Disclaimer : I don't own MFB.

I did my best. I hope you'll like it (or, at least, that the grammar will not hurt your eyes).

Trying to confess

Madoka finished to wash the dishes. She looked over her shoulder. Her face displayed a disillusioned look. Ginga was fixing the oven, barely a few centimeters away, as if it could speed up the cooking. She had told him several times that there was a timer and that they would be alerted as soon as the cake was ready. Ginga had nodded, pretended to leave, before repositioning himself in front of the oven.

Bladers. They rarely distinguished themselves by their patience or their practical sense. She certainly would have less work otherwise.

A bell rang.

"It's ready."

"Great!"

Madoka put on her kitchen gloves. She opened the oven and delicately took the dish that was nestled inside. She placed it on a rag on the work surface.

"It smells so good!" Ginga exclaimed. He held out a hand that Madoka slapped. "Ouch!" He drew his arm against him and gave her an upsetted look.

"You have to wait until it gets cold, and then we'll decorate it."

"That's why I don't like cooking," Ginga sighed. "It takes too long."

"You liked it when I taught you how to prepare and grill fish," Madoka reminded him.

"That's true, but it's super useful, and it takes less time. Plus, you use real fire."

"Be careful what you say, or you'll look like a pyromaniac."

Ginga smile turned dark, making shivers of fear run over Madoka's arms. She could not help but have a movement of recoil.

"Who knows what I do when I'm not Beyblading?"

"Remember what we said about black humor?"

The redhead pretended to think. "That I can use it in small quantities?"

"That it doesn't go at all with the rest of your personality and that the contrast is super creepy!"

"Hi hi hi! Oh yes, that's it."

Madoka glared at her friend. Ginga rubbed the back of his head, continuing to laugh. She finally let out a sigh. He didn't even pretend to regret it.

"That's why you manage Kyouya so well... your heart is as black as his."

"Kyouya's heart is not black."

But he said nothing for his own. This did not reassure Madoka much.

Ginga looked at the cake. "I guess it didn't get cold enough."

"Not yet. A little patient."

"Raaah! But it's too long. I would have had time to buy lots of cakes and eat them all there!"

"But nothing is better than what you prepare yourself," Madoka said, winking at him.

"If you say so..."

"By the way, tomorrow we'll practice making chocolates for Valentine's Day."

"Valentine's Day?" Ginga repeated with a disgusting look. "But that's a girl thing. Tell me, when are you going to make a girl friend? 'Cause shopping and all that stuff, it always comes down on me. It sucks."

"It depends," Madoka replied with a big smile. "When are you going to learn to fix Pegasus alone?"

Ginga winced. "Is that your answer?"

Madoka nodded. Ginga's shoulders rounded. "I see... Off to shopping and cooking, then."

"That's what I think too," Madoka replied without ceasing to smile. She turned her attention to the cake. "All right, we'll be able to decorate it."

"Great."

They covered it with a blue glaze – a color chosen by Ginga, of course – and sprinkled it with chocolate powder. Madoka rolled her eyes, more amused than something else, when Ginga arranged the fruits to form Pegasus' constellation. The bladers were not able to keep the Beyblade out of their thoughts for long.

Neither does she, by the way.

"There you are!" Ginga exclaimed when he was finished.

"We can to taste it."

"At last!"

Madoka had already stayed longer in the kitchen but she didn't rebuke him. Slowly, but surely, Ginga improved, for the quality of his preparations and for his patience. It would be a waste to disgust him now.

Madoka took a knife and carefully cut the cake. She first served Ginga, who thanked her enthusiastically, then herself.

Ginga attacked his share. Madoka had difficulties taking her eyes from him. He ate like a glutton – as usual. Crumbs were flying in all directions. At least, now that Masamune had returned in the United States, he spared her to speak with his mouth full.

Polite blows knocked at the door. Madoka raised her head, surprised. "Yes?"

The door opened on Tsubasa. He smiled at them and butterflies danced in her belly.

"Hello, my friends."

"Hi Tsubasa!" Ginga exclaimed, bringing Madoka down to earth.

She turned to him. "I told you not to speak with your mouth full!"

"Yes," he replied - with a mouth full.

Madoka hid her head in his hands and smothered a cry of frustration.

"It's always so lively here."

"You mean that some people remain the same, without evolving even a little."

"I'm evolving," Ginga contradicted her. "Every day I'm a better blader than the day before."

"That's not what I meant and you know it very well!" Madoka said, hitting her hands on the table.

Ginga cried, covering his face with his arms. "Sorry!"

Tsubasa laughed with amusement. It was light, but enough to calm down the two teenagers. They turned to him with wide eyes. It was so rare from him... Madoka was hot everywhere and found herself unable to pull her eyes off him.

"It's good to be back."

"Do you want to join us?"

"I'd like that, thank you." Tsubasa pulled a chair and sat next to Madoka.

"Would you like some cake?"

"We prepared it ourselves."

"Ginga! Your mouth!"

"It brings back memories... at least Yuu and Masamune aren't here."

Madoka nodded. At each meal during the World Championships – and there had been many – the three of them gulped down their food while talking. Only she and Tsubasa seemed to have a minimum of table manners. She just asked them not to speak with their mouth full. It wasn't much, though!

"Back to cake, I'd like to, thank you."

Madoka got up to take an extra plate, followed by Ginga's sad look. "What's the matter?" she sighed, feeling it was a mistake.

"If you give some to Tsubasa, there will be less for us."

"You're just a glutton, Ginga."

"Well, what? Half a cake is better than a third."

"You know anything about math now?"

"It's not math, it's food."

Madoka sighed. "I'll give him of my half. Happy?"

Ginga's eyes shine. "If it's your half, do what you want with it."

Madoka rolled her eyes before serving the cake to Tsubasa.

"Thank you" he said before turning to Ginga, a smile floating on his lips. "If you only knew how much I care about the evidence of your friendship."

"There are two things friendship doesn't count for: food and Beybattles."

Madoka and Tsubasa stared at him with round eyes and the same shocked look.

"What I mean is that just because your opponent is your friend doesn't mean you have to spare him. On the contrary, you have to put all your strength into this battle and be ready to crush him. I love fighting my friends, of course."

"You are quite... disturbing on the edges."

Tsubasa nodded solemnly. Ginga dismissed their opinion with a shrug and resumed the assault on his share of the cake. He quickly left only crumbs.

A black hole would do no less damage...

As if to prove her right, the redhead rose abruptly, failing to overturn his chair.

"I enjoyed it!" he exclaimed before turning his gaze to Madoka. "I can leave now? You don't need me anymore, do you?" He wasn't even trying to hide his impatience.

Madoka sighed. "No, that's fine. You're free to do whatever you want."

"Great! See soon Madoka, Tsubasa!" he threw himself out of the kitchen. "Beybattles, I'm coming!"

"Don't damage Pegasus!"

Madoka heard the door slam, but no answer. She sighed again. She didn't really expect something else, but...

"It's really nice to be back."

Madoka turned around. The sweetness she had perceived in Tsubasa's voice reflected on his expression. He turned his head and smiled. Only to her. Madoka's heart leaped. Her cheeks burned.

"I guess so, yeah."

She realized that with the sudden departure of Ginga, they found themselves face-to-face. She... She didn't remember anything like this ever happening. She had often been alone with Ginga since they knew each other – so much so that she had sometimes he was more like her brother than her friend. But with Tsubasa? Never. There was always at least one of their friends hanging out with them – Yuu, generally. That was definitely new. And it had nothing to do with being alone with Ginga. Nothing at all.

Madoka's heart accelerated until it pounded in her chest. The blood pulsed in her veins in an almost painful way.

"Are you okay, Madoka? You're all red."

"Heh heh heh heh! It's hot, don't you think?" She got up suddenly. " I-I'll open the window. I spent too much time by the oven, bickering with Ginga."

"No doubt, yes," replied Tsubasa in a puzzled voice.

Madoka walked to the window and opened it. She stood for a moment in front of the open window, trying to enjoy the fresh air to calm down. Contrary to what she had hoped for, it didn't work much. She barely felt a change. At least it aired the room...

Madoka hesitated, then eventually turned around and retraced her steps, thinking that it would be much stranger if she stood there. She sat down in front of Tsubasa.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, thank you."

And that was true. She was still feeling a little destabilized, her heart continued to pounce on her chest, but it was getting better.

She smiled at Tsubasa.

"Why don't you tell me what you've been doing lately?"

XXX

"Madoka and Tsubasa get along really well," Benkei commented.

"Do you think so?" Ginga asked as he turned around.

They were gathered in the shop part of the B-Pit. Madoka and Tsubasa were talking, a few steps away from them. Ginga didn't know what they were saying and didn't try to hear it. First, it wasn't his style. Second, he did not want to take the risk of hearing scientific theories. Madoka loved this topic of discussion and the slightest concept gave him headache. How normal human beings could understand anything about it? Worst. How could they appreciate it?

It was far beyond his understanding.

"They spend a lot of time together."

Benkei was right. Since Tsubasa came back, he and Madoka spent a lot of time together. Even when they were in groups, as now, they were discussing among themselves.

"They like each other."

"Well, maybe I..." Ginga raised his head. Understood. His eyes widened. "Do you think they're in love?"

Ginga turned his attention toward the pair, his eyebrows furrowed by a pensive look. That would explain a lot of things actually. In particular, why Madoka began to blush as soon as she spoke to Tsubasa, and why her eyes shone this way. Well, actually, it was pretty obvious. Ginga might have had to guess it before. And alone.

"Who is in love?"

Ginga bowed his head. Yuu had suddenly approached them. He wore a thoughtful look that quickly turned into a huge smile. The redhead winced. He didn't have a good feeling about it.

"I know! You finally admitted that..."

Ginga put one hand over Yuu's mouth to prevent him from finishing his sentence. The young teenager protested, visibly offended. Ginga didn't care. As long he didn't launch Libra, he was safe. This was typically the kind of situation where Yuu would use the Inferno Blast.

"I'm not in love."

In spite of the situation, Yuu managed to give him a doubtful look. Ginga's shoulders tensed.

"I'm not in love!"

His former teammate mumbled something that sounded very much like 'but yes, of course'. Ginga's annoyance was increased tenfold, barely stifling the discomfort that rose in him.

"I'm not interested in that kind of thing."

"You're not interested in what?" a female voice asked.

Ginga raised his head and grimaced. Of course, Madoka and Tsubasa had to choose this moment to pay attention to them and interfere in the discussion.

"To everything that doesn't concern Beyblade or food," he said coldly, defying them to contradict him.

Tsubasa was barely paying attention to him, his golden eyes riveted on Yuu, his forehead lined with concern. He looked up at Ginga.

"Why are you gagging Yuu?"

"He's talking nonsens!"

"Do you realize you're gonna have to let him go someday?"

Ginga got a little grumpy. He knew that Yuu, as soon as he was free to speak, would hasten to share his stupid theory – stupid because Ginga was not in love. He wasn't in a hurry... Even if Tsubasa was right. He had no choice but to let him go.

With an annoyed sigh, he did.

"Gingy is in love!" Yuu started to song.

"That's not true!"

Libra's blader burst out laughing and ran to Tsubasa. He took the teenager's hand, continuing to show an immense smile.

"He refuses to admit it when it's super easy to guess. It's funny, isn't it?"

"Yuu!"

The immense green eyes returned upon him, shining with malice. "It makes him even more grumpy than our mean Yoyo!"

"Grr."

"Yes... the great love story of Ginga, the one that is so obvious..."

Ginga's throat dried up. He raised his head abruptly. He didn't have a good feeling about Madoka's thoughtful tone. Her little smile increased his anxiety. His fists convulsed.

Madoka displayed a grin. "Are you talking about the one he's living with Pegasus?"

Ginga was so surprised that he could do nothing but stare at his friend. Yuu's eyes rounded. "What?"

Madoka nodded solemnly. "Their separations break his heart every time, even when they are needed... and their reunion is full of passion."

"Ha ha ha, very funny," Ginga commented with sarcasm.

"If you didn't act so childish when I had to fix Pegasus, it wouldn't be so confusing."

"It's not childish," Ginga mumbled. Real bladers didn't like to be separated from their beyblades and, obviously, if they had to for some reason, it was normal to be happy to get it back. Especially if it had been damaged. Why should he hide it?

"It is."

Yuu blinked several times. "Pegasus?"

Madoka leaned towards Yuu and whispered to him something that Ginga couldn't discern. He could only observe the exchange from afar, with uneasiness.

Madoka finally straightened up. She winked at Yuu.

"All you have to do is coming next time Pegasus needs major repairs. It won't be long. It's been a while since Ginga and Kyouya fought."

The redhead smiled. It was true. His rival should come and challenge him soon. He wondered what form his challenge would take this time... and where their fight would take place. Kyouya was full of surprises for their duels, from the way he challenged him to his way to fight.

"All right."

Yuu trotted up to Ginga. "I love you Gingy, you know?"

The redhead had a soft smile. He put his hand on the blond hair. "I love you too, Yuu."

He was just a little too teasing sometimes.

XXX

The afternoon was coming to an end. Almost everyone had left the B-Pit. It was just Ginga and her, actually.

Madoka looked at her friend. He seemed better than in the afternoon... even if it was difficult to say, with him. As soon as his emotions leaned towards the negative, he concealed them, a habit he seemed unable of getting rid off. But anyway, since neither Kenta nor Benkei had been hanging out with him, Madoka assumed he was going really well. She didn't understand how butthey were able to tell when he was well and when he pretended. Unfortunately, she couldn't say the same. She loved Ginga, he was her friend, but on some points, he was completely closed to her.

At least she understood that.

She knew who Ginga was in love with, teased him about it several times – but much more subtly than Yuu. She also knew that Ginga categorically refused to talk about it, or even to acknowledge it. She didn't understand why – a boy's thing, certainly, to so vehemently refuse feelings – but she would be there if he ever changed his mind.

Ginga let out a sigh.

"What is going on?"

Ginga turned her head toward her. "Oh, nothing."

"You can tell me, you know?"

"Hmm."

A hint of anxiety pierced Madoka's heart. Was he again entering one of his phases of withdrawal? "Ginga?"

"Do you really want me to tell you?"

Madoka nodded timidly. Ginga had a half-smile. "It seems that you are in love with Tsubasa."

Madoka's heart seemed to stop, paused for a moment, before racing. Her temperature rose sharply. She must have blushed from head to toe.

"W-what?"

Ginga turned to her. He crossed his arms on the table and leaned over, still smiling. "You and Tsubasa. In love. Why didn't you tell me? You're the one who wants me to take the role of your girl friend. It's the least I can do, isn't it, to talk about your crush?"

Something in his tone indicated to her that she had not been as subtle as she had believed in her teasing.

"So? How long has this been going on?"

"I-I just..."

"Yes?" Ginga said, grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

Madoka smiled tightly. "You know, it would be a discussion. It means that you should have to talk about your feelings too."

The effect was instantaneous: Ginga's smile disappeared and tension invaded his body. "I'm not in love."

But of course.

He got up and proceeded with jerky steps towards the door.

"Where are you going?" Madoka worried.

"Sleep outside."

"Be careful not to catch cold."

The door of the B-Pit closed in a slam without Ginga answering. Madoka slowly lowered her hand, her fingers folding.

I may have exaggerated...

It was a sensitive subject for Ginga, one of the few who sent him on an emotional roller coaster. To use it against him was like hitting a wound to win a fight. Cheater. Immoral.

She thought of his smile, tinged with mockery. A vein beat at her temple.

He had it coming.

XXX

Madoka spent a lot of time with Tsubasa on the following days. Despite the presence of their friends – except Gina, who seemed determined to sulk them – she had several times the impression of being alone with him. If she had behaved normally for the most part, there had been a few moments when she had lost her footing. These moments could be counted on the fingers of one hand: two compliments of Tsubasa – she blushed just thinking about it – once he had smiled at her and once he had stood by her – very close.

She put her hands on her cheeks and found them burning. As she feared, she blushed.

At least, nobody saw her this time.

With a sigh, Madoka sat down at her desk. She looked at the top she had just repaired: a Counter Aquario – the gang weren't the only ones taking advantage of her services.

"Of course I'm in love with Tsubasa," she sighed.

He was smart, calm and handsome. So mature beside the other people she was hanging with. He didn't seem completely lost when she was talking about scientific theories – he wasn't passionate about them, like her, but he understood what she was saying – it was more than some were able of. They were a good team, as the events of Atlantis, Spiral Energy and the Black Sun had shown. He recognized his help and his work...

He wasn't like anyone she knew.

Her expression became skeptical as she took stock of the rest of her entourage.

Ginga, his best friend, who hated science and seemed to think that playing Beyblade was enough motivation in life.

Benkei, a sweetheart, but who understood nothing about science – or technology in general – and whose admiration for Kyouya was... exceptionnal.

Said Kyouya, an ingrate, who thought only of his little self and defeating his rival.

Kenta and Yuu, kids.

…

In fact, none of them made the comparison.

"He's not like anyone I know," she murmured with embarrassment. And she was starting wondering how all of them could hang out together.

Madoka leaned down to the office and placed her cheek on her hand, a dull pout on her face. "What should I do?"

She would like to date Tsubasa, but how? The simple idea of admitting her feelings petrified her. What if he didn't like her? It would be so embarrassing... and it would break her heart. But what if her feeling were requited? If she just have to confess to date him? It would be much easier if he decided to take the first step... Confessing her feelings to him seemed much difficult than fixing Pegasus and Leone after one of their duels.

Madoka sighed. She was lived a moment where a kind Kyouya would be helpful. Given the words he was able to utter in front of cameras from the whole world, given the confidence he displayed even when an entire audience loomed him, it was not a small declaration of love that would impress him. He could give her advice.

If he were nice.

That would never happen. It would be more likely Masamune winning a Nobel Prize in Physics or Ginga the Fields Medal than Kyouya becoming helpful.

But I could use some advice.

Who could she ask? It wasn't like she knew a lot of girls... And her first instinct was to call a girl to share her concerns and receive an attentive ear.

Mei-Mei?

She was her closest girl friend, but they had never brought this kind of subject up. Wouldn't that be weird? And, more importantly, did Mei-Mei keep secrets from her teammates? Because Madoka didn't want the entire Beilin Temple to know her feelings.

Not before the concerned, anyway.

Hikaru?

They weren't that close. Madoka could not see herself talking to her about personal things.

And... that was it.

There were Sophie and Lyra, too, but Madoka had never contacted them personally. She couldn't begin to talk about her sentimental concerns.

This left her with only one solution: the boys.

And there was only one, among them, to whom she would dare share these revelations.

She sighed. Finally, Ginga had been right...

XXX

"Hi!" Madoka said joyfully, a big smile on his face. Her back was turned to the canal and she was facing the grassy hill, where Ginga straightened up. He looked at her with suspicion.

"What do you want?"

Ouch! Yuu and I really exaggerated.

For anything else, Ginga would have already forgiven them. Fortunately, Madoka had the miracle solution. She got up at dawn to prepare her.

She held out a bento with both hands. "I cooked a triple burger just for you. Your favorite dish!"

"Hm." Ginga seemed neither softened nor baited. Madoka's smile disappeared. He sighed and reached out his hand. "Okay. Thanks." Madoka put the lunch basket on his hands. She sat beside him as he opened it and began to eat.

"So?"

"As good as ever," he recognized. When he had finished, he closed the bento. "Well, what did you want to talk about?" Ginga asked in a monotonous voice.

Madoka blushed. "That-that's not... !"

Ginga's skeptical face cut short her recriminations. She turned her head and crossed her hands on her knees. "I need to talk to someone about Tsubasa."

"I don't want to discuss stories like that."

Madoka turned her head to his friend. His distant tone was reflected in his face. He wasn't looking at her. His whole being was directed straight ahead of him. Whether she was there or not, it wouldn't make much difference.

Why does this subject make him react like this?

Falling in love was nothing negative. Despite her doubts and worries, Madoka was happy to know this feeling. Why it wasn't the same for Ginga?

"It's not going to be a discussion. I mean, not like I said last time, where we talk one after the other. I just want a listening and advice... please."

Ginga looked at her. A smile – very light – softened his expression. "Sure. We're friends. I'm here if you need me."

Madoka would have liked to return his promise, but it was likely to scare him away rather than reassure him.

"But... why me?"

"I have given it a lot of thought and you are the best choice," she admitted.

Ginga's eyes rounded. "Are you serious?"

Madoka nodded solemnly. She had weighed her options at length and Ginga was by far the most suitable.

The honey eyes squinted. "You only had a choice between Masamune and me or what?"

"No. I've choice between everyone we know."

Ginga looked doubtful.

"I was a little surprised too, at first."

"I'm willing to listen, but I don't know if I'll be helpful."

"It'll do me good to talk."

"Then go ahead."

Madoka began hesitantly – talking about science and spinning tops seemed much easier – then her tongue loosed and the words left her more fluently. She spoke of her feelings for Tsubasa, of her hesitations and questions, of her desire to make things evolve, of her fear that her feelings would not be requited. As she confided, she felt lighter. It did not make her concerns disappear, but it lessened them.

Ginga listened to her attentively, without interrupting her. It was so easy to talk to him. He didn't judge, paid attention to the feelings of his friends... and he would not repeat his confidences, even inadvertently. He knew how to keep things to himself – too well sometimes.

When Madoka finished, she felt that a weight had left her and that her mind was clearer. She had not made her decision, but her uncertainties no longer seemed as important.

"If you practiced Beyblade, I would have told you to challenge him," Ginga said quietly.

"Are you kidding me?"

Madoka's well-being had given way to utter consternation. Ginga had told her he didn't know if his advice would be wise, but she had not thought for a second that he would be so far off the mark.

It made her doubt of her choice to confide in him.

Ginga smiled at her and placed his hand on his heart. "You can't lie when you Beyblade. Our beys express all our emotions, all our feelings... There is no better way to communicate and understand each other."

"I can see that..."

It was true that the tops allowed the bladers, in addition to measuring each other, to create links. It was Ginga who had taught them this, and this truth had been verified again and again since he had entered their lives.

Except that...

"I'm not a blader," Madoka sighed.

"I know. It takes away some possibilities," Ginga replied in a light tone. He plunged back into his thoughts. "Anyway, you only have two choices: tell him or keep this for yourself. What would you like?"

"Date with him," she admitted.

Her cheeks burned. She really wasn't ready for a confession. If she was so embarrassed to tell her friend, she didn't want to imagine what it would be like to admit them to the principal concerned.

"So you have to tell him."

"But- what if he doesn't want to?"

"It's a chance you have to take."

Tears appeared in Madoka's eyes. Was that why Ginga said nothing? To spare himself the feeling that his heart was tearing in his chest?

"I... I don't want to lose our friendship," she admitted in a whisper.

"We're talking about Tsubasa," Ginga reminded her. "Even if he doesn't love you that way, he likes you and cares about you. He won't let your affection disappear like that."

Madoka nodded timidly. "You're right." She let the silence settle between them. She began to wiggle. A question was bothering her. She cast a tentative look at Ginga. "I know we aren't supposed to talk about it but... can I ask you something?"

Ginga tensed. His shoulders hunched, his face displayed an inexpressive mask. He pinched his lips, balancing the pros and the cons. He relaxed. It happened so suddenly that Madoka's eyes widened. He turned toward her with a smile. "Sure. Go ahead."

Madoka smiled back, relaxed. She was facing again the Ginga she knew – the one who was so friendly. "Why did you choose not to declare yourself?"

"I don't want to."

"Is that all?"

Ginga nodded. "I like the situation as it is now. I have no desire to change it."

So that was the difference...

Madoka raised her head with determination. "I will tell him."

Ginga's smile softened. "Okay."

XXX

It was easier said than done.

Madoka had seen Tsubasa several times since her open-hearted confession to Ginga. At the time, it had done her good but, in hindsight, it might not have been such a good idea. Whenever it was in the presence of Tsubasa, it would liquefy. She was no longer able to form coherent thoughts – not even the slightest thought, to tell the truth. She stuttered, her whole body burned her – probably taking on a beautiful tomato red hue – and she covered herself in ridicule.

At least, since they were never alone, she had a real excuse for not having made her confession – she thanked Yuu, the main culprit, who refused to be more than three meters away from Tsubasa. A simple lack of courage would disappoint her deeply. She didn't imagine herself so cowardly. She was not the type to rush into trouble, head down, like most of her blader friends, but she did not lack courage.

At least that's what she thought until now.

Ginga approached her. He looked at her, then at Tsubasa, before turning his attention to her. "Still not?"

"It's not simple," she muttered.

"You seemed determined, though."

"There is always a difference between theory and practice. This is the reason science always requires verification by experiments."

Ginga winced. Madoka pouted. He wasn't allergic to the mere word science, was he?

"And you're in no position to talk."

"I can afford it," Ginga replied in a calm voice. "I decided to keep my feelings to myself. You decided to share them... unless you changed your mind?"

"No."

"Then why wait? You hurt yourself unnecessarily."

"... I know."

Ginga gave her a sweet smile. He stood up. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be okay. You just have to try."

"I'll do it as soon as I get the chance," Madoka muttered watching Yuu speak to Tsubasa, punctuating his words with great gestures.

Ginga followed her gaze. He looked at the scene, thinking, and then smiled at her, with a smile a little darker than those she was accustomed to, which instantly made her suspicious. "Okay. I'll take your word for it."

Madoka did not have time to ask him what he meant that he left her to join the duo. She saw him mingle in the conversation with a growing anxiety she tried to repress. What was she afraid of? Ginga didn't divulge the secrets of others. And he would never betray a friend or deliberately hurt her.

Yuu's smile – the only face she could see entirely – grew, grew, until it occupied half of his face. Sparks seemed to dance all around him. He began to nod energetically. Ginga addressed a few words to Tsubasa, before turning his back and heading for the front door, Yuu on his heels. When he reached the threshold, he paused and turned half-way.

He smiled – a real smile, full of light and enthusiasm – and waved at them.

"We'll see you later."

"See you later!" Yuu echoed in a joyful voice.

They went out. The door closed behind them. Madoka saw them moving away through the bay window. It was only when they disappeared from her sight that she became aware of the situation.

Ginga had just arranged a one-on-one time with Tsubasa.

Madoka struggled violently. She had to muster all her courage to slide a look at the silver-haired boy. Tsubasa was looking at the window with a puzzled look. "I wonder what got into Ginga."

"Oh, that..."

XXX

Ginga drove Yuu back to the B-Pit. Their tour lasted nearly two hours – they first went to the Bey-park and, having crossed paths with Kenta on the way, had taken him with them, then to the glacier. That must have been enough for Madoka to make his statement. He decided to take Yuu with him to give her the opportunity she was waiting for. We could not talk about sacrifice on his part: he adored Yuu and spending time with him didn't bother him in the least. He still hoped it had worked. He didn't like to see Madoka mope around like that. Especially since it was useless. She will be fixed as soon as she confess. And, as he had told her, even if Tsubasa did not share his feelings – which he would find very surprising – he would not give up their friendship.

"It's us!" Yuu chided as he opened the B-Pit door.

Ginga followed the child into the building, a smile floating on his lips. He looked at Madoka, then Tsubasa. His eyebrows gathered.

Nothing had changed.

As soon as the opportunity arises, huh?

"Did something go wrong?" Tsubasa worried.

"Absolutely not!" Ginga replied with a big smile.

He waited quietly for Tsubasa – and incidentally Yuu – to leave, without pressing them, keeping a smile on his face. He greeted them joyfully, promised to see them again the next day. His smile did not fade until they disappeared from his sight. He crossed his arms and glanced at Madoka.

"I didn't dare say anything to him," she admitted.

At least she had the decency to look embarrassed.

"I had noticed."

"You're not very supportive about this."

"You're the one who told me you wanted to confess to him. I'm trying to help you."

"I know... maybe I shouldn't have said that. It makes me too uncomfortable. I can't take the first step."

So Tsubasa would have to declare himself.

This prospect seemed a bit more complicated for Ginga. Although he and Tsubasa were friends, they were not especially close. They didn't confide in personal things. He could not push him as he had pushed Madoka.

He let his expression soften. "Don't get discouraged, okay?"

If Madoka nodded timidly, she did not seem convinced. All her determination was gone.

All these heart stories, it was very complicated. Ginga did not see what he could do to help her. If it had been about Beyblade, he would have solved the problem by now.

He greeted his friend and left the B-Pit. As soon as he was outside, his smile faded away. He let his steps guide him towards the canal. He planned to sleep on his shores again that night. The spring wind and the presence of the stars helped him to think. Maybe it would allow him to find a solution for Madoka.

He didn't truly believe it.

He heard other steps and raised his head. A huge smile appeared on his face when he saw Kyouya, followed by Benkei.

"Kyouya!"

His rival looked at him for a moment before joining him. "Ginga."

"What are you doing here? I thought you were training."

Kyouya had only been gone a few days, which was surprising. Generally, his trips to the wilderness lasted several weeks. The few times he interrupted them, it was to help them save the world.

Kyouya had a rather annoyed look. "The thing is Kakeru decided to come to Bey-City."

"So here you are."

Kyouya pouted. He could show as much exasperation as he wanted, Ginga knew that, deep down, he was impatient to find his little brother.

"With the luck I have, I guess Yuu is still around," his rival remarked with sarcasm.

"He and Tsubasa are in town."

"Of course. My vision of Hell will come true."

"Oh, really?"

"Kakeru and Yuu will meet and become friends, just to annoy me."

Indeed, it seemed like a Hell built to torment Kyouya.

"At least Tithi isn't here," Ginga tried to comfort him.

"Hmm. I guess that's always the case."

Ginga observed Kyouya. He was having trouble finding a solution... but maybe his rival would have an idea. He was not well versed in sentimentalism, and the subject would probably annoy him more than the imminent encounter between Yuu and Kakeru, but he was gifted to prompt people to react according to his desires.

"How would you get one person to make a declaration of love to another?"

As Ginga expected, Kyouya's exasperation turned on him and was tinged with contempt. Even Benkei looked at him with disappointment. Ginga narrowly refrained from rolling his eyes.

"Not for me. For friends."

"That's what people say," Benkei commented.

Ginga glared at him before returning all his attention to Kyouya. "It's not for me," he said again. "I'm not going to waste my time on this kind of trivia when I have my blader career. I take it very seriously. I won't insult you by letting go of my training until you beat me."

Ginga displayed a provocative smile. Since he did not intend to lose to him... "Looks like I just took a vow of celibacy, doesn't it?"

"Tss! Stop your innuendoes. I'll crush you the next time we meet. It'll give you plenty of time to whine to whomever you want."

"That's what you said last time, and yet you still haven't settled our scores."

"And you said you wouldn't lose, yet you didn't win, did you?"

"Ha!"

It was for this reason that Kyouya was his rival. Not only did he have to fight with all his might against him, but he could retaliate all that went through his head, without fear of offending his sensibility. It was not like with his friends, with whom he was very carefull about the words he utters for fear of hurting them.

"Getting back to your ridiculous problem, I hear jealousy is very effective."

Ginga took this solution into consideration. Tsubasa was not the type to get carried away easily and the idea of pretending that he had such feelings for Madoka made him uncomfortable. However...

"Maybe, if I can shape it my way..."

He would need some time to think about it and find the best way to use it.

"This is a waste of time."

Ginga smiles at his rival. "I suspect you think that."

"Like any sensible person."

"I owe you one."

"And how is that?"

"How about you tell me when Kakeru is coming to Bey-City? I could choose this time to invite my friends to Koma."

The blue eyes lit up. "Would you do that?"

"It's been a while since we've been there," Ginga said, shrugging. "This offer won't surprise anyone."

"Kakeru will be back the day after tomorrow."

It was going to be enough, but doable. Ginga had all night to find an idea, the next day to apply it – hoping it would be fruitful this time – and a few hours to convince others to go to Koma.

Yeah. It was perfectly doable.

XXX

As Ginga had hoped, an idea had come to him in the middle of the night. A memory, more exactly, but which would be useful in the present situation. It happened a few days before Tsubasa returned to Bey-City. Madoka had summoned him to the B-Pit to take him to another shopping session – which was Ginga's personal vision of Hell – but she was tangled in explaining to some blader how to take care of his bey. Leaning against the wall his arms folded, Ginga had stared at her, trying to get her to hurry up – shopping was boring him deeply but the sooner they would start, the sooner they would finish – when he had heard a laugh next to him. He had turned his head to Yuuki.

"What?"

The teenager had arranged his glasses with an accomplice smile. "So that's it? Madoka and you...?"

"Madoka and I what?"

"Are you guys dating?"

It took a while for Ginga to understand the meaning of his words and then he displayed an air of utter horror. "Of course not! Where did you get that idea?"

"It's pretty obvious: you're the hero and she's your closest friend."

"I'm not the hero, I'm not even a hero. I just do what I have to do."

"That's the definition of a hero."

Ginga had felt irritation. For most of his fights, he had very personal motives: Daidouji, Bakim and Ziggurat had provoked him and wounded people he loved. He had stopped their plans, but he had taken revenge. It was not heroic at all as a motivation, not from his point of view anyway.

But he could not see himself saying that to Yuuki. He was already having trouble showing Kenta and Benkei how he felt, despite them being his closest and oldest friends – and he did so only because they guessed when he was at a low ebb and would not let go until he revealed what was on his heart. He was unable to do so with Madoka, whom he had known for almost as long.

"Madoka is one of my closest friends, like Kenta and Benkei. Does that mean I'm in love with them, too?"

Yuuki had widened his eyes, shocked. "Of course not." He was silent, giving Ginga hope that he had managed to end the discussion. "You know, it's not bad to be in love."

"I'm not in love with Madoka."

"Maybe you don't realize it yet."

"I understand my own feelings very well, thank you," he replied in a sharp voice.

His anger had risen a notch, dangerously flirting with anger, when he had seen Yuuki's condescending air. "At our age, it's hard to accept that kind of feeling, isn't it?"

"I'm not in love with Madoka," he grunted. "She's a friend of mine. I love her the same way I love Kenta."

"Still, that's what everyone believes."

"Everyone who?"

"People," Yuuki replied reluctantly. He finally seemed to understand his mistake.

"These people must not know us well then."

This sentence had put an end to the exchange. An uncomfortable silence had set in between them. Ginga had done nothing to remedy it. Yuuki had finally left, driven away by the atmosphere.

Ginga still did not understand the origin of this theory. Madoka and he were friends. Even without his feelings for that other person, it wouldn't be any different. He had the same kind of affection for her as he had for Kenta. Anyway, even if a strange combination of circumstances had made him fall in love with her, and another improbability had led her to return his feelings, it would never have worked. From what he had heard, the couples were based on the exchange... and he was unable to reveal himself honestly to Madoka. He kept all his barriers with her, unable to lower them even a little bit, unable to rest on her even for a moment. He hid his true emotions from her. So little trust, in a friendship, it sucked. In a love story, it niped it in the bud.

(Maybe that was what led to his parents' divorce, a lack of communication. He didn't know. He didn't know anything about his mother either, by the way, or about that side of his family.)

That theory gave him an idea, anyway. It wouldn't be jealousy, but it would be close enough to be thanks to Kyouya's advice.

XXX

As in the last days, Madoka saw Ginga, Tsubasa, Yuu and Kenta meet at the B-Pit. She struggled with the first two, for different reasons, and wondered when it would pass. She hated this feeling of uneasiness, and even more the feeling of being incompetent.

"Why don't we go outside?" Ginga said. "It's a shame to spend so much time inside when the weather is so good."

"Great idea, Gingy!"

"Why not."

"That would be nice."

The four boys turned to Madoka, who looked down. "I pass. I have a lot of work to do."

It wasn't a lie, but it was mostly an excuse.

"Are you sure, chief?"

She nodded her head. She turned her attention into her work, pretending not to notice when they came out. After a while, she finally relaxed and immersed herself in the repairs. This is one area where she was good, one where she never made mistakes.

"Madoka?"

She startled and raised a panicked face towards Tsubasa who smiled at her with an apology. "I knocked. Several times."

She put her glasses up on her hair. "Sorry. I was completely absorbed in these repairs."

"If I disturb you, I can..."

"Not at all! I'm almost done. Can you wait two minutes?"

"Of course."

Madoka completed her repairs, appreciably aware of Tsubasa's presence with her. She checked the bey several times. When she had finished, she turned to Tsubasa. Her heart was beating so hard that she almost feared he would hear her, even though she knew it was impossible. She was a scientist. She knew very well what was possible and what was not. And that was clearly impossible.

She raised her head and all logic seemed to leave her. She saw only his golden eyes, so calm, so vivid, which revealed a sharp intelligence. Her heartbeat seemed to stop – another impossible thing – before accelerating. She didn't remember feeling it pound that hard before. Despite all the fear she had felt in the face of the situations they had experienced, despite all the efforts required to accompany bladers like Ginga in their adventures.

They were right in the stories. Reading about love and experiencing it were two very different things. Everything she felt was almost dizzying, like her body and her soul had agreed to make her more sensitive to the world around her.

She took a trembling breath and crossed her hands on her knees.

"Did you want to talk to me?"

"Yes. That's why I came."

Madoka felt her face burning. What a silly question.

Tsubasa smiled at her, but he did not seem to laugh at her, nor to find her agitation ridiculous. It soothed her somewhat, but the redness of her cheeks scarcely diminished – she felt it – and her heart didn't deign to slow down. If it continued like this, she feared that it would escape from her ribcage.

Maybe that's what it was trying to do.

How can I blame it? If she could escape, without having to suffer the consequences later – in the form of a horrible and humiliating embarrassment – she would do it without hesitation.

Maybe...

Or maybe she'd still stay, just to keep watching Tsubasa and enjoying one of those rare moments where they could be alone together. Without Yuu or any of their friends. She loved them, but they did not know the concept of personal space and they did not seem to understand that one could need solitude.

Almost all of them, she amended herself, thinking of Ginga.

Her red-haired friend had already given her a one-on-one moment with Tsubasa. It hadn't been very conclusive, but she loved every second of it.

"This is gonna sound a little sudden, but I'm in love with you."

Madoka's mind became empty. She flickered her eyes. "I... I think I heard it wrong, you said?"

"I'm... in love with you."

So she heard right.

Her mind seemed completely blank. She no longer formulated any thoughts, as when she was really exhausted – usually after the duels between Ginga and his eternal rival, Kyouya Tategami, because who had to fix their beys after they went wild? It was the first time it had happened to her when she was so fully awake.

"Would you go out with me?"

"Uh... Well... I..." Madoka tried, shaking her hair. She couldn't believe it was happening. She wasn't dreaming? She'd have to pinch herself to make sure... except she didn't know how to do it discreetly. And if it wasn't a dream, his reaction would be extremely embarrassing.

Tsubasa's smile was sad. "Excuse me. I..."

He was going to retract. Madoka, in spite of her agitation, understood this immediately. He was going to retract, leave and her chance would fly away. Because how she could make him believe that she was returning his feelings after letting him go?

"Yes!"

Tsubasa blinked, surprised. Madoka became scarlet. "I... I'd love to go out with you."

Tsubasa had a hesitant smile. Madoka realized that her own hands were clutching so tight together that they began to get numb. She separated her hands and smoothed her skirt, to have the impression of doing something.

"I..." She looked down. " I am... in love with you." Her voice was just a whisper at the end. She didn't heard it over her heartbeat, but she knew she had said it.

She gathered all her courage and raised her head. Tsubasa smiled at her. Only at her. She had just confessed her feelings to him.

And he told me his own.

A shy smile appeared on Madoka's face. So... finally... Was that it? They had confessed their feelings?

And Tsubasa was in love with her.

Her heart was beating fast, but it seemed to her that his beats were different from earlier. They seemed sweeter, as if her heart were singing with happiness.

"I... I've been hoping to tell you for a few days..."

"Really?" Tsubasa said.

Madoka nodded. "I didn't dare because I was afraid that..."

"It was unrequited. I understand."

Madoka's eyes rounded. "Oh, yeah? But... you weren't sure?"

He looked like he was, however. Especially since she had had a lot of trouble keeping her feelings for herself since she had become aware of it.

"Not at all."

"But... you went for it. You seemed so... confident."

"This may surprise you, but it's thanks to Ginga."

"Ginga?"

Tsubasa nodded. "He told me about the fact that some people think you're dating and how badly you're getting along. Before I knew it, we were talking about you and me."

Thank you Ginga!

She'd make him a bunch of triple burgers to show her appreciation. And she would no longer complain about his childishness or the colossal work that Pegasus' repairs required.

…

No. Just the burgers. No need to go that far.

"However, I don't know why, he started talking about Koma and inviting us all there. Tomorrow morning. Yuu agreed right away, of course."

"He's sometimes difficult to understand."

Tsubasa solemnly agreed.

"But it might be good for both of us," she whispered, blushing.

"It is true."

They smiled at each other.

THE END

Note : I like writing about Madoka's and Ginga's friendship.

Madoka and Alekseï or Madoka and Tsubasa ? I can't decide between these two ships... They are the only ones she show some interest in...