I didn't want to feel awkward standing outside with an unconscious boy so I welcomed ourselves into the lobby and sat down on a couch
I looked at the boy's face now that we are sitting close; he doesn't look half bad. His complexion is also okay, besides the fact that he isn't conscious, he is completely fine. Not that surprising after Sayaka's wish, but still, it is less suspicious than if he was injured.
I saw Mami's figure, climbing down the stairs:
Mami: " Homura? "
' Hmm? '
Her expression changed to that of a surprised one as she rushed to my side.
Well not my side, apparently it was for the boy. She stopped next to him:
Mami: " What happened to him!? "
' Relax, he is fine. He just passed out. '
Mami: " Thank goodness... " she said sincerely. I could tell how relieved she was.
' What are you so worked up for? And, did you just cry? '
Mami wiped the wetness off her eyes:
Mami: " How about we go to my house first and you tell me where you found him? "
' Fine by me. Is Madoka in there? '
Mami: " Yes, she has been waiting for you. You forced the poor girl to stay in there after all. "
' I can't imagine a place better than next to you. ' I smiled.
Mami rolled her eyes:
" Such cheesy lines won't make me fall for you. Now, let's go. "
' ( Tell me that I did well. Congratulate me on my victory. ) '
Of course, I couldn't say it aloud, nor use telepathy.
' Yes. ' was all I could utter.
We took the boy and walked up to Mami's home. When she unlocked the door, I leaned the boy towards Mami and left her with him as I charged in.
Madoka, who must have been aware that I was the one coming, was standing up and looking at me expectedly.
' Madoka! I am finally finished for the day. ' I walked to her side.
Madoka: " Good work, Homura-chan. Then I will be going home before it gets too late. "
' Aww, you don't have any time to spare me? I have just arrived. '
Madoka: " I know but I can't miss my curfew. Papa and mama would be worried."
' Oh, that's a pity. I wanted to tell you about today but I guess I won't be able to. I would have offered to walk you home but unfortunately, I need to speak to Mami for a long time. '
Madoka: " No problem, I can walk home by myself just fine. Then I will see you at school tomorrow. "
' Madoka. '
Madoka: " What is it? "
' Thank you very much for complying with my selfish requests and staying with Mami today. It means a lot. '
Madoka smiled, lessening my fatigue in the process:
Madoka: " Don't worry about it, it was fun. I always wanted to speak with an actual magical girl. "
' *Chuckle* I would like to humor you in that regard as well but unlike Mami, I am not like those magical girls in animes. See you tomorrow Madoka, goodbye. '
Madoka: " Bye! "
Madoka walked towards the door and saw Mami carrying a boy inside. She raised her brow as if asking " what is going on? " or " who is he? "
Mami: " Homura brought him here. I don't know why she did that either. Are you leaving? "
Madoka: " Yeah, I can't stay for too long, my parents would be worried. Thank you very much for having me in your house and telling me about your stories. "
Mami: " Likewise, thanks for coming over and listening to them. Good evening, Kaname-san. "
Madoka opened the door and left Mami's house, Mami brought the boy to the living room and I lied on the carpet face down, putting a pillow under my chin:
' Mami, could you massage me please? '
Mami: " What? " as she laid the boy on the couch.
' I am too tired and I demand a massage before you ask me the obvious questions like who that boy is or why I brought him. '
Mami: " I would much rather have you answer them now instead. "
' Oh no, I am so tired that I won't be able to speak now. I hope the host can treat her weary guest and help her with this. '
Mami: " I am also tired of your games, you know. This is serious, tell me what happened to this boy. "
I paid no mind to her words, I am only focused on relaxing until I can feel her hands on my back.
Mami: " Really? Are you really doing this? "
I could hear her walking towards me, she must have admitted her defeat.
Mami sat on my back and pressed her hands on my body, starting with my shoulders. To be honest, it felt good on my weary body. Oriko, Sayaka, Walpurgis Night... Nothing mattered for a while, I just let myself go while getting a massage from the one I love.
Mami: " Is this enough? " as she stood up
I turned around and captured her with my arms, I hugged and pulled her, making her fall on top of me.
' Thank you very much, you deserve a reward for this performance. '
Mami: " I don't need it. " as she tried to get up.
' Now now, don't be hasty. '
I pulled out Charlotte's grief seed from my ring-shaped soul gem.
' Purify your soul gem with this, though it may not be enough since I used half of it. '
She took it off my hand and stood up, taking a seat on the other side of the table next to us.
Mami: " And? Will you start talking? "
I stood up and sat down next to her.
' Of course, I will start from the beginning though. We have all the time we need after all. '
Mami: " What do you mean? "
' I will stay with you from now on. No need to part ways and I can speak with you all day long 3 '
Mami: " It would be better if you waited for my approval first. "
' What? Are you against it? Do you really want to reject someone who loves you so much just to stay alone in your house? '
Mami: " It is more like an overbearing person trying to take away all my privacy but whatever; I will probably regret this but if you promise to behave well then we can live together. "
I started to smile as her words made me genuinely happy
' I never pegged Mami Tomoe, the strongest magical girl, for a tsundere. You are so sweet, of course, I will behave well in return. '
Mami: " Tsun? *Facepalm* It didn't even take a minute for me to start regretting. "
' Jokes aside, I would like to start talking about today. After leaving school I went to the hospital. '
Mami: " Why the hospital? "
' Because that's where the witch was. '
Mami: " Go on. "
I nodded:
' Well, to tell you the truth, after healing you I didn't have much magical power left, and the witch this time was an extremely strong one. As embarrassing as it is for me to say this, my victory wasn't guaranteed. And by extremely strong, I mean it. Even you, the strongest magical girl, would have lost. '
Mami: " And what did you do when you found out that witch was so strong? You came back with a grief seed in the end so that witch was obviously below your abilities and you are just exaggerating. "
I shook my head
' I am not exaggerating, she really was strong and I didn't have a plan to defeat her. But please, just keep listening. That witch was strong but she had hatched right in front of me. She was, how do I say it, docile. She hadn't awakened to her nature as a real witch yet. '
Mami: " Docile? "
' Yeah, I can't say the same for her familiars but the witch herself was docile. But for you to visualize it in your head let me tell you about the witch. She had two forms, the first one was a small, silent doll-like form; and her other form was a giant serpentine form that had multiple lives. If you kill or agitate her first form she would release the latter. And I kid you not, she changes forms and moves super fast. '
Mami: " ( Did you kill her first form to learn about the second one? ) "
' So what did I do? Well, I went inside the barrier, found this witch in her docile form, and grabbed her. '
Mami: " You did what? " in a shocked expression. ' Homura ' did catch her off guard.
' I grabbed her. I took ahold of a being capable of killing me in a split second. '
Mami: " What kind of lunatic are you? "
' The one that loves you very much. But seriously, I didn't have any idea how to defeat her first. I thought of experimenting, bringing her out of her barrier, bringing her to you... Surely we could have defeated her together. But then, they came. '
Mami: " They? Are you talking about Kirika and- "
' And Oriko, yes. They came to kill me since I didn't have magical energy left to fight them. But you see, I had a novel idea how to get out of that sure death scenario. '
Mami: ( So they knew you would use your magic to heal me. As I suspected, this Oriko can see into the future. )
Mami: " What did you do? " as her interest was piqued. She had a score to settle with them and if her partner fared against them better than she did, then she needed to know everything.
' You see, I told you to let me hunt the witch that you were chasing the day we met after I demonstrated how magical power can be lent. I had long since exhausted the grief seed of that witch, but that was simply perfect. I was still holding on to it and decided to overcharge it. '
Mami: " And you brought forth another witch in front of them. " Now totally interested in this story
I grinned
' That I did. You see, whenever a witch is made because a soul gem or grief seed is overcharged with miasma, a high amount of energy is released. That energy was enough to blow us all away from each other. '
Mami: " And you used that distance to escape from them. "
' Not exactly. When the second witch appeared, she started to create her own barrier, merging two barriers, and creating lots of walls. I didn't need to run away, they wouldn't be able to find me in such a complex labyrinth. '
Mami: " That's... Wow. So that's what happens when there are two witches in the same place. How did you obtain a grief seed after that? "
I grinned, what I have done was really amazing after all. I jumped on Mami who let her guard down, making us fall on top of each other.
' I can amaze even you, I am so happy! '
Mami: " Why are you so clingy today? Just get off me and tell your story. " Pushing ' Homura ' away
' Aww, ever since I confessed you, you have been acting cold to me. I am just charging my Mami reserves. '
Mami: " Mami reserves? You have been fine without such a thing for your entire life so please keep me out of this nonsense. "
' Oh, but that is where you are wrong. Since I am feeling happy, I will tell you one truth. Ever since I first opened my eyes, you were in my mind. '
Mami: " There is no arguing with you, is there? "
' Why are you so against me? '
Mami: " I am not against you, but if you are asking me why I don't fawn over you the way you do, then a certain girl you entrusted me today comes to my mind. "
' I do love her, a lot. Same for you. You two have a special place in my heart, even if you can't comprehend it yet. I just want something for myself as well, and even if the whole world attempts to deny me, I shall obtain whatever I want. Starting with you. ' I grabbed Mami's chin
Mami: " I am not something for you to obtain. "
' Oh, really? Of course, you have your pride as the strongest magical girl, the unfaltering warrior of justice. A lady of pure elegance and sweetness, who always has total control of every situation. You can't let anyone take you, therefore... '
Mami: " Therefore? "
I stopped time. I don't care, I have plenty of magic left and will obtain grief seeds after getting rid of thorns in my side
...
...
' And time moves again. '
I released time, it was almost my limit anyways.
' Check your phone. '
Mami: " My phone? "
' Just do it. ' I started playing with my hair.
Mami reached out and took her phone from the table. She opened the screen
Mami: " Why is the voice recorder on? I never opened it. And something is already recorded. "
' Listen to it. '
Mami hit the play button. What came out of her phone next was my voice:
" I, Homura Akemi, am in love with Mami Tomoe; and I will be devoting myself to her. I will be loving her till the day I die. "
Mami was shocked. Homura just came and yet she somehow used her phone, recording something outrageous.
Mami: " What is the meaning of this?! "
' If I can't take you, then I will be giving myself to you. This is your leverage against me, you can do with it whatever you want. I love you and nothing will change that. Even if you can't bring yourself to love me yet, you will be pulling the strings. If you wanted to, you could instantly destroy my relationship with everyone else just by hitting the play button in front of others. '
Though, knowing you, you won't do something like that. You are too kind to do something so heartless.
Mami: " I don't need something like this, I wouldn't do such a thing even to you. " as she faced the screen. She was about to delete it.
' Wait, Mami. I want you to hold on to it. I didn't record it as a bluff. It can still serve as a reminder of my true feelings for you. When I am not around you can listen to it and be reminded that there is someone who loves you very much. '
She looked at me, then glanced back to the screen. Before long, she put the phone back on the table.
Mami: " Fine, I have been too harsh on you. I knew that you were telling the truth when you first confessed to me. But the ambush, Kaname-san, and the way you act all made me reject your approaches until now. "
' Until now. ' I was surprised by that final part. Could it be?
Mami: " To tell you the truth, it made me happy, extremely happy to be loved. I am sure some people admired me in the past because I rescued them. But you, you were just a stranger. You came into my life as the bearer of bad news and I was okay with it, I was okay with obeying your orders because of the consequences if what you warned us about came true. But then, you told me you love me, and you praised me often. I didn't know you and they all just came illogical. I was just suspicious of them. "
' I love you unconditionally. You don't need to do anything for me to love you or maintain my love. '
Mami smiled:
Mami: " That's it. I just couldn't believe there was someone out there who loved me for who I was. But even with your bizarre actions, I could feel sincerity. You were not lying. I felt... "
' You felt what? '
Mami: " I felt insecure... I couldn't bring myself to believe your words but I felt that they were true. I could feel your pain from seeing me in my wounded state. You healed me even at the risk of your life, depleting your magic reserves before hunting a witch. It wouldn't be right to accuse you of lying when your actions are genuine, at the risk of your life. I just couldn't understand how someone can love me that much even without interacting with me before. Especially someone who confessed to someone else in front of me. "
' I love Madoka as well. '
Mami: " I am sure you do. And I should have been more understanding of you. "
Mami suddenly took me in her arms
Mami: " I shouldn't have judged you as if you were some omnipotent god who only has super important responsibilities and no right to enjoy herself. I should have treated you as the girl who loves two people with all her heart. I am sorry for hurting you until now. "
Tears started to fall from my eyes. Why, do they fall? This is not like me, I am too strong for tears, but they won't stop. Mami... Mami is finally accepting me.
' Mam- *sob* ' I couldn't even call out her name. These damn tears won't let me speak properly.
Mami: " Shh, it's okay. I understand your feelings. This moment is that much important to you that you can't help but cry. You really do love me after all. "
' Do- Do you accept? ' My voice trembling.
This is so not me. I should not be this weak, but here I am; in the arms of Mami, expecting her answers for my feelings.
Mami: " There were many things weighing on my mind, painful things... The people who lost their lives in front of me, Oriko, Kirika, and what they have done. This boy... "
This boy? What is she talking about?
Mami: " You see, when I was ambushed by them, he was being used as a hostage. I couldn't defeat Oriko and Kirika, I couldn't save the boy... He told me to leave him and struggled to give me an opening. It was a memory too painful, too heavy to carry. Seeing him safe and sound cleared the darkness in my mind a bit. I might have even held you responsible for such events. But you are their enemy, and they are bold enough to attack you. You are not omnipotent to prevent such events, none of us are. "
Mami: " You tried your best to comfort me, haven't you? You healed me, stayed with me because you thought your presence, your love would make me happy. "
' Well? '
Mami: " Well, you have indeed made me happy. Without you, my soul gem would have been in an even worse state. But you didn't stop being yourself, you are Homura Akemi. The girl who always gets what she wants, ordering others around, and silently doing the hardest work. I came to like even that personality of yours. "
I got my breathing under control, paced it back to normal.
' I want a straight answer from you, Mami. Will you accept me and my feelings? '
Mami: " It would be heartless of me to say no now, wouldn't it? "
' Not at all, I am not some charity work. Saying no won't make you heartless. But even if you say no I will just keep trying until you say yes. '
Mami: " No reason to delay the inevitable then; let's enjoy our remaining time, however little it may be. "
I quickly grasped Mami's hand
' I will never let you die! No witch, no magical girl, nobody shall hurt you. '
Mami: " *giggles* You will protect this "strongest magical girl"? "
' Certainly, you are quite competent. But even that small chance of you losing your life, I will eliminate it! '
Mami: " Homura... Thank you, I appreciate it. "
' Can I take your words as a yes? '
Mami: " You can. I am inexperienced in relationships but I will also take care of you. "
I was acting calm but my heart was beating fast, fast enough to scare me. Surely, I don't need to be afraid, the surgery was successful.
What am I thinking about? Mami is finally giving me a yes, I shouldn't be getting sidetracked.
I stared into Mami's eyes, as hers returned the favor. I have given myself to Mami and she accepted me; I will let her take charge.
Noticing my wait, she blushed; but it didn't take her long bringing her face towards mine. She gave me a kiss, a quick peck on my lips. But she didn't pull back after that, she continued. She kissed me again, for much longer this time. I replied to her assault as I wrapped my arms behind her back. The kissing went beyond a simple smooch, it gained more and more passion. My heart raced beyond control again. My greed, my desires, my ambition... They were partially satisfied now that Mami accepted me. My happiness unchained my awareness, making me question if everything is a dream. Has today happened? Please, let it be real.
Mami finally parted her lips, leaving my mesmerized face staring at her.
Mami: " It is real. "
' Huh? ' did I say it aloud?
Mami: " We are this close, and you think I wouldn't know what you think? " She winked
Mami: " I didn't learn how to use magic yesterday after all. "
She is amazing after all. This is the girl I can call my lover from now on.
Is this okay? Is this okay, Homura?
Seeing Mami's beautiful face, how could it not be okay?
Mami took my hand and brought it upon her chest
Mami: " You are not the only one. My heart is also beating faster than ever before. "
I smiled:
' Using my tricks on me? Lovely. '
Mami giggled
Mami: " I am your girlfriend after all. "
I smiled
' Can I have some water though, I really need to calm down. '
Mami leaned and kissed me on my forehead.
Mami: " Don't worry, we are in this together. I will need to drink water as well. "
She stood up and went into the kitchen.
I dropped myself back onto the floor, staring at the ceiling.
' ( I have done it now. I have done something major for myself and not for Homura. Please forgive me Homura. ) '
Mami is my girlfriend now. The strongest magical girl and I are a pair. But what's more important is that she is as happy as I am. She is happy, my existence has made her happy...
I started crying. I couldn't help it but I started to cry so hard. I covered my mouth, I don't want her to hear. This was different from the time I was crying in Mami's arms. Back then I was crying of happiness, now I am crying of sadness. My existence actually means something. It will be hard to say goodbye now. But I must, it is inevitable. The end of my existence never bothered me before but it is getting harder and harder to leave this world.
I composed myself and stopped crying, my mind was clear as I clenched my fists. I am strong, and I have already made a promise to leave a happy future for Homura. I am not as weak as having second thoughts about this. I won't hesitate for even a second when it's time.
Mami came to the living room with a tray, carrying two glasses of water and three plates with a slice of cake on each of them. I smiled at her, this is the Mami I know. The third one must have been for the boy. He might wake up at any moment now.
Oriko, I will not kill you just like that. That's what I have decided after making you kill Charlotte. You are nothing before me, and I shall make you pay for hurting Mami thousandfold, but you will be useful to me even if it is only a little bit.
Mami put my water and cake in front of me and I stopped thinking about such things.
Mami: " Shall we continue the story now? " as she set plates and the other glass on the table.
Then she sat down next to me. Since the glass is on the other side of the table, it was meant for the boy obviously.
I nodded
' Then I shall tell you what happened after getting all of us separate in that barrier. '
