An Escape. (A Soul Eater fanfic)

Introductions All Around.

Chapter Three: Introductions All Around

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"Is all this really necessary?" Maka asked, shifting the pile of clothes to her other arm.

"Absolutely. We can't let you walk around with only a couple outfits, you need a variety. Besides, don't most girls go crazy when they shop?" Kidd raised an eyebrow at her irritated face.

"Not when shopping for clothes or shoes or makeup. I prefer books."

"So you're a bookworm, eh? You'll love the school library, then." He smirked knowingly as they moved up in the checkout line.

"I'm not a bookworm. I just happen to like books, Is that so wrong?"

"No, no." Kidd waved his hand. "I like books too."

Maka's eyes widened a bit and she smiled. "Really? I thought nobody read anymore besides me."

Kidd laughed. "I thought the same."

"Next," called the cashier, and both teens looked to the side awkwardly, blushed, and stepped forward.

Maka bit her tongue when the total came up, though Kidd assured her that money was no issue.

"It's getting late," Kidd said as they walked to his car. "We can drive through for dinner, does that sound good?"

Maka nodded, placing the bags in the back and then getting in the front seat.

"Tomorrow we'll go down to the school and get you registered. Sound good?" he asked, starting the car.

"Yeah."

"We're on a break though, so we'll all go back next Monday."

"Um...Kidd..."

"What is it?"

"What day is it?"

"It's Wednesday."

"No, like...the date. I haven't paid much attention."

"April third."

"Ah."

The ride was silent until they pulled up to the nearest fast food restaurant.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"Um... I guess an order of fries."

"That's it? Nothing else?" Kidd raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah."

"Alright..." He frowned, but pulled up to the speaker and ordered.

"The bathroom is right there," Kidd pointed to a door to their right, "if you want to wash up. I'm going to bed now." He yawned, as if to prove he was tired. "See you in the morning."

"Yeah...see you..." Maka watched him walk to his room, turn the knob, and enter. She sighed, went in the bathroom, and started the shower.

Breakfast was eaten in silence. Once they both finished, Kidd stood up and took the dishes, leaving Maka to twiddle her thumbs.

"Ready?" he asked upon return.

"Mhm." She nodded nervously and stood up.

"Relax. All we're doing is registering you for school." He smiled and led her out the door.

She bowed her head slightly and followed after.

"Maka, is that correct?"

"Yes, ma'am." Maka stretched her fingers behind her back.

"Alright. I just need you and a parent or guardian to sign these papers-"

"That won't be needed." Kidd's voice interrupted the school counselor, and he flashed his ID. Surprised, Maka opened her mouth to ask why he could do that, but he continued talking. "She's under special circumstances."

"Oh, alright then. My name is Nygus, welcome to DWMA!" The counselor smiled and held out her hand, which Maka hesitantly shook.

"Thank you." Maka bowed. "I look forward to attending."

"You know what...I'm free for a bit, why don't I give you a tour? That way you won't be lost on Monday." Nygus stood up and gestured to the door.

"Oh! Ah, sure. That would be great." Maka looked at Kidd as if to say 'Come on', but he shrugged and gestured to the door as well. She glared in his direction before following Nygus out.

Once they had left, Kidd pulled out his cell phone and started a four-way call.

"Liz? Would you mind putting the phone on speaker so Patti can hear as well? Black*Star, same with Tsubaki. Soul, thanks for picking up. Listen, I know this is short notice, but can you all make it down to the school right now? There's someone I want you guys to meet."

His final sentence caused 'Ooh's from Liz and Patti, a 'Nice goin, Kidd! Snagged yourself a girl, eh?' from Black*Star, an 'Is she hot?' from Soul, and a 'Can't wait to see her!' from Tsubaki.

"No, you guys, listen, she's not my-"

"No cell phones at school, Kidd." Rolling wheels were heard, and Kidd's phone was snatched out of his hand. His "But we're on break!" went unacknowledged.

"Hello, this is Professor Stein. As you know, cell phones are not allowed on campus. I suggest you come finish your conversation in person." The white haired man snapped the phone shut, tossed it back to Kidd, and twisted the large screw that was implanted in his head.

Kidd laughed nervously. "I'll be going now..." He slipped out the door, followed by Stein's gaze.

He walked for a bit and then sat on a bench near the entrance. "And now, we wait."

Minutes passed, and Kidd heard footsteps on the sidewalk. He glanced up from his phone and stood up when he saw his friends.

"One, she's not my girlfriend," Kidd said immediately, to receive a 'tsk' from Soul and a sympathetic pat from Black*Star. "Two," he continued, irritated, "she's getting a tour of the school now, and she should be out any minute."

"Cool, she's transferring here?" Patti grinned, leaning to peer around Kidd and watch the door.

"Sort of. Long story."

"So you got the hots for her or what?" Soul asked, only to earn smacks from Kidd and Liz.

"No! She's a friend!" Kidd hastily crossed his arms and turned to the side.

"Well, she's certainly brought your mood up. What happened to Gloomy Gus?" Liz asked.

"Oh, hush. That's none of your business."

"Sure it is!" Black*Star grinned and threw an arm around Kidd. "We're buds, after all, right?"

Kidd lifted Black*Star's arm off of him and stepped to the side to fix his shirt.

"That doesn't grant you a VIP pass into my personal life."

"Oh, yes it does, and you know it."

"Shut up, Black*Star." Kidd crossed his arms and stomped on Black*Star's foot.

"Hey, what the hell was that for, symmetry freak?!" Black*Star yelled. Kidd stepped to the side just as Black*Star's foot slammed down on where his was moments prior.

Everyone was too focused on the squabble to notice the girl shyly approaching the group. She watched the two boys argue for a few seconds, and then made her presence known.

"Um...Kidd..?"

Everyone halted their current activities and turned to the newcomer. Tsubaki waved and smiled, having seen her before. Soul raised an eyebrow, squinting to examine her. Liz and Patti turned, surprised, before grinning and waving. Black*Star rubbed his chin, staring at her in the same way Soul was, and after a few seconds stopped and nodded at her, a small smile on his childish face.

"Maka! How'd the tour go?" Kidd asked, approaching her so she wasn't standing alone. "These are my friends." He gestured to the group. "Tsubaki, as I'm sure you remember, and they are Liz and Patti," he pointed to each of the sisters respectively, "that's Soul, and the ass over there is Black*Star. Everyone, this is Maka. She'll be starting here soon."

Maka looked flustered for a moment, and then bowed low.

"It's very nice to meet you all!"