They lay together in bed, their bodies pressed close. It was warm under the blankets, and they huddled in each other's arms, savoring each other's body heat.
Madoka looked at Homura shyly and giggled. "It's been awhile since we've shared the same bed, hasn't it?"
Homura smiled. "Yes. You've been gone a long time."
Madoka fumbled about, feeling around until she found Homura's hand and grasped it tightly. "This time, I'm back for real. I won't leave you again." They held hands underneath the sheets, gazing at each other with love.
"It's been lonely without you," confessed Homura. "I felt… I almost felt like I couldn't go on…"
Madoka smiled sadly. Reaching over with her other hand, she gently caressed Homura's cheek. "I'm sorry. I know it's been hard. Thank you for waiting for me for so long. I know you've had a difficult time."
Homura felt a sudden desperation rise unbidden in her heart. "You promise, right? You promise you won't leave?" She knew she sounded petulant and felt ashamed at her childishness, but Madoka did not chastise her for it. Instead, the pink-haired girl squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"Of course. I promise. You'll never be alone again."
Tears of relief welled up in Homura's eyes. "I love you…" she breathed, her voice choked with emotion.
"I love you too, Homura."
Warmth bloomed in the time traveler's heart. Those were the words she had wanted to hear. Her eyelids felt heavy from the kind warmth of having Madoka beside her. For the first time in a long time, she could feel her whole body relaxing.
Homura drifted off to sleep, still holding hands with her most precious friend.
She woke from the dream, a smile still lingering on her face. She sat up, confused, when she reached over and found the bed empty.
That was when she remembered.
She flopped back down onto the sheets and lay there for a long time, not moving, trying to hold onto the fading warmth of the dream. When she finally could not stand it any longer, she rose and dressed.
The world would not wait for her. While she slept, monsters prowled the streets of the town. She had to keep on fighting.
She had to protect the world her only friend had loved.