Sunday the 17th - Comfort

Crona swore up and down to Maka that they were comfortable in the DWMA's rooms.

"T-they're f-fine really. Please Maka, I don't think I could handle moving into your apartment."

She let the subject drop, but insisted on having Crona's 'Birthday' party at the apartment.

"Not anyone will be able to fit in your room Crona, and anyway that way we can spread out for games, and stuff."

Crona didn't know when their birthday was, since Medusa had never made any note of it. So Maka had decided that it should be when Crona joined the DWMA.

"It's special because it's the day we met you, Crona." She smiled and the grin grew when Crona tried on a smile of their own.

"Oh-Okay Maka."

The day of the party was warm and sunny, like most days in Death City. Crona arrived early at the apartment and even though Maka kept trying to insist that they didn't need to do anything, "Just sit down Crona, if anyone, Soul should be helping." She glared at the weapon sitting on the couch. Crona shook their head, stacking more dishes on the table.

"I want to help. I-it's my party, right?"

Maka sighed but smiled. "Okay."

Their friends arrived in groups, bring food and presents and well wishes for Crona. Tsubaki had insisted point black on baking the cake. It was vanilla with buttercream and berries dropped over the icing. Liz, Patti and Kid had brought cookies.

"Better be the best freaking cookies in the world. It took three hours to make." Liz glared at Kid who shrugged.

"This is Crona's first birthday. They should have perfect symmetrical cookies."

Crona smiled softly. "Thank you. I'm sure they'll be delicious."

Black*Star had not brought a gift, instead puffing up and declaring, "I brought the best person in the world to your party, Crona!" He spread his arms wide, and grinned broadly. "Ta-dah! It's me, the man who will surpass the gods! And today, since it's your birthday and I'm gonna let you have the spotlight."

Crona was honestly touch even if everyone else seemed exasperated. Maka rubbed her forehead, rolling her eyes.

"Death, you are so embarrassing."

Crona was plopped on the couch in between Maka and Soul, and handed paper wrapped package after paper wrapped package.

Soul got them a small CD player and discs to go with it. Maka had purchased Crona their very own set of Harry Potter since they'd seemed interested in it and a worn paperback of Emily Dickinson's poems. Crona looked at their friend curiously.

"My mama gave it to me." Crona promptly tried to hand it back. "And I'm going to give it to you, Crona." Maka said firmly, pushing the book into Crona's chest.

Liz and Patti had finally managed to suss out what kinds of clothing Crona might like and nearly replaced their entire wardrobe with soft sweaters, scarves, fuzzy socks, loose skirts and a pair of 'skinny jeans'. Patti had also given Crona several soft stuffed animals.

"I like them too. See this one is a swan, and this one is a turtle and this one is a wolf."

Kid handed over a heavy wooden box.

"It's a game called chess. I'd like to teach you how to play, Crona." They nodded, dizzy.

Even though Crona had insisted that Tsubaki didn't have to get them anything, she quietly insisted, holding out a book on cooking.

"It'd be fun to teach you something Crona. Have you ever cooked before?" When they shook their head Tsubaki's smile was as warm as a sunflower.

"It'll be a new experience."

They looked around, covered in their new possessions. They'd never even had a pen to their name before. What on earth was Crona suppose to do with all of this? For some reason, they felt a little like crying, their throat tight and eyes itchy.

Maka seemed to realize this and suggest it was time for cake.

Crona sat on the couch for a moment trying to breath deeply as everyone one else rushed over to the kitchen. Blair jumped up beside them and curled around Crona's neck, her tail tickling their nose.

"Stop being a baby. We're getting fed, getting stuff, and so far I haven't pulled your hair once." Ragnarok said in the back of their mind.

As they were getting their composure back there was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it!" Maka called and opened it. "Oh. Hello Ms. Marie. Hi Professor."

Crona looked up in surprise.

"Hi Maka! Can we come in for a second?"

Maka moved aside and let the two adults into her apartment.

"Hi Ms. Marie," Crona said softly when the woman's eye landed on them.

"Hello Crona. Happy birthday." She smiled broadly. Behind her Stein waved absently, looking around at the apartment.

"Crona. Cat girl." He greeted, making Blair purr in Crona's ear.

"Did you need something?" Maka sat down next to Crona again.

Crona noticed Marie had a folder tucked securely under one arm.

"We have a birthday present for Crona." Marie handed the folder over.

They opened it, curious. For a long moment Crona simply read over the papers inside of it, brow furrowed. When they didn't speak, Marie bit her lip, and Stein shifted his weight.

Finally they looked up and softly asked, "Maka, what does the word, 'adoption', mean?"

-FIN