"You want Crona to work for me?" The Mayor blinks after Maka finishes her speech. He glances at his son. Kid is keeping his face blank but his father can tell he's not happy about it.
"If Crona chooses to do that. Right now he's still recovering but I wanted to give him a chance at life. Something different."
"...Having Crona here is a risk. He could act as a spy for Medusa. There is no way of knowing if we will ever be able to trust him. I don't think we should let him walk out if he chooses he wants to go back to Medusa either. What's the point?We should just get rid of him while we have the chance."
"I get what you're saying. It's true we won't be able to trust him if he stayed but...he could work up to it. I know it would be easier just to off him... But I wanted to give him a true choice. A means to fight for what he chooses."
"How kind you are Maka to the boy who had a hand in your mother's death. I would think you would want him dead as soon as possible. Really, you want him to live here?"
"If he picks to, yeah. Like I said he will be a worker. He's not living here for free. He would have to fight against his mother. It would be his way of atoning for what he's done."
"There's no guarantee that he would fight his mother. He's been her puppet for so long. Do you think that suddenly he'll gain his own will? That he won't cower in fear when his mother so much as looks at him?"
"I just want to give him a chance. What happens is up to him."
"What is your opinion of this Kid?" The Mayor locks eyes with his son. He's been quiet this whole time.
"I'll stand by Maka's decision. Despite my better judgment."
"And that won't cause any issues between you two?" He presses, glancing at Maka.
"If you're worried that I'll try to run off with Crona, get that thought out of your head. I haven't forgotten what he's done. Besides..." Maka grabs Kid's arm, grinning at him. "Kid is mine. I don't need anything else."
That stern look on Kid's face loosens up, his cheeks dusting pink. Just a small comment like that appeases him. "Maka..."
"That better be the case." The Mayor chuckles, those eyes glinting dangerously. "Crona might have an...unfortunate accident otherwise."
Maka rolls her eyes. She knows the Mayor is protective of Kid so this statement is probably only half joking. "Yeah, yeah."
The Mayor keeps that smile on his face, shifting his weight. His empty sleeve sways lightly. It's still hard not to focus on it. Maka tries not to think about it.
"Father when is the prosthetic coming in?"
"It will be a while. They said I need to heal first before they can start the fitting process. So for a bit I won't be in tip top shape. Still I only need one arm to kill witches~ You don't have to worry Kid." He must have noticed the look on his son's face.
"Are you sure you shouldn't rest from witch hunting? At least till you have your prosthetic. I can handle the hunts with Liz and Patty-"
"You've never gone on a hunt without me and I'm not planning on starting that up now-"
"I would feel better if you stayed at home father. Not only for you but for Maka too. If you were here to protect her I would have no regrets...especially if Crona decides to stay."
"..." The Mayor's eyebrows are furrowed. Maka has already argued about going on witch hunts but they won't let up on it. They backed Medusa in a corner yet they still worry about having her out of the house. Maka agrees on the mayor staying back though. He's been pushing himself since the fight with Medusa. If a witch got the better of him because of his injury...She couldn't forgive herself.
"Yeah. Why don't you stay and protect me." Maka chimes in, giving Kid some back up.
"Soul should be enough-"
"I trust Soul but he is only one person-"
"Mai is here too-"
"Mai is a weak witch. She has helped us a lot but if there was an attack on the house it would be bad." Kid presses. "Father please. If we need to hunt, please stay home and protect Maka."
"...I really think I should go with you-"
"Come on!" Maka can't help but get impatient. "Don't you want to protect your grandkids-"
"You're pregnant?" The Mayor's eyes widen. Kid nearly fell on the floor.
"Not that I know of! I'm just saying. I could be. Who knows? Either way I'm going to be. If Kid says he's fine, he's fine. I'm saying it would be better if you stayed here."
Finally. The Mayor's eyes shift away from hers. He's thinking about it but he slowly nods. "...I will stay here. Hopefully there won't be a need to go on too many hunts around here. We have made a name for ourselves in these parts. If there is a hunt...I will stay with Maka."
"Father...thank you." Kid can't hide the relief in his expression.
"Now all that serious talk is done, lets do something fun." Maka starts to make her way out of the Mayor's room but his voice stops her.
"One last thing Maka. Have you heard from my ex wife?"
"No. She hasn't appeared to me. I wonder if she's pissed I told you?" Maka hums, thinking of that stubborn witch. She's still around though.
"Probably." The Mayor glances at Kid. He shakes his head, sighing.
"Father I haven't had any contact with her. I...I really think we should leave her be for now."
"..."
It seems like they talk about this daily. The Mayor can't let it go and Kid can't agree to trying to get rid of his mother completely.
"Come on Mayor, come on out with us and play some cards or something." Maka pushes.
"Cards with young ones like you? Oh I couldn't. It wouldn't be much of a challenge at all."
"Please! If you're that confident you should put your money where your mouth is!" Maka grins, rushing out the room. Kid is close behind...and the Mayor follows.
"I suppose I should." He smiles and it's real. Maka feels like slowly but surely she's building trust between herself and the Mayor. Despite everything she isn't naive to think the Mayor hasn't thought about killing her still. She knows that if she were to do anything, or if he even suspects that she would do anything to his son, he would kill her. With no hesitation.
Kid grabs her hand. "Thank you for helping me with convincing him." Kid whispers against her ear.
"I'm always on your side.." Maka leans her head against his.
"Stop with all the lovey dovey stuff! It's card night!" Patty yells at them from the kitchen table. Liz is starting to shuffle the deck, the Mayor already taking his seat. Mai and Soul are still with Crona. Soul won't leave Mai's side. Mai won't leave Crona's side. With such good care, he should be back on his feet sooner rather than later. Maka thinks he's taking his time with it. He's probably thinking really hard about what she said. She wonders...will Crona take her hand? Or will he go back to being a puppet?
What does he really want?
But now...she'll play cards. She'll wait. Till he gives her his answer. She has to prepare herself for that answer.
It only took four days. Mai had called her into the room, telling her that Crona wanted to speak to her. Of course hearing this, Kid made sure he would be there. So did the Mayor.
Maka tries to keep her face blank as she stares at Crona now. He stands before her, his small shoulders shaking. His eyes dart around the room nervously. He can't look at her. He can't look at anyone. He has plenty of eyes on him. This room feels suffocating from the tension. Mai, Soul, Mayor, Kid, and Maka stare him down. Waiting for him to speak. Waiting for his answer. After awhile of him standing there, looking like he's going to cry, he bows his head. He hugs himself. He takes a deep breath.
"P-Please." It's no more than a whisper.
"Please what?' Maka pushes.
"P-P-Please..." Crona bites his lip.
"Make your choice. Say it loud and proud. Do what you want. That's why I'm giving you a choice Crona. I promise you if you choose to go back to your mother we will let you go-"
"N-NO!" Crona shakes his head quickly. He gets down on his knees, bowing his head low before her. "Please l-let me stay with you M-Maka! I-I-I'll work m-myself to the b-bone for what I've done! I'm n-not very g-good at anything but...I-I'll do my best! E-Even if you h-hurt me. Even if y-you hate me...I w-want to show you...h-how sorry I am. I w-want...to b-be around you-"
"Are you willing to fight your mother?' The Mayor cuts in. His voice stern. Dark.
"I d-don't know how I can fight her. She t-terrifies me. But I-I know now...as l-long as Maka isn't...the witch of legend...M-Medusa won't kill her. I h-have nothing left to lose. I-I'm sure Medusa w-wants to kill me for my screw up. I d-don't want to go back to that nightmare. I'll do w-what ever you say-"
"You'll be a butler? You'll work for me? For your room here?" The Mayor cuts him off again.
"Yes. T-Teach me w-what I need to do...and i-i'll do it. I'll t-try my best. P-please. I b-beg you." Crona closes his eyes tightly. "R-Ragnarok's voice is just a w-whisper...this choice...is m-mine and mine alone."
Maka glances at Kid. He doesn't look happy but he's holding himself back. He locks eyes with her. She doesn't have to say anything. Kid takes a deep breath before he nods his head at her. The Mayor sees this and sighs.
"...Crona I will take you under my wing. You will learn how to butler. You will learn how to be useful. You'll pay for your stay. You will have your own room and of course food will be provided for you. Just know...if you try to harm my son or Maka...or I suspect you are betraying us..." Those golden eyes darken. "I'll get rid of you."
"I u-understand." Crona shivers. He still hasn't looked at anyone. The way he's shaking, she can't help to wonder if he's crying. She wants to see it. She has an urge to just kick him while he's down. She will hold back those witch like tendencies.
"Mai I'll leave it to you to get him set up. You are a good maid. I'm sure you can teach him how to follow your foot steps. His room will be the one next to yours. I'll prepare him a suit for his work. He needs to get out of Medusa's garments. We should burn that robe." The Mayor starts getting things together for Crona. Finally Crona gets up off the ground, his face all red. He was crying but those dark eyes looked relieved. He glances at her. They lock eyes.
"I-I promise." Crona swallows, sniffling.
"You promise what?" Maka grunts.
"I-I'll do m-my best...f-for you."
"We'll see." Maka's stern expression cracks slightly. She tries not to but she can't help smiling at him. He's so fragile. It's nice seeing he's taking steps in the right direction. He could have ran off back to Medusa but he's choosing to stay. He's trying to right his wrongs-
"Maka." Kid grabs her hand, getting her to look at him."Let's leave father and Mai to get him set up." Kid leads her out. He's a bit hasty but Maka gets it.
It's going to be interesting having Kid and Crona living under the same roof. She wonders if Kid will be civil or if he'll crack. A part of her wants to break him. She wants to break them both.
She'll push that to the back of her mind.
For now, she wants to see what Crona will do. Will he be able to work? Will he give in? Will he run away? Will Medusa try to come for him?
And when the time comes will Crona be able to stick with his choice of fighting with her rather than against her.
"Now listen here Crona! Lady Maka and Master Damien have entrusted me to get you ready to butler. I'm going to get you so ready. You're going to be able to butler in your sleep!" This witch Mai is chatting excitedly. Crona can't help to nod quickly, trying to keep up with her. She makes him nervous but at least he's familiar with her. She took care of him while he was recovering. She's a witch but she didn't try to do anything to him that would hurt. Mai told him that she was helping because Maka told her to. It's all because of Maka. To think there are witches like Mai out there. A part of him is wary. Mai could be lying. She could even be tricking Maka. He can't help to think like that.
Despite that, Mai is his only ally right now. She's way easier to deal with than the Mayor or Kid. He couldn't even look at them. He'd like to pretend they aren't here. That he's just working for Maka but he'll have to get use to them eventually.
"Andddd this is your room!" Mai suddenly breaks him out of his thoughts. They walked all the way to a door. She flings it open, yanking Crona inside. He can't help to squeak. He freezes when he takes in the room. It's nice. A large bed. His own dresser. His own bathroom. It even has a TV.
"...I-Is this r-really my room?" Crona glances at Mai, bracing himself. He's never stayed in a room like this. He's spent most of his life at the asylum. When he was with Medusa she just tortured him. He stayed in the basement even before she started messing with his blood. This is too nice to give someone like him-
"The Mayor said this is your room so it is! Awesome right? That's why you need to be grateful! You need to show how grateful you are by your work!" Mai waves her finger at him. When she sees how Crona's eyes get wider and he looks around in amazement, she smiles. "It's really nice here. My life...hasn't been great. It was terrible before Maka came around. Because of her I get to live here. I'm protected and I feel needed. This place...it will be good for you too."
Protected? Needed?
Ragnarok is grumbling. He can make out cuss words but other than that it's garbled. He hopes he'll be able to completely understand him soon. Till then...he's on his own. Ragnarok has always protected him. He's never felt needed. He wonders...if it's all true. It seems too good to be true. Like maybe he really did die in that fight against Maka...
"Is t-this...h-heaven?" Crona mumbles, shifting his weight.
"Probably the closest I'll ever see." Mai beams. "You should take a nice shower. There's some pajamas set up for you there. They might be a little big but it's better then sleeping in dirty clothes. Leave your robe out by the door. I'm going to take it and give it to Master Damien to burn. You'll have your work attire tomorrow."
This robe that Medusa gave him. He's been wearing it since he's came out of the asylum. He feels more then ready to get rid of it. In a way he preferred his hospital gown.
Crona nods, keeping his head low, he moves towards the bathroom. He grabs the clothes set out for him. "...T-Thank you." He mumbles as he goes into the bathroom. He closes the door, letting out a sigh. It's no good. He's not good at talking with others. He just wants to hide himself away. He's going to have to interact with Mai every day. He'll have to get use to her.
There's no mirror here but maybe that's for the best. He can tell he doesn't look great. He doesn't feel great. Still as he turns on the water for the shower...Crona still can't help to think this is a dream. He throws his dirty torn robe towards the door before getting himself in the shower. It's nice. It feels too nice. He can't remember the last time he's had a shower like this. A normal one. He's by himself.
Crona hugs himself, letting the water wet his hair. It must be a dream. He can't stop crying. Does he really get to stay here? Can he really atone for what he's done?
Crona doesn't know how long he stays in the shower. No one gets mad at him. He's able to stay in there as long as he likes. He doesn't wake up. This is real.
And it feels...so nice.
It's not a dream. He's here. And he's working. The past week has been a blur for Crona. He wakes up early, gets dressed in his suit, and then gets trained by Mai. There's a lot that goes into cleaning and caring for a house. He's messed up so many times. Mai hasn't lost her patience with him yet. He's starting to get the hang of some things, and others not so much.
"Crona can I trust you to do this laundry?" Mai hands him a basket of clothes. It's heavy. He has to brace himself.
"I-I think s-so." Crona frowns. Is she leaving him? He can't help but frown when he notices the sharp toothed man is here. Soul is his name. He's been hanging around Mai a lot. Crona feels like he's been staring him down.
"Yeah you got this." Soul grins at him. Crona wishes he wouldn't.
"I'm just going to go help Soul with something." Mai's smile is strange. "Do your best! I'll be back!"
All Crona can do is watch Mai and Soul run off while he's holding a large basket of clothes. He's starting to shake. He shouldn't get so nervous. He's done this before! It's been a week of training...He can do this one thing by himself.
Crona takes a deep breath. He's terrified he's going to do something wrong. His brain is going in circles. First thing...he has to take these clothes to the washer. In his panicked state it takes him a bit but he finds the washer room. He dumps the clothes inside before taking a deep breath.
Next step... Crona tries to remember how much of the detergent Mai would put in. He's sure it was only one scoop. He puts it in before shutting the door. He's shaking like a leaf. The dials. Which one was it again?
"I-I got t-this." Crona mumbles as he flips the switch to normal and presses start. He screams when the machine does as it's told. He did it. He started it by himself. Crona sits there for a bit, wondering what he should do now. The clothes will take a bit to wash.. maybe Mai will be back soon?
Crona, not knowing what else to do...and feeling too nervous to wonder off by himself sits himself in the corner, hugging his knees to his chest. He'll wait for Mai to tell him what to do. He's not on his own yet. He wouldn't want to try to clean something if he's not suppose to clean it. Worse, he wouldn't want to run into Damien or Kid.
This whole week has been so busy that Crona hasn't gotten a glimpse of them. Which is good but he's not been able to see Maka either. Mai talks about her a lot. Maka spends her days training and working on potions. She spends the rest of her time with Kid.
Crona grips his knees. He tries not to think about that part. Crona knew he didn't like Kid as soon as he saw him.
"Yet you're cleaning his house." Ragnarok grunts. His voice is a whisper but Crona can understand him now. Mai has been giving him a potion every day that's supposed to help with their connection. She's been really helpful.
"I'm c-cleaning for Maka." Crona mumbles.
"Are you really going to sit here and be Maka's bitch now? We should get the fuck out of here. Hell get as far away from Medusa as possible. Let them kill each other-"
"N-No. I...I d-don't want to just run. Maka...s-she's giving me a chance-"
"A chance to be her bitch instead?"
"I don't f-feel like that. This work...i-it's nothing. She's n-nothing like Medusa. I'm learning...to d-do things."
"You-"
"Without Maka, i-i wouldn't be a-able to talk to y-you right now. I...I w-was scared without you." Crona closes his eyes tightly. Waiting for Ragnarok to call him every name in the book. It's the truth. It was worse being in that hell, not able to hear Ragnarok anymore. Wondering if he was truly alone in the madness.
"You can't get rid of me that easily."He snaps. "Stop being a dumbass." There's no bite to his voice.
"Crona what are you doing?" Crona tenses when Mai comes into the room. Her hair is a mess. Her maid's outfit is all ruffled too.
"Waiting for t-the clothes." Crona forces himself out of the corner. "W-Waiting for you to c-come back. I didn't know...w-what to do."
"You might need more direction then I thought. Maybe if I write you out a schedule?" Mai mumbles to herself. "Well the next thing we should do while the clothes are washing is more cleaning. We should check on lady Maka's room and see if she needs any towels or if her room needs to be cleaned."
"M-Maka's room?" Crona's eyes widen. Mai is already walking off so he quickly rushes after her, almost tripping on his own feet. "Is i-it okay to g-go in there?"
"Of course! You must knock first just in case she's there. At this time Master Kid should still be training with his father. There's a good chance Maka is out too." Mai leads them up to Maka's room. She knocks on the door without any hesitation. There's no response. She opens the door. "Come on. Lets get to work."
"W-Work?" Crona shuffles his way inside.
"Make her bed." Mai says. Crona can handle simple orders. He gets to work on straightening up the sheets like she taught him. He tries not to think about how Maka sleeps here. He tries not to smell too deeply either. "Check to see if they have towels." Crona checks her bathroom. They have plenty. "Vacuum and take out her trash."
"Where is t-the vacuum?" Crona frowns. He hates the vacuum. He knows it's about time he faces it alone.
"There's one in every closet in the hall." Mai stands there as Crona goes looking for it. He finds it and as he's pulling it into the room she starts to look around. "I'm going to leave you to do this by yourself Crona. Vacuum and take out her trash. By then the clothes should be done. I want you to go down and put them in the dryer by yourself too."
Crona swallows. He tries not to shake but it's in vain. He can do it. He knows he can do it.
"If you do need me I'll be in Soul's room. I'll be checking to make sure you do everything properly. Think of this as your first test." Mai waves as she walks out of the room.
A test. His first test.
"Stop shitting your pants and get started on vacuuming." Ragnarok snaps at him when he was just standing there shaking. "Who the hell is scared of vacuums? What are you a dog?"
"They're l-loud." Crona tries to justify it. Knowing there's no way out of it he plugs it in and like ripping a band aid off he flips the switch. Crona bites his lip so he doesn't scream this time as he rushes to clean the floor. It's a decent sized room. He tries his best, like Mai taught him. He still feels she did it better. Once it looks good enough he turns it off, breathing a sigh of relief when the sounds stop.
"Now trash..." Crona walks towards their trash can. He tries not to take note of what's inside but he can't help it. There's a lot of paper towels. Just as he's reaching to pull the small trash bag out-
"Snooping through my trash,Crona?"
Crona squeaks, nearly jumping off the floor from that voice. "I w-wasn't! I was j-just t-taking out your t-trash! I w-wouldn't do that! That's g-gross." Crona waves his hands, his throat tightening at really seeing Maka standing there. She's grinning at him, standing in the door way.
"Could have fooled me." She laughs. His chest is tightening. He can't stop looking at her. She's more beautiful than he remembers. "Our room doesn't look bad. You're starting to get the hang of this."
"D-Does it really l-look okay?" Crona feels his face heat up. He didn't do much but any praise works him up.
"Yeah it looks fine." She's staring at him. His heart is hammering in his chest. "Never thought I'd see you in a suit. The butler uniform looks good on you. You just need to fatten up a bit."
"I'm a-afraid I'll get too fat here." Crona smiles, averting his gaze from her. He's been eating well. The food is delicious and he gets three meals a day. Medusa didn't feed him much. The asylum fed him but not good food like he's getting here. He looks good in the uniform? There's no mirrors but hearing her say that makes him giddy.
"No way. Eat all you can. Maybe when you're feeling up to it you can join in for dinner."
"J-Join in?"
"Yeah, you can eat with me and Kid. We usually eat dinner together in the kitchen. Instead of taking your food to be by yourself, you can sit at the table."
"...I-I c-can do that?"
"I don't see why not."
"I...I d-don't think Kid would l-like that." Crona mumbles. He wants to eat dinner with Maka. Any excuse to see her he'll take but thinking about Kid also being there...it leaves a bad taste in his mouth.
"He's not going to bite your head off." Maka smirks. "You shouldn't try to avoid him. The only reason you're able to stay here is because Kid agreed to it you know? If he didn't, I wouldn't have been able to convince the Mayor to keep you alive."
"H-Huh?" Crona blinks. Kid is okay with him being here? Kid is the reason he's able to stay? Crona...never would have thought that. He thought for sure Kid would be against him. The fact he has a place to stay...is because Kid agreed to this?
"Not saying that Kid likes you but like I said he's not going to bite your head off."
Crona can't help to think that if the roles were reversed...he wouldn't allow Kid to live. He wouldn't let him stay around Maka. Kid is much kinder than he is. He's starting to feel guilty. If Kid won't fight him...then maybe he can be around Maka more. He would like to start with dinner.
"Speaking of Kid he's probably about done-" Maka turns. She's about to walk out.
"M-Maka I'll see y-you at dinner?" Crona asks, biting his lip when she blinks. "If t-t-that's okay."
"Yeah. I'll see you at dinner." She nods her head, giving him a smile. Then she's gone. Crona hurries to finish up in her room, taking the trash with him. He can't hide his smile. He makes his way to the washer room without any issues. He moves the clothes into the dryer. He did it by himself. He turned it on by himself too.
He loses his confidence now he's done with his tasks. Not knowing what else to do he sits in the corner and waits for Mai.
He hopes that Mai will also sit in for dinner. He wouldn't want to be the only helper there.
Does he...really deserve all of this? Is it okay?
"We have a full house tonight." The Mayor hums. He said he was cooking dinner tonight. A big dinner. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes. and mac and cheese. One of Maka's favorites. She's drooling over the food as he sets the table.
A table completely full.
Soul, Mai, Liz, Patty and...Crona. He's sitting next to Mai, his eyes glued to the table. He looks pale. He's tense like he's waiting for someone to yell at him. She meant it when she said it was fine. After everyone has a plate of food in front of them, the Mayor takes his seat next to Kid and hums.
"Well dig in~"
He doesn't have to tell her twice. She tears into her food, loving every minute of it. Everyone is eating and talking. Liz and Patty talking about some show they watched last night. Mai and Soul whispering stuff together. Kid and the Mayor talking about the techniques they used during training...
Crona, after seeing this, finally starts to relax. Watching him slowly eat is amusing. He really was expecting someone to yell at him. It makes her want to bully him. He's like a small animal. Though seeing him sitting here is a step in the right direction-
"Maka you're covered in food." Kid hums. She's become use to this routine.
"You know what I do." Maka lets Kid wipe her face. She's stop fighting it. It's his way of showing affection.
She feels like she's been stared at rather intensely. Kid has turned his attention to Crona. He's staring at them. Blue eyes lock with Golden. Crona's face gets pale but the way his face cringes makes it look like he's sizing Kid up.
Kid's expression falls into a small glare. Crona averts his gaze but his face is still wrinkled up. Huh. That's amusing too. She doubts Crona would be so bold as to start anything with Kid. She wonders if he knows how his face looked just then.
She's about to say something but the Mayor beats her to the punch.
"So Crona how has your training been going-" As soon as the Mayor spoke to Crona, he tensed up so bad you would think the temperature dropped suddenly.
"G-G-Great! Thanksfordinnerbye." And just like that Crona retreats to his room. He moved so fast. Though the bang that soon follows makes Maka believe he fell.
"Was it something I said?" The Mayor raises his eyebrow, looking at Maka.
"I guess it was too much for him. Pretty sure he's terrified of you and Kid."
"Terrified? Of little old me?" The Mayor chuckles.
"I don't think he's scared of me going by that look he was giving me." Kid mumbles, taking a sip of his tea.
"Well how is he doing Mai?"
"He's doing good Master Damien. He was able to do some things by himself. I'm sure soon he'll be cleaning like a pro!...if he has a schedule. He's a little rough around the edges but I can tell he's trying to be useful to you."
"We'll see." The Mayor glances at his son. He doesn't say anything but he can already see he's more relaxed now that Crona has left. "We searched where Crona said Medusa was hiding. She's already fled. With no leads to where she is we're stuck while she's recovering. She still has that werewolf and her monsters at her disposal."
"We got the silver to deal with the werewolf. We have the numbers against her." Soul finishes up his food.
"She doesn't have any more ties to witch hunters that we know of. With her recent attack the government is really focusing on hunting Medusa down. There's even a bounty on her head." Kid grabs her hand when he catches her frowning. "The more help we have the better. I know you want to be the one to kill her but with more eyes on her, she'll slip up. We'll find her."
"Yeah. It's about time we corner her for a change." Maka squeezes his hand. She's tired of this game of cat and mouse. She can't wait to sink her scythe into Medusa's flesh. Her revenge is close. It has to be. They almost had her. She won't get away next time.
"A-Alright next on the list..." Crona reads the piece of paper carefully. It's wrinkled and worn from how much he's been gripping it. Like a lifeline. Mai made it for him so he would know what to do. It's been a saving grace. He doesn't trust his own judgment of what he should be doing with his time.
Looking at the list, it's that time of day to check on Maka's room. He swallows thickly, trying to quell the nervousness and excitement he feels.
He could run into her today. He could also run into Kid. Around this time Kid should still be training. This is the only time he has a chance to see Maka alone if he's so lucky.
"Hurry it up." Ragnarok snaps, getting him to squeak. He rushes towards Maka's room. He's right. He'll get behind if he doesn't keep moving. "Aren't you bored of this yet? I know I'm fucking bored. All we do is clean and talk to the octopus bitch."
"I like it." Crona smiles. He's gotten much better at cleaning. He's only been here a month but he's getting use to living here. Some days are harder than others. Some days he just wants lock himself in his room. He doesn't.
He's doing good with his cleaning. He's eating well. He's gaining weight and getting good rest. He's never felt so healthy. He just wishes he could see Maka more. He's made sure to share dinner with her every day. Despite how tense it gets...Even if it's just for a moment, he wants to see her before he retreats back to his room. It's hard dealing with Kid and Damien. It still hasn't gotten any easier. Not that he sees them much. He sees them just as much as Maka.
Crona hasn't forgotten what Maka said. Kid is the reason he's here. He wants to...try to get along with him. Every time he even thinks about trying to interact with Kid, all it takes is for those golden orbs to lock on him and he gets all tense. He can't say anything to him, let alone keep eye contact.
Today will be different. Tonight he will keep eye contact with Kid...and maybe even say hi.
"I-I'm coming in." Crona knocks on Maka's door. There's no response but he likes to announce he's coming in anyway. Her room isn't dirty but he goes through his list. Her bed, the bathroom, the trash and vacuuming.
"You've gotten better." Crona jumps from that voice.
"M-Maka!" He can't contain his excitement. Finally! She's here so he can speak to her alone-
Kid is standing next to her. It looks like his training is done. He couldn't help it. He deflates when he sees him. He couldn't hide his disappointment. Kid notices, those golden orbs narrowing in displeasure.
Shit. Crona winces, wishing he could crawl into a hole somewhere. He wishes he could wear a mask to hide his expressions. "A-And K-Kid!" he tries act excited for him too but his face is too tense. This is the worse.
Ragnarok is cracking up. "You look like you took a bite out of a lemon. He's not buying that shit."
Maka is laughing too. At least she finds this amusing and isn't upset with him. "Mai said you were doing a lot better. It looks like you've gotten the hang of being a butler. At least the cleaning part."
"It's a-all thanks to her. If I d-didn't have this list...I w-would be a mess." Crona admits, gripping his paper like a charm.
"Still. You're doing good. Keep it up."
Crona's heart sores. He can't look at her. He feels his face heat up.
"If you're done Crona you can move on." Kid breaks in.
"..." Crona nods his head, worried about trying to make eye contact with him right now. Kid doesn't sound happy with him. He never is but...he's probably still mad about the facial expressions he made. He opens his mouth to say something to Kid...say something nice. Say anything. He can't. Now he's just standing here like an idiot and he can feel Kid's eyes glaring into him. Wanting to get away from this awkward tension Crona rushes out of the room like his life depends on it. He hears Maka say something to him but he's too nervous to stop.
Once he's downstairs he takes a deep breath, clutching his paper.
"Stop trying to play nice with him. You've always sucked at lying. Just man up and tell him to fuck off. He's probably up there now fucking Maka-"
"Ragnarok can you n-not bring that up?" Crona trembles. He bites his lip, staring at his list, trying to push that thought out of his head. He should focus on his work yet he's so frustrated. He can't do anything right. Why can't he say a simple hi to Kid? Why can't he push down this bitterness he feels?
"Crona are you okay?" Mai tilts her head. She's holding a basket of clothes and staring at him with concern. He relaxes when he sees her. "Did you finish up your work?"
"Yes. I'm done till d-dinner." Crona swallows. Mai has been kind to him. He feels like he can ask her questions. "...M-Mai...how can I g-get c-closer to K-Kid- I mean! M-Master Kid." He corrects himself. Mai wants him to address them with respect.
"You want to get closer to Master Kid?" Mai's eyes widen.
"I w-want to show him how g-grateful I am. I just...c-can't bring myself to t-talk to him. My f-face crunches up and I-I make him mad."
"Hmm...Yes Master Kid doesn't like you at all." Mai seems to think. "Maybe you could ask Master Damien about what you should do-"
"H-He's too s-scary! What i-if I try to talk to him and he d-decides to kill me? Or w-worse kick me out?"
"Master Damien wouldn't do that for just talking to him. He loves talking about his son. I bet it would make him more relaxed with you if you showed interest in Master Kid."
"...C-Can...c-can you help me talk to him?"
"I can get you started." Mai grins. She puts down her basket and grabs his wrist suddenly. "How about right now?"
"N-Now?! W-Wait i'm not-" He squeaks when she pulls him. He can't fight against her. He tries not to scream when he sees the Mayor is in the living room drinking tea. This is moving too fast. He notices them right away. He raises his eyebrow.
"Master Damien, Crona would like to talk to you." Mai shoves him forward before rushing off.
"M-Mai!"He calls for her but she's gone. He trembles, feeling Damien stare at him. He grabs his suit, trying to stop his trembling.
"Well Crona? You wanted to speak with me?" His voice is friendly. It still puts him on edge. Crona nods his head, his gaze darting around the room. He's too scared to make eye contact. "I'm all ears."
"..." Crona's teeth are chattering. He can't do anything. He's too scared to run. Too scared to speak. He's not strong enough.
"Take a deep breath Crona. I'm not going to hurt you. Why don't you sit down and have some tea?"
"K-Kid!" Crona blurts out.
"What about Kid?" Damien's tone changes. That's not good. He sounds suspicious.
"..." He can't stop shaking.
"Damn! Just fucking ask him! Stop looking like you're about to shit yourself. If you don't come out with it, I'm going to make you eat a bug when I gain control-"
"Whatdoeshelike?!" Crona screams, locking eyes with the Mayor. They widen like he wasn't expecting that. Crona looks away quickly. "Iwanttoshowmygratitude!"
"Oh? I'm surprised. It's obvious you don't like my son."
"M-Maka told me...he's the r-reason I was a-able to stay." Crona looks at his feet. "I'm n-not good with talking."
"Hmm..." The Mayor is staring at him closely. It sounds like he's smiling. "Why not make him something? I could tell you one of his favorite foods...and teach you how to cook it of course. Have you cooked before?"
"K-Kind of." Crona thinks about the cooking activity he did at the asylum.
"Well to the kitchen!"
"N-Now?!" Crona can't escape Damien's grasp. He didn't think Damien would want to teach him how to cook. Still...this might be what he needs.
"You're hunting tonight?" Maka frowns. It's been a month with no witch activity. Till now that is.
"Yes. There's been a witch spotted in our territory. It looks like she's trying to set up roots so we'll kill her quickly. It doesn't appear she has anything to do with Medusa." Kid smiles. He grips her hand. "It will be fine. You don't have to worry about me. I'll have Liz and Patty with me."
"I know but I want to be with you." Maka grumbles. They walk together to the dinner table. The Mayor is setting the table with Crona. She blinks at the state Crona is in. He's sweating hard. You'd think he just got done jogging. He's pale too. Paler than normal.
"It looks like it will be you and me tonight Maka." The Mayor chimes. He says it with a smile but it twitches. She knows he feels the same way. They both want to go on the hunt with Kid. "My son...going on a hunt by himself...without me..."
"Father I will be fine. Reports suggest it's a weak witch. You know this. You know I'll be fine."
"Yes I know but I can't help to worry."
"Right? Shouldn't we just go with?" Maka tries.
"No." Kid and the Mayor say at the same time.
"It's too dangerous to have you out and about. I'm on house duty as well so we'll have to hope the hunt goes smoothly."
"It will." Kid reassures. "Maybe this witch will have some information for us."
"I hope so." Maka sits down, wondering where everyone else is. The Mayor places food in front of her, himself and Crona. Kid raises his eyebrow. The Mayor coughs in his hand. Crona becomes stiff like a statue. He rushes off before running back with a plate in his hand-
He trips over his own feet, the plate splatting into Kid's chest.
"Crona!" Kid can't keep the anger out of his voice at having his suit dirtied.
Crona looks up from the floor in horror. He opens his mouth only for his face to scrunch up like he just ate a bug. Then he starts chuckling. Kid's glare deepens.
"Did you do this on purpose? Why were you touching my food to begin with?"
Crona stares at him. He's so concentrated on Kid's face. Like he's glaring at him.
"Oof." The Mayor winces when Crona gets off the floor and rushes out of the room. "Well that went terribly."
"What is the meaning of this father?" Kid fumes.
"The meaning of what son?"
"Why was Crona handling my food? Don't tell me he's now cooking our food? It's one thing having him cleaning but he could poison us-"
"Kid I don't think he'd do that-" Maka starts to defend. It was a reflex.
"He poisoned your mother!-" Kid freezes after bringing that up. He saw the way she tensed up. He bites his lip, feeling anger once again. For himself and for Crona. He snapped at her. His mood has been sour since Crona's moved in. It's not her fault. It's his fault for being weak. He worries all the time that Crona will somehow get Maka alone. He worries all the time that...Maka will go back to wanting Crona. He shouldn't feel like this. Maka hasn't changed since Crona's been here. She continues being close to him yet his jealously can't be contained. Just seeing her smile at Crona gets him worked up. He doesn't remember being so insecure. "...I'm sorry, Maka."
"I was watching him Kid. I wouldn't let him have the chance to poison us." The Mayor cuts in. He has a weird look on his face. It looks like he will say more but he doesn't. He leaves the room soon after.
"It's fine Kid. You're right. We should be cautious but as long as someone is watching him, it should be fine if he cooks. Not like he could get one past your father." Maka isn't angry with him. Really she's too soft on Crona. It's hard not to be when he's trying so hard. She can tell. She use to know him well or at least she thinks she use to know him well. She hasn't been avoiding Crona but she hasn't been seeking him out either. Mostly because she doesn't trust herself. Doesn't trust that she won't give in to her witch tendencies and try to harm him. Make him cry. Make him bleed. He did have a hand in her mother's death.
Another issue is Kid. She doesn't want to fan the flames of jealously. He's having a hard time with Crona here. He hasn't gotten use to it. Despite them both not seeing much of him, whenever he is seen, Kid is put in a horrible mood. He tries to hide it. He tries to act like he's fine. A part of Maka wants to push on this weakness. She wants to see him break.
She had stopped getting stronger and yet deep down she is a witch that likes cruelty. She'll fight that part of her with all she has. She doesn't want Kid to be upset but at some point he will have to get use to Crona.
If Crona continues to work hard he should be able to stay. That was the agreed upon deal. Maka doesn't regret it. Despite everything...Maka doesn't hate Crona. She's happy to see him thrive in this setting.
"You're right. I over reacted." Kid sighs, looking down at his ruined suit. " I have to change clothes and hopefully there's still some more food."
"If not you can have my portion. You need it more then I do with the hunt tonight."
"No I couldn't! I'll make something for myself if needed. You shouldn't skip meals-"
"I'm not pregnant yet so it's fine. Not a huge fan of this meatloaf. No offense to you or your dad." She knows it's Kid's favorite.
"Still you should keep your intake up just in case you do become pregnant. I looked it up. It says it could take a couple of weeks before it shows on a test." Kid strokes her hair. When she leans into him, those golden orbs soften. Whatever feelings of unease he has disappear for now. Still Kid gets another familiar look in his eyes as he grabs Maka's hand and leads her up stairs with him. Looks like Kid wants her to help him get changed for the hunt. She smirks.
She's happy to help.
"How long are you going to cry like a bitch?" Ragnarok snaps at him. Crona hugs his legs closer to his chest, sitting in the corner of his room. He can't help his tears.
"I-I worked h-hard on that food. I j-just had to drop it o-on him! And-" The look Kid gave him. The anger. The disgust. Crona made it worse he knows by laughing. He got nervous and didn't know what to do. It just came out. The Mayor had gone through the trouble of showing him how to make the meatloaf too. The Mayor helped him a lot. It was more like the mayor made it and Crona assisted but still. He was working hard for Kid. And like all things he has to mess it up. Kid probably thinks he threw the food at him on purpose.
Still...Crona can't help to be angry. With himself and with Kid. It's hard on him. Just seeing his face. He can barely look at him. He can't. He wishes Kid would disappear but he can't think like that. Maka said he is the reason he's here. He should be grateful. He tried. Kid doesn't want anything to do with him. He finally made eye contact him just to see him glare at him like he's a bug. A bug he wants to squish.
"I say fuck him! Why the fuck are you trying to make that asshole food anyway? He's only letting you live here because he's fucking Maka."
Crona flinches. He tries hard not to think about that. Of course he knows. He's heard them go at it more then once. "...But he could have told Maka no. She said if he had she would have let it go. I wouldn't b-be here." Crona tenses when someone comes into his room. He didn't lock the door.
Mai spots him and sighs. "...Master Damien told me what happened."
"I m-messed up. Now h-he hates me more." Crona mumbles, averting his gaze from those concerned eyes.
"You just have to try again. No reason to give up and cry in the corner! Master Damien said that he would teach you to cook again if you like. I'm sure Master Kid will come around if you shower him with kindness."
"...Y-You think so?" Crona wonders. He wonders if he didn't trip and gave him the food if Kid would even attempt to eat it. He questioned why he was even touching his food. It seems like it's a lost cause. Crona wants nothing more then to just give up but then things will stay like this. He wants to be able to be closer to Maka. Maka is close to Kid. She wants him to get along with Kid. Crona owes his life to her. She allowed him to live. She let him have this second chance.
"Lets go clean up the kitchen. I'll help you with your chores." Mai grins. "And I promise. Just keep trying. Don't give up. I got your back."
Crona's chest feels warm. An ally. It's nice having Mai here. It's nice being here. He can't give up if she wants him to keep going. He has work to do. He forces himself up, wipes his eyes of the tears and follows her out to finish his duties.
The heat where she pats him on the back feels nice. Maybe this is what it's like to have a friend.
Another two weeks have passed. Crona has gotten efficient with his chores but he still needs his list. He has cooking lessons with Master Damien almost every day. He's learning a lot and he likes to cook. He still hasn't attempted to give any of his cooking to Kid. He's scared to. Master Damien told him it might take some time before Kid would eat his cooking. Still he teaches him. One day he will give something to Kid. Crona will have to brace himself for Kid's rejection. As of right now he couldn't take it. He still can barely make eye contact with him.
Crona has finished his chores for the day early so he decides to watch Maka and Kid train. It's a way for him to get use to looking at Kid too.
"I wonder if we're going to see Maka get her ass beat by the Mayor." Ragnarok chuckles. He likes watching the training surprisingly. He just likes fighting. When they train they take it seriously. Crona wonders if the sisters will be with them today. When he gets outside he finds that it's only Kid, Maka and the Mayor.
Crona takes his seat, crouched down in the bushes. He isn't confident enough to sit out in the open and watch them. He worries if Kid would glare at him or if the Mayor would tell him to get back to work. He's finished his work. He just feels guilty watching them while they are working so hard. He's more comfortable hiding.
"Like a creep. Crona get your ass out of the bushes already. What the hell are you scared of? You got me don't you? I'll kick Kid's ass if he tries anything."
"Ragnarok you can't even take hold of my body yet." He has gotten stronger but he's still not strong enough to possess him. "A-And it's not that I'm scared of K-Kid...it's just e-easier this way. I'm not in the way."
Ragnarok grumbles but gives up. Crona isn't going to move from this spot. He watches carefully as Maka spars with the Mayor. She's so quick and she moves the scythe well. She's cool. Too cool. Strong and powerful. Maka is too bright.
The Mayor is scary with how he pushes Maka back. He only has one arm and yet he still gets the upper hand on her. He also went against his mother and lived. He almost killed her too. He is unyielding.
Soon enough Kid and the Mayor are going at it. Kid is sharp and fast with his ax. Crona knows that he could cut him to pieces if he wanted to. Without his cursed blood he can't do anything. He's gained some weight but he's still small. He has no muscles. It's hard to look at Kid even when he's hiding. Kid is everything he's not. He feels himself sink more into the bushes watching him parry the Mayor's ax with his own. Maka is watching him intently too. Her eyes on him. Always on him-
Suddenly Crona feels something on his leg. He looks down and can't help his scream. He rushes out of the bushes, falling on his butt away from the danger. A snake. A snake is in the bushes. His heart, it's seizing up. Has Medusa come for him? The snake has slivered out of the bush. It's coming towards him. He can't breathe-
The snake is sliced in half before it can reach him by a scythe.
"You alright?" It's Maka. She's looking at him with her eyebrow raised.
"It's M-Medusa!" He can't help it. He clings to her, hiding behind her from the snake. Once behind Maka he has the courage to look at the Snake...it's black. No markings. Crona was wrong. It's just a normal snake. He freaked out for no reason. Now he's clinging to Maka and shaking for no reason. "S-Sorry Maka I thought...I-It might have been her but it's n-not."
"What's going on?" Soon enough Kid and the Mayor rush over.
"Nothing Crona thought this snake was Medusa's but it's not. I killed it so there's nothing to worry about." She glances back at him.
"What on earth were you doing in the bushes?" Kid is staring him down. He realizes he's still clinging to Maka. He quickly lets go and moves away from her, almost tripping over himself. "Were you spying on us?"
Crona feels all eyes on him. He opens his mouth but he can't say anything. He was spying on them. He wonders if he should try to say sorry. Try to say anything but now everyone is staring at him and he's not speaking. He is just making himself look more suspicious. "I-I wanted to w-watch M-Maka-" Now that sounds creepy. He doesn't need to look at Kid to know he's glaring at him. The air is tense.
"You interested in witch hunting?" Maka breaks into the tension. He's able to look at her. She's grinning. She's giving him a way to make this better.
"Y-Yes!" He nods quickly.
"You could have just said so. You didn't have to hide in the bushes." She sounds amused. She's the only one. "What do you think Mayor? You think you can train him as a witch hunter?"
Oh no. He doesn't like where this is going.
"It would be a challenge." The Mayor is staring at him. He's about to decline-
"But not impossible! Crona you should train to be a witch hunter. You need to learn how to fight to be useful to me." Maka chimes.
She isn't wrong. As he is right now he can't do anything. He couldn't even do anything about a snake.
"Lets fucking do it." Ragnarok sounds like he's smirking.
"I won't go easy on you Crona. Be up by 5am. We start tomorrow." The Mayor is taking this seriously. Crona can't deny him.
"Are you sure about this father?" Kid doesn't like the idea.
"It can't hurt. If we're having him around he can learn how to fight."
Kid looks like he wants to say more. He grabs Maka's hand and whispers something to her and they leave. Crona is sure Kid wants to talk about him. Crona stands there, gripping his arm. His mind is going in over drive. Him? A witch hunter? Ragnarok can't possess him yet so it's going to be all him.
"You thought this snake was Medusa. How could you tell it wasn't?" The Mayor's questions break him out of his thoughts.
"Her s-snakes have a mark on them. I t-thought...she had sent one to punish me."
"Hmm." He hums. Crona is starting to tremble from having the Mayor stare at him for so long. "Are you done with your work?"
"Y-Yes! I w-wasn't skipping out of work to w-watch you!"
"I wasn't saying you were. Are we cooking today?"
"...P-Please." Crona glances at the Mayor, trying to keep eye contact. He's smiling at him. He's still wary. Crona isn't allowed to cook by himself so he needs the Mayor's supervision. Mai is too busy for him most of the time. She spends all her time with Soul.
"Then lets get started on dinner."
"P-Please no more!" Crona begs when the Mayor takes another swing at him. He's drenched in sweat. He's unable to move any more. His muscles are screaming at him. The Mayor freezes in his attack, those golden orbs narrowing.
"You can keep going." He pushes him. "In a real battle, no one is going to stop because you beg."
"I k-know!" Crona is frustrated. Frustrated at himself. It's been a week of this. A week of training as a witch hunter. He's gotten up every day at 5am to go on a run with everyone. Kid and Maka included. The first day he passed out before he made it halfway through the run. Crona never realized just how out of shape he is. Finally he's able to complete the jog, though he's still finishes far behind everyone else.
After the run he goes to do his morning chores while Kid and Maka train with the Mayor. After lunch it's his turn to train. He is relentless.
Crona grips the hilt of his sword. It's the weapon he chose on his first day. It's the only weapon he's familiar with. It's not a sword made of his blood but it feels good in his hand. Crona wouldn't do good with an ax and he's not skilled enough to even swing a scythe correctly. He wouldn't want to copy Kid either. This sword was his only choice.
And still he can barely fight with it. All he's been doing this last week is trying to defend against the Mayor. Forget trying to go on the offensive.
"Focus!" He's on him. Crona trembles, trying to parry the ax- The sword gets knocked out of his hand, and next a fist is colliding with his stomach. It knocks the wind right out of him and he's thrown to the ground. Crona wheezes, holding his gut. He feels the bile rise up in his throat but he swallows it down. He won't throw up anymore. He'll eat this pain. He has to. He's been through worse. "...That's enough for today. Are you helping with cooking dinner tonight?"
"...Y-Yes please." Crona forces himself up. Everything hurts. Still despite how exhausted he is, he makes sure he cooks.
"What the hell is the point in cooking? You can barely stand." Ragnarok's voice is much louder. Crona hopes that he can see him soon. He hasn't been able to manifest. "Just forget about it."
"I want to cook R-Ragnarok." Crona mumbles. It's fun. He feels like he's doing something. He assists with dinner and Maka gets to eat the food he's had a hand in making. He still hasn't gifted Kid anything but still he has trouble dealing with him. He can't stop his face from scrunching up when he's around.
He takes a shower and meets the Mayor in the kitchen. He's already working on the prep work.
"I see you haven't had any luck with my son." The Mayor brings up as Crona starts to chop up the vegetables like he's been taught to do. Crona tenses. Normally the Mayor doesn't say much to him while they cook unless it's instructions.
"N-No..." Crona averts his gaze. "I m-made him angry when I d-dropped the food on him."
"That you did." He hums. "Have you given up on trying again?"
"I h-haven't but I...I c-can't even talk to him. I g-get too nervous. It's hard to m-make eye contact." Crona has gotten more comfortable with the Mayor. He's been around him a lot. He's rough but he's not cruel with his training.
"I've been told I look just like my son. You could practice on me." It sounds like he's grinning.
"I d-don't know how to d-deal with that."
"Come on."
"Y-You're scary too." Crona mumbles.
"I've been told." The Mayor is still pushing. He always pushes him. "You won't get anywhere if you continue on like this. It would help my son if he was aware of your feelings. Just having you here has been a blow to him."
"I k-know he h-hates me."
"Glaring at him whenever you see him doesn't help that."
"I d-don't mean to glare! I c-can't control my face!"
"Work on it. Talk to me like you want to talk to my son."
"..." Crona swallows, glancing up at the Mayor. He staring at him with a blank expression. It is strange how alike they look. They could be twins if not for the Mayor being taller and the full three white lines in his hair. The Mayor has a different air than Kid. His eyes don't hold that same flame. Crona is able to hold his gaze. He wouldn't be able to if he was truly Kid. What does he want to say to Kid? Should he just say thank you? There's more he wants to say but he could start with that. Also just saying Hi to him.
"...H-H-Hi" He squeaks out.
"..." The Mayor doesn't respond to him for a moment. "You squeeze your eyes shut like your expecting a hit. Why don't you just say hi with a smile."
"T-That's hard to do."
"Try."
"H-Hi." Crona grimaces.
"Try again."
They go through this for awhile as they cook. The Mayor keeps trying to get him to smile properly. Just thinking about smiling at Kid and saying hi makes his stomach turn. He's got to do better. If he can get close to Kid...He can get closer to Maka-
"You trying to get some too?" Ragnarok sounds like he's smirking. " You can do all this shit. Cook for him, try to talk to him but if you're trying to get some with Maka, it's all for nothing. That fucker is jealous from you just being here."
Crona freezes. He was setting the table. He couldn't ignore what Ragnarok just said.
"J-Jealous?" Crona scoffs.
"He's a jealous mother fucker. It doesn't matter what you do. He isn't going to come around to you. I know his type."
"W-What would he be j-jealous of?" Crona finishes putting the plates down.
"You got to her first. He's the type of guy to hate that shit. She had the hots for you first. He's got his panties in a bunch because he's fucking scared of you. Scared you're going to steal his girl."
Crona can't believe that. It's true that he use to kiss Maka. It's true they use to touch a lot more. It's true that he loves her. Still he can't believe that someone like Kid feels threaten by him. Maka has been all over Kid. They are much more intimate then they ever were. Kid? Threaten and jealous of him? It's enough to make him laugh. He can't stop the giggle from escaping his lips.
"You alright Crona?" Mai's voice gets him to tense. She's looking at him with a frown. Oh no. He probably looked crazy laughing to himself like that.
"I-I'm fine. R-Ragnarok just told me a funny j-joke." Maybe it's because Mai has been kind to him. He finds himself talking. "He s-said Kid is j-jealous of me."
"Not really a joke. I believe he's right."
"Isn't that crazy- w-wait what?" Crona looks at her with wide eyes.
"Crona the food is all done." The Mayor calls for him. He wonders if he heard their conversation. Mai doesn't look like she's joking. She's tilting her head at him. Crona swallows whatever he's feeling and goes to get the food.
"Told you." Ragnarok sneers.
Impossible. How stupid can Kid be?
"The fact he's scared means you might have a chance. Maybe Maka still has a boner for you."
He couldn't hope for that. He shouldn't even think of it. He doesn't deserve her affection. He's trying to get on Kid's good side. Not make him an enemy for life. His father has been so kind to him. If he gets it in his head that he could take Maka away from Kid...It will drive him mad with what ifs.
Crona doesn't remember bringing out the food. Nor does he remember Soul, Liz and Patty coming to the table but here they are. Sitting and waiting to eat. Maka and Kid walk into the room. When he sees Kid, he's finally able to blurt something out.
"H-Hi Kid!" Crona shouts. It was a lot louder then he thought. He got Liz to jump in her seat. Kid looks confused and now he's staring at him. Crona tries to hold contact. He tries to smile but it doesn't feel right on his face. This is nerve wracking. He wants to crawl in a hole and die-
"Hello." Kid gives him a slow nod. It's enough that Crona sighs loudly. He did it. He said hi. Maka is laughing. She looks so pretty when she's smiling.
"Hi Maka." Crona can't help to greet her too. When she gives him a smile he feels his face get hot- Kid is glaring at him again. He wishes he could wear a mask. Maybe he would have better luck with hiding his feelings.
The rest of the dinner is strange for Crona. Everyone is talking and eating. Maka is talking to Kid. He's staring at them. Only when Maka locks eyes with him does he realize he's been staring too hard.
"How's your training going Crona?" She's too kind.
"It's o-okay." He averts his gaze feeling a lot of eyes on him.
"He's got a long way to go but he's making progress." The Mayor gives him a nod of encouragement.
"That's great Crona!" Mai smacks him on the back, making him choke on the water he was drinking. "You'll be killing witches in no time!"
"I don't k-know about that." Crona feels himself get pale. Him? Fighting witches? Sane and as himself?
"I want to see what you can do Crona. How about we spar tonight?" Maka is smirking.
"You want to s-spar?" Usually Maka spends her evening with Kid- oh yeah. He has to hunt tonight with Liz and Patty. Kid is chewing slowly. He doesn't say anything though. "I w-won't be much of a match for you."
"You better try or you'll leave hurting. Come get me when your done with the rest of your chores. I'll probably be in my room."
Crona saw the tensing in Kid's shoulders. If just a bit. That look in those golden orbs when they make eye contact. He was staring at him too hard. He just can't believe it. It's true isn't? Crona starts to giggle again. He can't help it. It's so silly. Crona is the one who's jealous. Crona is the one who lost.
"What are you laughing at?" Kid's voice gets him to snap his mouth shut. He bites his lip.
"N-N-Nothing. Just e-excited to spar." Crona looks down at his food. He's not helping his case with Kid. Kid isn't happy that Maka is going to spar with him. He should try to get Kid something. He should try to talk to him. If he's ever going to bridge this gap between them he knows he has to get closer to Kid before he gets closer to Maka. He didn't think he would get a chance to be with Maka alone already. Even if it's sparing. He can't contain his excitement. He knows he has a weird look on his face.
"...Soul." Kid locks eyes with the assassin.
"I got it." They nod.
Maybe it's because Crona is in a good mood. Maybe it's because he's practice talking with the Mayor that he's able to approach Kid when he's alone. Everyone had left while Kid was talking to the Mayor. Now that the Mayor has gone into the kitchen, Kid is by himself. When Crona takes a step towards him, Kid is quick to lock eyes with him. His face is stone. Crona tries not to freeze over from such a look.
"..."
"What is it?" Kid speaks first. "I noticed you've been waiting for me. Don't you have a work to do?"
Crona nods his head trying to think of what to say.
"I may be gone for most of the night but don't think I would trust you alone with Maka. Soul will be keeping a close eye on you."
So that's what that was about. Is he worried about him sparing with Maka? Or...is he worried about something else? Crona can't believe it. He still can't wrap his head around it. Before he knows it words are spilling from his mouth.
"Are you jealous?" That came out wrong. He couldn't help but wince after he said it. Kid's eyes flare with anger.
"Jealous? Of what?" He's trying to keep himself composed. "You almost killed Maka. To have you anywhere near her makes me want to throw up. Maka has chosen to forgive you but I haven't. You have harmed her time and time again. I won't let you harm her any longer."
Crona flinches from the bite in his voice. He doesn't hide his hate. Everything he says is true. So he's not jealous. He's just worried that Crona will hurt Maka. Maybe he hates that fact Maka has forgiven him. Maybe he wishes that he could have killed him.
"He says all this but he's still fucking jealous. You pissed him off by calling him out."
Still...Crona made that come out wrong. Why can't he do anything right? How can he amended this? "S-Sorry." Crona is able to get out, not able to keep his gaze any longer.
Kid doesn't say anything more to him. He just walks out of room. The first time he's gotten to talk to Kid alone and he goes and messes it up. Crona feels guilty about sparing with Maka now. He's right. He doesn't deserve any kindness from her. He's hurt her. He's betrayed her. And so...He tells Mai to let Maka know he doesn't feel well to spar. He goes to his room and turns in early after his chores. He can't get Kid's hateful eyes out of his mind.
He doesn't deserve to be here. It's true. He's a parasite.
"Fuck that guy. What does it matter if he forgives us or not? Crona...we can get him back. We-"
Crona drowns him out. He falls asleep. He forces himself to sleep. He wants this day to be over. He has a busy day tomorrow.
