Heat and Soul: A Soul Eater Love Story (xKid)

~Chapter Fourteen~

The next morning, as I'm happily chowing down on Kid's delicious homemade oatmeal, the reflection on the metal teapot starts to ring like a phone. I cock my head at it in confusion. Am I going insane?

"Um, Kid... Why is the teakettle ringing?"

"That would be my father."

Master Shinigami appears in the reflection, "Hello, hello! Ember, Kid, glad to see you're awake! I have good news for you!"

I stare at the teapot. So, Shinigami can use anything reflective like a video phone...? That's slightly creepy...

"We have a place for Ember to stay! She can take her things over today."

Oh. I totally forgot that I'm supposed to be staying somewhere else. I think I might actually miss living with Kid. We exchange a glance. I can't tell what he's thinking; dammit, why is he always so hard to read? Shinigami seems to notice the exchange.

"Or, if you don't want to leave, you could always stay..."

I shake my head, "No, I couldn't ask Kid for anything else. Thank you, Master Shinigami. I'll move in tonight after school."

I can feel Kid staring at me. It's very unnerving. I do my best to ignore it.

"Right, right, then that's settled! Have fun in school!"

With that, the headmaster disappears and the kettle's reflection goes back to normal. I finish my oatmeal in silence, hyper-aware of Kid's gaze. The trip to school is awkward. I'm grateful that Liz and Patty meet up with us halfway. Their chatter helps to fill the silence.

"Hey, Ember!" Patty squeals at me, "Everyone had so much fun last night! Will you join our group more often? Huh?"

Liz chimes in, "We do enjoy your company," she glances at Kid, "We all do."

I smile half-heartedly, "Sure. I had fun hanging out with the gang too."

Patty starts to skip ahead, "Yay! We have a new friend!"

"That reminds me," Kid starts, "Liz, Patty, when are you going to move back in with me? You said staying with Tsubaki was only temporary."

"Isn't Ember staying with you? We don't want to get in the way," Liz blinks at him.

I shake my head, "Master Shinigami called this morning. They found a place for me to stay. I'm moving tonight."

Patty momentarily deflates. Liz looks between me and Kid like she suspects we've had a fight or something.

"Oh... In that case, I guess we'll move in soon..." Liz sounds disappointed.

We trudge into Class Crescent Moon. It's only now I realize that Soul, Maka, Tsubaki, Black Star, and the sisters are all in the same class with me. The only one missing is Daemon again. Maka returns my forgotten hoodie, but other than to thank her, I don't talk much.

Lunch time comes all too soon. I sit alone at the corner table, again with no lunch. I don't feel like eating anything. I'd probably waste it all. Daemon joins me.

"Something wrong?"

I shake my head and sigh, "I'm being stupid and overemotional. Nothing new."

He stares at me, looking concerned, but doesn't press further.

"Um, Ember...?" Tsubaki comes up to me, "Would you like to sit with us?" She smiles at Daemon, "You can bring your friend."

I glance at their table in the center of the lunch room. It already looks packed even without Tsubaki. Everyone is being their usual, loud selves; except Kid seems spaced out, playing with his food and not eating it. There's also someone there I don't recognize. Is that a boy or a girl...? I can't tell, but I suppose it doesn't matter.

"Thanks Tsubaki, but I'm fine. I could use the peace and quiet right now."

She seems to understand and leaves with just a nod. I rest my head on my arms.

"Hey Daemon... Do you have anything against Kid?"

He blinks at me, "Not really, no... Why?"

 "Nothing, just... I had a nightmare last night that you two were trying to kill each other for some reason. Nevermind, I don't know why I asked."

He stares at me for a moment, confused and worried, "You sure you're okay?"

"Well, I've got a place to live now. Shinigami called this morning."

Daemon seems to be trying to read into my words and facial expressions, "And where is it?"

"Near the edge of town. I'll be by myself."

"I guess that will make reporting to your Aunt easier..."

I nod. That's the last interaction I have for the rest of the school day. I try to pay attention to classes, but I just can't seem to concentrate. Luckily, the teachers don't know my name yet, so they don't call on me for anything. I dawdle after school so I don't have to walk back with Kid in that same awkward silence. Upon exiting the school, I notice him standing off to the side of the entrance. He waited for me...? Great...

"Oh... You didn't have to wait for me, Kid."

His expression is unreadable again. He shrugs.

"So... when are you moving out? You can stay for dinner if you like."

I shake my head, "I'll pack up right away. I want to travel in the daylight."

He looks disappointed, "Would you like help carrying anything?"

I shake my head again, "I've only got one bag and some books. But thanks..."

We return to his house in silence. I go straight to my room- no, his spare room- and pack up what little I didn't just leave in my bag. As I'm stacking my books up, Kid knocks on the doorframe to get my attention. He hands me a scrap of paper.

"My cell number... In case something happens and you need help..."

I smile, but it's forced, "Thanks. I'll text you when I'm settled so you have my number, too."

He nods and we stare awkwardly at each other for a few agonizing seconds. Finally, I sling my bag over my shoulder and pick up my books.

"I'd better go. Thanks for putting up with me."

"You can visit whenever you want..."

His face is unreadable yet again. I slip past him with my head down. I don't want to meet his eyes for fear I might put this off. I can feel him watching me go.