Standing off to the side, Homura is fidgeting with her school bag. They're right by the front gates, and she's staring across the street as Madoka explains Sayaka's situation to Mami.
Mami sighs softly. "What awful timing. You two should have contacted me."
Madoka shakes her head. "Sayaka-chan... probably wouldn't have listened to you either, Mami-chan."
"Still..."
Homura tunes back into the conversation when she realizes that Madoka is done. "Perhaps we should search for her. Enough time has passed that hopefully she has cooled down."
They both turn to her. Madoka automatically reaches for Homura's hand, but at the last moment, Homura steps back, suddenly looking nervous.
Madoka stares at her in confusion. Her hand drops to her side as she frowns. "W-We're supposed to go home after school, Homura-chan."
Mami nods. "Yes, you two should head on home. I will search for her."
"It will be easier with the two of us searching," Homura replies. "If she's still unstable, it may take the both of us to subdue her." She looks to Madoka. "You can head home first, Madoka. I will—"
Madoka narrows her eyes. "You will what, Homura-chan?"
Her expression has Homura cowering slightly. "U-Uhm..."
Madoka sighs. "You're still healing, Homura-chan."
"Mado—"
"Homura-chan."
Mami holds one hand up, trying to calm the both of them down. "Akemi-chan, really, I believe it will be alright. I will be able to handle myself against Sayaka. You and Madoka-chan should head home before you two get in trouble."
Homura's mouth opens to protest, but she sees Madoka reaching for her hand again and quickly moves away. She doesn't notice how Madoka's face falls as she turns to Mami.
"V-Very well. But you should at least find Sakura Kyouko first, just in case. If you're lucky, the two of them may be together."
Mami glances over to Madoka, before she nods. "Yes, of course."
Madoka holds her rejected hand to her chest, eyes staring at the ground. "L-Let's go home Homura-chan." She raises her eyes and gives Mami a smile that looks more like a grimace. "Thank you, Mami-chan, and sorry, for not being able to join you."
Mami shakes her head. "No need to apologize, Madoka-chan. I understand." She smiles. "I will contact you when I find her."
"If there is any trouble, do not hesitate to say so," Homura tells her.
Mami leans towards Homura, still smiling. She keeps her voice low. "Whatever you did, Akemi-chan, fix it." She steps back as Homura blinks in confusion. "I will see you two tomorrow."
Madoka nods. "Bye, Mami-chan. T-Thank you again."
They part ways, Madoka visibly sullen as a confused Homura trails after. Mami watches them for a moment, before she sighs, and heads in the opposite direction.
/
When they finally reach the halfway point at the familiar park, Madoka stops walking. She checks their surroundings, noting that the park isn't as crowded today, and making sure that there isn't anyone close enough to eavesdrop. She takes in a calming breath, before releasing it with a slow exhale. She sets her jaw, and turns around.
The sight of Homura standing further away than usual does little to ease her fears.
"...Madoka?"
Madoka moves to step closer, and Homura quickly steps back.
She catches the hurt expression on Madoka's face however, and blinks.
Madoka stares at the floor. "Homura-chan... d-do you hate me now?" she asks, voice suddenly small. "Because... because I kissed you...? D-Did you hate it...?"
"Madoka...?"
Madoka swipes at her eyes with her sleeve, lips trembling as she tries to hold back tears.
Homura feels herself panicking. "W-Wait, why are you crying, Madoka...? I don't—I don't hate you. I-I could never hate you..."
Madoka doesn't reply.
Homura hesitantly clears their distance. It takes her a few attempts until she manages to place her hands on Madoka's shoulders.
"I... d-didn't hate it," she tells her. "It was—it was...It was—I d-didn't hate it..." she whispers, face now flushed.
Madoka finally looks up. "Really...?" she sniffles loudly.
Homura nods. "Y-Yes..."
Madoka searches Homura's face, noticing how red her cheeks are. "Then, why do you keep moving away...?"
"T-The..." Homura bows her head, hands moving to cover her cat ears that suddenly pop out.
Madoka's eyes widen. "H-Homura-chan!"
Thinking quickly, she grabs Homura and pulls her close.
"M-Madoka?!"
Madoka loops her arms around Homura's waist, using her school bag to cover her tail.
"P-Put them away, Homura-chan!" Madoka hisses, face now completely red.
A whine from Homura. As Madoka starts growing light headed from the rush of blood, she feels Homura lift her arm. Something metal presses against her, and then there's the sound of a familiar click.
Still holding on, Madoka pulls back. The scenery is a washed out grey.
"I-Is it a Witch...?"
Homura is suddenly leaning heavily against her, breaths coming out in small gasps.
"Homura-chan?"
Madoka is unable to support her full weight, and barely manages to lower Homura to the ground before her legs can buckle under her.
"Homura-chan? What's wrong?" Madoka places her hands on Homura's face, noticing immediately how clammy her skin feels. She tilts her head up, and finds Homura complexion sickly pale.
Homura's cat ears are flat against her head. "S-Sor—" Her apology is cut off with a cough.
She holds up a trembling hand, summoning her soul gem into her palm.
Madoka watches as she brings it towards her chest—telling her exactly what had happened.
A tense moment, until Homura is finally breathing easier. Her ears flicker lightly, before she shakes her head.
As she returns the ring to her finger, she's already pulling Madoka to her feet.
"Homura-chan—"
"Need to restore time soon," she mumbles as she drags Madoka with her.
Madoka quietly follows, and they don't stop until they reach an empty section of the park.
Homura lets go of Madoka and a second later, time resumes. She hides her ears and tail right after she tucks her buckler away. Once that's done, she nervously turns, and finds Madoka staring at her, silently demanding an explanation. Lavender shifts around.
Before she can say anything though, Madoka lifts her hand. Her movements are tentative, but when Homura doesn't pull back, Madoka finally places a trembling hand to her cheek.
There's lots of things Madoka wants to say, but instead she exhales slowly, trying to keep from blowing up. Yelling and scolding Homura won't help.
"...Are you okay?"
Homura nods, keeping her gaze on the ground.
Madoka re-evaluates her appearance. She did at least seem healthier now. Still pale, but closer to her normal shade.
Her fingers brush against Homura's face. "Then, your ears earlier, was it a Witch?"
Homura shakes her head.
Madoka breathes out a sigh of relief. She relaxes ever so slightly.
"Then... what was that about...?"
Homura refuses to meet her eyes, and Madoka frowns.
Homura had panicked when she had confronted her.
Madoka feels her stomach drop as she lowers her hand. "...So you do hate me then."
"No! N-No..." Homura shakes her head.
"Then why do you keep moving away when I try to hold your hand...?"
"...I-I don't know," Homura mumbles. "Just..." She gestures helplessly. "I-It... t-the..." she ducks her head, her eyes darting to Madoka's, before she quickly averts them once more.
Madoka stares at her for a moment.
The only thing that had changed between them was what happened this afternoon. So many things could've been the catalyst, but Madoka has a feeling the kiss on the cheek has to be the reason.
If Homura didn't hate it, then...
Maybe...
"...W-We should head home now, Homura-chan."
Homura nods, glad that Madoka is dropping the subject. "Y-Yes..."
"Homura-chan...?"
"Y-Yes, Madoka?"
Madoka looks at her shyly. "If... If I kissed you again, would you mind...?"
The thought makes Homura dizzy. "U-Uhm, t-that... the..." Her eyes cast to the floor as she swallows heavily. Her ears threaten to appear and she forces them down. "...N-No," she manages to squeak out, thoroughly embarrassed. "N-Not if it's from you..."
Madoka feels her own cheeks turning red. "W-We should head home, Homura-chan..." she repeats once more.
"Y-Yes..."
Now relieved that Homura doesn't hate her, Madoka reaches for Homura's hand again, this time watching her reaction.
She sees her stiffen, but thankfully not move away. More importantly, that blush on her face tells Madoka everything she wants to know.
Slowly, Madoka links their fingers together. "Homura-chan?"
Homura merely stares at their joined hands. She's trying her best to calm her heartbeat and prevent another panic attack. Madoka remains quiet, almost as if she knows what Homura is thinking.
It takes a long moment until the tenseness fades, and all that's left is the familiar feeling of Madoka's hand in her own.
Finally, Homura looks up to see Madoka watching her.
"...You should take care of yourself better," Madoka tells her with a sad smile.
Homura guiltily glances away. "I'm okay," she mumbles.
Madoka trails her thumb over Homura's fingers, feeling her tense slightly, before once more relaxing. "You're always looking out for me, making sure that I'm okay. But," she blinks back sudden tears, "it hurts me too, to see you neglecting yourself. Leave things to Mami-chan, and Kyouko-chan, okay? They can handle things while you rest."
Homura turns to her in protest—but stops when she finds Madoka staring again.
She's not sure what she sees in those pink eyes. The usual warmth and kindness is there, as always, but there's something else.
Something that makes her stomach churn, and her heart race.
She clamps down on those feelings, because Madoka is still waiting for an answer.
"I'll... I'll try," she tells her.
Madoka knows it's the best she can ask for, and nods.
Homura hesitantly grips her hand tighter. "L-Let's go...let's go home, Madoka."
Madoka squeezes her hand in response. "Okay, Homura-chan."
She closes her eyes briefly.
Just another bump and hurdle to jump over.
"M-Madoka...?"
Her eyes open, and she gives Homura a smile. "Let's go, Homura-chan."
"O-Okay..."
\
As she continues through the city, Mami finds herself growing increasingly frustrated at her inability to pinpoint where Kyouko, or even where Sayaka is.
Her years of experience doesn't seem to amount to much if she were to compare her abilities with Homura.
At least with magical tracking.
There's a large memo in her mind, reminding her to purchase a phone for Kyouko as she searches areas she knows the redhead frequents.
Which, unfortunately, is anywhere that has food.
She has already searched the mall, and though the arcade held traces of magic in the air, following those had lead to dead ends.
Another sigh, and she heads down a random street.
Halfway past, she catches another trail.
With a frown on her lips, and eyes determined, she decides she's tired of wandering aimlessly. Her footsteps stop, leaving her to stand in the middle of the sidewalk. She ignores everything around her as she expands her magic outwards, wrapping it around red that she knows so well.
She follows it down the street, turning a left at the corner. It continues, and she strains, trying to grasp at it desperately; she can feel lingering thoughts from a false barrier interfering with her magic.
Stubbornly, she clings to it, and her feet start moving.
Past that barrier, and that red trail suddenly branches into two: blue, signifying Sayaka.
She smiles to herself.
With a nod, she chases after those signatures.
/
"Just leave the dishes in the sink, Homura-chan," Tomohisa tells her with a kind smile. "I will wash them later."
Homura glances at him nervously. "O-Okay," she mumbles as she does as told.
Another nervous glance, before she tries to move out of the kitchen without running away.
Madoka is in the living room playing with Takkun, but half her attention is still on Homura. Watching the way she interacts with her dad only serves to reinforce her earlier musings. Not to mention Homura's social awkwardness is rather adorable.
And heartbreaking.
"Maroka!"
She turns just as something small crashes into her.
She falls to the floor, Takkun landing on top of her stomach with a giggle.
"Owww Takkun! That's not how you're supposed to get my attention!" Madoka scolds him.
He pouts, and suddenly her hands reach up to tickle him.
He giggles louder, and scrambles off.
"Come back here, Takkun!" She quickly rushes to her feet and gives chase.
Homura is entering the living room when Takkun darts her way.
"Protect me, Kitty!" he yells as he hides behind her.
Homura jumps, startled. "T-Takkun?"
Footsteps, and suddenly Madoka is in front of her, a devious smile on her lips.
It makes Homura nervous. "M-Madoka?"
Madoka appears thoughtful. "Hmmm. Does this mean you'll take his place, Homura-chan?"
Homura glances to Takkun who's still behind her, before turning back to Madoka in confusion. "W-What?"
"Takkun!" Madoka points at him. "Don't let Homura-chan go, okay!"
To Homura's surprise, Takkun wraps his arms around her legs. "Okay!"
"M-Madoka?"
Madoka grins. "Takkun's a turncoat, Homura-chan!"
"Mado—" Homura cuts herself off as she tries to dodge Madoka's attack.
Tomohisa smiles to himself, listening as laughter echoes in the house.
Two he recognizes, and one he's glad to hear.
\\
She's reaching the end of the trail, no longer having to concentrate as two bright beacons of red and blue glow just a bit away.
They're further from downtown, and she has already passed by an elementary school.
As she continues walking, she's struggling to remain composed.
There's a mother and child in front of her, and though she knows it's her mind playing tricks, the child is suddenly blonde with golden tresses that match the woman's as they walk, hand in hand.
Her footsteps are slower now, hesitant.
She can hear giggles, the yelling of high pitched voices.
One hand grips the other, trying to make the shaking stop.
She doesn't want to move closer, but those signatures are here, and maybe something akin to hope has her turning.
A small playground greets her, and her eyes are drawn to a three seated swing set.
"Okaa-san! Can I go on the swings? Please?"
She takes in a shaky breath.
"Alright, but just for a bit. We need to go to the market to buy groceries for dinner."
"'Kayyy!"
She forces her eyes away, instead concentrating on finding the reasons she had stepped into these haunted grounds in the first place.
She blinks when she spots Kyouko at the top of the house shaped slide. She's shouting, and waving her fist at a small gathering of younger children that are screaming at her from below.
A trace of blue, and she finds Sayaka inside the sandbox by the jungle gym, piling sand on top of sand, as two other children help her.
They're laughing, and they look completely okay.
Something twists inside her chest.
She's... not needed here.
Her feet drag as she starts making her way back home.
Suddenly, there's a tug on her jacket.
"Onee-chan!"
Mami turns, only to find a little girl, pulling her back.
"Onee-chan! Come play!"
She quickly wipes her eyes dry, and gives her a polite smile. "I'm sorry, Onee-chan is a bit busy at the moment."
"But, you're her friend, right, Onee-chan? You're wearing the same clothes!" She points to the sandbox, and Mami can't help but follow her gesture.
Only to find Sayaka waving her over.
"See! She's waving! Come on, Onee-chan! You can help us catch Fox Onee-chan!"
Mami blinks. "Fox...?"
"Yeah!" The little girl lets go only to use her index fingers to poke her incisors, inadvertently showing Mami the missing front tooth in her mouth. "She has pointy teeth! And she's red!"
Mami finds herself nodding in agreement. "That is... very true."
The little girl smiles, hands once again gripping Mami's jacket. "Come on, Onee-chan! Let's go!"
Still confused, Mami feels herself being dragged closer to the park.
"Ha! I see you brought reinforcements!" a familiar voice shouts.
Mami looks up to see Kyouko pointing at her direction. There's a smirk on her face.
"You think you'll defeat me? Bring it!"
Her words only serve to rile the children even further.
"Ah... sorry about that, Mami-san," Sayaka says, appearing next to her, hands dusting the sand from her clothes.
Mami eyes her critically. "You are... alright, Sayaka?"
"...Not yet," Sayaka replies, looking up with a sad smile. "But—" more shouting, and they both turn to Kyouko who's now being chased around. "—it's kind of hard to remain sad with that idiot distracting me."
Mami nods. "That's... good to hear. Everyone's worried about you."
"Ah." Sayaka laughs and scratches the back of her head. "Y-Yeah..."
"Onee-chan! Are you two done yet?" the little girl tugs on Mami's hand. "Let's go, let's go!" She looks at Sayaka. "Are you done resting, Onee-chan?"
Sayaka grins, and suddenly flexes her arm. "Yeah! I'm definitely going to get Kyouko this time!" She gives Mami a wink. "It'll definitely be easier with you helping us, Mami-san!"
Before Mami can reply, Sayaka grabs her other hand. "Let's go show Kyouko how outmatched she is!"
She takes off towards the swings, to where Kyouko is now running circles around the other kids.
Both hands occupied, Mami can only follow after.
It has been a while since she has stepped foot into this park.
But, it's not as bad she thought it would be.
/
She leans back against her hands, head tilted as she stretches out her neck. There's noises from the TV, interrupted every so often with giggles from Takkun as he watches his favourite show.
The kitchen is empty, and Madoka is in charge of the house while her dad is out doing errands. Babysitting Takkun is simple enough, and she's using the opportunity to get a head start on her homework. After receiving a text from Mami just a bit ago, she's finally able to concentrate.
Somewhat.
She glances over to the patio, and the sight of Homura curled around Amy brings a smile to her lips. In that particular spot right by the door, sunlight filters in continuously through the glass windows, and Homura had succumbed to the warmth shortly after Tomohisa had left.
There's a light blanket covering her, and as Madoka watches the slow rise and fall, the smile drops into a frown. A napping Homura is never a good thing, no matter how cute she looks.
A few more observed breaths, until Madoka shakes her head, and turns back to her homework.
Eying her book, she counts at least five more problems to solve. Another quick check over to Takkun who's still obediently watching TV, before she turns back to her task.
More calculations are mumbled, and she's in the midst of writing when something shakes her arm.
"Ahhh." There are uneven markings on her paper now, and she turns to Takkun, a scold ready on her lips. She stops when she notices he has tears in his eyes.
"Maroka, Maroka!"
She drops her pencil, looking at him in worry. "What's wrong, Takkun? Did you see something scary? Does your tummy hurt?"
He shakes his head, and points over to Homura.
"Kitty's crying, Maroka. S-She keeps calling for you," he tells her, sniffling. "She won't stop, even after I petted her."
"Eh?" Madoka quickly moves to check on Homura. Takkun trails after her, gripping the ends of her skirt tightly.
Amy is awake, headbutting Homura, trying to wake her.
It's not working. Madoka can tell that Homura is knee deep in the throe of a nightmare, blanket now tossed aside from her movements. She kneels besides her, reaching for her hand that's searching for something.
Homura's whispering her name, over and over, voice desperate and pleading.
"Homura-chan!" Madoka tries to shake her awake. "Homura-chan, wake up! Homura-chan!"
A gasp, and lavender finally opens, wide with tears prickling at the corners. Her ears are out, once more flat against her head.
"Homura-chan? Are you okay?"
Homura jolts away from her, but is unable to escape with Madoka still gripping her hand tightly.
There's fear in her eyes, and something so broken about her expression.
Madoka moves, arms wrapping around Homura, ignoring how she stiffens as she's engulfed into a hug.
"Homura-chan..."
"M-Madoka...?"
"It's okay, Homura-chan," Madoka tells her. "You were having another nightmare. It's okay..."
She's trembling in her arms, and Madoka holds her tighter.
"I-Is Kitty okay, Maroka?"
Madoka sniffles and pulls back to give Takkun a teary smile. "She's okay, Takkun. Right, Homura-chan?"
Homura nods, her hands moving to wipe her tears. "I-I'm okay, Takkun."
"Meow."
Homura turns, and Amy hops into her lap. "...S-Sorry for making everyone worried." She bows her head in embarrassment, ears twitching; a quick check around, and she's at least glad that Madoka's dad isn't here.
Takkun approaches them hesitantly. He suddenly leans to Madoka and tugs on her shirt.
"What is it, Takkun?"
He cups his hands in front of his mouth and whispers something in Madoka's ear.
He's still loud enough that Homura can hear him, but she doesn't quite understand what his words mean.
"I'm sure she'd like it very much," Madoka says as Takkun moves away.
He nods, and with a determined expression, he walks over to Homura.
Once he's close enough, he leans forward as Homura stares. She blinks when he kisses her on the forehead.
He brings up his hand, and rubs her head. "Mama does this for me when I have a bad dream," he tells her. "Mama says, bad dreams are bad thoughts, and this changes them into good ones."
Homura blinks once more.
He quickly turns to Madoka. "Maroka's turn!"
"Eh?" She stares at him in confusion.
He points to Homura's forehead. "It takes two kisses for it to work, Maroka! That's why Mama and Papa have to be there if I have a bad dream!"
Homura glances over at her, cheeks suddenly dusted with pink. "I-It's okay, Takkun. I already feel better..."
Takkun stomps his foot. "No! Maroka!"
Madoka holds out her hands. "C-Calm down, Takkun. I just have to kiss her forehead, right?"
He nods. "And rub her head, like this." His small hand continues petting Homura. "See? Now you, Maroka!" He steps back, staring at her expectantly.
"Okay, okay." Madoka turns to face Homura.
She hesitates, and looks to her brother who gives her another nod. She takes a deep breath.
Something about how they're in the living room, and not inside the privacy of her room, has her nervous.
It's nothing she hasn't done before, and it's nothing compared to earlier today, but nonetheless, her cheeks feel warm, and her heart is pounding.
"Maroka?"
"R-Right." Madoka wipes her palms on the front of her skirt.
She glances to Homura, and seeing her tail flicker about nervously makes her feel better.
She leans close, and like Takkun had done earlier, she presses a soft kiss onto Homura's forehead. She moves away, and mimicking Takkun, her hand reaches up to gently rub Homura's head.
"No more bad dreams for Homura-chan," she says softly.
Takkun's hand joins hers.
"No more bad dreams," he echoes.
"Meow."
Homura closes her eyes as she feels more tears gathering.
This time though, they're not because of her nightmares.
\
It's when she stops to catch her breath, that she finally notices it.
Her eyes cast to the floor, and she can see how wide the shadows are as they stretch across. How things suddenly seem dimmer, and how the park is quieter as half the kids are now gone.
She quickly digs through her pockets for her phone. When the current time blinks back, she sighs.
"What's wrong, Sayaka?" Mami has joined her, a little out of breath from running around.
Sayaka unlocks her screen, wincing when she realizes she has missed plenty of calls from her mother because her phone was still set on silent.
"I need to get home," she answers. A thought occurs, and she hangs her head. "My bag is still at school..."
"Ah..." Mami places a hand on her chin. "If I had known, I would've brought it with me."
"No, it's my own fault," Sayaka tells her. "I better go though."
Kyouko slides in right besides them, arms held up into the shape of a 'T'. "Time!" she yells out to the kids following after her.
They grumble, but they take the chance to rest as Kyouko turns.
"What's up?"
"I need to get home," Sayaka replies. "I also need to go back to school and grab my bag."
Kyouko nods, hands now clasped behind her head. "Yeah, I'm starting to get hungry anyways." She turns to Mami. "I ate all the leftovers from last night's dinner. You going to cook tonight, or should we just buy something to eat?"
Kyouko's words make Mami pause.
"Mami?"
"Ah." Something blooms in her heart—that's right, she's not really alone anymore. Mami smiles. "Well, I was thinking of making stew tonight."
"Sounds good." Kyouko yawns. "Let's get something to eat before we go home though."
"Nee-chan! Your time out is taking too long!"
They turn only to find the same group of kids staring at them.
Sayaka holds up her hand and gives them a smile. "Actually, sorry, this Onee-chan needs to go home."
"Ehhhh?" An echo of whines sound off.
Sayaka leans forward. "If I don't, my mom's going to get reeeeeally angry at me!"
"You're already in middle school, but you're still afraid of your mom?" one of them asks, voice incredulous.
Sayaka nods. "Of course! My mom is super scary." She holds out her fingers in front of her eyebrows, slanting them downwards. "When she's angry, her eyebrows go down, like this, and her voice is super loud. She also threatens to take away my sides from dinner, forcing me to eat plain rice!
Some gasps, and a bit of laughter all around.
Sayaka straightens up. "So I need to get home, before that happens."
"What about you, Onee-chan?"
Mami gives them a kind smile. "Sorry, it's getting late, and we need to get going as well."
"Ehhhhh?"
"Homework, and there are other things to do," she tells them firmly.
Kyouko nods. "Yea—"
Sayaka notices how she stiffens.
"Yeah," Kyouko continues, "we're busy people! Got better things to do than to mess around with you brats." Her voice is joking, and a few of them stick out their tongue at her.
Mami smiles wider, and waves. "We'll be going now."
She suddenly finds two hands wrapped around her arm. When she looks down in surprise, a teary face is pouting at her.
"Will you come back and play?" the same little girl that had dragged her to the park asks.
Mami nods. "Yes, of course."
The girl brightens, showing off that missing tooth with a smile. "Okay." She lets Mami go.
"What about you, Fox-nee-chan!" someone calls out.
Kyouko sticks out her tongue. "Maybe, if I feel like it." She turns and starts walking away, one arm waving behind her. "See you, brats."
A small bow, and Mami follows with Sayaka right next to her.
They wave once more to the few kids still watching, before they head down the street. Once they hit the corner, Sayaka turns to face them.
"Sayaka, you should head on home," Mami tells her before she can say anything.
"Nope." Sayaka shakes her head. "I'm already late, and, there's no way I'm going to run away."
Kyouko sighs. "Me and Mami'll handle it. Just go home already."
Sayaka curls her hands into fists. "No. We're all in this together. It's... It's time I started thinking about others. About anyone that isn't myself. We're a team here." She bows low. "I'm sorry, that it took me this long to realize this! Please, take me with you!"
Mami and Kyouko exchange a look. Kyouko shrugs as she glances away, finger scratching her cheek.
Mami feels a smile tugging on her lips. "Very well, Sayaka."
Sayaka straightens with a grin.
"But!" Mami holds up a finger. "Kyouko and I are still your senpai. If we tell you to do something, please follow our orders!"
Sayaka nods, throwing Mami a salute. "Yes, Sir!"
Kyouko cracks her knuckles. "Alright, enough of your sappy love story. Let's go kick some butt."
/
She's placing the finishing touches on her last problem, when a high pitched giggle breaks through her concentration.
She turns, and smiles at the sight of Takkun sitting in Homura's lap. They're watching TV, or at least Takkun is. Homura is pretending she isn't, struggling to keep her attention on the notebook in her hands.
Takkun giggles again at whatever is on the screen, and lavender looks over to see what has him laughing so much.
Madoka bites her lip, trying not to laugh. Homura really does have a low attention span when it comes to bright colours and flashy movements; the notebook is now ignored, and they're both watching the cartoon intently.
There's a sound from the kitchen, and Madoka turns to see her dad wipe his hands on a dish cloth before he reaches for the phone.
"Hello? Ah... Okay. Yes, they came home right after school. Yes... Yes, I will tell them... don't work too hard, alright? Okay... love you too. See you later tonight."
As soon as he hangs up, Madoka calls out to him. "Who was that, Papa?"
He looks to her with a smile. "It was Mama. She has to work late tonight, so she won't be home for dinner."
"Ahh, okay." Madoka turns back around.
It takes another minute until she's finally done. She shuts her workbook, leaving her pencil right on top.
She stands, and within a few strides and minimal movement, she's sitting right next to Homura.
Homura tilts her head in question.
"I finished everything by myself," Madoka tells her with a proud grin.
"Good work, Madoka," Homura replies.
"Thanks, Homura-chan. It's only because you've been tutoring me. I couldn't have done it without you!" She leans over, giving her a half hug. This earns her a blush that makes Madoka grin wider. "Takkun, after you watch this, do you want to play a video game?"
He pumps his fist, nearly knocking it into Homura's jaw if she hadn't moved in time.
"Yes! Let's play, let's play!" he cheers.
"Only for an hour," Tomohisa shouts from the kitchen. "We don't want you know what happening again!"
"Okaaaay," Madoka replies.
Homura blinks. "What will happen?"
Madoka gives her a sheepish smile. "Uhm..."
Takkun giggles. "Maroka gets mad!"
"It's because they cheat!" Madoka cries out in her defense.
Homura is eying her curiously, but Takkun tugs on her shirt. "Yes, Takkun?"
"You have to calm Maroka, okay? If she gets mad!"
"...How do I calm her down?"
He points to the TV. "Turn off!"
She gives Madoka another skeptical look.
"It'll be fine!" Madoka tells her with a nervous laugh. "Really!"
"...Alright."
\
Boots landing with a light clatter, Kyouko concentrates, twisting and wrapping her latticed barrier around the Witch right in front of her. "Sayaka!"
"Yeah!"
A string of swords already lined up, she hurls them at the Witch. One by one, they slice and cut the darkened tendrils threatening to break through.
A loud scream echoes in their ears, and Sayaka winces, hands brought up to temper the sound.
"Mami-san!"
"Yes!" Ribbons already wrapped around her arms, they extend and twirl in front of her, glowing bright yellow.
A flash of light, and her trademark canon gun is in front of her.
"Sayaka! Kyouko!" the shout the only warning before she starts charging her weapon.
Kyouko remains in place, holding the Witch captive with her magic. At the last second, right before she's about to move, she feels herself being lifted.
She turns her head, only to find blue against her: Sayaka is carrying her in her arms.
White cape fluttering behind her, Sayaka leaps away just as a 'Tiro Finale!' is heard.
She lands in a slight kneel as the surrounding area behind them glows brightly.
"You alright, Kyouko?" There's a grin on her lips.
Kyouko quickly kicks out her legs. "Let go of me, you idiot!"
She tumbles from her grasp, her struggling overbalancing Sayaka who ends up joining her on the floor.
"Ow! Hey!"
"Stupid!" Kyouko replies, trying to shove her away. "What the hell was that?!"
Sayaka winces as a fist connects with her cheek. "Ow! What was what? I saved you from getting blown to pieces, that's what!"
"Yeah, right! I could've moved away myself! Compared to Kitty Cat, you move like molasses!"
"What?!"
Too far into their arguing, they fail to hear the clicks of approaching high heels on cement.
"Ahem."
They both freeze.
"If you're done here, I believe Sayaka needs to go home...?" Mami asks them, eyebrow raised. She flashes yellow, and returns to her school uniform.
Kyouko manages one last hit as she shoves Sayaka to the ground, before she stands. "Yeah," she grunts out, dispelling her transformation.
Sayaka remains lying there, staring at the now orange tinged skies above. Something about it makes her laugh. She closes her eyes.
Mami and Kyouko peer at her from above when they notice she hasn't moved.
"Sayaka? Are you alright...?" Mami's worried voice has her eyes opening. "Do you need a grief seed?" She holds out the one recently acquired.
Sayaka gives her a smile. "No. I'm alright. I'll be alright..." Her eyes close again.
And even though Kyouko yells into her ear, and pulls her up from the ground none too gently, she's still smiling to herself.
/
The door shuts with a small click, and she can hear light murmurs from the TV in the living room.
She's removing her shoes, when a voice calls out through the hallway.
"Sayaka? Is that you?"
A soft sigh. She lines her shoes neatly at the entrance, before heading further into the apartment.
Her mother meets her in front of the kitchen, staring expectantly, hands on her hips.
"I'm back," Sayaka says, hand gripping the bag at her side tightly.
"... No cellphone, no TV, and the only time you will have access to your laptop is when you're working on your homework," her mother tells her.
Sayaka bobs her head up and down. "Okay."
"Add another week to your grounding as well."
"Okay."
Her mother eyes her. "...Welcome back. Go wash up, dinner is soon."
"Alright."
Sayaka moves to head to her room when her mother's voice stops her.
"Did you at least find what you were looking for?" she asks. "Three hours late, it must've been something important."
Sayaka turns around. To her mother's surprise, she gives her a real smile—something she hasn't seen lately.
"Yeah, it was really important. And I did. I found it."
"...Good. I'm glad, Sayaka. Now, go wash up."
Another nod. "Yeah, me too, mom. Thanks."
AN: wao, I didn't realize it's been a while since I updated this. Too busy, but also too distracted ;0
Let's see, I really want to catch up, and get the next chapter up in 2 weeks(?), which will be hard because still busy. How did it turn into July so quickly? ?_? Had lots of problems writing this...! The gist of what I want to happen has been written though.
Thank you everyone for reading/reviewing :)) New, and the usual suspects leaving reviews! It really helps to encourage me to write, even when I don't feel like it, which is always, trust me. You don't understand how many ideas I have, and how hard it is to transfer that into words. Blarghh.
Thanks again! :)) Until next time.