping through the channels on the TV. Kristen was lying on another couch, deeply invested in a book called Dorothy Must Die. She finished it and shut the book, sitting up and giving her brother a grin. "Okay, Kris. You've got that goofy grin again. What's up?" He picked up his can of soda and starting drinking from it.

"Do you like Maka?" she asked innocently. He choked on his soda, coughing and spluttering as he tried to regain his composure.

"W-what the hell are you talking about?!"

"I mean, do you love her? All the stories she and the others have told me, about how you've protected her through thick and thin, how you're willing to die for her. And I've seen it."

"How much do you know about love? You're fucking twelve!"

"And I know Mommy and Daddy weren't a good example, but I know relationships take communication and chemistry—both things you and Maka excel at."

"Yeah, but it also takes attraction, something that's one-sided here—" He cut himself off and facepalmed.

"So you do love her!" Kristen squealed, bouncing like a rubber ball. "You have to tell her how you feel, Soul!"

"No. Like I said, it's one-sided; my side. It could ruin everything if I… I try." Kristen let out a huff.

"Soul, I'm coming to you as your sister, who loves you very much and wants you to be happy, so listen up." She gripped his shoulders and began shaking him like a ragdoll. "You are making yourself miserable! Stop wondering 'what if' and start trying!"

"Ouch!" he yelped, prying her off him. "Like I asked, how much do you know about love?!"

"I've heard too many stories where people were too scared to confess how they felt, and you know what happened to them?! They were all fucking miserable, all because they were too chicken-shit to follow what their heart said!"

"Are you calling me chicken-shit?!"

"If the shoe fits…!"

"Do you want to see how much I care about Maka?!"

"Yes, because obviously, you don't care enough to tell her the truth!"

"Here, I'll show you!"

Quickly, Soul grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head, revealing his scar to Kristen. Her mouth hung open in shock, no words coming out.

"W-what happened?" she croaked, finally.

"Remember us telling you about Crona? About how they had black blood and were the child of a witch? The first time we met them, Maka and I fought against them. We couldn't hurt them that badly because of the black blood. She refused to continue to use me as a shield, instead dodging Crona's attacks. She got backed into a corner and I refused to let her get hurt. Crona slashed me straight across the chest. I almost died." He put his shirt back on.

"Damn, Soul. Sorry."

"You know, I'm too cool to do something as romantic as confessing my undying love for her." Kristen gave him a gentle smile.

"We both know that's not true, Soul. You're a hopeless closet romantic with a mushy marshmallow center. What's stopping you from telling her?"

"…you know, getting sliced open with a sword made of black blood hurts like hell. It's even worse when you start drifting into madness because the black blood is part of your blood, and there's a little demon in your soul constantly telling you to let him take control, to make you strong, when really he wants you to become completely insane. Before you know it, you're trapped in the push and pull of madness and reality, and the pain makes you want to end it all before you hurt or kill someone else."

"Oh, Soul…"

"That's why I can't tell her how I feel. I know she doesn't feel the same way, and she'll reject me. That pain will be ten times worse. Heartbreak hurts."

"I know it does."

"Who broke your heart?"

"You did. You basically left New York without a word, sending me one letter after you teamed up with Maka. At least there's a chance for you to talk to her."

"I'm sorry I didn't contact you."

"I'm sorry I didn't think about how you felt."

They were silent for a moment before Kristen got to her feet.

"Okay, Soul. I'm going to help you confess to Maka."

"What the—were you not listening, dumbass?! She doesn't feel the same way! Telling her is a one-way ticket to Heartbreak City, population me!"

"Which is why we're going to make it so fucking sweet and romantic that she can't reject you!"

"Okay. I can see about a thousand things wrong with this plan already. You're only twelve and can't do the kind of stuff you see in movies and TV."

"Who said it's just me?"

"Kristen…"

"I'm calling in the cavalry! Don't worry about Maka coming home and finding out our plans, by the way." She pulled out her phone and dialed, putting it on speakerphone.

"Hello?" Soul heard Liz say on the other end.

"Hey, Liz?" Kristen replied. "I need to call in a favor."

"What is it?"

"Could you, Patti, and Tsubaki keep Maka occupied until the Anniversary Ball? I need to prep Soul for his big, cheesy, cliché, mushy, romantic confession to her!" Soul tried to grab the phone, but she ducked out of his grip.

"Oh, hell yeah, Kristen. We gotcha."

"Great. Call me if there's any issues."

She hung up and Soul banged his head into the wall.

"Guess what, Soul? That was call number one. I still have four more to make."

The next morning, Soul woke up to the smell of pancakes cooking. He got out of bed and went into the living room to see Kristen on the couch, chatting with Kid and Black*Star. Spirit was in the kitchen, flirting with Blair while she flipped the pancakes he'd been smelling.

"Okay, what the hell?!" Soul asked, shocked at the 'team' his baby sister had assembled.

"Good morning to you, too, brother dearest," Kristen joked before turning to the kitchen. "Blair, Spirit, we've gotta go."

"Good thing the food's done!" Blair purred, setting out plates. "Okay, to the car!"

"What's going on?!"

"You'll see. Bye, Soul!" Kristen dashed out the door, followed by Spirit and Blair.

Soul was alone with his two male friends.

"So, Soul," Kid began, clearing his throat. "I hear that you're planning a big confession to Maka."

"Uh, correction: my sister's planning my big confession to Maka. Apparently, it's gonna be at the Anniversary Ball."

"Well, that's awful mushy and stupid," Black*Star commented.

"She said something about making it so romantic that Maka can't turn me down. I guess I can see where that came from…"

"Liz, Patti, and Tsubaki are more than willing to help," Kid added. "I don't know why we're here, but I'm sure Kristen will explain once she gets back."

As soon as Kristen walked through the door, Soul regretted ever spilling his guts to her. She, Spirit, and Blair had gotten Wes.

"KRISTEN!"

"What? I said I was calling in the cavalry because you, dear brother, need all the help you can get not to screw this up!"

"What makes you think I'm going to screw this up?"

"You're you," everyone else in the room replied.

"Wow, guys. Thanks for having faith in me."

"Okay, Soul," Kristen piped up. "Here's the plan. We have three days to get you ready for the Anniversary Ball, where you will confess to Maka how you feel."

"Can't I just wing it?"

"Soul, we all know that's a horrible idea. You'll chicken out."

"No, I won't!"

"Yes, you will."

"Fine. What's the plan?"

"Well, first, we've got to get you dressed to impress."

"Yeah, that's a given."

"And the rest of us are backup to make sure it goes smoothly!" Blair cheered.

"Okay, so why's he here?" Soul gestured to Spirit.

"Kristen explained just how much you love my little Maka," Spirit replied. "There's no other man on Earth I'd trust her with."

"Uh… thanks. That actually means a lot."

"But make no mistake! If you hurt her or break her heart, I. WILL. FUCKING. KILL. YOU!"

"There it is," chuckled Black*Star.

Logically, with so many people working together, there were bound to be a few hiccups. Kid and Kristen argued over how Soul should dress (pinstriped suit vs normal tux; Soul chose pinstriped). Wes seemed to have taken a liking to Blair, and vice versa, making it rather difficult to get any work out of those two. Working with Black*Star is always a productivity hazard. Spirit endlessly lectured Soul about taking things slow and taking care of Maka.

The biggest obstacle presented itself the day before the party in the form of a phone call to the apartment.

"Hello?" Kristen asked as she picked up the phone.

"Hello? Who is this?" the woman on the other end inquired.

"I'm Kristen."

"Okay. Kristen, is there a girl named Maka there? I'd like to talk to her."

"Oh, Maka's not here right now. She's prepping for the Anniversary Ball with her other friends. May I ask who is calling and if I can take a message?"

"Yes. I'm Kami, Maka's mother. Tell her I'm coming home for the Anniversary Ball and that I can't wait to see her. Bye!"

There was a click as Kami hung up. Kristen just stood there, the receiver hanging loosely from her hand as she stared at it in shock.

"Hey, who was it?" Soul asked, snapping her out of her state.

"K-Kami… Maka's mom." Immediately, Soul reached for his phone so he could tell Maka, but Kristen hung up the landline and grabbed his phone first.

"Hey!"

"Dumbass! You didn't even ask what she said!"

"Okay! What did she say?"

"That she's coming home for the Anniversary Ball and can't wait to see Maka."

"Oh, shit."

"Exactly. This is the biggest fuck-up in our plans so far."

"No, I mean… I've never even met her mom, and if we manage to pull this off, it might end badly."

"Pfft. Maka's never met Mommy or Daddy or Wes, but is that stopping you? Nooo."

"I hate you sometimes."

"I know."

The next day was a flurry of activity. Kristen was setting something up with Lord Death, according to Kid, and Soul couldn't help but feel like his sister was doing something stupid, embarrassing, or cliché. Probably all three.

"Good luck, little brother," Wes commented as Soul straightened his tie. "It's not every day you tell the love of your life how you feel."

"Oh, shut up! This was Kristen's idea and you know it."

"So you don't love her?"

"Oh, hell yeah, I do. I'd die if it meant she could live."

"Then what are you worried about?"

"Well, frankly, I'm a bit worried about Kristen's fascination with romance…"

"My fault, I'm afraid. She's been watching a little too much anime and a few too many rom-coms."

"Oh, so I blame you. Good to know."

At the DWMA, Kami Albarn stepped out of her cab. She wore a knee-length deep green dress that had half-sleeves, her resemblance to her daughter obvious. She had her blonde hair in a bun, two tendrils framing her face.

It was the first time she'd been in Death City in almost four years. There was really only one person she wanted to see, and that was her daughter.

The person she saw, however, was her ex-husband.

"KAMI!" Spirit called, running over to her.

"Spirit," she replied coldly.

"I expected that." He gave her a patient smile. "Still, it's good to see you. You look as beautiful as ever."

"And you're still a flirtatious asshole."

"Heh. Maka says that to me at least once a week."

"Where is Maka? I came to see her."

"She's not here yet." The ex-couple walked into the Academy, talking civilly.

Meanwhile, Soul was looking all over for Maka as music played in the background. He didn't notice the whispers and stares from his "fan club" over how hot he looked in his suit, or how Black*Star told them that he was taken.

All that mattered was Maka.

"Soul!"

He turned at the sound of her voice and—

Holy. Fucking. Shit!

Liz, Patti, and Tsubaki had definitely helped her out. Maka's hair was wavy, a purple rose tucked into her ash-blonde locks. Her dress was a short-sleeved, calf-length, deep purple number with an even deeper shade on the sash. It hugged her curves that had come in when he wasn't looking, but had a slightly poufy skirt that would flare out when she spun around. On her feet were a pair of black heels that made her already sexy legs look even sexier. He was barely able to stop his nosebleed before it happened.

"Hey, Maka," he greeted her, putting up his cool-guy front. "You look great."

"You think so?" She nervously twirled a hair around her finger. "I was a bit worried that it was too much."

"It's fine."

The music stopped and Soul and Maka looked towards the stage, where they could see Kristen stepping out, a microphone in hand. Suddenly, he realized what his sister was doing.

"Hello, DWMA!" she greeted the crowd. "My name is Kristen Evans, and I have a special song for all of you out there who are in love! Hit it!"

The piano started out. Soul held a hand out to Maka.

"Wanna dance?" he asked.

"Sure!" She took his hand, smiling as he pulled her close.

Kristen began singing "Somebody to Love" by Queen while Soul danced with Maka. His heart was pounding like a drum as he twirled his Meister around, her skirt fanning out as he did so.

"Somebody to love…" finished Kristen. Soul had Maka in a dip, his face just inches from hers. She had an obvious blush on her face as he set her upright again.

"Hey, uh, Maka? Can we talk?"

"Sure." She followed him out to the balcony where she'd asked him to dance before Asura had gotten free. He was still grappling with his black blood then, much worse than now. "So, what did you want to talk about?" He cleared his throat and started fiddling with his tie and… wait, was he… blushing?

Soul 'Eater' Evans did many things, but blushing was not one of them.

"Listen, Maka. We've been partners for a long time, and it means a lot to me. You know sides of me that nobody else does, sides I think I'm too cool to show. I just want to protect you for all eternity, because you're the best thing that's ever happened to me." Her breath hitched; was he doing what she thought he was doing? Because if so… hello, soulmate! "You're smart, nice, funny, a tad violent with a fiery temper, beautiful, sexy… I can't imagine my life without you. You keep me grounded when the demon tries to take over. You keep the madness at bay. I guess what I'm trying to say is… I love you, Maka, more than anything else in the world." He bowed his head, feeling exposed and raw.

She gasped. How long had she waited for those words to come out of Soul's mouth? He'd just told her how he felt, without any prompting from her. He'd laid all his cards on the table; it was time for her to respond.

"Soul… I love you, too." He snapped his head up to look at her, shock etched on his face.

"Y-you do?"

"I have for a long time. I just never said anything because I was scared of ruining our partnership…"

"Same here."

They were so close. He wondered if she could hear his heart beating. He could feel their souls resonating more intensely than ever as he leaned over and kissed her. She returned the action in earnest. It seemed like they'd be there for hours, but a camera flash interrupted them. They broke apart to see Kristen holding the instant camera Soul had given her for her eighth birthday. She was holding the picture, a smile on her face as she waved it to get it to develop.

"Kris!" Soul yelped.

"That's one for the scrapbook!" she declared with a smirk before dashing inside. Maka laughed and pecked Soul on the lips. They stood there for a minute, taking each other in before Kristen poked her head back out. "Oh, by the way, Maka, your dad's looking for you. You too, Soul."

"Let's see what the old man wants," chuckled Soul.

They headed inside holding hands, Soul's fan-club glaring at Maka as the new couple walked past. Neither really cared what anybody else thought.

"Maka! Soul!" Spirit called.

Kami turned to see her daughter walking towards them, holding hands with a white-haired boy. Maka's eyes widened as soon as she saw Kami.

"M-Mama?" she stammered in disbelief.

"Maka." Maka broke from the white-haired boy and hugged her mother.

"Mama, I missed you."

"I missed you, too." Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Spirit shaking the boy's hand. "Who's this?"

"This is my partner, Soul," Maka replied. Soul put an arm around Maka's shoulders.

"I'm also her boyfriend," he added. Kami glanced at Spirit, a bit surprised to see his approving smile.

"I didn't know you were going to be here," Maka informed her mother.

"I called your apartment and that Kristen girl said she'd give you the message."

"Wait, Kristen?"

"Yes. I thought she was your partner."

"Nah, she's my sister," Soul corrected. "She lives with us."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Soul." Kami shook his hand. She had a look on her face that plainly said, 'If you turn out like Spirit, I will murder you.'

"Aw…" Kristen cooed as she watched them. "Isn't that cute?"

"You mean the fact that Kami looks like she's going to kill Soul?" Black*Star asked. "Yeah, that's real cute."

"I was talking about the fact that Soul's confession went off without a hitch!"

"Oh, yeah?"

"I got a picture." She held it up.

And that's it!

By the way, Kami is going to be a major player in the next chapter; I'm not letting her off the hook for leaving Maka so easily. Lady, I don't care if your ex-husband cheated on you; you do not abandon your little girl. Soul's going to rip into you and you're going to take it.

So long and thanks for all the fish!