An Unexpected Twist

Admittance

The constant beep of the heart monitor is what was keeping Maka awake. She'd been sitting here for the last 3 days and she still refused to sleep. And she wouldn't until she knew Soul was out of the woods. How could she? She kept telling herself that if she stayed awake, so would Soul.

"Maka...."

She looks up at Spirit standing in the doorway. Her attention goes back to Soul once she sees who it is.

"Yeah?"

"Don't you think you should be getting some rest? You haven't slept in a few days."

Maka shakes her head and her grip on Soul's hand tightens slightly.

"I can't Papa. What if something happens?"

"Nothing is going to happen Maka. He's safe here."

Maka shakes her head, unconvinced. Her thumb gently rubs the back of Soul's hand.

"I'm ok for now Papa."

"Maka..."

"I said I'm fine."

There was a bit of an edge to Maka's voice. Spirit gets quiet then and walks out, leaving Maka alone with Soul. She didn't notice her father leave, she didn't notice anything except for the slight rise and fall of Soul's chest. She softly kisses the back of Soul's hand before resting her cheek on it.

"Please get better Soul..."

•••••••••

"....be ok."

The sound of Wes's voice stirs Soul from his sleep. He lays still and listens to what he was saying.

"The bullet only nicked his heart. There's no overwhelming damage that was done. You can breathe easy Maka. He's going to be fine."

Soul hears a soft sigh and his eyes open. Wes was standing in the doorway and Maka was sitting next to him. He watches as she visibly relaxes and Wes's eyes meet his. Wes smiles slightly.

"Good to see you awake little brother."

Maka turns when she hears that and Soul watches as her eyes widen with disbelief, then joy. She hugs him tightly, making his chest hurt. He ignores the pain and hugs her back, just glad that she's ok.

"Easy there. He's still healing."

Maka's grip on him lessens as Wes speaks. She hugs Soul for a moment longer before she lets him go and pulls back. Soul takes her hand and his fingers thread through hers. Wes comes over and softly touches Soul's shoulder.

"You had us worried there for awhile."

"How long was I out?"

Soul's voice is a bit hoarse from under use. Maka's grip on his hand tightens slightly before relaxing again. Soul didn't take that as a good sign.

"How long?"

"2 weeks."

"Are you shitting me?"

"No I am not."

Soul sighs and lays his head back, his eyes closing. His entire body hurts. How could he have been out for so long? They were just bullet wounds. Soul groans and closes his eyes again.

"Did you find out who was responsible?"

Wes stays silent. Soul's eye's open again and looks at Wes. He didn't have to ask again. He knew just by the look in Wes's eyes. Anger starts to boil in him, different than anything he's felt. This was deeply rooted; this was spite and true hatred.