This story originally belongs to me, XionTheBlackRose, but since I have asked Justice Tokidoki to write this story with me, it has been deleted from my account and published here, to our joint account. The first two chapters are written by me, the third is written by Justice T, and from then on, Sayaka's chapters will be written by Justice T, and Kyouko's will be written by me. Please enjoy and review to let us know how we're doing. Until next time,

Xion, out


Time To Think

I stare out the window on the train as my phone rings, over and over. I pull my phone from my bag and frown, seeing Kyouko's still calling me. I roll my eyes and put the phone back in my bag. The phone continues to ring, she just won't give up. Doesn't she get that I don't want to talk to her right now? I sigh and lean my head against the window. I stare out at the passing buildings, the cool glass helps calm me down a little.

"Lady, if you're not going to answer your phone, can you at least turn the ringer off? My kid's trying to sleep, man." the man across from me snaps. I groan lightly and take the still ringing phone from my bag again. It's still Kyouko calling me and I ponder answering it. I answer the call and slowly put the phone to my ear. I hold my breath, "What?"

I see the man across from me glare at me, but I ignore him. I hear voice and my heart melts, "Where did you go? I've been looking for you."

I close my eyes, "I'm staying at Madoka's tonight."

She groans, "Sayaka, don't do this. I said I was sorry."

I open my eyes, "Saying it and meaning it are two different things, Kyouko."

"Oh, so you're back to this, huh?" she clicks her tongue, "Oh, mighty Sayaka, who can do no wrong, how many times do I have to apologize? You seem to forget, you hit me, too. So, don't go trying to pin this all on me."

"You hit me first," I defend myself, "You were yelling at me, and yes, I yelled back, but-"

"Oh, are you ready to admit it now?" by the tone of her voice, I know she's rolling her eyes. My grip on the phone tightens and I try to keep my voice level, "Look, I'm not mad at you, okay? I just.. Need some time alone to think. I'll be back in the morning."

"Time alone at your girlfriend Madoka's, right?" Kyouko hisses.

I wince, looking down, "You're my girlfriend.. Madoka's just my friend, you know that.."

"Yeah," she clicks her tongue again, "Sure."

"Kyouko-" she hangs up on me and I frown. I put my phone away and look up to see the man across from me is staring at me now. I look away, "My phone won't wake up your kid."

The train ride to Madoka's is silent and then I get off, looking around. The streets are empty, but I expected that, given that it's almost two in the morning. I sigh and walk up to Madoka's house. I pull my phone out, texting her to let her know I'm here. I stand on the doorstep, waiting for her to open it. It surprises me that Homura's the one that opens the door. I smile softly, "Uh.. Good morning.."

"Madoka fell asleep. Come in." she says, moving from the doorway. I come in, shutting the door behind me. I'm suddenly nervous, I never really talk to Homura without Madoka around.

"Um.. Sorry to wake you.." I feel like I should apologize, it is almost two in the morning after all. She shakes her head, going to the kitchen. I follow slowly, watching her. She looks back at me and gestures for me to sit at the table. I do and she pours a glass of milk, "Do you want one?"

"Uh.. Yeah, sure. Thanks," I reply.

She pours another glass and sets one in front of me. She sits across from me with the other glass. Her dark eyes bear into me more than they should in the dim light coming from the hallway. The rest of the house remains in darkness. I sip the milk she poured for me slowly, not sure what she's expecting me to say or do. Homura pushes some hair from her face, her voice is soft when she speaks, "I read the message you sent Maddie. Did something happen?"

I feel kind of offended that she read the message I sent asking to stay here tonight. I sent it to Madoka, not her. I quickly dismiss the offense in my mind and sigh, "It's.. Kind of complicated.."

"I know you don't like me much," she smiles slowly, "But, seeing as you're Maddie's best friend, I'm here for you, too. So, if something happened, you can tell me."

I smile lightly, changing the subject, "You call Madoka Maddie? Cute nickname."

She sighs, "You obviously don't trust me, and I don't blame you. I don't really try to get to know Madoka's friends. I'm trying to be better at that."

"It's not like that," I assure her, "I trust you, just.. Not as much as I do Madoka. I do appreciate you waiting up for me, giving me something to drink.. So, thank you, Homura."

She smiles, "You're welcome, Sayaka."

Her smile drops almost instantly and her eyes narrow when I push some hair behind my left ear. I frown lightly, "Homura..?"

She stands and turns on the kitchen light. I stare at her in confusion until she walks up beside me. She grabs my chin, turning my head to the left. I push her, "What the hell?"

My hair falls back into place and she just stares at me. Her eyes narrow, dark and angry, "Does Madoka know she hit you?"

I stand, suddenly angry, "You don't know what you're talking about! You're a nosy outsider! You had no right to read the messages I sent Madoka, and you certainly have no right to-"

"To what?" she snaps, "State the obvious? That bruise isn't really that hidden, Sayaka."

"Momo..?" Madoka's soft voice rings out as she enters the kitchen. She's rubbing her eyes, "What's going on? Is Sayaka okay?"