A Brand New Day

part 4

I don't own Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Puella Magi Oriko Magica, nor any of the characters associated with either.

"Homura-chan?"

"Yes, Hitomi-chan?"

The green-eyed girl smiled kindly.

"You do look nice with your hair loose, and without glasses."

Homura smiled in return.

"Thank you, Hitomi-chan."

"I … I suppose I come across as something of a … well … bitch. Sometimes."

Homura shook her head.

"No, not really, Hitomi-chan!"

"I mean … I just don't think that you and Sayaka should be so … open."

"We're just friends, Hitomi-chan."

"Homura-chan … that redhead earlier today … abrasive and rude as she was … she was right. Not about me, I love … well, I love a boy. But you and Sayaka … people are starting to talk about you two at school. I can see it. Really, I think you can too."

Homura shrugged.

"She loves Kamijou-kun. Not me, Hitomi-chan."

Hitomi sighed, and became quiet. The two friends finished their after-school snack.

"Hitomi-chan, what are you going to do today?"

"Well … I have to visit a … friend."

"Oh. I was … hoping that you'd come with me to the hospital. Sayaka can't today, because she had to go on home."

"Right. Something to do with her family. Hospital, though? Umm … why there?"

"Well, I wanted to meet my friend Mami."

Hitomi frowned.

"Are you still worried about going places alone?"

"No, not now. I just thought … well, you're my friend, and I was hoping to introduce you to Mami."

"Well … I suppose that I can for a little bit. But I have a … friend of my own to visit with."

Homura smiled.

"That's fine. Mami usually can't see visitors for very long anyway."

"Kamijou-kun!"

Homura waved happily at the boy. He looked at her and his face turned beet red. He waved hesitantly in her direction, and the nurse pushed his wheelchair over toward the girls as they were waiting for an elevator.

"Hello … Akemi-san."

"Kamijou-kun, have you met Shizuki Hitomi?"

"Ummmm … it is .. nice to meet you … Hitomi-chan, was it?"

Homura tilted her head, when she finally noticed that Hitomi's face was as red as Kyousuke's.

"Y ... yes, that's right. Kamijou … san, was it?"

"Right."

The elevator opened, and Hitomi hurriedly entered, dragging Homura after her.

"See ... you later, Kamijou-kun … umm, maybe the next time Sayaka …."

The elevator door closed. Homura turned to Hitomi, wide-eyed.

"Oh. My. God!"

"Homura-chan … I … please do not tell Sayaka-chan!"

"You, and Kamijou-kun? Really? I mean … I saw the look on his face, and on your face … really?"

She shrugged.

"So … you were going to visit him in the hospital today, knowing that Sayaka was busy and couldn't come see him herself, yes?"

"Kinda," Hitomi admitted with a shrug.

Homura was silent for a moment.

"Hitomi-chan?"

"Yes, Homura-chan?"

"Does this mean … how does Kamijou-san feel about Sayaka? For real, no lies."

"Swear to me, Homura-chan, that you will not talk to her about this!"

"Hitomi-chan … she's my friend. I don't know what to think here … but I need to know."

Hitomi took a deep breath, and nodded.

"Okay. He sees her as a friend."

"Just a friend?"

"Yeah. He and I … well … I've admired him for some time. It's been … the last few months … I visit him when I can in the hospital … it's kinda rough because I have to make sure that I'm never here when Sayaka's here."

"You should talk to her about this."

"I mean … I suppose now … since she has you … it would be a good time."

Homura shrugged.

"And I'm still not sure if she has me. She jokes around so much, I'm never sure if she's serious most of the time."

"I've warned her about that."

"Mami."

"Homura-chan! Oh, I am so very glad to see you today. Oh, and I see you've brought another friend to meet me."

"Shizuki Hitomi. It's nice to meet you."

"Tomoe Mami. It's great to see my little Homura-chan making friends out there."

The blond beamed, and Homura shrugged.

"I can't stay too long. I still have to go and visit …."

"Kamijou-san, right? I've seen you visiting with him."

Hitomi blushed, but nodded. Mami grinned.

"He's a very popular lad. Your other friend, Sayaka-san, visits with him as well."

"Yes, yes she does, Mami."

Homura grinned.

Hitomi excused herself, and Homura gave Mami a tight hug.

"They want to release me from the hospital."

"Oh? Umm … are you ready for that?"

"No. I have no where to go. I can't make it out there alone, Homura. Not like this. They say that I can be placed in an assisted living facility … but I don't think I want that."

Homura took a deep breath.

"You can .. move in with me."

Mami smiled sadly.

"Your friend volunteered you for that. I can't ask that of you, Homura-chan."

"No, I mean it, Mami-senpai. I really do. I … well, I really don't have a lot of room I admit, and I've never … cared for someone other than … well, me. But, I'm willing to try. Because … well, you are a very dear friend. You helped me so very much. I really don't think I'd be alive today without your encouragement."

"Again you sell yourself too short, Homura."

She shrugged, but Mami smiled.

"And I love your hair. It makes you look more mature. And you're wearing contacts."

"Yes."

"It is a good look on you."

Homura smiled.

"Thank you. Umm … so when are you being released?"

"Whenever you have the time to take me home."

Homura's eyes went wide.

"Really? I mean … do I need to do … something?"

"Not really. You and I are in the same situation. Our parents are … gone. There's no one but us. I won't lie to you, Homura-chan. If you agree to this … well … it will be a lot of work."

"I … I know. I think … I'm willing to try."

It started immediately. Mami had some papers to sign, and they wanted Homura's contact information (technically they had it, but they weren't allowed to go into her records to retrieve it, so she had to give the information again). Then there was the issue that Mami needed a wheelchair. She hadn't left the hospital since the accident, and she didn't have one. The hospital agreed to loan one to them for a time, until they could get one.

Finally, they arranged for a weekly visit from a social worker, who would be able to come by and make sure things were going well, for both their sakes. Homura was an emancipated minor, so there were no legal issues … she had every right to assist Mami. However Mami was in something of a less certain position, and the officials at the hospital wanted to be sure she was in good care even after she was released.

Homura helped Mami pack, and soon she was pushing Mami and two loaded suit-cases through the streets of Mitakihara Town toward their apartment. Homura started to wonder what she had gotten herself into about half-way between the hospital and her place. She did want to help, but she was starting to doubt her ability to do so.

"Homura-chan?"

"Yes, Mami?"

"Thank you. I can't tell you what this means to me. I mean … I never thought I'd be leaving that place. It's … it feels good. To be … free."

Homura smiled.

"I know how you feel."

When they got home, Homura was exhausted. She felt like doing nothing but collapsing on the sofa for several hours. Her arms and legs ached. But she looked at Mami, with her open, beaming expression, looking around the apartment, her good hand clasped around the hand-rest of the wheelchair, her other arm limp at her side... and the stumps that remained of her legs covered by a blanket. Homura took a deep breath, and realized just how lucky she was.

"This is nice," Mami said in a polite voice.

"Not really. It's small, cheap, and shabby. But … well, it's what I can afford. With … well … help."

Mami nodded.

"We'll get a nicer place. I … spoke to the landlord of the place … my … parents rented. Before … it all happened. He remembers me, and them. He'd be willing to let us move in. I mean, he wants to talk to you first, to make sure and all … but … well, how much notice do you have to give here?"

"You've thought this through. You were hoping that I'd help you, weren't you?"

She turned to look at Homura with a beaming smile. There was no way Homura could've refused her.

"Well, we'll make do here for now," Homura said with a sigh, but also with a grin.

Mami nodded, but didn't respond. She appeared uncomfortable.

"Is … is something wrong, Mami?"

"I … that is … need to … well, go."

"Go?"

"To the … toilet."

"Oh, OK."

Homura pushed the wheelchair to the bathroom, and opened the door, pulling the toilet's lid open. Then she realized the reason for Mami's discomfort, and blushed.

"Umm … that is … I guess I have to …."

"Yeah."

Mami nodded. She scooted forward on the wheelchair using her left arm and thighs, but it was clear she wouldn't be able to do any more on her own.

Homura took a deep breath, and leaned down. She wrapped her arms around Mami, and Mami also wrapped her left arm around Homura. Homura lifted her up and out of the wheelchair, grunting with the effort. She was able to turn and to settle Mami onto the toilet seat. Homura automatically looked away as Mami undid the top button of her shorts.

"Homura. Please … stay. In case I ... need help. And … you ... you can't be ashamed to look at me. I … will need your help for … many personal … things."

Homura took a deep breath, and looked down, into Mami's eyes. She was smiling, but it was evident that this was difficult for her. Having nurses help was one thing, but someone that she considered a friend seeing, knowing just how dependent she really was … it was hard for them both to bear.

Mami pulled her shorts down and her blush deepened. Homura very softly stroked Mami's forehead.

"It will all be alright, Mami. You'll see. Together … we will be alright."

The blond nodded, and smiled.

"I know it will."

When she had finished, Homura once more transferred her to the wheelchair, then once they reached the couch, she once more lifted Mami out of the wheelchair. After this exertion, Homura collapsed beside Mami on the couch. She placed an arm over the blond's shoulders, and Mami settled in against her body.

"Every day's going to be like this, Homura. Are you … are you sure it's okay?"

"I won't give up on you, Mami. I promised I'd take care of you."

"Thank you … Homura-senpai."

Homura looked at her with eyebrows raised.

"What? I'm your dependent. Without you I would be … well, I know that they try, but the nurses at the hospital …."

"I know. I remember when I couldn't move after surgery. Sponge baths, bedpans …."

"Always cold, cold hands."

Homura and Mami both chuckled.

"Fortunately always female nurses."

"Oh good heavens … Imagine a male nurse, thinking to give me a sponge-bath … no. Sorry."

Homura giggled, then her eyes went wide.

"Wait … that means … I guess I am your nurse now, huh?"

"Uh huh. Though I hope you won't just give me sponge baths."

Homura blushed.

"Umm ... that is … no, we will … ermmm … use the tub. But … Mami, what will you do when I'm at school?"

"Probably ... watch TV. Use the computer, if I may?"

"Ummm ... sure. But ... can you get around?"

"Yes, slowly."

"And … the bathroom?"

"I will ... hold it in. Or … I may have to … use diapers."

Mami blushed, but Homura squeezed her shoulders. Mami sighed and snuggled in close to Homura's side.

"We'll do whatever we have to."

Mami rested her head on Homura's shoulder.

"Thank you, Homura. Thank you."

"Of course, Mami-chan."

Mami giggled softly, and Homura grinned.

"Peaceful. This is so ... peaceful."

"Mmm hmmm. One thing I've always liked about this apartment, is how calm and quiet it is."

Just then the doorbell rang, and there was a pounding at the door.

"Peaceful," Homura muttered.

Mami sighed, and pulled herself back into a seating position. Homura stood. The knocking started up again, and the doorbell rang once more.

"Coming!"

She looked out the peephole, and saw a blue-haired girl on the other side, one hand over her face, the other hovering over the doorbell. With a sigh, Homura opened the door.

Sayaka immediately collapsed into the room, wrapping her arms around Homura sobbing, shaking as she bawled. Homura glanced toward the couch where Mami was looking awkwardly in their direction. The dark-haired girl shrugged, and wrapped her arms around Sayaka.

"What happened?"

"Family .. done early … went to hospital .. surprise Kamijou-san. Surprised … He .. Hitomi .. were … Hitomi! That … she betrayed … Hitomi, Homura!"

Homura winced.

"Hitomi and Kamijou-kun," asked Mami in surprise, "I thought they were just friends."

"Thought … friends … you've seen them together … and … Tomoe-san?"

She sniffled, and glanced at Homura in confusion.

"They … released her from the hospital today. We just left there in fact. She … well, I agreed to let her move in."

"Here?"

Homura nodded.

"Oh. Oh, umm ... okay. I … yeah. I … probably should .. leave then …."

"No! No, Miki-san please stay. You need friends around you right now."

"Umm … if it's no bother, Homuchan?"

"You're never a bother, Sayaka."

Mami turned away at this, her cheeks flushing slightly. Homura took Sayaka's hand and led her to the couch, sitting back down beside Mami and motioning Sayaka to sit on her other side. She then placed her arms over both girls' shoulders.

"I … was such a fool. I … I should've known better than to think someone like me could ever … get a boy like Kamijou-san."

Sayaka burrowed her head into Homura's shoulder, crying again. Homura squeezed her shoulder.

"No, that's not right Sayaka. You're a wonderful person. Sweet, kind, funny, cute .. you'll find someone."

Mami nodded, though inwardly she cringed to hear Homura speak so highly of the other girl.

"That's right, Miki-san."

"Just Sayaka."

"Okay, Sayaka. You will find someone. I know it."

She glanced up at Mami, and her sunny expression (even if it was currently slightly forced). She nodded, and smiled sadly.

"Yeah. Yeah, I don't need him. Lots of fish in the sea, they say. Right? Just need to keep looking."

"Right," Homura said with a smile, "that's right. Someone like you will find someone easily."

Sayaka blinked, and looked up into Homura's intense, clear, violet eyes. Sayaka was so very glad she had gotten contacts, because they hid her eyes much less. Those beautiful eyes ….

"Yeah. Yeah, you're right, Homuchan. I … actually … think I might already … well, have."

Homura's cheeks turned pink. She had a suspicion of whom Sayaka spoke … but with Mami here also … it was awkward to say the least.

"Oh, who is he?" asked Mami with a beaming grin.

Sayaka blushed and glanced between Mami and Homura.

"Ermm … that is … she is … someone I go to school with. A very nice, sweet, pretty someone."

"Oh," replied Mami with the slightest hint of disappointment in her voice.

"Well, let's not talk about that now," Homura said hastily, "we should do something."

"Like what? I am … somewhat limited in what I can do."

"Movie night?"

Sayaka grinned.

Homura was about to agree, when there came an insistent pounding on the door. She frowned, and had the unpleasant feeling that she knew who that was.

She stood, and smirked when Sayaka glanced uncertainly at Mami, before scooting over next to her. Mami smiled, and put her arm around Sayaka, the bluenette returning the gesture as well.

Homura looked out the peephole, but saw nothing. It was complete darkness … like someone holding a thumb against the peephole.

"Is someone there," she asked.

"Open the damn door, dumbass!"

"Is that Kyouko?"

"No, it's fuckin' Santa Claus!"

Homura shook her head and opened the door.

It was, of course, Kyouko. Yuma stood beside her, her hand clenched tightly around Kyouko's.

"Nice to see you too Princess."

She frowned and walked over to the wheelchair beside the couch, then glanced at Mami.

"Who's the cripple?"

Sayaka sat bolt upright, eyes wide and blazing angrily. Homura gaped in shock.

"The cripple is not deaf. And she has a name," Mami said icily.

"Ahhh. Yeah, sorry. Sakura Kyouko. Pleasure."

"Tomoe Mami."

Kyouko grinned toothily, and sat down on the couch. She pulled Yuma into her lap, and patted the empty space between herself and Sayaka as she glanced back toward Homura.

The dark-haired girl shook her head as she returned to the couch. Sayaka released Mami and scooted over into the empty space, allowing Homura to return to her place between the two girls. Mami immediately snuggled back into Homura's side, while Sayaka scooted up next to Homura but kept a wary eye on Kyouko.

"Wow … Homura oneesan's harem keeps growing."

Kyouko snickered.

"Uh huh, that it does."

Mami looked at Yuma in shock.

"I am not part of a harem," she said with a frown.

"She has moved in with me. I'll be taking care of her."

"Yeah, not really defusing the whole harem thing here, Princess."

"Oneechan, is Homura oneesan gonna make me part of her harem too?"

"No, Yuma-chan is too young," said Kyouko with a wry grin.

"Awww maaan! I never have any fun."

"But Yuma-chan gets to have four oneesans," Kyouko said. Yuma smiled at this.

"Anyway," Homura said, "we were going to watch movies."

Kyouko yawned.

"Exciting. Make dinner first. I'm starving."

"You're always starving," Sayaka said with a frown.

"True."

"Actually … dinner would be really nice."

Homura turned to look at Mami, who smiled.

"Please, Homura-chan?"

"For you, Mami. And you Sayaka. And of course for Yuma-chan."

"Tch. Thanks, Princess."

Homura stood, followed immediately by Sayaka.

"I'll help!"

Homura smiled.

"No making out in the kitchen," Kyouko said. Homura and Sayaka blushed.

Homura and Sayaka set to making dinner. It wasn't terribly impressive, with Homura's main forte being seasoned rice. They also fried up some meat and prepared a box of sauce mix, and combined these into a casserole. Not very traditional, but hopefully it would fill everyone up.

"Homura," Sayaka said quietly to the dark-haired girl as they fixed food, "I … well, didn't want to say anything out there, in front of Mami, but … I'm kinda … well …."

"Are you serious, Sayaka? You've joked around with me so many times … is this really a confession?"

Sayaka closed her eyes.

"Sorry, Homura. You know, that Hitomi did warn me … dammit, I am such a fool."

"It's okay Sayaka. Just be honest with me."

"I mean … as bad as he hurt me … I still love Kamijou-kun. If he would accept me … so … I mean … I think I like you, Homuchan."

"I think I understand, Sayaka-chan. I like you too. And if you mean that … well, we already do so many things together. You … you've been a good friend already to me. I mean, look where I was on my first day of school, and then where I am now."

Sayaka grinned.

"Yeah, you were Meganekko Moemura, ditzy, shy, adorable as heck."

Homura blushed.

"Okay, you're still adorable, and sometimes shy. And you're still a massive ditz!"

"Hey!"

"Math scores, my dear, math scores!"

Homura sighed. She'd never hear the end of that from Sayaka.

"Oh, I am teasing now, Homuchan. I adore you as you are right now. Little more mature, but not jaded and cynical. Just about the perfect Homuchan for me."

Homura looked at Sayaka, uncertain if she had meant that. Sayaka noticed the glance, and turned to her, placing her hands on Homura's shoulders and leaning in close.

"I mean that, Homura. I adore you."

Homura grinned.

"I … that is … like you too."

"Like?"

"Uh huh. And … I …."

"Hey you two, where's dinner? Less making out, more making food!"

Both girls sighed and turned to see Kyouko leaning against the wall looking into the kitchen, smirking. A Pocky stick was in her teeth.

"We were not making out."

"Riiight. You got three hungry girls out here, and you're gonna have a riot on your hands if you don't feed us pretty soon."

"It will be ready in a minute," Homura sighed.

"Or two," Sayaka added, not very helpfully.

"Mami oneesan?"

"Yes, Yuma-chan?"

"Umm … does it hurt not having legs?"

The little girl was sitting beside Mami, looking up at her with wide, glimmering eyes.

"No, Yuma-chan. It doesn't hurt now. It hurt when it happened."

"What happened?"

"I was … I was in a car. My father was driving, and mother was in the passenger seat in front. We were going to one of her competitions, when … well, I don't really remember what happened. It's all a blur. What the doctors said, is that a semi truck veered into our lane. My father swerved to avoid it, but unfortunately there was another car there. Our car was hit in the side, and … shoved back into the semi's path. Father … they say he was killed instantly. Mother … I think she was still technically alive when the ambulance got there, but … well, there was no hope."

She closed her eyes and Yuma placed her hands on Mami's side. The blond wrapped her arms around the child.

"They cut me out of the car. My legs were mangled. It was sheer luck that I didn't bleed to death. As it was, I was in a coma. I don't remember any of this. I … strangest thing ... I have this vague ... feeling that something was there. For the briefest second .. some … thing. Talking to me in my head. Saying … I don't know what. But … I think I reached out to it. Like, like it was offering me some kind of … hope. Some way out."

Yuma frowned.

"Maybe that's why you didn't die?"

"No, Yuma-chan. I was in so much pain my body shut down. I couldn't bear it. It's impossible to describe. My mind invented something to focus on, so I wouldn't have to think about the fact that I was dying. And I was. Yuma-chan, if the ambulance had been a minute longer in getting there, or if they had taken a little longer cutting the car open, or if they were less fortunate, moved me the wrong way at the wrong time …."

"So … it was a miracle, you living?"

Mami shrugged.

"I … I guess so, Yuma-chan."

"I'm glad Mami oneechan didn't die."

Mami smiled softly.

"Thank you, Yuma-chan."

"Competition?"

Kyouko was coming back into the living room, followed by Homura and Sayaka. She held bottles of soda and five plastic cups. Sayaka behind her held a big bowl of seasoned rice with a serving spoon. Homura behind her held a container of meat in sauce, five plates, and silverware.

"Uh huh. My mother was a bi-athlete."

Kyouko snickered.

"So she swung both ways?"

"What? No! She competed in the biathlon. Cross-country skiing and target shooting."

"Really?"

Mami nodded.

"She just barely missed getting a bronze metal in Salt Lake City."

"Woooow..." Yuma's eyes were very wide. Actually, all the girls seemed somewhat impressed, even Kyouko.

"So can you shoot?" asked Kyouko, as she poured drinks for everyone.

"Yeah. It's been two years since I did. I mean, no chance to in the hospital. Actually for that matter … I think I wouldn't be able to any more."

"Use a pistol," Kyouko said with a shrug as she accepted a plate full of food from Homura.

"No, Kyouko-chan. You never shoot one-handed, not even a pistol. Not if you're serious."

"Mami," Homura said as she raised a bite to her mouth, "if you want to shoot again, you should. You don't have to be 'serious' about it. Besides … it'd probably do you a world of good to have something to do, that is just yours."

Mami shrugged.

"Yeah … I guess. Just … well, it'd take a lot. I mean … when I was 12 I took a firearm safety course, and passed the test. Got a license, and my father got me a sport rifle. My mom helped me to really learn to shoot it. She also let me fire her favorite, a … a black-powder flintlock rifle. She loved that gun. It's one that was actually used in the American Revolution. Supposedly it actually killed five British soldiers at one battle .. Brandywine I think it was."

Mami closed her eyes and leaned against Homura for support. The dark-haired girl put her arm around Mami's shoulder.

"Sorry," Mami said with a quiet sob, "I just … I've never really had anyone to talk to about … well, my old life."

"Yeah. Hey, it's … it's okay Mami. My .. yeah, my family life kinda sucked so … I understand."

Everyone looked to the redhead, who shrugged.

"Hey, it's a sad story. We need something happier … we're … gonna watch some movies, right?"

Despite herself, Sayaka put an arm over Kyouko's shoulder. The redhead frowned, however, and glared at the bluenette.

"Don't need your pity."

"Not pity, Kyouko-chan. Just comfort."

"Don't need that either."

Sayaka sighed, and shook her head.