Hey everyone, MPoS here.
This is the first ever... err... Author's Note, I suppose, of my first ever CroMa story Despair! As you can tell by the Title I just LOVE to start on a joyous note. Right about now is when I realize the list of things I feel are relevant to bring up... wow that's a LOT. First and fore-most, this is my first story on the site. Thus meaning it will likely suffer from many errors on my part, sad but true and I will work to correct them as they are brought to my attention.
Second, I do not bite. Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated, and on a more personal note, I honestly do my best work when under pressure so I'll leave it to you guys to keep me in line.
Third, Crona is Male in this story. Apologies but I simply see Crona as Male and am fully aware of the debate. Also this story is set after the Anime, but contains elements of the Manga not quite mentioned, such as the various forms/types of Madness emitted by the Great Old One's. I also feel the need to admit being a hypocrite now as I myself generally dismiss stories that feature an OC; as most are clunky or sloppily introduced out of nowhere. However as most of the villains in the Anime were killed off I had to do something right? *cheeky grin* Anyways, as always if you have suggestions, gripes, etc., take it up in the reviews and I'll do my best to consider reader opinion.
Lastly, as I already find myself disliking long Author's Notes I will admit to a varying pace when it comes to updates. I could update three days in a row then go "missing" for a week as I work out story plot ideas, and just deal with life in general. Anyways, thanks for listening to my babbling, enjoy the reading!
Disclaimer: I do NOT own any of the characters or Soul Eater.
In all of his life, Crona never pictured himself HERE of all places. His breathing shook slightly, as if loose change rattled ceaselessly in his lungs as he fought for every wispy breathe. He could feel every muscle in his body tighten, then relax, then tighten again as he struggled to move closer to this place. He could feel how wide and unseeing his eyes were, if anything the slight pressure of Ragnarok's stubby hands pressing down on his head made more sense than what he was looking at. It was only until one of said hands came down on his head in an aggressive whack that Crona shook his head and peaked up at the little demon. Who in turn stared down at him incredulously, as if he was insane... or... more insane than he already was. "Crona..." Ragnarok stated simply in a surprisingly calm voice. "What the HELL are you doing!?" the little demon suddenly screeched, hitting him in the head again for good measure.
Crona winced a bit, rubbing the spot Ragnarok had hit. Not that it had hurt but he could feel his stomach twist in sudden nervousness as a few passing people turned to stare at them. Ragnarok's attention was wholly on Crona, not that he would care anyway about the gawking stares, but having so many pairs of eyes on him had always made Crona feel... itchy. "S-Sorry.. Ragnarok..." he murmurs, finally tearing his nervous gaze off of the passing denizens of Death City to peer up at his weapon. "I just... n-never thought I... w-we... would have our own apartment... i-is all." he adds the last few words as mere afterthoughts, seemingly shrinking down as he lowers his head to the single key clutched in his hand.
Ragnarok rolls his large, ping-pong ball eyes "Whatever, just don't spazz out every time you see a new room or I'll pour cold water on you while you sleep." Crona jumps, his attention jerked away from the simple key at the small joke of a threat. "W-What... N-No! Ragnarok I-If you do that then I'll be u-uncomfortable and wet a-and.." he is promptly cut off by another swift punch from the tiny weapon "Shut up Crona! Can we just go the fuck inside!? Sheesh lighten up!" with that the weapon vanishes back into his bloodstream, a hot, prickling sensation signalling as much to Crona as he looks up to meet the simple white paint of the door before him. He takes a sharp, steadying breathe. Raising his slightly shaking hand to the lock and inserts the key. Holding his breathe for a moment, as if he expected the door to attack him. Then, after a moment's silence, Crona turns the key and grips the handle and pushes the door open, peering inside.
The apartment is... completely plain. A soft cream colored carpeting runs the length of the right side of the room, a couch along with a T.V. atop a stand found along it's surface. The couch facing said T.V. and the T.V. itself placed against the right wall beside a window. Directly across from the entrance was a hallway leading back to three doors. Two on the right, and one on the left. The walls were the same shade of white paint as the front door, as were the doors further back into the apartment. The left side of the room was linoleum and was obviously a small kitchen. A wooden table located comfortably nestled into the corner to his left with a fridge directly beside the hallway and a counter running the length of a small portion of the left wall.
Crona blinks, he had half-expected some dreary, dank dungeon once again. As if the universe knew what kind of environment he belonged in. He nudges the door open, cautiously stepping inside and closing the door behind him after a brief moment. He hadn't bothered to bring his things, it was supposed to be picked up for him from the dungeons of Shibusen so it's all he can think to do to look around. He shuffles down the small hallway, the only door on the left is a singular bathroom. In the first door to the right is a... no, HIS bedroom now. He shuffles inside uncomfortably, noting the single king-sized bed against the wall opposite him. A small closet to the right and a desk against the left wall. The last room was nothing of note, more of an empty bedroom that could serve as all but anything.
He returns to the living room, slumping down onto the couch with a soft sigh. A searing, ripping pain shooting into his spine as Ragnarok emerges. A brief moment of silence only fraying his nerves all the more as Ragnarok looks around "Hmph. Not bad I guess..." Crona shrugs, clutching his arm nervously and murmuring "It's okay...but... I don't feel like... I BELONG here." he peaks up at Ragnarok who simply stares at him for a moment before yanking his hair. "Owowow! Ra-.." Ragnarok cuts him off abruptly "Shut it Crona. If you hate it here so much then why didn't you just move in with the cow!? She offered didn't she!?" Crona looks away, nodding a bit. Opening his mouth to speak before the metaphorical wires spark to life inside his head and a certain thought returns to him full force. He jumps "M-Maka..." Ragnarok rolls his eyes "Duh! Who did ya think I meant Black*Star!?"
Crona's mind whirs like a machine as the pieces click into place, and he panics more and more with every single one. His grip on his arm tightening each second before he shakes his head "N-No I-I mean... she was supposed to visit tomorrow." Ragnarok blinks "Yeah... so?" Crona pauses, having stood up without so much as an idea of what he would DO once he was up. "W-Well..." he begins, his voice faltering as he furrows his brow. "We should... g-get ready?" Ragnarok scoffs, suppressing a laugh "Pfft. Don't make that face Crona, you look constipated." Crona flushes a soft pink, his ears burning a little, shuffling quickly to the door to go and get groceries in preparation for his guest tomorrow. Ragnarok snickers a bit before continuing "Besides we just got the damn place! What does she expect, a parade!?"
It was nearly two hours before Crona returned to find a note on the door of his apartment explaining how his meager belongings had been set up inside for him. Lugging several bags of groceries along while a certain demon sword balanced a jug of milk on his Meister's head. It took several more minutes to simply put everything, that Ragnarok didn't eat as they un-bagged it, away. By the time they were done the moon had risen a bit into the sky, grinning it's usual mad grin down onto the world in it's endless mirth. Crona merely flops down onto his bed, sighing and closing his eyes. Finding it surprisingly hard to fall asleep, even by his hellish standards and sleeping conditions.
"Hey! Crona! Wake up!" Crona was just barely aware of a voice calling his name. It sounded... familiar. "M-...Maka?" he murmurs sleepily. Rubbing his eyes only to find himself peering up at the emotionless, X-shaped eyes of his partner. Ragnarok lands a punch on Crona's head, crossing his small arms and casting his gaze casually to the side "Tck. You wish. Like the cow would go anywhere near YOUR bed... Then again..." Ragnarok trails off as Crona feels a hot, furious blush spread across his face. Standing up quickly and busying himself with checking his appearance in his mirror on his new desk to avoid the implications of his partner's teasing. Ragnarok cackles gleefully and grinds his hands into the sides of Crona's head, stretching and distorting his features like a child would putty as he continues nonchalantly "I mean come on Crona, she is at the front door anyways... so she's half way there already..."
Crona freezes in his tracks, his blood turning to ice water at Ragnarok's words and he jerks his gaze up to his weapon's. "W-What?" he asks hoarsely. Ragnarok rolls his eyes "I SAID she's at the front door idiot! Do you need a fucking hearing aide now!?" Crona doesn't respond as he all but dashes out of the room. His mind struggling to catch up as his feet work beneath him. He should be nervous, he probably WAS nervous but too excited to know just yet. He really didn't think of this as much of a big deal, her seeing him at least. Getting a new home and the simple thought that it meant something to Maka was enough to get him to fret over it like Maka does before a big test, so it's only natural as he hears a calm simple knock on the door, and an all-too-familiar voice call out softly from the other side "Crona?". That he grabs the handle and opens the door, only for all his anxieties, nerves and worries to come crashing back down on him in that moment.
His eyes widen a bit as they meet those of bright emerald green. Taking in her familiar features as a soft blush that probably matched his hair stains his cheeks and he ducks his head slightly. Gripping his arm he holds the door handle with as he struggles to speak. Only just barely able to emerge with a soft "H-Hi Maka..." before she smiles at him, and he finds himself speechless as always. At the complete mercy of that kind, gentle smile that makes him 'spazz out' all over again...
So, yeah a little fluff towards the end there I suppose. I do however, apologize for the lack of... "oomph" in this first chapter, as it's my metaphorical "toe dip" into writing. I sincerely hope you all enjoyed it for what it is and let me know what you think. Reviews and constructive criticism are much appreciated.
Sincerely,
MPoS