An Unexpected Twist

The Deal

"Hey Maka! I heard that your mother abandoned you cause you're worthless. Is it true?!"

Tears sprung to Maka eyes as she ignored the boy. She hated him for mentioning her mother.

"Aww the poor nerd's gunna cry! Wanna slit your wrists too?"

That was it. Maka whipped past him and into the girls restroom. She couldn't stop the tears now. She could hear people laughing outside as she locked herself in one of the stalls. The healing cuts ached in time with her heart. The insults she could take. But when it came to any mention of her mother, she couldn't stop the tears from falling. She still missed her so much, the pain still fresh. Right then she wished Soul was there for her. He would tell that boy where he could shove it and he would know what to say to make her feel better. Instantly Maka chastised herself. She didn't need Soul. She didn't need anyone. But that was a lie, and she knew it.

Maka waited 'till the bell rang and the noise in the halls faded to silence. She slipped out of the bathroom and put her books in her locker, momentarily debating whether she should go to class or just leave. Then she stood a bit taller. There was no way she would skip because of a few bullies. She wouldn't let them get to her. And besides, there wasn't any place Maka could really go. She was a loner through and through.

••••••••

Soul stood out in the sun, just beginning to sweat. His parents, along with him and his brother Wes stood, waiting for the plane to load. Soul's parents had suddenly decided that going on a week end vacation was a grand idea. Instead it had turned into a week-long vacation, causing both Soul and Wes to miss their classes. Soul had hated every minute of it. He didn't like being with his family to begin with, and the fact that they had pretty much come to show him and Wes off didn't help at all. Adding that on top of Soul's frustration at Arachne and his worry for Maka made the trip absolutely unbearable. Give him annoying teachers and homework any day.

They were finally on their way home when Soul got Maka's text. His phone buzzed against his leg and he pulled it out, taking out his ear buds as he did.

Stein assigned another project

Partners?

Yeah. Same as last time.

He probably figured that he didn't need to change anything up since everyone did so well last time. Well except Black*Star. He only exceeds at delivering really shitty pep talks and being the most annoying guy on earth.

Soul could almost hear her laughing as she typed back. That was enough to make him smile.

Good guess Soul. That's pretty much want Stein said. Minus the bit about Black*Star of course.

But you know he was thinking it.

Maka doesn't respond to that. Soul smirks to himself, knowing she's probably shaking her head in exasperation at the moment.

So how's the trip?

Shitty. Glad that it's finally over.

You know, you could've at least TRIED to enjoy yourself while you were there.

Are you crazy woman? What makes you think I would have fun in Chicago? This place is way worse than Death City.

That's what makes it fun. It's NOT Death City.

They chat for a good hour before Maka quits to do her homework. Soul sighs and leans his head against the window, staring out. He was in a much better mood than before, but thoughts of what he might come home too ruined it. He knew how Arachne operated. By now everyone would know about Maka's wrists and they would make fun of her for it. And that pissed Soul off to no end. But he also knew that a direct confrontation wasn't the way to go, despite what his instincts were screaming. That's what Arachne wanted from him. Soul smiled to himself as his thoughts whirled. Two could play this game.