Been awhile, hasn't it? Ha...my bad. Although, completing"Liquid Courage"and this long chapter did take me quite a bit of time, so hopefully it will make up for the wait. And before one should venture to that story, if interested, I should give a proper warning that the fanfiction is rated M for a reason. Those types of scenes won't be in this story, which is why they are separate fanfics.

Anyways, hope this long chapter makes up for the delay. Thank you for waiting!


Soul had to admit, he liked the many perks of being a Death Scythe: the excuses to bail from class early, the generous income, the fame everywhere he went, the free drinks at some of the places he and Black Star went too; he even enjoyed the attention of the crooning girls running after him around the academy. The experience made him feel like one of the coolest and most popular kings alive, able to do anything and everything he wanted wherever he went. But even though every king had endless luxuries, excessive fame, and certain freedoms, there were always the lame responsibilities and duties that came with it.

On the day before Maka was to return to school, Stein called his portable Death Scythe mirror, informing him Lord Death wanted to speak to him in the Death Room. It irritated him enough that he had to carry the miniature skull mirror twenty-four-seven and have them disturb him during his lounging hours. Now they had picked a day where he could finally sit at home and relax without having a rambunctious Black Star hound him to do something he thought as glorious and conceived from a godly mind, but was actually just amazingly stupid. Now and again it was fun, he had to admit, but the amount of times per day the moron wanted to do it drained him and couldn't make him care any less than he already did. Just so figures that the moment he has the chance to finally lounge in peace, it's immediately snatched from him.

He sighed in carefully controlled annoyance as he zipped up his jacket, protecting him from the chilling air of the evening. He almost never felt this way, but he actually envied Spirit for being away on a mission. As a Death Scythe in the field, you're free of random summons or calls from late at night or early in the morning as they simply wait for your report; the spotting of you in a city often got you instant fame and sometimes free luxuries from vendors or passerbys. Plus, you didn't have to endure the graveyard shift hours of standing by Lord Death, like he had to due to Spirit's absence. It's not that hanging out with the God of Death isn't cool, it was just…you get over the cool feeling quickly. Aside from talking and soon running out of topics to discuss, there's not much else to do in the Death Room except stand there awkwardly and hope his Shinigami mirror was also a T.V. It seemed the only good part about leaving to talk to Lord Death on a Sunday afternoon was he wouldn't travel the boring route to the academy alone, Maka and Crona volunteered their company on him.

Soul then paused and thought about that again for a moment…

Looking back at it, it was more like Maka had pushed her and Crona onto him when he voiced where he was going, whether he liked her decision or not. Even with him now being a powerful Demon Weapon, she never yielded from voicing her discomfort or scorn towards him on traveling alone near night fall, as if she was some overbearing and suffocating mother who wanted to engulf his entire body in protective padding to prevent him from getting "owies" from the big bad ruffians in the city. So to prevent her absurd "women's intuition" scenario she so often suggested would happen, she brought herself and Crona to walk with him.

Although that caring action was passable to Soul, there were certain parts of her that just skyrocketed past the critical red zone on his annoyance meter. Throughout the time he had spent being around Maka, he experienced that she had the tendency to be so much of a pain in the ass that she rivaled the festering torment of a bleeding abscess on the rear; Soul often doing everything he could to ignore or get freaking rid of the damned pain. In the beginning, he learned the hard way that stuffing his pillow over his ears to block out her commands to wake up or throwing it at her like she was the sleep button of an alarm clock never worked. If anything, it just made her angrier and caused his brain cells to deteriorate at a faster rate as his head was cruelly bashed in. Her nagging his ear off on his late mornings or yapping about how he spends his lounging time playing games or watching T.V didn't help either. Instead, it fueled him to disobey her rather than listen, often ignoring her lectures that suggest he use his brain in a better and more educating fashion. But even though her violent antics and hurtful methods of approach could be irritating, he knew it was simply because she cared for his well-being. If she didn't give a crap about him, she wouldn't be as annoying as she was or go as far as to take time out of her preparations to return to school to come with him.

Soul let a corner of his lip rise at the often demanding and aggressive meister beside him. To him, her behaviors appeared to be what he viewed as one of an annoying little sister's. Kind of like the ones that always hounded her cool big brother to play prissy ponies with or dress up her dolls, saying what kind of things you could do if one did things this way or comb their hair or dress them up in another way; that was sort of like what Maka did to him on alternatives to his entertainment or diet. And even though they're annoying and often times ignoring their invites or suggestions would mess with them for wonderful self-entertainment, you hope no one sees you as you try to make your sister happy, just to see her smile as you attempt to play ponies and dolls with her, as you attempt to try reading a book now and again like she suggested.

…He just hoped Black Star wouldn't catch a whiff of him doing that. He'd never hear the end of it.

Upon sighting the anxious Maka hurriedly ascend the steps to the academy with the loyal Crona following, the smile on his lips faltered, his eyes scanning them intently. Despite being appreciative of the concern and the time they took out of their evening for him, he couldn't help but sense some second motive behind this pleasant company.

Once they reached the top of the myriad flights of stairs climbing toward the entrance to Shibusen, the young meisters and weapon entered the academy's empty halls. Soul glanced over at Maka, seeing her softly breathe for air from the upward hike. He wondered, even if her body could handle the strain of traveling up the steps now, how could she cope later? Surely when she reaches the stage of when she looks like a balloon about to pop- or even in months before then- it would grow more difficult to walk, right?

Curiosity clung to him, so he decided to ask, his hands behind his head as they walked, "Are you sure you should still be attending school, Maka? I mean, I'm not saying I doubt your ability and all, but isn't it quite a trip for you and-"

"Don't say it so loudly, Soul." Maka snapped quickly.

"It's Sunday and the hall way is empty…who the hell is going to hear us? And won't they notice eventually?"

"That's just it: eventually. People have eyes and they can observe it for themselves. They don't need me or anyone else telling them something that's my business."

Soul saw the silent Crona's chin sink further into his chest in the corner of his eye, his shoulders hunching in his robe. He had already been brave enough to spill the beans to the entire group, but for him the simple thought of answering curious student's questions on that topic must have been petrifying and faint inducing for him. Soul didn't even know what was left of the poor guy's guts, knowing there was either enough just to tell the people he was comfortable with the news or barely any remaining after the insecurities within him chewed away at his innards.

From what he observed upon Crona's return, he could see the terrifying effect it had on him through his panicked grey-blue eyes. But he was only able to imagine how his soul must have looked on how fearful or worried he felt about the whole baby experience. The inner turbulence and abuse his soul contained was something he simply couldn't fathom and quite frankly, he didn't think he wanted to. All he could do was put on a kind face and attempt to understand and comfort when he could, hoping Maka would help save whatever remained of him.

"Well, it may not be other people's business, but it's mine." Soul continued. "Even you have to admit I'm right on this. How are you going to go to school or continue with missions?"

"Lord Death won't let me go on missions anymore, so I'm going to Professor Stein's office about extra studies."Maka responded.

"But classes and teachers are dismissed on the weekends."

"They are, but he still sticks around to prepare for the classes' specimens for the next day. Why else would everything be so well prepared the day before dissections?"

Soul made a grunt of agreement, seeing her point. A small smirk of smug knowing began to creep across his lips. "So, is Miss Perfect Maka actually resorting to lying now? That's all you had to say instead of lying about coming along just to keep me company."

"You do need company, especially since its growing dark. But it just so happens that this was also the best chance to talk with the Professor without anyone nosy barging in. So I took it."She softly wrinkled her nose and made what looked like a discontent expression, one she made that made his grin stretch higher; it was a face she made when she knew he was right. "But you do have a point. I can still handle the trip, but I only have an idea of how much longer I can continue to walk here. I have a rough idea but I'm worried that time frame will cause me to fall behind on my studies. So I want to talk with Professor Stein on what I can do."

"And if you can't come to school at all?" He questioned calmly.

Her nose twitched again and she sighed. "If it comes down to that…I guess I'll have to stay home. But I still want to talk to Professor Stein about my options before that happens."

Soul sharply exhaled in disbelief. "Seriously? You're that determined to keep up with your studies while-"

Maka shot him a death glare, signaling him to shut up or be Maka Chopped so hard the impact will soar his lifeless body out of the school. He shook his head. "Man, you've got some unbelievable determination. Had I been given the chance to quit school for awhile, I'd pick up my game controller and get ready for some nice ass-to-cushion time."

"I know you would." Maka huffed, rolling her eyes.

Soul gave Crona a playful nudge with his elbow, his hands moving into his jacket's pockets. "You've got one crazy chick on your hands, you know that?"

Crona didn't respond, his head still hanging low. Soul furrowed his brows from the lack of a response. "Crona?"

"H-Huh?" He replied softly, snapping out of his daze. "What?"

"Crona, are you alright?" Maka asked, her tone sounding concerned. "You've been awfully quiet the entire way here."

"I-I'm fine." Crona replied, gripping his arm and keeping his gaze to the floor. "I just remembered I have to go to t-the library and check something out for the essay Kid talked about. Stein called me about it e-earlier this week but I uh…" He averted his eyes to the wall to elude them both and hunched his shoulders more. "I didn't e-exactly get to start it…with everything going on."

"Oh."Maka spoke quietly, her tone soft. "I see."

Soul couldn't stop himself from making an irritated frown. He hated hearing that tone from her. That damned tone was one she made when she thought she was burdening another, her body language following as she made that solemn face of carefully concealed pain while Crona wasn't looking. Jeez, this was awkward. Not even cool in the slightest. It was going to get even more uncool as he guessed what she was going to do next, something he would bet everything he owned and his personal savings on.

"Well…I guess I'll leave you to go and get your homework done. I've been taking away a lot of your time from what was supposed to be your week of resting." Yup, typical Maka. All of his belongings and savings would have been returned to him had he actually bet on her fleeing the scene to rid the person of her seemingly burdening presence. "Stein's office is upstairs and I shouldn't be too long. I'll meet you at the library, okay?"

Crona gave a weak nod and Soul watched carefully at the both of them, seeing Maka strain a smile. She walked over and hugged the rigid Crona. He let out a small sound of surprise from her sudden action but slowly relaxed against her and returned her embrace.

"I'll catch up with you later."Soul heard her muffled voice say.

"Okay."

Maka placed her hands on Crona's face and brought it down to place her lips on his for a soft kiss, his blush brightening as Soul exhaled in amusement and wriggled a teasing brow towards him. Her thumb rubbed his cheek as she retracted her lips from his. Her smile seemed to be one of assurance as she turned her back to them and headed to the teacher's offices on the second floor.

Crona stood there baffled, blushing, and digging his fingers into his right arm as Soul stood in front of him. Both watched as Maka went up the stairs. Once she was out of sight, Soul turned to the sword meister with a corner smirk on his face.

"Homework always does just get in the way, doesn't it?"

Crona kept his gaze averted, probably still unused to talking to him alone. If that was the case, Soul inwardly agreed. He wasn't exactly comfortable either, but it was worth a shot.

Soul kept his gaze on Crona and scratched his chin in thought. "Now that I think about it, I haven't started my essay either. I've had my own stuff to do too. Still, I guess it wouldn't look so cool for a Death Scythe to get bad marks in science class, wouldn't it?"

"I-I guess so."

"But his classes always seem so damn similar, I can't even tell the difference or remember the due dates of all the papers Stein assigns. Did he say it was for the human and animal soul differentiation essay? Or was it just another boring write-up on the dissection analysis?"

Crona had to think about that for a moment. "I-I believe it was the differentiation essay."

Soul nodded again. "Great. Is that the one that's due tomorrow? Because if it is, I think it's safe to say that I'm up shit creek."

"That's why I have to finish it today…"Crona murmured.

"Well, I'm screwed."

An inaudible mumble left Crona and silence overcame them. They stood in the halls for a few moments, neither speaking or moving. Crona squirmed in his spot and Soul kept his face aimed toward the floor, mentally forming a conclusion. It was much harder than he thought when it came to trying to hide or keep down his advancing sharp grin in pride of his performance. He suspected it upon his explanation and stance, but Soul's prodding proved this kid was no master, probably didn't even have any experience. It was pretty funny to watch actually.

He looked up at Crona, his smirk rising. "Alright Crona, fess up. Where are you really going?"

Crona flinched, his already rigid body becoming more tense. The clenching upon his right arm was tighter but he still managed to make his trembling features form a painfully fake face of confusion towards Soul's question.

Totally no experience at all.

"W-What do you mean?"He quickly stammered. "I-I just said have to rent a book at the library for the essay."

Soul's eyelids dropped halfway in an unamused fashion, his smirk still on his face. "If Stein actually called you, you'd know that you don't need to rent a book from the library for research, you just read the textbook. Plus, those two papers I asked you about are bogus essays I just made up. Stein's assignment that is due on Wednesday is on specialized souls. Long story short, I caught you in a lie kiddo. And not a very good one either."

Crona winced and put his head down, possibly unsure of what to say.

Soul chucked to himself. "Man, you're lucky Maka didn't ask you the name of the essay, or she would have never left you alone. I may not do my homework often, but I do enough so she'll stay off my back. She'd hand my ass right back to me if I didn't do one of Stein's essays again." His grin arched further, rising a hand from his pants to tap the front pocket of his jacket. "In fact, you just reminded me I have to pay Akane for letting me use his essay outline. He may be smart, but he's an expensive bastard when it comes to help. But if you're actually concerned about completing your essay, I can have him cook something up for you…that might cost a pretty penny."

Crona kept silent upon Soul's offer and his brows slowly collected together as his silence furthered. Realization dawned on him and he breathed out a gust of mild irritation.

Crap, his involuntary teasing probably struck one of the many insecure nerves inside him. He cleared his throat, remembering Crona's high sensitivity and attempted to take a calmer and less taunting approach.

"Look, I know things have been rough, but you don't have to lie to me man. The type of thing you're going through is scary and I'm not going to judge you for being scared." He tried to give him one of those soft reprimanding smiles Maka gave him, an expression not even his facial muscles were used to making. It was probably for the best that Crona didn't lift his head to see his attempt at comfort. "But remember, I'm an expert in the art of lying, so you can't fool me. And let this expert tell you, your stance and tone of voice are allll wrong. Your silence the entire trip and eyes moving around are just another huge giveaway. If you want to make it more believable next time, always keep your eyes on the person and try not to rock your body too much."

Crona's silence continued as they stood in the hallway, keeping his head down towards the floor, as if he was a sad child accepting his punishment for his wrongdoing. That was probably all he knew how to do when being reprimanded, no matter how light Soul or anyone else approached it.

"I'm sorry…"Crona muttered, his voice painfully quiet. He held himself with his arms and trembled. "I-I…with all that's been going on…I just…"

Soul waited, knowing if he made one of his sarcastic comments again, Crona would cease his explanation. He watched as his large and uniquely bluish-black eyes drifted along the corridor, almost as if in longing to a familiar pathway stretched out before them. Soul's brows knitted together in confusion, wondering how this kid thought he could go to the Death Room and talk to Lord Death without him figuring it out or seeing him. Did he just not hear him when he said the purpose for coming here? Or was as zoned out as he looked to even process it properly?

Soul opened his mouth to voice that confusion, but upon seeing the fragile and nervous boy grow with tension before him, he closed his sardonic trap. He didn't trust himself in holding back his abrasive remarks once his question was voiced. So he came up with another tactic of approach.

"For future reference, if you want to see Lord Death just ask your friendly neighborhood Death Scythe: me." Soul offered confidently. "I'll make sure you're first in line to see him. Got it?"

Crona hesitated but gave a small nod in reply. His gaze darted back and forth to avoid meeting Soul's. "Yes… I-I'm sorry I lied."

"Don't sweat it. Cool guys like me don't get angry over something as small as a little lie. I'm not the one who's going to throw a book at you if you do."

A small tint of red came across Crona's cheeks as his head bobbed up and down in understanding.

Soul aimed his body toward the Death Room's walkway and smirked to his timid friend. "Cool, so let's go. We're both heading in the same direction, so might as well go together. You ready?"

Again, he hesitated. Like it was most of the time, his tentativeness was because of the deep-rooted reluctant tendencies within him. But Soul suspected that by being caught red-handed in his attempt at deceit, he saw that there was no way Soul was going to leave him alone like he wanted to be.

And if he thought that, then he was right.

"Y-Yes."Crona finally answered.

Soul nodded and both began walking through the brightened tiled halls of Shibusen in discomforting silence. As they ventured forward, Soul flickered his eyes back and forth from the front of them to Crona, pondering what to say or what he was even allowed to say to this damaged kid.

Even if he managed to hide it well to avoid angering his meister, he often found it annoying and tedious on how Maka or Stein told him to treat Crona with gentle care in conversation or manners. It was almost as if he was some helpless and delicate flower you had to nurture twenty-four-seven and tiptoe around on certain subjects so one wouldn't accidently squash his feelings. Soul's careful managing of his topics or biting back of venomous remarks made him feel like the partner of an over-obsessing florist rather than his meister, a person who went to such overzealous lengths for that flower: measuring to the millimeter how little or how much more water or soil of life and care that flower needed during what times of day, when it needed to be put into sunlight for encouraging growth or their lanky presence adjusted so it would more presentable to the public. Cripes, all that attention acknowledging and over-pampering to someone who was supposed to be aman was just so fucking

Soul closed his eyes quickly and inhaled deeply to regain mental composure. His impatient nature was getting to him again. He had to block it out and calm down.

Yes, it was difficult to be so careful on certain things with him. But he had to remind himself every time he grew agitated that out of everyone he knew, Crona needed understanding and care the most. Not only did he suffer through a torturous hell with a malevolent and manipulative witch, but he proved to be an excellent ally when he ventured to kill his cunning mother, when he took a devastating blow for his meister when things took a turn for the worst. That one act of valor was enough reason for Soul to obey Maka and Stein's request with no objections.

But his most important reason for dealing with such boundaries was because Maka loved Crona, she was happier than she's ever been with him. And it was so obvious that even a blind person could tell Crona loved her in return; you could tell by spotting the disappearance of his stutter and change of voice towards her, a voice that held traces of admiration he felt only towards her.

So for her sake, he attempted to pursue in conversing with the devoted partner to his meister.

"Soooo," Soul began, trying to initiate a conversation. He couldn't really think of anything else, but any topic was better than enduring this awkward silence. "I don't think I told you how awesome it was for you to tell the group the news. That was pretty brave of you. You seemed shaky at first, but after this past week, you seem to be doing pretty well with it all."

Crona's body appeared to tense further, the long strands of hair on the back of his head shaking with his body. Soul's discomfort soared higher.

Great, first conversation starter and he's already shaking with nerves. Real nice move, Soul.

"Look, I didn't mean to butt in. I was just saying is all."

"N-No, it's okay." Crona replied in a small voice. "You're just saying. I mean, y-you were there after all. If anything, you were calmer than I was when you found out." He clenched his arm tighter. "And…you comforted her…when I wasn't there."

Soul winced. Honestly, it had been a complete accident he came across Maka that night. She was alone when Lord Death told her the news after reporting the success of their mission; he had to make up a test that was held on a day he skipped class while she did so. The only reason why he even came home that night was to find the stash of booze he secretly bought from New York to share with Black Star. Curiosity sparked in him when he heard the quietly controlled and rare sound of whimpers coming from the bathroom. She didn't expect to see him home early when he opened the bathroom door and he didn't expect to see her holding a pregnancy wand that confirmed her fears.

It was all just pure chance. He was no guardian angel weapon partner like Crona made him out to be.

"Look, don't beat yourself up about that entire situation." Soul remarked, scratching the back of his head. "What's important is you came back and took care of her when she needed you. I bet you even let her vent a little and I know that's something she doesn't do with everyone. You're special after all."

"...I-I guess." Crona mumbled, lowering his head.

And just like that, the conversation was over. Crona had retracted back into his turtle shell, not saying more. Soul sighed in resignation.

As Soul and Crona continued to walk through the corridor, they finally reached a familiar tall archway with a large white skull embellished in the center, a slim red outline with spikes protruding from the top of what looked like a thin glass door.

Soul continued to look at the entry to the Death Room and glanced over at Crona. "So, you ready?"

Crona's nervousness appeared more pronounced as Soul confirmed he would enter with him, making him lightly squint his eyes in analytical curiosity towards the meister. He fidgeted in his stance and made an audible gulp. How this kid thought he'd get alone time with Lord Death when he was his personal weapon was beyond him. Especially since he made it clear when he left that Lord Death wanted to see him right now. If he thought he could just wait in the library until their meeting was done, he didn't think very far ahead. Crona was stuck with him if he attempted to wait or fessed up in the beginning, as his shift beside Lord Death would start soon.

Soul shook his head to rattle his growing snide thoughts to the edges of his brain and attempted to comfort Crona. He tentatively lifted his hand and lightly slapped it against Crona's deltoid in encouragement, making him jerk more violently than a normal person should from the contact.

"Come on man, you've proven to have plenty of guts to spill the beans about your kid."Soul encouraged. "I'm sure there's nothing else that can compare to that anxiety. If you can handle telling all of us, you can handle little old me and Lord Death in there."

It was strained, but a small shy smile curved the side Crona's lips from the compliment of his supposed bravery. But his response was still withdrawn.

Soul continued to wait until Crona had completed the breathing exercises Maka taught him to help calm down. Soon after, he nodded, giving the okay for entry. Soul responded and lifted a fist to bang it repeatedly against the door, asking for entrance into Death's residence.

A massive creak filled the hall as the large dimensional door opened, allowing entry into the Death Room. Soul placed a steady hand on the shivering Crona and encouraged him forward through the opening. The sword meister exhaled whatever was built in his chest and lifted his hunched back in an attempt to make himself seem more confident. To Soul's surprise, it appeared to work.

Well, as long as you didn't look at his shaking legs wobbling on the floor, then it would have worked.

The guillotine-style Tori gates dauntingly loomed above the pair as they walked through the passageway leading to the raised obsidian platform in the desert room's center. Seeing the speed of his walk begin to falter, Soul encouraged Crona again with another light slap to his shoulder blade, causing him to flinch but resume his previous speed. They pursued forward towards the small stairs where a sitting Lord Death resided.

"Hiya!" The God of Death greeted. He kneeled in his spiked black robes on a pillow next to a low wooden table. A tea cup decorated with a small version of his skull mask was held in his enormous hand. "Good to see ya! Oh this is wonderful, and just when I needed some more company for my evening tea!"

The Grim Reaper waved them on and placed two more cups on the skull-shaped table top to fill it with heated green tea. "Well, come on over! I'm not going to bite."

Soul strayed from Crona's side and sat Indian style on one end of the table. He looked up at Crona and motioned him forward with a movement of his head towards the gathering.

At first Crona struggled, swiping his feet against the floor and gripping his arm, tentative to Soul's and Lord Death's invitation. But both the Shinigami and Death Scythe knew to wait and let Crona come on his own accord. Slowly, the sword meister began to move forward and sat on his legs before the table, placing his hands on the tops of his robe covered thighs.

"This is delightful!" Lord Death cheered. "Don't get me wrong, it's wonderful having Soul Eater here, but new company is always a pleasure!"

Crona responded with a timid smile and Soul took a sip from his tea cup, hungrily shooting out a hand toward the dumplings on the table.

"So, what can I do for you boys?" Lord Death asked.

Seeing Crona stiffen and struggle on answering Lord Death's question, Soul took the stage first.

"Stein called me and said you wanted to talk to me." Soul answered, wiping his face of dumpling crumbs. "So, here I am."His eyebrows and lids lowered half-way to show his annoyance. "On a Sunday afternoon."

"Now now, you knew what this job would entail when you strived to achieve it."The Shinigami defended. "Being a Death Scythe doesn't mean getting free rides on your homework and lessons or parading around town freely while school is in session. It's a serious job with many responsibilities and requires an education to fully understand."

"Alright alright I got it." Soul exhaled, attempting to stop another boring lecture from coming at him today. "So, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?"

"Ah, yes." The Shinigami remembered. He placed his tea cup on the table and turned to Soul. "It looks like you'll finally be getting some expertise in the field as an honorary Death Scythe, Soul. Marie will temporarily fill your position at my side during your absence. I want you to investigate the murders of what authorities have reported as the work from a serial killer duo roaming around the western coast. Their infamous reputation has been growing steadily as well as the names on their victim's list. With the information from authorities and our own people, we have found that their last sighting and recent activity is within the Southern California regions. I'm sure from this point in the conversation, you can tell me what you have to do."The God paused as Soul continued to gaze at him with his bored expression, not bothering to say a word. "But I suppose by the disinterested look you're giving me, I'm guessing you think I should assign this mission to someone else, no? That this mission isn't Death Scythe material?"

Really? What gave me away? Soul thought sarcastically.

"Standard procedure: hunt down murderers in threat of becoming a Kishin, take their souls, create a Death Scythe, keep world peace, yadda yadda yadda." Soul replied in a disinterested matter-of-fact tone. "I get I need more experience as one, but why can't you assign this mission to another student who actually needs the souls? I'm already a Death Scythe and I don't need to be put on baby missions. I should get the ones with more action."

"I understand but this mission is perfect for a beginner Death Scythe. Everyone needs a simple mission before they take on the bigger ones." The Reaper paused again. "Plus, with the odd reports we've been receiving lately, I've become picky with who we send out into the field. I'd much rather send our more experienced fighters and not add more one-star meister names to the school memorial. That has already happened once with Crona's previous target, and I'd much rather it not happen again."

Soul's eyes narrowed and Crona sounded to have stopped breathing, the trembling in his rigid body returning to him. He had seen enough empty patches in classes besides Crescent Moon to know something was moving out there, something that had sparked the attention of the Shinigami enough to dispatch a three-star meister teacher and two of his own Death Scythes to investigate. He thought the ashen faces of meisters who lost weapons or vice versa was enough proof of the dangers lurking beyond the city limits, but Lord Death's confirmation made it that much more real.

"So as a result of Spirit on duty in South America, I'd like to dispatch a talented Death Scythe as yourself into the hunt."Lord Death continued. "It has been sometime since they have been last spotted and their recent activity has dwindled in the past week, but that doesn't mean they aren't still out there. I hope you can find them and help give us some answers. Get them to talk if you can, but if it's too much of a hassle, take them out."Lord Death sunk a large hand into his robes and pulled out a large manila envelope, handing it over to Soul. "Everything you need to know about the pair is in here. I'll assign a transport to pick you up tomorrow morning."

"Thanks, but no thanks." Soul grinned sharply. "I've got my bike. I don't need someone chaperoning me around."

The Shinigami made a tune of interested thought. "Are you sure? I didn't even know there was enough room for two people on your bike. Do you and your passenger fit comfortably?"

An expression of confusion came into Soul's features, blinking multiple times as he stared at his alternative meister. Two people?

Lord Death's torso seemed to bounce in amusement. "You don't think I'm just going to assign you such a mission without help, do you? Of course not! You may be a powerful weapon, but even you need a helping hand for such missions. Back up is always needed!"

Soul frowned at the God who had declared the helping hand who made him what he was no longer able to perform missions. Sure, through tips and trainings with other Death Scythes and even martial arts training with Black Star, he had gained better close combat skills but he was stronger when wielded by Maka, the only one who knew how to use him properly.

"But I'm so glad to see you didn't have to make two trips here after all or relay the message. This would explain why there was no answer from Crona's mirror, so I have to thank you for bringing him along, Soul. I'm sure you two will make an excellent pair!"

Unfiltered shock widened Soul's eyes, Crona following with him as they darted their eyes to each other, confused by the apparent partnership thrust upon them.

"…M-Me?" Crona's soft voice wavered, raising an uncertain finger to his chest. "W-Why me? I-I can't-b-but he and I-…w-what if I-?"

Crona appeared near hyperventilation in his breathing and Soul struggled to not roll his eyes as the Shinigami eased him down from his panic attack, motioning constant up and down movements of breathing from his covered stomach to the top of his chest with his large comical hands.

Lord Death inched his head further to the side in confusion as Crona began to calm down. "Now I'm confused. Isn't that why you're here, Crona? I thought Soul had received my mirror message ten minutes ago." The Shinigami looked to a now averting eye Soul who was whistling over-casually, knowing he was about to be scolded for keeping the mirror that was always supposed to be high in volume on silent. He swiped a quick peek at the mirror in his jacket pocket and saw it lightly pulse with light within his pocket; a message identification.

Well, crap. He was screwed.

"What have I told you about putting such an important object on silent?" Lord Death reprimanded, wagging a large finger in front of him. "That is something that needs to be on some form of volume twenty-four seven!"

Soul propped his cheek up with a hand. "Do you have any idea how annoying that damn ringing chime gets? I'd rather listen to Black Star sing than hear the 'kill kill die die' sh-"

A massive Reaper Chop plunged itself into the middle of Soul's cranium, the sickening crack of bone echoing through the room. Soul howled in pain from the impact and clutched his head, attempting to soothe the abused dent that had been left behind from his punishment.

"Anyways, back to the topic!" The Shinigami turned to Crona. "I want you to assist Soul because you know how these of people think, you know their behaviors and how they cover their tracks. You'll be an excellent asset to Soul's research. I'm not expecting you to wield him when the fighting starts, as he has proven to be capable of close combat skills. You will simply be another set of reliable hands backing him up. Plus, you'll also be able to give Soul a bird's eye view of where you'll be searching. Driving a motorcycle is nice I'm sure, but it doesn't provide the useful air support you can."

"Searching on the ground has always worked fine for Maka and I." Soul grumbled under his breath, sitting up while rubbing his head.

The Reaper ignored him. "Besides, you two have been hitting it off more and I bet this would make for some great bonding time. Oh I bet Maka would be so proud to see the two of you fighting evil together!"

Soul observed the mention of pleasing Maka sparking something in Crona's shaking eyes, his curved back slowly straightening out and the tremor of his body stopping. Hesitation was still there as those almost alien-like eyes diverted to him in silent question. Soul replied with a shrug, not knowing how this would work himself.

Soul liked Crona, he was a good person and a strong fighter, but he hadn't really fought with him without Maka wielding him. The simple thought of them being out on their own without her… was more than just a bit unnerving.

"Is this partnership going to be a problem, you two?"The God inquired.

Both immediately shook their heads in refusal.

"Good! I look forward to what news you'll bring and how you'll work together. As soon as you boys wake up tomorrow, head on out."The Shinigami turned to Soul, his comical voice fairly stern. "And keep the ringer on this time."

"Yeah yeah I got it." Soul tucked the envelope into his jacket. He patted his front jacket pocket in affirmation it was there and placed his hands on his knees, drumming his fingers against them in thought. After a few moments, he looked to Crona, hinting at him through the silence and another motion of his head towards Lord Death. The conversation between he and his godly meister was over. Whatever Crona wanted to say, now would be the time to say it.

Upon seeing Soul's attention towards Crona, Lord Death joined in glancing at him. "Am I missing something?"

Soul's eyes drifted to Lord Death's mask. Crona didn't have his pusher to help him in voicing his held back words, so it looked like he had to fill the void. "Crona came with me, sir, but not because of a mission briefing. I think he wants to ask you something."

"Oh?" The Shinigami turned his head to Crona's. "Well, what do I owe this unexpected pleasure then?"

Crona suddenly gripped his left arm in his skittish tendency. He bit his bottom lip and moved the piece of flesh around under his teeth as he continued to muster up his strength to talk."U-Um…w-well you see, sir…I…"

"Yes?"

He fumbled further and bit at his bottom lip harshly.

The pair waited.

"I was wondering…if-"Crona rapped his fingers against his arm, letting his nerves calm as he handled the limb. Lord Death continued to wait, his body still leaning in question. "I was wondering…if I could t-take more missions after I get back."

The Shinigami leaned further to the side. "More missions you say? Why the sudden craving?"

Crona visibly hesitated, his facial features squirming, as if he was about to sneeze. "I just…I want to."

The Shinigami kept his body tilted as he examined Crona, Soul following with him. It was times like this he wished he had Maka's or Lord Death's capability of Soul Perception to search a person more deeply, to actually scan their emotions. Even though he felt he already had a good knack of it through facial expressions, it never hurts to have that extra confirmation through a reliable ability.

"I see." A long pause filled the room before someone spoke again. "Is this for an extracurricular lesson? Or do you not feel you are being given enough missions?"

"N-No."

"Then please state your reason, Crona. You know that every student's request must be backed with a sufficient reason."

From Soul's close distance, it sounded like the sword meister was struggling with his breathing, his head aimed for the Shinigami but nervously glancing at Soul, the familiar emotion of fear in his eyes. The thoughtful song of interest hummed behind the Shinigami's humorous skull mask as Crona continued to fidget, his stuttering pursuing.

"I…I-I.."

"Yes?"

The swordsman carefully lifted up the side of his face to view the Shinigami, showing one dark eye from underneath his bangs. He looked back down.

"Now now, there's no need to be shy. Anything you can say to me I'm sure you can say in front of Soul too. You should know by now that we aren't going to bite."

Still, he kept his head down, small inaudible mumbles leaving him. The brows of Soul's forehead continued to be scrunched in confusion and annoyance.

Crona was a nice guy, but he sure as hell knew how to drag out an issue, whether it was big or small. His behavior didn't help Soul's irritability either due to being on alert caused by the lie he attempted to pull. The anxious stir in his gut had turned harsher in its swirling upon Crona's continuous glances to him, the bitter seed of suspicion sprouting slowly as his eyes darted back and forth from the Death Scythe to the Shinigami.

"Now," The Shinigami began, seeing prodded will be the only way to voice his reason. "I understand it's hard to find your voice, but maybe now's the time to learn without Maka being around you, don't you think? You won't be punished, I'm just asking for a reason. It is a standard procedure. So please help me understand, did something happen to make you feel this way?"

Crona had become stiff. What looked to be thought formed between his brows and wrinkling his forehead. That far away zoned-out look came back into his face, a look he's been making the entire time Soul came back to the house.

"Crona?" The Shinigami gently queried, tilting his head.

Crona held himself, shaking. "I-I just…after…"Crona started, his voice was strangely thick and his head slumping down farther, his shoulders following with it. "After…i-it was so nice..."

"What was?"

Mentally, Soul asked the same thing to Crona, letting an expression of stern curiosity etch his face. Crona saw and his gaze skittered away, his voice getting quieter. "Everyone was…t-they offered Maka and I help with clothes and food a-after we told them about…that." Soul frowned, disappointment adding to the emotional concoction churning in his gut from the scared meister failing to voice "that" as "baby". "…even your son was nice enough to offer money to help support us. I-I couldn't…"

"Do such offers make you upset, Crona? Did you think they were intruding on you?

"O-Of course not! It-I-I just…"

Soul and Lord Death kept their intrigued gaze on the young man. He balled his fists tightly against the fabric of his robe before resuming his explanation.

"It made me…" The boy's frail body began to shudder. "I knew it b-before, but it made me see more so…just how useless I really am. Everyone offered so much and I-I couldn't offer anything. I-I can't do any of the things they offered…I'm worthless."

This evoked no response from the Shinigami and his weapon, trying to keep their calm countenances as Crona continued.

"I-I barely even know how to buy my own clothes, let alone someone else's. I c-can cook but I don't know what kind of food Maka needs…I barely even have any money left over after paying rent and food. H-How-" He started to tremble violently. "How can a person who can't even care for himself…take care of something so helpless? It…I don't…" He paused, speaking softly. "It deserves better than someone like me. Maka should have someone better than me. I don't deserve this, any of it. I-I tried to learn more things to help out b-but it always becomes too much for me…and I can't…"

Soul didn't know whether to side with the prickling stabbings of cold pity inching toward his heart or the hot, tightening spread of apprehension and frustration growing in his chest. The bitter seed of his suspicion held there only sprouted further through Soul's tense muscles, balling his fists and merging his angry brows to the young meister. He didn't want to believe it, as he had defended Crona's tendency to run away as a thing of the past, and a part of him still believed he wouldn't. But after seeing his attempts earlier, his excuses in order for him to left alone and his nervous behaviors toward him being present, a reluctant tug of doubt kept wrenching against his heartstrings. Crona's self-pity also wasn't any help in managing his barely contained anger boiling within him, feeling the hot winds flood his body and windpipe.

If this kid thinks…

"Someone as useless as me…shouldn't be able to have this, a-anything like this with her. Both of them need someone better than me, a reliable person to take care of them…S-so they shouldn't-"

"Think about what you say next very carefully, Crona." Soul angrily blurted out, letting the bubbling winds sourced from the steaming mixture in his gut seep through his lips. Crona looked at him in shock, his frightened pinpricks meeting scornful scarlet, allowing his frown to deepen.

"Soul, stop frightening the boy."Lord Death ordered. "Let him speak."

"Well excuse me, sir, but I don't like the vibe this dude has been giving me all day, let alone this entire weekend. I've been biting my tongue long enough and now I've reached my limit with him. I'm not Maka and I'm not going to coddle him or protect him from scorn."Soul turned his attention back to Crona. "So hurry up and thaw out those cold feet of yours and say what you want to say already. I'm tired of you feeling all boo-hoo for yourself, especially when it comes to your worth to Maka and your own damn kid. Have some pride."

"Soul…-I-I" Crona stammered weakly, his eyes huge and body trembling with fear and moving away from him as if Soul was an advancing storm preparing to destroy his target.

"That's enough, Soul." Lord Death commanded more sternly.

"I'll stop when he tells me why he's so nervous of me having to hear his reason and why he's giving me the impression that he's trying to bolt from my meister and his kid because of some stupid self-pity crap. His behavior the entire day has been nothing but trying to get away from us, so what else do you want me to think he's trying to do? And if he thinks he can get away with darting out of the picture by using missions as his escape and leave my meister in the dust then I'll bedamned if-"

"I said ENOUGH." The God's controlled voice boomed, shifting back into his dark and ancient tone, his eyeholes knitting together in anger.

Soul flinched upon the command. Hearing the Shinigami's vexation toward him, Soul scowled and leaned back in an upright position, his eyes still boring into the shivering sword meister's, still expecting an explanation through his commanding gaze rather than words now. Crona shied away his threatening eyesight to peer at the ground.

Lord Death's eyeholes returned to a calm circle shape and looked toward Crona again. "Now then, you were saying?"

Crona's eyes stayed glued to the table, his fists clenching his robe and his teeth sounding to be clacking together. "I-I'm useless…"

"You've already made us aware of that." Soul stated coldly. "What else?"

Crona shrunk inwards on himself and the Reaper delivered a smack onto the Scythe's face, the impact fiercely reddening his cheek.

"S-someone as skill-less as me can't offer…anything." Crona's voice quivered, lifting his hands from his robe to look at them. He slowly clenched them, gripping on them hard enough to draw blood from his palms. "I.."

Crona inhaled a deep breath as he lifted his head to face the Godly weapon pair, his eyes brimming with a mixture of fear and a surprising, rare glint of determination. "But maybe…maybe I can at least try. I want to try, even though I may never deserve this. If I-I can't give Maka help with cooking or clothes like Tsubaki or Patti and Liz can…I'll give her and the academy something else, my only skill: k-"Crona struggled to swallow before he continued. "Killing."

Soul and Lord Death remained silent as the young meister breathed in another shaky breath.

"If there's a Kishin egg that needs to be dealt with, I'll do it. If something or someone needs to be delivered or escorted somewhere, I'll go. I'll do whatever you tell me to do. I just want to be useful…I-I appreciate everyone's help, I really do. It was so nice of them…"

He looked over at Soul and the mournful puppy dog look of wrongdoing returned, but the resolve still lingered in his gaze. "And you're right, Soul. This is scary, I blame myself when I shouldn't. I'm scared. I-I'm terrified and often times it seems like it's easier to run…but I can't. I don't want to. I also don't know what will happen when this is all over b-but I…I want to provide for her in some way. I'm worthless in every way possible except fighting. It's all I know how to do. So, if going on more missions is what I need to do to get money for us…so I can help her, I'll do it."

He brought his balled fists against his lap again and gave a low bow of his head to the Shinigami, finally voicing his request. "I can't run away anymore and I won't. Maka needs me. So please, please allow me to take extra missions so I can help Maka, so I can get more money for her…"He paused and spoke again in a quiet whisper that one has to strain to hear. "And the baby."

The vehement spread of anger vanished inside Soul, the emotion being replaced with the frozen glaze of shock, the hot mixture in his gut solidifying and feeling like a guilted brick as it felt to have dropped to his feet. It's been two years since Crona last ran away; he said that from his own mouth when he had returned from his mission. To doubt his loyalty and determination was like doubting the sky was blue. Crona may be skittish and timid, but he had enough guts to come back to the apartment that night to face Maka and him, to tell the entire group the news, guts that he apparently had grown more of during his stay in Death City rather than lost. Sometimes it was hard to notice the change in him, but right now it stood out, when he was finally able to voice his wants to people without Maka present.

Crona really did have more guts than anyone gave him credit for, even Soul. And here he dared to assume he was bailing when all he wanted was more money opportunities for Maka and his kid. To be useful, not run away.

Soul carefully looked away from Crona, disguising his embarrassment by rubbing a finger under his nose, acting as if he had a visible nose nugget and didn't want anyone to see it. He mentally kicked himself for doubting one of the most loyal members the academy has encountered as a student and romantic partner.

An interested murmur of surprise sang underneath Lord Death's mask, his head nodding with his body shifting to the side, focusing his blackened eyeholes onto Crona. "I see what you mean and I understand now. Thank you for your well justified reason."

Soul bobbed his head up and down at the bashful Crona, pleased with his reason too as his head lifted to look at each of them in the eye, blushing slightly from their accepting responses. Soul smirked, and Crona gave a small smile in return.

Way to go, kid.

"I understand your request, but I'm afraid I have to deny it. My answer is no."

Soul's heart sunk and his glad expression wrinkled into a frown, darting his glinting crimson to his Lord's dark abyss. Crona followed in his shock, his eyes wide and holding a face filled with hurt bewilderment.

"No?"Soul snarled through clenched sharp teeth. "What do you mean no?"

Lord Death brought up a large hand to silence the impatient Death Scythe. "I understand you're concerned, Soul. But please, do not interrupt Crona's and I's conversation."

Soul scrunched the bridge of his nose and hissed a breath of air through his teeth. He folded his arms and glowered in frustration, silently allowing the two to continue.

Meanwhile, Crona shook in trembling anxiety, his eyes full of question and hurt flickering back and forth in his sockets. His lips quivered as they opened to form words, but his chest breathed panicked short breaths. The guy never did very well when it came to handling rejections.

Lord Death moved in over the table, leaning towards Crona. "Would you like to know why I said no?"

Crona looked to be reluctant on answering, keeping his eyes toward the misshapen crosses that appeared to act as tombstones in the Death Room. A moment passed before he brought his shivering eyes to the God's dark eyeholes, giving a shaky nod.

"Well," The Shinigami snapped back into an upright position and took a quick sip from his cup. "It is as you said: Maka needs you. Although I understand why you would want to take on more missions for your family's sake, how can you take care of her when you're so far away?

Crona didn't respond.

"You're still very young, so it's only natural that you don't know the responsibilities of being a father, don't you?"

Crona's head dropped toward his chest, his shoulders hunching with him.

"I'm not trying to reprimand or insult you." Lord Death assured, his voice calm and comforting. "I'm just asking a question."

Crona weakly nodded.

"That's okay, you're still learning. You have nine months to learn. But during those nine months, it's important for a father to be present. Maka needs you to get through the phases of pregnancy and she can't have a partner who is often leaving to take care of her."

Crona seemed to shrink further inside himself, possibly castigating himself for not thinking that part through.

Soul couldn't help but raise a suspicious brow. "If that's the case, sir, then why are you allowing him to come on a mission with me? Where he'll be away from Maka? You seem to like contradicting yourself, don't you?"

Lord Death pulled Soul's cheek with his massive hand, causing him to growl and flail his arms in an attempt to get away and retrieve his outstretched skin. "I'm allowing it because you need a partner with experience on these cases and you are a Death Scythe who has yet to hone field skills. You two should find these murderers and dispose of them quickly. It will take nowhere near the length it took Crona. Plus, you both won't be far away. I'd rather he be out on a quick mission near Nevada while Maka is in her earliest stages rather her second trimester."

The God retracted his punishing hold from Soul and turned to Crona. "But after this mission is completed, you need to stay in Death City and take care of your baby's mother. I know you want to help by going on missions, but you'll need to find another job in the city to support your family. There are plenty." The Shinigami sipped a satisfying gulp from his tea cup, contently sighing. "There is no other help which can compare to a significant other's, Crona. Your friends can try but they cannot fill the void of you when you are gone. That is why I said no. Understand?"

A look of sadness loomed over Crona's face as he hung his head. He gave a small nod.

"Good. Well, I wish you the best of luck then! Chop chop! That mission preparation isn't going to finish itself!"He waved his large gloved hands up and down to shoo the boys away and stood up. "Now go on! Good luck and happy trails!"

Still frowning, Soul stood up and extended a hand to Crona. A pale hand met his and he pulled the trembling boy up. He patted Crona's shoulder in comfort and both turned their backs and began to leave.

"Oh, curse this forgetful brain of mine. Soul, I forgot one more mission for you!" Lord Death called.

Soul stopped, his face showing visible irritation from the Shinigami's and his own rash treatment toward his friend. As he turned to frown at the God, his senses flickered on and eyes widened in alarm as something quickly moved through the air towards him. His quick hands caught a long stick and his clenched mouth hissed as a dark blur of metal clashed with his face.

"Ow!" Soul shouted. "Lord Death what the f-?!"

"Ah!"Lord Death raised a finger, wagging it. "Language."

Soul's mouth twisted into a snarl, rubbing his face to ease the pain. Like his meister's Maka chops weren't enough to decimate his brain cells, now he had to deal with this crap.

After the pain subsided, he looked down at what he grabbed. He looked in confusion as he saw a mop in his grip and a bucket rolling to his feet. He couldn't help but let an annoyed eyebrow twitch.

"What, am I cleaning up vomit now because I forgot to leave the stupid ringer on?" Soul spat.

"Are you offering?"Lord Death sang cheerfully. "Because that would be wonderful!"

"Hell no!"

Soul growled as his face was smacked with a thick bag that had quickly flown at him, the small duffel falling to the floor on the tops of his feet. Crona stared in confusion while Soul continued to twitch in silent fury.

"Now listen." The Shinigami ordered, pointing to the bag on the floor. "On your way out, I want you to give that to our new Janitor. The man came to me earlier today asking for a job in order to help care for his family and-." He wiped what Soul hypothesized to be a fake tear from his eyehole, making small sniffs from an invisible nose. "I just couldn't deny such a noble request. It's a heartwarming story that I won't bore you with. So make sure to give that to him when you leave from here. Also, tell him his uniform, keys to the utility closet, and teacher's pass to the food courts is in that bag. I know he'll be working extra hard so he deserves a free lunch!"

Soul stared at the Shinigami, baffled. His eyes darted to Crona's face, seeing his face contorted with puzzlement as he fiddled with his fingers. He looked to him with begging eyes for answers and Soul couldn't help but exhale in irritation and amusement.

Even though he acted like a large child in the form of an all powerful God, Lord Death was a kind and empathetic divinity, always looking out for his subjects with great concern and hoping to help them in any way possible. Like what he was doing for the meister beside him now.

"But!" Lord Death zipped over to Soul and placed a gloved hand beside the place where his mouth should be, covering it as if in secret but his voice level not following his form. "Make sure you keep an eye on the little partner he has with him when he goes to the food court. He's a little creature who has an insatiable hunger that would cause our stocks to disappear in the blink of an eye." He backed off from Soul and headed back toward his raised platform. "If it wasn't for that hunger I would have put the newbie in the food courts. But, oh well. He'll do fine as a handy man and the senior janitor could use some extra hands. Thanks for the help!"

The Shinigami turned his cloaked back to walk to his tea table. He sat back down and slurped happily at the cup's contents. "Good luck!"

A flabbergasted Soul and Crona stared at each other before nodding to the Shinigami. Soul picked up the cleaning materials in his arms and exited the Death Room with Crona. Once the thick door closed with a clunk behind them, Soul looked at the items he held and turned his crimson eyes to Crona.

"W-What," Crona spoke, his eyes darting back and forth in confusion. "What just happened?"

Soul stretched a sharp corner smirk. He lifted the items in his possession toward Crona. "Looks like you've got a new job when you get back."

A faint blush appeared on the young meister's cheeks as he stared at the bucket, mop, and duffel. A shaky hand lifted to his chest and poked a timid finger against it. "M-Me? That's who he was-b-but I don't really…I-I can't even-!"

Soul chortled, entertained by his perplexed friend's response. "Relax man, you'll be fine. It's not like you're going to be repairing things around the academy. You'll just be sprucing it up."

Part of Crona's puzzled gaze lifted, but it was soon replaced with a faint purse of lips and twitch on the bridge of his nose in what looked like distaste."Does…" He spoke softly, touching the tips of his forefingers together. "D-Does this mean I have to spruce up…bathrooms?"

That question evoked another form of laugher, one that was shrill and merciless. Soul sighed as a familiar cloud of black liquid lifted into the air.

"Oh man, this weekend just keeps getting better and better!" Ragnarok snickered loudly. He shot his gloved hands toward his meister and poked at his nose with one while the other stretched a cheek to the side.

"O-ow!S-stahp et Ragnuhruk!"Crona whined, lifting his hands to push the demon away.

"First I find out you thought the booze was magic." He bent his head down to swivel his eyes toward his meister. "Which was pretty freakin hilarious if I may add! Then this? Oh god I can see it now!"

Ragnarok let go of his meister and lifted his two gloved hands side by side into the air, as if he was a director of a movie who was capturing a good spot to film in-between his fingers. "Crona attempts to clean the bathroom with nothing but his trusty rusty scrubber and a nice maid outfit on with rubber gloves and a prissy hat. Just add some high heels and fat shit stains on each and every toilet bowl to that picture and we're golden!" Ragnarok started laughing manically at the image and haphazardly flung his small arms around from his amusement. "Screw cameras, I need a freaking video recording of this! I hope the job comes with a free video camera, because we need it for all of your best freak out moments!

"Ragnarok, that's not funny…" Crona reprimanded quietly. "A-And Lord Death wouldn't make me wear a maid's outfit."

"The hell it's not!"Ragnarok argued, hitting the top of his head. "And how are you so sure he won't? You haven't even opened the bag yet to see your uniform."

Ragnarok dissolved into Crona's back to appear in his front, his fists reaching out for the bag Soul held. Sensing the demon's plan, Soul retracted the pack behind him and brought the wooden end of the mop down with an unforgiving THUNKupon the demon's head.

The Demon Sword growled in anger as he turned his odd face towards Soul. "Hey, wanna-be-piranha. Who the hell do you think you're messing with?"

"A very obnoxious and nosy weapon, that's who. Now shut up and leave Crona and I alone."

"The hell if I'm going to listen to a wimpy baby shark like you. Fork over the bag fish lips!"

Crona grabbed the small arms of his flailing weapon and frowned at him. "Ragnarok, stop being mean to Soul."

"Quiet you!" Ragnarok barked, yanking himself out of his meister's grip and punching Crona in the gut. His meister coughed from the demon's blow and he dissolved back into his body to appear on his back, stretching his cheeks again. "Just because being with the vomiting bitch gives you more confidence doesn't mean you can start reprimanding me. You'll always be my bitch!" He stretched Crona's cheeks further causing the meister to yelp in pain. "See?!"

Soul moved forward to help but halted when the demon recoiled back into Crona's spine. Both stood there in the corridor as Crona rubbed his reddened cheeks.

As the two stood there Soul felt the guilt and curiosity eat at his insides a little too harshly, so he spoke up, "Hey, Crona?"

The sword meister shyly met his gaze, bringing his forearms closer to his torso for nervous comfort. Soul took his free hand and scratched the back of his head, still a little uncomfortable. "Look uh-, sorry for how I acted back there. Even I have to admit, that was pretty lame of me to doubt you. I was just suspicious of the way you've been acting, you know?"

"That's okay, y-you're were just trying to look after Maka." He replied. A timid corner smile holding traces of gratitude appeared across his lips. "That means a lot."

"Heh, well, it looks like she's got someone much better than myself looking after her now." He nudged Crona's shoulder with his knuckles and gave a small smirk. "I have to admit, you're getting braver kiddo."

A tiny smile of self-satisfaction came across Crona's lips. "T-Thanks."

"No prob."Soul paused, the guilt leaving him but the curiosity still remaining. "But I gotta ask, why were you so nervous about me being around? What's so bad about me hearing you want more missions?"

He held his arm tighter against chest and his face turned a lightly flushed pink "I-I um, I wanted to be alone when I asked Lord Death." He hung his head, his voice a soft murmer. "I w-was embarrassed and thought you'd m-make fun of me for how I felt, how much I wanted it. O-Or get angry. I know you don't like it when I talk like that about myself and you'd say it's not…cool of me."

Soul felt a small pang of guilt sink into his chest. "And what about getting away from Maka?"

A thoughtful expression came into him, silent for a moment. "I-I thought she would get mad at me for hearing me think the way I do, for hearing the reason why I wanted more missions. I know I s-shouldn't think that way about myself, like she always tells me not to do…but it's hard. Sometimes I can't help it. I didn't want to make her angry."

Soul blinked, understanding and softly nodding his head. It made sense…but still, even with that understanding, Soul felt it would have been so much easier to just tell him what he planned in the first place. Not drag it out as he did. Soul's astonishment only furthered upon hearing he thought someone would get angry or make fun of him because he wanted a job to help get money for his family. It was so ridiculous, he couldn't help but let his snide remarks finally escape.

"Dude, I knew you had your wires crossed, but I didn't think they were this horrifically placed." Soul stated. "Because I'm telling you right now, if a girl and her best friend hear that you want to get a job to help your expecting family, they're not going to be angry at you. If anything, they're going to slobber you with soppy kisses until you feel like you're drowning. Not even I would make fun of someone for wanting to do something so respectable." His confident smirk returned to him. "So keep that in mind for the future, huh? I'll spare you a noogie now only because I gave you unneeded crap. But I can't guarantee your safety next time. You thought Black Star's was bad? Wait until you feel mine, Maka's bookworm head has given me some excellent practice."

Crona's blush had already extended to his collarbones upon Soul's explanation of what women would do to such a decision, a small smile now on his reddened face as Soul gave his opinion on how he felt. He gave a small sound of agreement and lifted his hands out to take the bag from Soul, slinging it over his shoulder so he could carry the other materials. His now fading in blush face appeared deep in thought as he moved and his mouth opened to speak.

"S-Soul?"

"Sup."

Soul turned his gaze towards the timid boy as he prepared to leave. Crona opened his mouth farther to voice his words, but they never passed his lips. He closed it again and clutched the cleaning tools closer to his chest. "N-Nothing. J-Just…thank you for understanding."

Soul arched a brow. "Don't mention it. And you sure?"

"Yeah. So uh…w-where do I put all of this?"

"I have a feeling you're going to store them this way."Soul slapped a hand to Crona's shoulder and motioned him forward. "Let's go check out your new office, shall we?"

The shy smile continued on Crona's face as the pair started to walk through the corridors. Soul allowed it all to sink in and reminisced on the eventful day.

A mission with the now employed Crona…this was going to be interesting. He couldn't wait to see the look on Maka's and the other's faces when they heard about it all.


Maka sat beside the professor sitting at his desk, her arms crossed and the bridge of her nose pinched. The doctor kept a stolid face as he glanced at her through the side of his glasses, an unlighted cigarette dangling from his lips. He withdrew his eyesight and turned his attention back to grading papers.

"My word is final, Maka." Stein spoke. "No buts."

"I don't see why I can't, Professor." Maka replied, pouting furiously.

"Of course you don't see why." Stein said matter-of-factly, unafraid to be as opinionated as his student."You're a smart girl. You've proven that countless of times. But you're still young, so you don't see my concerns yet."

"I do and I know where my limits are, that's why I'm saying I can do it until I've reached four months."

"And I told you my answer Maka; No. Trust me, this decision is for the best."

"Those stairs are simple, professor, like a walk in the park. I've done it many times before and I'm sure I can keep climbing them until my deadline."

"I know you have, but that same story of climbing with ease will not be told a few months from now." He looked at her again, his eyes stern and containing hints of annoyance. "Take it from someone who has heard the complaints."

The end of Maka's lip curled down, still dissatisfied but silenced upon seeing his point. Professor Marie had proven her skilled physical capabilities in their fight against Medusa; she was just as fit as herself. So if she had a difficult time getting up the steps while pregnant to teach, it's possible the same would be for her.

Still, that didn't stop her from trying to convince the professor.

"I thought exercise was needed during pregnancy, wasn't it?"She persuaded. "So isn't it a good thing I would be taking the stairs every day?"

"You need to exercise, yes, but there is a difference between exercise and overexertion. The Nevada heat will not aid you during your trek either, but will instead wear you down further and dehydrate you. There are plenty of parks in Death City for you to walk in as a substitute. The city is massive enough for you to get your exercise through walking around, not climbing stairs every day."

Maka sat back in her chair, feeling almost defeated. "Isn't there…another way into Shibusen I could take? Besides the stairs?"

Stein cranked his bolt. "I'm afraid not. The stairs maybe a comical entry, but it is the only one." He placed a paper down and wrote a "C" with his red marker. "You're not that far along, Maka. You'll be fine with a three month deadline; it's only a month less of what you want. But after that time is up, I will direct your studies to your apartment. Soul or Crona can take them to you and they or your friends can take a mirror to class so you may listen in on lectures."

Maka couldn't help but feel a fluster of frustration and embarrassment rise in her cheeks, a little uneasy with the idea. It was nice of the professor to work with her so she could continue studying and give her reasonable ultimatums, but the thought of only being able to communicate and go to class through a mirror felt so…degrading.

So, she continued to push.

"Then if I can't go to school, what do you expect me to do all day, professor?"Maka inquired. "Lectures only last so long, as does homework, and I can't just sit at home and do nothing."Just the thought of her lounging at home not using her brain like the lazy couch potatoes Soul and Black Star shook her in waves of discomfort and light disgust. She had to avoid that at all costs, keep herself and her mind busy, even if it meant more school books to read. "If I can't take missions, can't you give me extra class lessons? Just to keep me entertained?"

She heard him let out a small exhale of laughter as he scanned another paper. He closed his eyes. "You're the perfect embodiment of an A-student, Maka. You never cease to astound me."

Maka's frown softened at Stein's compliment, but kept her determined gaze on him. He returned his own, showing her is impassive stare. "But as much as I'd like to, you do not qualify. You're all caught up. If anything you have too many credits."

Her deepened frown returned and Stein remained emotionless. "Besides, you don't need that additional stress of meeting deadlines from increased studies. The load I provide should be enough. I've heard plenty of complaints to know how long my workload takes."

Maka pursed her lips further. "So then, if I can't go to the academy after my time is up, just how am I supposed to get that workload to you? Even take tests? A teacher always has to monitor the students during exams."

"I'm well aware of the rules." Stein replied coolly. "So, you can stop by my laboratory. I'll monitor you there. As for your homework, maybe Crona could give it to me during class, or Soul. You all live together, don't you?

"Well yes but-"

"Then I don't see what the problem is."

Maka stared at him for a moment. She then leaned back into her chair and sighed, giving a very small nod.

Stein lowered his head and turned his head towards his desk, picking up a paper to examine it. "Good. Besides, your empty schedule will make it easier to monitor you as you advance through your pregnancy. I'll notify you on the weekly appointments. We'll have to keep a close eye on you."

Maka lifted a hand to rest on her cheek, muttering, "It's not like the kid is going to be changing every ten minutes, professor. Every month should be fine."

Stein cranked his bolt again. His eyes appeared lost in an unfocused glance as he stared at the paper he held, as if he was staring off into another realm through it. She watched as his eyes slowly rolled upwards to glance at something across from his desk, Maka following his line of sight and seeing a pair of rats loudly skitter around in their cage. Maka squirmed at the sight of such creatures, especially since they were kept in his room, possibly new victims of one of his cleverly thought out experiments. She didn't bother to ask him but with her own usage of Soul Perception, she identified a strange emotion shining at the bottom of his soul, the end of his lip twitching only slightly. But as she attempted to scan more of him, his wavelength was quickly snatched from her sights, blocked from her as Stein shielded himself, sensing her sight within him.

"Yes, of course not." He placed the paper down and wrote a "B" on the exam. "But you'll need check-ups regardless. I can arrange a day that suits you so it will be easy to work around your schedule."

"It's not like I'll have anything to do most of the day if I'm at home."Maka grumbled, resting her cheek in her hand.

"You'll find a way to get creative."

"Maka curled her lip. "How did Marie cope with being at home? I can't understand how anyone can take being there all day."

Stein closed his folder containing the graded exams and looked at her, an almost smug small smile on his face. "She got creative."

Figures. She should have seen that one coming.

"Now, is there anything else I can help you with?

Maka paused, collecting all of her thoughts. Her curiosity of what the future would bring was not only in education itself, but other possibilities and problems she may be faced with as time moved on. It looked like she wasn't the only one who was curious as she examined her professor's tired eyes, flickering back and forth to search him. She had seen that familiar emotion her Soul Perception scanned from many instances during class dissections or encountering an intriguing object. So surely, he had thought about it too.

"You've been thinking about it too, haven't you?" Maka asked, her voice smaller.

Stein blinked, inching his head to the side. "About?"

Maka glanced downwards at herself, placing down one of her crossed arms to cover her abdomen. Stein leaned back in his swivel chair, glancing downward as he noticed. His face remained neutral. "It's crossed my mind a few times, yes."

"Do you…"She paused, swallowing the growing lump in her throat. "Is it possible? That it will have it? The black blood?"

Stein blinked slowly, but his expression was still unreadable. She felt her heart-rate climb as he continued to stare blankly, allowing an uncomfortable pause to sweep through the room.

He lifted a hand to crank his bolt again. "If I had Medusa's notes to analyze, I could give you a more concrete answer, but I do not. All I have are my own hypotheses as Lord Death prefers to have the infection of black blood to remain within Soul and Crona, not test subjects."The professor sounded to have been disappointed on voicing that last statement and tucked his hands away in his lab coat's pockets. "So all I can tell you is that it is a possibility. That is why I am taking precautions and monitoring you closely. We don't know the extent of how the black blood has affected Crona's body and if it can be passed on."His eyes appeared glazed over as he looked away. "After all, reproduction is nothing but a randomized lottery, always a gamble on what children may receive."

Maka stayed silent.

"I know that's difficult to take in and I wished I had something positive to say, but I'd rather be upfront with you rather than lie."

She lowered her head, thinking raptly. She had plenty of time to think about her situation while Crona was gone, when Lord Death had first told her she was pregnant. It surged and raged in her mind with fearful apprehension, fear for something she was supposed to be happy about. She thought she wouldn't have to think about this for a while, until she was older. This was going to happen eventually, she knew that much, but not so soon.

Maka took a deep breath, trying to compose herself and stay positive. "But if it's a lottery of inheritance, there's also a good chance that it won't have it, right?" She asked.

Professor Stein fiddled with the unlit cigarette in his mouth, moving it up and down. "Yes, that is also true."

She placed her free hand over her chest, to the place where her small Grigori soul floated, flapping gently in her chest. She knew her soul had specific properties that could drive away madness, eradicate the potent black blood that ran in her veins two years ago against the Immortal Wolf and Crona. She knew what her soul provided to herself, but she didn't know what influence it had when another soul dwelled within her; something that held specific properties of their own.

"Isn't there a way we can make sure though? Some way to find out?"

"It's always the hardest part, Maka, but only time will tell. All we can do is wait."


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