Beauty and the Beast (Soul x Maka)

1: Belle

1 year later

Maka woke up in her apartment and got dressed in a snap. She packed her school supplies and headed for the door.

As she opened the door, she realized something very important. It was Saturday.

Maka laughed as she put her books down. Still, she wanted to go into the city. So she grabbed her coat and headed out. Perhaps she'll find new books at the shop or maybe she'll see Crona or Kid. Anyone but...Black Star.

She grabbed a book from the table that she had to return and headed to the book shop. As she drew closer to town, the people started to whisper again like any other day.

"Look there she goes, that girl is strange but special." One said. "A meister with no weapon? So odd."

"She really is a beauty," Another chanted, "but her nose is always stuck in a book. She needs to meet someone and get a partner."

Maka ignored them and arrived at the book store. The clerk welcomed her with open arms like always. Maka felt like the book store was her safe place.

"So, what did you read this time?" The clerk laughed. "You took a bunch of books last time!"

Maka gazed at the book and smiled. "Beauty and the Beast."

"Oh, again?" The clerk grinned.

"It was so lovely." Maka melted in awe. "A prince in disguise...so charming."

"I had a feeling you'd love that one when you first picked it out."

"Do you have any more of these classics?" Maka begged.

"Unfortunately I don't have anything new," The clerk frowned, "but you are free to pick any other book."

Maka sighed and looked down at Beauty and the Beast. "I'll read this one again."

"That one again?" The clerk raised an eyebrow. "You read it three times though!"

"What does that matter?" Maka chuckled. "It's my favorite! And you can never get tired of your favorite."

"Well," The clerk smiled, "if you love it so much, its yours to keep."

Maka's jaw dropped. "Are you sure? I can give you something in return."

"No, I insist." The clerk smiled. "It's yours."

Maka was speechless. "Why thank you very much!"

The clerk nodded. "Not a problem for a fellow bookworm! Enjoy."

As Maka left the book store, she immediately opened the book and started to read.

And of course, others stared.

"There she goes again, reading." One rolled her eyes.

"I mean, there's nothing wrong with reading, but gosh she needs to find a new hobby...or a partner." Another added.

Maka ignored the people's comments. She read over her favorite part.

"Isn't this amazing?" She mumbled. "Here's where she meets Prince Charming, but she won't discover that it's him till...chapter three!"

Maka sat down on a bench under a tree when she noticed someone stand in front of her. She was afraid to look up until the person grabbed her book.

"Reading again, Maka?" Black Star smiled down at her. "Why do you waste time reading?"

Maka reached for her book. "To avoid reality. And there's nothing wrong with reading. I highly recommend you try it sometime."

"Ha!" Black Star laughed. "I've got better things to do. Like making sure everyone knows what the all-mighty Black Star is up to!"

Maka snatched the book back and rolled her eyes. "Right..."

"Speaking of which, Maka," Black Star sat next to her, "I've been wanting to ask you something."

"Sorry, Black Star, I don't want to go on a date." Maka returned to her page.

"What? How did you know?" Black Star was alarmed.

"You've asked me three times."

"Aw come on. You're the most beautiful girl in town and I'm the greatest guy known!" Black Star nudged her arm. "We'd be the cutest couple in Death City."

"That's sweet of you to say about me, Black Star," Maka sighed, closing her book, "but I just don't feel that way."

"You'll warm up to me. I know you will." Black Star winked.

He got up and walked away, making Maka rush back to her apartment.

She slammed her front door and made a sour face. "Never in my life will I date Black Star."