I was so motivated to write after reading the few reviews I gotten when I updated. I spent the day writing this and couldn't wait to share it with everyone! Thank you for supporting me even though I had spent so long not updating, it really means a lot to me.

Enjoy!

16. Excuses - Crona

Soft steps filled the active hallway as she maneuvered her way through it. It was easy, for one, people ignored her, and for two, she was swift on her feet. Her body danced and twirled around each body in her way, not losing her pace. She had one destination in mind and she was almost there. She clutched her notebooks to her chest, her heart fluttering inside her rib cage.

Most of the hallway was clear the further she went into the school. Soon there were only a few people and her as they both walked in separate ways. Her heart sped up as she saw her destination ahead. The double doors of the school library. Bubbles of giddiness welled up inside her throat and she sped up to reach the doors quicker.

It was just within reach. A few more steps, and her goal would be hers. Pale fingers reached out, barely grazing the cool, rounded door handle. Before she could even get a full grip on the door, a voice called her name from behind. Her heart stopped for a mere moment as she felt the door handle slip from her fingers. Rubbing her lips together, she faced the person, plastering a smile on her face, despite her disappointment.

"Maka, what a surprise." She awkwardly laughed out, hoping to not seem too out of place. The girl in front of her seemed not to pay her weirdness any mind as she approached.

"I was looking for you." She simply stated, holding her own stack of books.

"Oh, I was going to the library." Her eyes nervously shifted back and forth around the hall, noticing they were alone.

"What for?" She asked innocently, not sensing Crona's eagerness to depart from this conversation.

"Uh, I was going to… study." She murmured, her cheeks flushing up at her excuse; thoughts drifted to the subject she would be studying. It was a simple excuse, but believable.

"Oh? We could study together!" Maka leaned forward, a bright smile on her face. Crona grimaced, knowing that would not be plausible with what she was actually going to be doing.

"Umm...uh… I actually wanted to study… alone, if that was okay?" Her voice was strained as the words spewed out, rushing out the end part as quickly as she could. She couldn't believe she was asking permission about this.

"Oh, I mean yeah!" Maka couldn't hide the disappointment to appear on her face. Crona felt super bad. "But let me know if you need any help, I am the master at studying." Maka bounced back as quickly as she became upset.

The other girl turned around, sending a small wave toward Crona as she disappeared down the hallway. Crona felt her hand go up in a wave in return, sluggishly gesturing back, even long after Maka faced away. A sigh escaped her, shoulders slumping in relief. She finally pulled open the door, slipping into the library with ease. Again, she lightly jogged between bookshelves to a room in the back. She slowed her pace, exhaling heavily as her heart sped back up, pounding in her chest now. She was standing right in front of another door situated at the back of the library.

Shaky fingers grasped the doorknob, opening it. Bright, doe like eyes scanned the small room. It was like a private lounge. For a split moment, she thought she approached the wrong room. Then her blue eyes met his golden ones. He already donned a smile as she peered into the room, unsure.

"Crona," He simply spoke, rising out of the chair he was in. Her heart never felt like it would break out of her chest than in this moment. A nervous, but extremely elated smile appeared on her face as she entered the room, closing the door softly behind her, as if she was afraid of disturbing the quiet.

"Kid," She breathed, setting aside her books and strolled right up to him. He met her halfway across the room, enveloping her in a hug instantly. She pressed her burning face into his shoulder, wrapping her arms around his torso, clinging as if he would disappear. She really had to come up with better excuses so she wouldn't be away from his presence a moment more than needed.

17. Vengeance - Kid

A choked scream ripped from his chapped lips, agony evident in his vocal cords. Hot, fresh tears streamed down his dirt caked face, pain bursting inside his heart, aching. Black blood formed a puddle around her almost lifeless body as soon as she hit the ground. Ignoring what battle was occurring, knowing the others could hold them off for a few moments - they had to. They had to.

He dashed across, finding himself planted next to her. Her pink hair was staining black as it soaked up the liquid around her. His beloved was face down in the dirt, barely moving at this point. He set aside Patty and Liz next to them; the two still in their gun forms. Trembling hands grasped her thin shoulders, turning her over to face upward. A groan escaped the girl in his arms, and he felt relief wash over him; she wasn't lost yet. Not yet. Not yet. NOT YET- breathe.

His eyes refocused on her form, her blue eyes staring up at him not completely lifeless. Blood seeped out the corner of her mouth and he immediately went to wipe it away, only causing a smear instead. His mind was screaming at him - perfection ruined; must help - she will live. Her face was blurring as tears ran freely down his face, some droplets landing on her head and face. Why wasn't her body healing itself back up? WHY?! She opened her mouth as if she was going to speak, only to not. Quivering hands brushed her hair back from her face and over her cheek, shoulder, anything he could get his hand on to make sure she was there - alive.

"Kid!" He hadn't even noticed Liz had transformed back and was using Patty in place of him, attempting to protect the three.

"What?!" He snapped his head up at her, frustrated not being able to fix this. He had to fix this. He would be unsymmetrical without her - without Crona, he was nothing but half of a whole.

"Go, I'll tend to Crona." Straining, she kneeled near him, practically shoving Patty into his hands.

"No…" He whispered, his throat scratching itself as he tried to get the tears to stop. Liz pried Crona from his grasp, ripping the dress that their pink haired friend was wearing. "NO!" He snapped back at seeing her pale legs appear before them.

"Kid, they need you." Liz was begging at this point, pulling the cloth around where Crona was hit. He couldn't tell if it was working, everything was black. His hands were covered in the dark liquid that was her blood. Patty was loose in his hands. "Hey, Focus!" Liz grabbed his shoulder roughly, pulling him toward her. They were both hovering over Crona's unmoving body.

"...Kid." At her voice, although haggard and almost unhearable, he was bent down to her, holding her face with one of his hands.

"I'm here, my love, I'm here." He choked out his words, hoping this wasn't the last time he heard her call him. Crona somehow found the strength to raise her hand to his cheek. It was barely a touch with her weakness, but he cherished it, removing his hand to hold her cold, shaking fingers.

"Go..I'll be fine." Although she was in pain that he could only compared to how his heart felt, she managed the smallest of smiles toward him. His hand quivered as he accepted her request, pulling her hand to his lips and giving it a firm kiss.

"I'll be back, love." He never meant a promise as much as he did in this moment. Crona didn't respond, only keeping her eyes open enough for him until he left. He rose to his feet, clutching Patty with a new purpose. "Take care of her." Liz nodded, wincing at his hardened gaze. It wasn't directed to her, but toward the fiend that dared to lay a finger on Crona.

He whipped around, wrapping both hands around Patty's grip, something he hated with his core. This was a prime example of how his life would be without Crona; only half as powerful, only half as whole. They were going to pay; he would get his vengeance.

18. Love - Crona

Sun filtered into the dark room, casting light against the sleeping form in bed. Birds chirped outside, flying by the open window. A breeze blew by, ruffling the curtains in response. A chill ran up her bare back when the wind hit her. Small fingers pressed the soft blankets to her flat, naked chest as her pink hair fell in her face, unkempt. Soft, doe eyes gazed down at the sleeping man, a thousand thoughts crashing around in her head.

His sleeping form was the most peaceful she had ever seen him. Hesitantly, her curious fingers extended to his unmoving form. The tips of her fingers grazed his black and white hair, brushing the strands out of his face. His pale skin clashed with his dark, long eyelashes; it made her heart skip a beat. Her fingers danced down the side of his face, feeling how soft his skin actually was; he was beautiful.

Crona didn't even know how they arrived at this point in time. Her awakening before him after a questionable, but consented night. This wasn't the first time this scene has occurred, nor did she think it would be the last. Her heart ached at the thought, unsure of the future they were headed down by continuing this path. They weren't in a relationship, no mention of it either. It was like they came together on nights where they both felt alone in the world. They gave each other comfort.

She frowned, removing her fingers from his face. His face scrunched up briefly, before slipping back to the peaceful expression. She should go, but her body stayed planted on the bed. She had to go, other thoughts clouded her judgment. She tried not to make it a habit where she stayed until he woke up. It only would be awkward for both parties. But, something was stopping her. She felt the ache in her heart at the thought of never seeing this side of him again. Ideas were tossed around her head, conflicting her decision.

She didn't want to go. She ached to see the golden hues peek out behind his sleepy eyelids this morning - every morning. She wanted to be here, present in his life. Shock went through her body at the conclusion of her thoughts. She mentally took a step back, feeling herself cross an invisible line.

Was this love?

At the revelation, tears welled up in her eyes. She knew the answer was yes. She loved him. She wanted to be the one that he ran to when he needed her. The one to eat breakfast with, to walk with, to hold, to touch, to kiss. Cheeks flushed, as she wiped at the few tears that appeared. There was no place for her in his life, besides the occasional one night stand. Pain shot through her heart.

At that, she stood more aggressively than she should have, and gathered her clothes. She dressed with what was necessary and headed for the bedroom door, patting down her hair. Her hand was on the doorknob when she heard him shift in the bed.

"Crona?" She froze, locked into place, unsure if she should leave now, or hear what he had to say to her. "Where are you going?"

"Uh…" Her body moved by itself, turning to face the sleepy shinigami. His bare chest was now bathed in the sunlight, causing her to blush - not like she hasn't seen it before. His golden hues gleamed in the sunlight, staring at her with half lidded eyes. Her heart pounded in her chest; he was too much. She loved him; too much.

"Come back to bed…" He yawned into his hand casually, reaching out with the same one toward her. She was frozen in even greater shock at his words and actions. What? Again, her body chose to move without her consent. She set down her remaining clothes and found herself placed back in the spot she left before.

His arms were eagerly awaiting her, wrapping his warm body around her colder one. He didn't seem to mind, holding her close. She knew he could feel her heart beating its way out of her rib cage. But - was his heart doing the same? She could feel it clearly against her own chest.

He leaned back to stare down at her, a loving expression on his face. His hands cupped her face, hair sticking in between his fingers - god how unsymmetrical did she look like? They gazed at each other as he gently twirled a few strands of her hair. It felt like an eternity later, when he closed his eyes again, pulling her face toward his. She gasped as their lips touched and she closed her eyes in response. Her trembling hands rested on his waist, holding him. The kiss was slow and light, not like their usual touch starved ones.

Did he love her too?

Hope sprung in her chest as he finally pulled back. He brushed both his hands through her hair, fixing it in a way that pleased him. He pulled her back down toward the bed, cuddling close together. She didn't know what she did to deserve this, but she wanted to savor every second.

Maybe this was love.

19. Tears - Kid

Nimble fingers tugged at the collar of his shirt, feeling unnaturally warm in the building. Golden hues scanned the unnecessary crowd of people that arrived at the event. It seemed like the whole city was present for this occasion; it unnerved him. Even though it was partially his fault, he needed an equal amount of people on either side. It would have irked him to no end if not. He pulled at his collar once more, feeling uneasy. His father placed a hand on his shoulder, causing him to fold his arms behind his back. They didn't need to exchange words for him to understand he should be patient.

He wasn't only impatient, he was nervous; not an emotion he showed heavily in his day to day. He was calm and collected. This was so unlike him, but it made the most sense. The stress was eating away at him. Just that morning he chewed out a poor worker about how the seating was a foot off from all the others. He was ashamed to admit that he still tended to overreact over the alignment of chairs. He had to chalk it up to the stress of making this the perfect day.

He was brought out of his thoughts as a piano started playing in the far back of the room. Everyone who was seated in front of him shifted in their seats to face the other way from him. He sucked in a breath, awaiting for the double doors to open. And they eventually did, mere seconds later, although it felt like a lifetime for him.

The first set of people to appear were Maka and Soul. The sandy haired female already appeared as if she cried her eyes out. And despite that, she wore a proud smile. His eyes went just behind them to the next duo as they approached. Liz and Patty, his two best girls. His heart swelled in pride at their matching suits. Patty caught his eye, giving him a wave as they strolled along like this was a casual walk in the park. If only. Anxiety crept up his spine the longer the melody played in the background. It was deafening as Soul and Maka went their separate ways, the fair headed male coming to his side.

Gold met ruby as the other male gripped his shoulder before standing behind him. It reassured him, at least, for the moment. Following the two sisters were BlackStar and Tsubaki. The taller female somehow corralled BlackStar in wearing a suit that actually matched everyone else. He was pleasantly surprised. The two sisters parted ways, Liz making her way to his side, while Patty stood next to Maka. It was agony watching the last pair stroll along. He shifted on his feet, becoming uneasy once again. The last two took their places on either side of Kid.

His eyes closed as he breathed in deeply. Moments passed as he inhaled and exhaled to calm himself down. The notes on the piano changed ever so slightly, signaling the grand finale. When his eyes opened again, the breath he managed to calm was quickly sucked back into his body at what he saw.

Bubblegum hair was piled on top of her head as the thin, opaque cloth rested over her head and face. Even though it did obscure her features, he could see her perfectly. She wore an off the shoulder, white dress. Delicate stitching formed patterns around her midsection and flared down in a symmetric pattern along the skirt length. Through the veil, her face was cherry pink as her blue eyes danced around the room.

She was all alone as she took shaky steps down the aisle. This was by her choice, even if he wished he could run to her side right now to shield her from the spying eyes off the town. His hand gripped together behind his back, keeping himself anchored there. Sparkles glitter off her veil as the light from the window cast over it.

Her eyes caught his and it was like her resolve was renewed. Crona's back straightened and with each step, her confidence grew. A smile fell onto his lips as she fell into a pace that wasn't rushed or too slow. This was for them, after all. He didn't mind if she took her time, as long as she was happy. As she approached, he untangled his fingers from each other and stepped down, reaching out his hand to her.

In her hands, she clutched a bundle of purple and white chrysanthemums; an honor to death. Maka had also moved forward, offering her hand out. Crona only removed her eyes from his for a mere second as she handed off the bouquet. The sandy haired female stepped back to her original position.

Trembling fingers met each other as their hands collided. His hold was firm, but gentle as he led her the few steps she had to take. Everything was in place with her here now. She became the eight person of their little gang and having her finally join him at the altar only deemed it appropriate. Her smaller hand grabbed for his other one and they held each other like that. Their eyes met once more and he noticed tears brimming at the corners of her eyes. The liquid was quickly overtaken by the smile that graced her face.

This was really happening; they were getting married.

20. My Inspiration - Crona

Sweat poured around her and the body she was pressed against. A change of tune in the music and she gasped out, collapsing into the arms of the person she was with. Her body bent back unnaturally, her arms hanging limping onto the ground. Her hair was unkempt and stuck to her face. For a few moments, she stared off into space, a blank expression on her face. She closed her eyes a moment later, holding her breath for as long as the note of the song played. She could do it, she practiced this for months.

A few words from someone else near her spoke, causing the crowd to clap and cheer. Cheeks were red as she exhaled, taking in a breath of fresh air. Everyone on the stage gathered together and bowed. Hands clasped as they repeated the action a few more times before stepping out of view of everyone else. It was a successful night for the theater, and for her.

A few people congratulated her and she answered back with the same pride in her own voice. She detached herself from her co-workers, walking toward her dressing room. She rubbed the back of her neck, scooping up her pink locks and held it above her head. She fanned herself with her other hand, hoping to receive some cool air.

"Love," As she reached her door, a voice, almost muffled by the chaos around her, spoke behind her. She smiled as she turned, only to be greeted by a bouquet of different kinds of flowers. She raised her eyebrows in shock, dropping her hair back onto her sweaty neck.

"Oh! They are beautiful." She gushed, whispering as she pulled them into her arms. She held them in one arm like a baby as she stared at the man before her. "You didn't have to, you know." Her cheeks were flushed fully now, embarrassment rushing over her features.

"Of course I did. It was your big night and you nailed it." He brought his arms around her tiny form, somehow not caring that she was still in her skin tight costume and slippery with sweat. She leaned into him, wrapping her free arm around his shoulders.

"It was only because of you." She shot back, giddy with adrenaline.

"No, it was all you." Golden hues softened as he brushed some of her sticky hair behind her ear. She didn't say anything more, leaning in to kiss him. He had no idea how much inspiration he brought to her life. How much he had motivated to keep her afloat those years ago. How he encouraged her to fly with this dream, and fly she did, spreading her wings to become one of the main stars of a musical.

They pulled away from each other, staring lovingly into their eyes. It was a perfect end to a perfect night.