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“Are you sure this is okay? What if he doesn’t like it?” Crona fiddled with the long sleeves of their knitted loose turtleneck sweater, biting their lip as they looked everywhere but the full body mirror. Blair messed with their hair, flattening it a little bit but still making sure it was fluffy on the sides.
“He’ll love it.” She assured him, smiling as she placed a star hairpin to hold back the long string of hair on the side of their head. With it tucked against their face, she looked them over for any other little tweaks she could make.
“But… But my hair is uneven, and he is going to notice...” The fiddling of the sleeves transfers to the edge of the sweater by their hips.
“Then I’ll punch him.” Maka looked up from her book, placing the bookmark between the pages before setting it on the couch. She got up and moved over to Blair’s little station, joining her in giving Crona the once over to make sure they were ready to go.
“If he doesn’t like it then he is an idiot” Blair added.
“No, he isn’t… It’s just I don’t understand why. Doesn’t he have other admirers?” They turned away from Blair. “There are plenty of other people better than me.” The biting nearly broke the skin on their lip. Maka forced them to look at her.
“Crona. He asked you. It will be okay. Go enjoy the date and if you still feel that way, we can talk about it when you get home.” She smiled softly at them before hugging them tightly. They hugged back before taking a deep breath. Crona got up from the seat, avoiding the full body mirror in an attempt to avoid panicking over their appearance.
“You remember how to get there?” Maka questioned. Crona stopped for a moment before turning to her, “It’s 6 blocks down, right?”
“Then go left and find the cream-colored building with the cone sign.” She smiled as they headed out the door.
Once the door clicked closed, she grimaced. “Soul, are you coming or not?”
He peaked out of his room. “You were serious about that?”
“I’m not just going to let the two of them gallivant through Death City! Especially if Kid hurts Crona’s feelings.” She stomped her foot to the floor. He sighed as he leaned against the door. “Do you really think Kid would do that?”
“I don’t know, but I’m not going to wait to find out!” She grabbed her sweater off the dining room chair, putting it on in a hurry. “So, are you coming or not?”
“Of course, I am.”
It was surprisingly cool in Death City. There was a dry breeze flowing through the town as children played outside with parents watching close by. It was a strange experience. Seeing other human beings out enjoying their lives like they were trying to do.
Crona counted the blocks as they walked, making sure to turn when they reached 6. Death City was still overwhelming for them, even after 4 months, and remembering where places gave them a headache half the time. Some people would glance over to the teen before ushering their child away while others spared a fleeting look before returning to whatever activity had the interest. As they turned, they could make out Kid off in the distance, looking at his phone while he waits. Crona took a deep breath as they walked down to the shop.
‘If I run over, will he think I’m over-eager? I'm nervous… but… excited? My first date. The books make it sound so easy.
What if I trip and he thinks I'm just clumsy and laughs? No.
He wouldn’t… would he?
What if he sees someone else and leaves with them? Will I bore him? What if I do? He wouldn’t.
No.
Calm down Crona, it’s going to be fine.
Until it’s not.
No. That’s not helpful. I need to remain calm. Remember the breathing techniques. Deep breathes.
What was Blair’s advice? Smile like nothing is wrong? But there is something wrong? Isn’t there? I mean, I’m the child of a witch and he’s Death’s son. Isn’t it wrong?
Stop it.
Maka said everything will be fine, and it will be. We’ll have a fun time and-’
“Crona.” They jumped a bit and turned around to see Kid. They blushed a bit, having spent too much time in their own head to notice where they were. “Maybe I should have gotten us a table before you came. Oh! Here.” Kid handed them a flower. Crona stared at it, twirling it slightly as it reminded them of the little paper windmills they’d see on people’s balconies. “It’s called Morning Glory. I thought a rose might be a little cliché.” He smiled.
“It’s beautiful… Thank You.” They smiled.
Kid held out his hand, “Shall we go in?”
Maka and Soul kept their pace behind to make sure Crona got there safely. Soul had to hold Maka a bit when she saw a few people treating them like a danger or giving them suspicious looks. Once the two went inside the ice cream shop, the duo made their way to the café across the street. “Come on Maka, he even got Crona something. They’ll be fine.”
“Why did you come if you’re just going badger me about it.”
“Because I want to make sure you stay out of trouble. Everyone knows you’re fiercely protective of Crona. You wouldn’t hesitate to drag Crona away at the first sign of trouble. You’re a mama bear. A Maka bear.” He crossed his arms as her face beat red.
“I’ll have you know –”
“Will you two stop making a scene? We’re trying to watch.” The duo turned to see Liz and Patty sitting at the table by them. Liz’s hair was done back in a braid despite wearing a large black hat and shades, Patty wearing smaller shades and a cloche hat and happily drinking an Italian Soda.
“What are you two doing here?” Maka inquired.
“Same as you,” Liz replied before sipping her latte. “You two might need something to cover your hair if you don’t want to be spotted. Want anything to drink?”
Something felt off when they entered the ice cream shop. At least for Crona. The feeling of eyes staring at them. Their grip on Kid’s hand tightened. Kid glanced at them before picking a table in the corner of the shop and having Crona sitting, back turned from other people.
“Has Maka taken you here before?”
“Not that I can recall.”
“Really? I’m surprised. She would usually drag Soul and the rest of us. Do you have a preference for ice cream?”
Crona shrunk a bit. “I, uh… I haven’t ever had ice cream.”
Kid’s eyes widened. “Never? Well, that settles it. I’ll be right back.” Before Crona could protest, Kid had vacated his seat to head to the counter. The person behind it seeming nervous but pleased as they scrambled to prepared what he asked them to.
Crona twirled the flower in their hands, staring at it as they avoided whatever this feeling of eyes upon them was. The blue swirled into white, a hypnotizing display as it spun.
‘Would it be bad if I asked him why…
I don’t want to bring down the mood…
but I can’t stand not knowing…
But he is being nice and treating me to ice cream…
Miss Marie says I need to open up about my feelings…
But this is a different situation… ’
“Hello?” Crona snapped out of their thoughts to Kid holding a glass of water out to them. “Are you sure you’re okay? You’ve spaced out twice now.” He set his drink down and set his palm to their forehead. “You don’t feel warm. Maybe the ice cream will help get your blood sugar up.” Kid sat back down across from them.
“I’m alright, I’ve just been thinking a lot.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“I… I don’t want to bring you down. It’s just complicated.”
“Maybe we can talk at the park? There should be a place we can sit and talk for a bit.”
“Kid, really we don’t have to. This is supposed to be a date and a date is supposed to be an enjoyable time.” Crona looked away. Kid took a breath before nodding.
“I’m sorry if I’ve upset you, Crona. I just want to make sure you’re alright.” He reached out and took their hand.
“I know, Kid. Thanks for your concern…” They faintly smiled and squeezed his hand back. Kid took it as temporary reassurance though kept their hand in his, even as the sundae was brought to their table.
“Enjoy.” The employee smiled at Kid before heading back to the counter. Crona stared at the dessert.
“Are you sure we can get through this?” They hesitantly took a spoon. Scooping up a portion with syrup, ice cream, and sprinkles.
“It’s worth a shot.” He smiled. Crona blushed a bit before eating the spoonful. The chill hit first sending a shiver up their spine from the initial shock of it. They swallowed it quickly to try and get the cold out of their mouth. Kid chuckled a bit.
“How is it?”
“It… is really good. I mean it’s really cold but really good. It’s like my whole head was ice for a moment.”
“Brainfreeze. Trying not to eat it so fast. I don’t get it, but Liz tells me it’s a weird feeling.” He ate a portion of the sundae. “Patty could probably eat this whole thing.”
“How are they doing? I don’t get to talk with them much, but I wanted to come over again so Liz could paint my nails again.” They were careful with the next scoop of the sundae, getting a better chance to really taste it this time. Crona’s eyes lit up a little and they took another bite. Kid smiled at their excitement.
“If she can’t, I can always paint them. Liz taught me a few things.”
“Really? You could also join us if you want.”
“That too. Maybe have a get-together sometime for Liz’s patented spa nights. She’ll love it.” He laughed. Crona would try different sections of the sundae with Kid explaining what all was in it so they could understand and decide if they had a preference. The music in the shopkeeping them at ease with each other.
“I’m surprised Ragnarok hasn’t come out. Doesn’t he usually enjoy eating?” Kid raised an eyebrow as he took another bite.
“I bribed him… Tsubaki helped. She will make him a whole dinner if he let me have the day uninterrupted.” Crona gave a coy smile.
“That’s surprisingly kind of him to agree. Let me know if you need help when he gives you an earful of crap.”
Crona giggled. “I think I have your number. Maka said she put everyone in. Apparently, her dad got a deal for an extra line and both thought it was best if I had a phone.” They put the spoon down to pull the smartphone out and unlocked it to check.
“You’re managing it well.”
“It took a bit of time to get used to… Yeah, I have you. I should have text you earlier. I’m sorry I just don’t use it much and it’s been a learning curve and-”
“Crona, it’s alright. We can remedy that. Just message me later and I’ll make sure to reply.” He smiled softly at them as they took a breath.
“Y-yeah, sorry.”
“You don’t need to apologize.”
“Sorry…” Crona shrunk a bit even as Kid reached out to hold their hand, giving them an understanding smile. His thumb massaged in gentle circles, relaxing the pinkette quite a bit. The sundae was left not quite done when Kid elected it was time to go. He made a point to hold Crona’s hand as they left and headed down to the park.
“They’re on the move.” Liz drank the rest of the latte and tossed it in the garbage. The quartet got up once the couple was a bit further down the street. Maka and Soul stayed behind Liz and Patty to avoid being more easily identified.
“So, you’re that worried about them?” Soul asked the sisters. Liz looked back.
“Nope, we just wanted to watch them. They’re so cute.” Patty interjected, “Kid was freaking out big time about messing up.” Liz elbowed her in the shoulder. The younger pouted and rubbed her arm.
“I'm sure Crona was just as panicky this morning,” Liz stated.
“Yeah. Kept worrying Kid would have something to dislike about them.” Soul answers. Maka kicked him in the shin as she walked, arms crossed with a pout etched on her face. He glared at her and rubbed his shin before catching up.
The couple entered one of the few parks in Death City. When they sat on a bench, the quartet found a gazebo to spy from.
The park was surprisingly spare at this time of day. All the better for them. Crona sat down. Kid taking the place next to them, still holding hands.
The silence lasted for a few minutes before Kid looked over.
“Do you still want to talk?”
Crona bit their lip before nodding.
“What do you want to talk about?” Kid returned to massaging circles in their hand with his thumb. He wanted Crona to be open with him, but not at the risk of the other’s comfort. It took a little bit before they opened up.
“Are you sure about… this… about me…” Their grip tightened as they looked away. “I know how everyone looks at me… I know they don’t want me here… I understand why… I feel I don’t deserve to be given this chance…”
“Crona, I-“
“I’m not done…”
“My apologies.”
They took a deep breath before looking over at Kid, tears welling up. “I don’t want you to hate me…. Even… This scares me… But I want to know……. I have to know why Kid. Why the child of a witch? Why me when you could be with someone prettier, smarter, and better. I’d rather be hurt trying to find out why than to be used… so just… tell me why…” Crona’s grip loosened. Kid took a moment to process what they had said, everything they felt before he took their hand with both of his.
“Crona… I want to thank you. For opening up to me.” He smiled softly at them as he reached up to rub their tears away.
“You being the child of a witch means nothing because you’re more than just that. You’re caring. You try you’re best even when it’s hard. I think you’re beautiful and courageous. While there are things that we cannot take back, we can work to build something better.” He paused for a moment to take the flower and hold it up.
“So please. Believe me when I tell you I want to be your partner for as long as you let me. We can figure this out together.”
Crona stared at him. Listened. Their body reacting before they could fully process what had just be spoken to them. The softness in his eyes. The strength of the words. There was a part that wanted to reject this reality. To believe this was a lie. But too much of them was already hurt to deny it as they began to cry.
Kid panicked as he watched Crona start sobbing. Were they happy? There wasn’t a smile, so were they upset? Did they think he wasn’t sincere? He had no idea.
“C-Crona. I’m sorry. Are you upset?” He tightened his grip on their hand before getting pushed back by the force of their body moving to hug his. He felt the tears on his shirt, moving to let Crona have an easier time as he wrapped his arms around the skinny teen.
The two stayed wrapped around each other for who knows how long. Crona had a challenging time stopping the tears even as they pulled away from the other. Kid was careful getting up, reaching out to Crona to wipe the tears away, and staying quiet. The small hics in Crona’s voice slowed down before they were able to speak coherently.
“S-Sorry. I… I didn’t expect that. And I c-can’t tell what I-I'm feeling…” They rubbed their eyes before looking up at Kid with a smile. The breath he had been holding release as he witnessed that beautiful smile. One of the rare things that lifted his spirit.
“We can work it out together…” He raised a hand to caress their tear-stained cheek.
“… Okay.” Crona leaned into, letting themselves fall weak to the soft embrace. Kid moved closer to whisper in their ear.
“I hate to ruin this, but we have a few spies and I’d like a moment truly alone with you.” Crona froze a little before nodding. The two got up. Crona summoning their wings and Kid his skateboard before the two fled to get distance from the quartet.
“Did anyone hear what they were saying!?” Maka stared intently at the couple from the bench, wishing she could have hide closer in a bush or a tree. Soul sighed. Liz and Patty watched intently, trying to gather information from the couple’s body movement.
“If you keep talking, we won’t be able to!”
“Be quiet. I'm trying to listen.”
“Crona’s crying!”
“What! Why!?”
“I don’t know because I can’t hear!”
“Maka, stay put! You don’t know if this is good or bad.”
“Let Kid manage it.”
“See, he’s got this.”
“You’re going to give away our position.”
“Crona’s still crying, but there is a smile!”
“Look, Maka, it’s a good cry.”
“What is he?”
“Are they going to kiss?”
“Oh no, no, no. Not on my watch.”
“Hold your horses Maka bear. Let them have their moment… Hey where are they going.”
“You guys are idiots. Now, what are we supposed to do?”
“Was it someone bad?” Crona asked while they flew.
“Oh no, just my weapons, Maka, and Soul. I hadn’t noticed until we had a moment. Whether or not they heard anything is debatable, but I’d still rather have an actual moment with you.” Kid led them to the balcony of the DWMA, landing before offering his hand out to Crona. They took it and guided themselves down to Kid. He scanned the area. “We’re alone now.”
He coughed a bit before holding out his hand, “Do you know how to dance?”
“N-No.” They still accepted the offer.
“We can just sway if that’s easier.” There was only a nod as he guides their hand to his shoulder before taking their waist and moving back and forth. The first few steps were tense, but Crona soon eased into the motion.
“Crona. Will you allow me the chance to be your partner?” He asked, eyes half-lidded as he stared up at them. Crona blushed. “Y-Yes. Of course.” They leaned over to place a kiss on Kid’s forehead. “Will you let me be your partner, Death the Kid?”
“You already know the answer… but Yes.” The two stayed in silence, swaying to nonexistent music as both held each other tenderly in their arms. The wind slightly picking up but going unnoticed by either party. Everything dissolved to just be them. In their own world…
The sun started to set before Kid pulled away. “We should probably get you home, before Maka storms the city looking for you.” They giggled a bit, “Alright.”
They elected to take a long way down, going through the empty halls and stairs of the DWMA. Holding hands as they lightly poked and pushed at each other. By the time they got outside, the streetlights were on and the crickets could be heard from a distance.
“Kid… would it be too much if I asked to stay at your place tonight?”
“Are you sure about that? We have school in the morning.”
“Oh… yeah I forgot.”
“How about Friday, we plan a movie night. Just the two of us. At my place?”
“I would love to.”