A/N: Hey guys, I know that it's been a while… But, my co-writer and I have been busy/distracted since the end of last year. Work, school, and among other things preoccupied our attention first, but we're here now and as for this story in terms of updates it will have to be whenever we get a feel for inspiration. We'll try to still update monthly, but no promises.

Disclaimer: We don't own Puella Magi Madoka Magica or any of its characters! But we DO own our OC's Amai and Juudai!

Chapter 13: Dates & Trouble

The walk home was largely uneventful. Juudai didn't feel like talking to Kyubey just yet, and the critter likewise maintained the silence. The sun was beginning to set for Mitakihara. Juudai looked in the general direction of the sunset, sighing a bit.

'Is something wrong?' Kyubey broke the silence.

"No. Just feeling a bit whimsical, I guess. Things have settled down, but it's taking a while for me to calm down."

Kyubey turned his head to her. 'Were you scared?'

Juudai scoffed. "Of course I was! I only saw it for a moment but those girls were lifting dirt! You saw what nearly happened to Madoka; anyone could've gotten hurt!"

'We're sorry. The way you acted when you entered the scene, it appeared like you were taking things calmly.'

"I wasn't, trust me. But that was then, and this is now. No one got hurt, even if things started getting there for a moment..." The Asurito shop came into sight. "Now it's time to go home." She held the door open, waiting for Kyubey to enter the restaurant before following close behind.

Juudai turned her head when she heard Little Brother running down the hall towards her, all the while barking. She immediately reached for Kyubey, holding him up before the Golden Retriever pounced on him.

"Bad boy." Juudai scolded. The dog gave her a look she could honestly describe as being incredulous, growling at Kyubey.

'Some animals do not like us. We can get along with some of them but this one just doesn't tolerate our presence.'

"I think it's mostly because Amai doesn't like you; Little Brother tends to empathizes with Amai."

'Isn't there a saying for that; like pet, like master?'

"No, Kyubey; I think you got your sources mixed up." She walked to the kitchen, dropping Kyubey off on the counter. "I guess I'll start dinner for when they come back."

'May we partake of a meal as well?'

"Duh. You're here, aren't you?"

'We were not sure if we were imposing, so we only thought to ask.'

Juudai had begun pulling out stock for soup and was in the middle of deciding what would be the entrée when Xavier entered.

"Where's Nagisa?" He asked after calling out to her.

"Out. I don't know when she's coming back, but she'll be with Amai."

Xavier took a seat in front of the island. His eyes were focused on the spot where Kyubey sat. Juudai wondered for a moment if he could see Kyubey, before quickly reminding herself that the boy most likely was just staring at a spot on the counter or something.

"What is that, Sis?"

Her heart stopped, eyes dilated as she stared at her little brother. He stared back, an eyebrow raised. "What?"

'We are Kyubey. Pleasure to meet you, Xavier.'

"You know my name?" The boy asked, a mild sense of astonishment lingering in his tone.

'We've been here long enough to know.'

"How long?"

'Quite some time.'

"Um, hello?" Juudai interjected. "I thought only girls can-" For lack of better words, she gestured between herself and Kyubey.

'Not just. Human boys are capable of developing magical powers, remember? It's just rarer. I'm not surprised your brother has developed the senses considering he's related to you.'

Juudai's mouth fell open. "So... it can be a family thing?"

'Yes, although that's not always a guarantee. Sometimes, the male of your species can develop it, sometimes they cannot.' Kyubey inclined his head to the boy. 'Since you can see us, it means you might have potential.'

Before Xavier can ask 'what', Juudai stepped forward, a pleading look on her face. "Kyubey..."

'...However, we will refrain from doing so. This town is the first one in a long time since we've seen so many candidates for being Magical Warriors. Besides, you are rather young.'

At that, Xavier pouted. "I am not! I'm a big boy now!"

"Well, did the big boy do his homework yet?"

"Yes! Math, science and social studies!"

"What about English?"

"I didn't have English."

"All right..." Juudai turned her head to Kyubey, mouthing two words at him.

The creature nodded his head before responding in her mind. 'You're welcome.'

"T-tomorrow?"

"Yes, if you're available." Kyousuke added afterwards. He sounded nervous, and dear Lord, was Sayaka's heart pounding against her chest.

"O-of course, we can h-hang out tomorrow!" Sayaka stuttered, her face turning redder by the second. "Uh, where are we going?"

"That's for you to find out!" The boy chuckled. He gave her the location for where to meet. "Just leave it to me, okay?"

"O-okay." Sayaka cursed her stuttering. "See you tomorrow?"

"You bet!"

Sayaka glanced at her phone after hanging up the call, a smile blooming on her face. She gave a shout of exhilaration, and twirling in place. Her closet door flew opened as she pulled out articles of clothing.

'What should I wear...?' She thought, holding a dress on her torso. Sayaka wanted to look good for Kyousuke and make sure he had a good time.

The whole time she tried to pick out an outfit, she couldn't stop giggling. She had the clothes laid out on a nearby chair before she headed for bed. By morning, she rushed to finish her chores so when early afternoon rolled in she was freshen up and ready to leave without a care in the world.

She arrived at the park, finding Kyousuke at a bench in the center. 'He looks better...' Sayaka thought as she drew near. She waved her hand and called out to the boy, capturing his attention. "How are you doing today?"

"Better now that I'm out of the house." He gestured with a hand for her to follow. "My parents are smoldering me."

"Really?"

"Yeah, they're just so... augh! I guess I shouldn't complain; they're just concerned for me, but I've been surrounded by people in the hospital. All I'm asking is that they give me a little bit of space."

"Yeah, I get that."

"I shouldn't be complaining about them, though. I haven't even asked you how you're feeling, Sayaka."

"Oh, I'm fine. Yeah, I'm doing fine!" Sayaka began to giggle nervously, trying to find something to say. "Um, so are you catching up with your homework?"

"Yeah, my parents were insisting I should request they exempt me, but I really need to get back into things before going back to class. I need the distraction."

"What about violin practice?"

Kyousuke smiled. "It's great. Whenever I'm not doing homework, I'm playing. ...I missed it so much."

Sayaka stared at his smile, a smile of her own appearing on her face. She could never regret her wish, not with that smile on his face.

The two of them continued to talk about random things on their way to Kyousuke's destination. The boy's face brightened once they arrived.

Sayaka's, however, fell. "Here?"

"Yep, I hear this place gets great reviews." Kyousuke held the door for her. Reluctantly, Sayaka went in.

"Welcome! Is it a party of... Flatbread?!" Amai's shock quickly morphed to a wicked grin. "Well, well, well, couldn't stay away, huh?"

Sayaka trembled with rage. Kyousuke, known the wiser, gazed between the two. "Do you know each other?"

"You can say that. And who are you, cute thang?"

Amai's words snapped Sayaka out of her daze. "Can you seat us? PLEASE?"

"Right this way." Arming herself with two menus and silverware, Amai lead the pair to a booth on the other side of the restaurant.

Once the two of them took their seats, Sayaka took the moment to ask, "Is it too late to request Naosoroshii to be our waitress?"

"Too bad, Sugar Lips; I'm doing Judy's lunch shift since I've got a date of my own later." Amai grinned.

"Really? I feel sorry for the poor girl you roped into a date."

"For your information, Mami was the one who asked me out again since we never got to really go on a date." And with that, Amai's grin grew larger still at Sayaka's gaping mouth, leaving the two of them alone to browse through their menus.

Kyousuke skimmed through the options before looking at Sayaka. The girl looked extremely flustered after that encounter. "So the two of you really know each?"

"Unfortunately, yes. We haven't known each long; we just run into each other often." And the time before last that they've seen each other hasn't been a pleasant one, but for Kyousuke's sake, Sayaka will be civil. It just didn't sit well that the pervert was going out with Mami; in all honestly, she felt Mami could do better.

Amai came back, armed with a small notepad. As she wrote down their drinks, she aimed a grin at Kyousuke. "So, Pretty Thang, how do you know the Flatbread?"

"Huh?"

"Hey, if you're going to talk about us, why don't you refer to us by our actual names?" Sayaka glared at her. "Besides, you should be doing your job."

Amai held her hands up defensively before walking away. She came back in due time with their drinks. After Kyousuke took a sip of his drink, she held a hand out towards him. "Name's Amai."

"Oh, Kyousuke. Nice to meet you."

"So, how long have you've known her?" Amai aimed a thumb at the blunette.

"Since we were kids. We went to the same school since then."

The look on Amai's face left Sayaka with a sense of dread. "I see... Well, would you like another minute?"

"No, I think I'm ready. How about you, Sayaka?"

"Y-yeah..."

Amai left them alone once she took their order. Sayaka fidgeted in place, unsure how to start another conversation.

"It's been that long..."

"Huh?"

"The two of us go way back, since elementary." Kyousuke smiled at her. "You've been with me for so long, Sayaka."

"Yeah... it is amazing when you think about it."

"And you've stuck with me too, even after I was hospitalized."

"Well, of course, Kyousuke. What-what are friends for?" Sayaka felt a little bit of her die inside when the words left her mouth.

"Let's hope we can continue being friends."

"She's blowing it." Nagisa announced as she entered the kitchen.

"How can you tell?" Amai turned her attention away from her father's cooking to the whitette.

"She likes this boy, right?"

"Oh, yeah, you can tell from the look on her face."

"She just told him, 'what are friends for'." Nagisa had been sitting on the booth behind Sayaka and Kyousuke, out of sight and listening in to their conversation. She snuck away after a moment to report what she heard to Amai.

The brunette face palmed. "Oh, God, do I have to step in there?"

"I don't think that's such a good idea considering how you were talking to them."

"Hey, eavesdropper, why don't you let me work my magic? I assure you, when I'm serious, I can really help a friend out."

Sayaka mentally groaned when she saw Amai approach the table again. "Don't you have other tables to tend to?"

"You're one of two that are here at the moment." Amai pointed to the other table, across the restaurant against the wall. "And I've already checked on them, so it's time to make sure the two of you are doing well."

"We are. Thank you."

"I'm glad to hear you're doing well, Sweet Thang." Amai smiled at Kyousuke. "But I think I want to hear from your partner's lips how she's doing."

Sayaka didn't know how to take Amai's focus on her; the girl was smiling but unless the blunette was seeing things, she thought she saw concern in the girl's eyes.

"I-I'm fine, thank you."

"All right. Now I don't mean to brag, but if the two of you are willing to save some room for dessert, we have a shortcake that's the bomb."

"Oh, really?" Kyousuke sounded interested. Sayaka struggled to keep her chuckle in; the boy had a bit of a weakness for sweets, often complaining during his stay in the hospital their lack of sweets.

Amai hummed in agreement. "They're a bit large, but I'm sure the two of you can split it among yourselves..."

Wait, was the brunette seriously-?

"We'll think about it. Thank you, Miss Amai."

"You're welcome, Sweet Thang." And with that their waitress walked off.

Kyousuke couldn't even wait a second longer before turning excited eyes towards Sayaka. "We should split the cake! I haven't been able to eat anything sweet since I got out of the hospital! My parents have been watching my diet like a hawk, but I swore today I was going to enjoy something sweet; why not here?!"

Sayaka couldn't hold back a laugh this time. "Okay, sure why not? We'll get a piece each."

Kyousuke averted his eyes. "Um, I was actually hoping we'd share one."

"W-wait, what?"

"Didn't you hear Miss Amai? The shortcake is going to be a big slice; we should probably share."

Pink dusted Sayaka's cheeks. "Um, okay, then."

From the kitchen, two young girls cheered in glee.

"You're good, Amai-neechan." Nagisa said impressed.

Amai grinned as she crossed her arms. "I know I am."

Mami stood in front of her dresser, humming as she tried to decide on what to wear. She figured she could go with her usual hairstyle, but outfits were a whole different story. A blue dress caught her eye in particular, but she wasn't exactly sure if it matched her as well as her favorite maroon dress.

She laid both dresses on her bed; they were definite maybes.

She continued shifting through the closet, discovering a few dresses she recalled she hadn't worn in a while. Many of them were added to the list of maybe. At the rate she was going, she wasn't going to get anywhere.

With a sigh, she went to the next clothing accessory. She would need to find shoes for her outfit after; socks, jewelry, perhaps hats. If she picked out something from that pile, she might be able to make a decision.

Despite herself, Mami smiled. Here she was, going so far to come up with an attire for Amai. She giggled, thinking how the brunette would react when she would see her in a nice dress.

Eventually, after another thirty minutes, Mami finally made up her mind. She ultimately put on a yellow sweater dress, paired up with black stockings and a short jacket. Putting on her yellow boots, Mami grabbed her purse and took a look at the time. Her heart jumped when she realized it was already a little past two-thirty.

Securing her door, she ran towards the elevator, taking them down. Once outside, she walked at a brisk pace in the direction of Amai's home. She already sent her a message to let her know she was on her way.

Once Mami arrived, Nagisa was the one who answered the door. "Welcome, Mami-neechan!"

"Thank you. So how have you been doing?"

"Better now that you're here! Come inside! Amai's almost ready!"

The two of them walked inside, standing in the hall. Juudai stepped in, dressed in the restaurant's uniform. "Both of you are excited for this." She said, in way of greeting.

Mami giggled. "Can you blame me?"

"Not really." A small smile appeared on Juudai's face. "The two of you deserve a moment for yourselves."

"Where are the two of you going?" Nagisa asked.

"Oh, I'll leave that for Amai to tell you when I bring her back."

Amai came running down the stairs a few moments later. She jumped down the last steps, landing next to Mami. "Hello, Baby!"

The blonde brought her into a hug. "Hello, Sweetie."

A blush dusted Amai's cheeks. Juudai busted out laughing. "Wow, seriously?"

Amai pouted. "Hey, don't tease me!"

"I will tease you if I want to. You don't turn red when I hug you, so it's cute seeing you shy for once."

"Oh? Mami, what about you?"

The blonde hummed. "I agree; you are cute right now."

Amai's blush darkened.

Xavier walked in, sticking his tongue out. "Ew, you guys are being mushy."

"You're right; they are being mushy. We should go." Juudai announced, taking a hold Nagisa and Xavier's arms. "Let's get to work, you two. You'll be my assistants tonight."

"Yes, Sis!"

"I'll do my best!"

The three of them disappeared behind the door, leaving Mami and Amai alone. Regardless of their earlier teasing, a blush found its way onto Mami's face. "Shall we go, Amai?"

"Sure thing!" Amai grinned, hooking her arm with Mami's and leading her out of the house. "I've got big plans for today, so we'll be on our way!"

"And what exactly do you have in mind?"

"I can't just tell you; it'll spoil the surprise!"

Mami felt warmth pool in the pit of her stomach; the sound of Amai's laughter after everything that's happened in the past week did wonders for her. Her eyes lingered on Amai's figure for a bit.

When the brunette noticed how distracted Mami was, a smirk pulled the corners of her lips. "Like what you see?"

The blonde smiled even as her blush deepened. "Very much."

Amai sputtered, her face copying Mami's. She looked away, her unoccupied hand resting against her face. Mami inclined her head when she heard the girl whispering to herself.

"Is something wrong?"

Amai fiercely shook her head before aiming wide eyes at Mami. "I wasn't expecting you to respond to that, is all."

"What, about me liking you?"

Amai sputtered again. Mami's face was like a tomato at this point.

"You're serious about that... aren't you?"

Mami nodded. "Well, yes. I do like you; otherwise, I wouldn't be going out with you." The blonde inclined her head a bit, a smile on her face.

Amai chuckled, for lack of something else to do. "Wow. And you know I like you too, right?"

"I figured. Amai?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you for not giving up on me. You pursuing me was partly because of your feelings for me, but still... Thank you for being there for me, even when I was being difficult."

The blonde blinked when she felt a hand cup her cheek, golden orbs gazing into green.

"Hey, Sweetie. You don't have to thank me for that. I want to be there for you. I couldn't be with you the past year; this time, I want things to be different."

Mami nodded, grasping Amai's hand. The two remained like that for a while longer before Amai starting tugging on her hand and Mami followed. "Now, come on! We're burning daylight!"

The two of them went on their way, giggling and the likes. Mami continued trying to get a response out of Amai on the location for their date, but the other girl remained stubbornly silent on the matter. Eventually, after a fifteen minute walk, the two of them arrived.

Mami felt her heart soar in her chest. "I haven't been here since I was a child..." She awed.

"Well, then, I hope this trip is exciting for you then." Amai tugged her towards the entrance of Mitakihara's local zoo. After requesting for their tickets, she fished through her bag for her money. "We can even eat here once we get hungry. The zoo has a nice café, I hear."

"That sounds lovely."

The attendant gave them their tickets, and they were on their way. Amai grabbed a map from one of the zoo podiums. "All right, what should our first destination be?"

Once the map fanned out, Mami looked over Amai's shoulder for a peek. "I'm not so sure. Everything is so unfamiliar to me."

"I guess, we can start down here first. If we start from here, we can loop around the zoo and it'll lead us to the café in the end."

"Sounds like a plan."

Amai played the part of the guide, pointing out the animals as in their makeshift habitats around the zoo. At one point, she told Mami to stand close to the barriers. Mami approached carefully, seeing how the animals in the exhibit – giraffes – were approaching them. She noticed her partner pull something out of her bag.

"A camera?"

Amai hummed pleasantly. "Say cheese!"

The picture had the giraffes posed to take a bite from the leaves behind her – Mami did move out of the way as soon as she heard the shutter, putting some distance between her and the animals.

"I didn't peg you as being afraid of giraffes."

"They could have nibbled on my hair!"

"Is your hair green?"

"No! But-!"

"Then you're fine!"

It didn't take long before Amai pulled Mami to a stop again. This time the animals remained separated from the viewers with a thick mesh net. Amai pointed out the animal when she noticed it further ahead.

"Over there; there's the panther!"

"I suppose they're resting right now. It is daytime."

"It'll be nighttime soon, though." Amai pouted, watching as the animal settled again for a nap.

"Aren't you going to take a picture?"

"They're all the way back there!"

"You have a zoom in option, don't you?"

"It's not the same!"

Mami continued to insist that she could still take the picture, while Amai continued to complain about the distance. In the end, she did take the picture, but only to make further comments on why she hated the zoom feature. Mami rolled her eyes at the girl's childishness.

They came to a stop to a wooden building – the large reptile exhibit. Amai began to tremble next to her.

"Hopefully, the floorboards won't give out on us."

"Is that what you're worried about?"

"You do know there's a crocodile in there?"

"Yes, but I'm sure the whole building is reinforced."

It's one thing to say so, and another to witness the exhibit. The whole building had a bit of a Southern vibe to it – swamp ambiance was even playing in the background – and models of willow trees and smaller gators litter the space. Near the entrance of the exhibit were some snakes on display. Mami's attention drew to one with white and pale yellow scales. Its eyes appeared to follow the two girls as they went further in.

A glass window separated the water habitat of the crocodile from the viewers. Three of them lived inside the enclosed space, two on the shore while the last one floated in the waters. Amai snaps away.

"Oh, so that's acceptable?" Mami comments when she takes a picture of the two reptiles in the distance.

"They're part of the scenery; it doesn't count."

"This one is getting a little closer." Mami lowers to her knees, watching as the lone crocodile continues to drift near the glass.

Amai lifted the camera and snapped a picture once it was parallel to the glass. "You know, it's kind of cute up close."

"You just need to look past the rough appearance." Mami giggled.

The two of them departed from the first part of the reptile exhibit and headed towards the collections of springs. Visitors stood on the bridge in awe as some of the birds glided on the water's surface. Mami looked down in awe, pointing at certain birds and demanding that Amai would capture the moment on her camera.

Once the two walked away, they passed by a few other exhibits before Amai called for a small break.

"For being Fall, it is hot out today!" The brunette exhaled as she sat down on a nearby bench.

"The weather's been a bit dry as of late, so yes." Mami sat down next to her.

They shared a moment of silence together. Both of them turned to look at each other.

"So, I-"

"Well, I-"

They stopped, blinking owlishly at one another before breaking into laughter. It grew in volume for a while longer, bodies shaking in glee, and the girls doubling over as the laughter burn began to set onto their stomachs.

"Why are we laughing?" Amai asked between breathes.

Mami shook her head in place of verbally answering. "I don't know."

Amai drew in a breath. "Well, anyway, are you interested in eating yet?"

"Not quite yet. We've only explored a third of the zoo. I can keep going."

"Good. Let's go that way." She pulled Mami towards their next goal. "So I hope you like cute and cuddly and fluffy." Amai grinned.

"Um, Hitomi, why are we here?" Madoka asked, pulling Homura by the hand towards the zoo's entrance. The raven in question kept her face down, red overtaking the surface.

The greenlette giggled. "To watch over your friends, of course!"

"Mami and Asurito-chan...?"

"Yes. I want to see how their date is going, especially considering it's between two girls." Hitomi hummed. "Besides, I haven't been at the zoo for a long time! We shouldn't pass this up!" Hitomi spun in place, holding her arms out as she looked around.

Homura risked a glance up, watching the girl for a moment before turning her gaze to Madoka, a smile appearing on her face. She stood up straighter when the pinklette called her name. "When was the last time you were at the zoo?"

"I... haven't been to a zoo before today."

Hitomi stopped spinning and gaped at her; Madoka's eyes widen. "R-really?"

Homura nodded her head.

"Wow... Well, it's a good thing you answered the phone today then, Akemi-chan! We'll explore the zoo then, since we're already here!"

"Shizuki-chan! You don't have to do that!" But her words fell on deaf ears; Hitomi had ran ahead, standing before the clerk and requesting their passes. Homura gave Madoka a helpless look.

"Once Hitomi puts her mind on something, she's going to go through with it." With a sheepish look, the pinklette attempted to explain. Her eyes clouded over with something a moment later.

"Is something wrong?"

"Um, she had wanted to hang out with Sayaka and me, since the two of us have been busy with Mami and the others for a while. But Sayaka couldn't come with us."

"Why?"

"Because she's with Kyousuke today."

It took a moment for Homura to process the thought. "Their date..." She came to the realization. "Is... Is Hitomi...?"

Madoka nodded her head. "Yes. I don't know if Sayaka knows, but Hitomi told me about it a while back, how she likes Kyousuke but couldn't bring herself to tell him."

"But Sayaka, ah... Doesn't she like Kyousuke, too?"

"She does, and she finally got to hang out with him. I'm happy for Sayaka, but now Hitomi is upset." The pinklette looked at the friend in question, the greenlette skipping back to them with the tickets in hand. She decided to leave the conversation at that for now.

"All righty, ladies! Let's do this! I can't wait to see the elephants again!" Hitomi sighed, clasping her hands together. "But first; we need to find your friends!"

"Hitomi, why don't we leave them alone?" Madoka pleaded, the three of them making their way inside. "We can see the animals first; Homura hasn't been here."

"You know what, you're right. We should let Homura lead the way!"

Two pair of eyes were set on the raven haired girl and she let out a terrified squeak at the attention she was receiving, covering her face with her hands.

Madoka ran over to her, tugging at her hands. "Come on, Homura! We should do this for you! Just relax and see the animals!"

Homura was a stuttering mess, trying to put words together. "N-n-no! You don't have to worry a-about me, Madoka-chan!"

"Don't say that! Hitomi, help me out!"

Homura was helpless as both the pinklette and greenlette began to drag her to the nearest exhibit. Hitomi managed to get her hands on one of the zoo maps, and began to give an explanation to some of the animals.

"This little fellow right here came all the way from Africa!" Hitomi pointed at the penguin that approached the glass window. Many of the creatures were idle or swimming in the pool provided for them.

"I wonder how long they've been kept here..." Homura whispered.

Madoka inclined her head towards the raven. "Is something the matter?"

Homura shook her head. "Oh, just wondering out loud. I don't exactly have a problem with animals being kept in captivity but looking at them, I can't help but wonder..."

"Huh..."

"J-just ignore me, Madoka-chan! It's not something to be worrying about!"

"Homura-chan, don't say that. You're acting like I shouldn't care about what you have to say. If anything is bothering you, you should feel free to talk to us about it."

Instead of answering, Homura went back to looking at the penguins, a hint of sadness in her eyes. Madoka would have pushed forward with a question but Hitomi approached the girl with gusto, announcing that the elephants were not far from their location.

A minute later, the three girls started their way to the next exhibit. Hitomi spoke a mile as the sounds of the elephants ambling about grew louder. She outright squealed when a trunk peaked over the trees. Madoka and Homura struggled to keep in step with her when Hitomi made a break for the lookout station.

Madoka went to stand next to the greenlette, but Homura took a step back, eyes wide as she took in the sight of the elephants walking in the meadow. Three of them, she counted, one of them standing to the right part of the clearing as it poke around the leaves of the tree.

"The little ones are so cute!" Madoka called out.

Homura hummed in agreement, taking a peak at Hitomi. To her surprise, the greenlette was no longer standing near the rails, but inching off into the corners. "Um, Shizuki-chan?" Homura took a few steps towards the girl.

She jumped back when Hitomi turned back to her, a wild look in her eyes. In large steps, the greenlette cut the distance between them, grasping the hands of her friends. "Madoka! Akemi-chan! I saw Tomoe-chan and Asurito-chan!"

"Wha-? You did?"

"Come on!"

"Shizuki-chan, please don't pull so hard..." Homura protested as the three of them went down one of the paths. From the corner she saw the sign announcing the animal on display.

After a few moments, Homura caught sight of Amai's appearance. She held Mami's hand, the two girls speaking amicably as they walked throughout the zoo. In their bliss, the couple was completely unaware of their three stalkers.

"Oh... this feels so scary!" Madoka whispered. "My heart is racing inside my chest!"

"Same here..." Homura admitted. "Should we really be following them? They look so happy, and I feel like we're... intruding."

"Nonsense! It's not like we're bothering them!" Hitomi insisted. "We're just watching them from a distance!"

"It still feels wrong..." Madoka added.

"Okay, fine! We'll only watch from a little bit!" But the grin on Hitomi's face left Homura thinking that this wouldn't be the last they hear of this.

Eventually, both groups came across a concession area. Amai pulled Mami towards one of the stands, putting enthusiastically at the menu. Hitomi did the same with Madoka and Homura, though she kept her distance from the dating couple. The particular stand the groups approached offered cold treats.

"Ice cream does sound wonderful right at the moment..." Madoka pulled at her collar slightly. "I think I might have some dippin' dots. They're really cute, aren't they?"

Homura smiled at her. "They kind of are. I think I might order some, too."

"I'll get a chocolate covered banana!" Hitomi told the one behind the stand. "I haven't had those in a while." She explained.

They had just received their snacks when Amai and Mami walked over to a bench to eat theirs. The three girls made sure to sit away from the pair at one of the few tables surrounding the concession booth. Hitomi began to devour her treat, all the while keeping her eyes on the couple.

"Homura-chan, what flavor of ice cream did you get?" Madoka asked, opening her treat and retrieving the spoon inside. "I got strawberry."

"Oh, mine's cookies and creams. I was in the mood for vanilla flavor and the cookie chunks were tempting."

"Want to try some of my ice cream?"

Homura sputtered, staring at her with wide eyes. "W-what?! Madoka-chan!"

The pinklette giggled. "Come on, I'll sprinkle some of my ice cream into the pouch; you can let me try some of yours, too!"

"Um, well..."

"Can the two of you be serious?!" Hitomi actually broke eye contact to hiss those words at the two of them. "They're sitting over there, and we can't even hear what they're saying!"

"Hitomi-chan, I really think we should just leave them be. I already feel bad just watching them. Isn't this enough?" Madoka insisted. "I think we're fine where we are."

Homura nodded her head. "Besides, we get to hang out together on such a nice day. And we got to see some animals." The girl broke out into giggles. "Can we see the pandas at least before we go?"

Hitomi hummed thoughtfully, before nodding with a smile. "Yes, I don't see why not. I'm sorry, Akemi-chan. I suppose we should be spending the time together first and foremost... although I wouldn't mind to seeing what they'll do next."

The three girls erupted into giggles afterwards, shushing each other once they realized how loud they sounded. No, Mami and Amai continued conversing among themselves, oblivious to everything around them. The trio sighed in relief.

Hitomi leaned forward on her seat, half-eaten banana in her hand, sighing. "They really do look happy, don't they? I wonder if I'll ever be like that..."

Madoka felt eyes on her. She looked to Homura, seeing the girl looking at her treat with an unidentifiable look – one mixed with sadness, contemplation, and something else she couldn't name.

"Homura..." She doesn't think the girl heard her, at least not right away; Homura eventually turned her head towards Madoka, a small smile on her face.

The pinklette didn't know why but the way Homura looked right now had her feeling a little happy too. She smiled right back.

"Hey, Mami," Amai turned to look at the girl. "There's someone I would like you to meet."

The blonde allowed the brunette to pull her in the direction of another exhibit. Beyond the glass that separated them, Mami peered over. Her face lit up. "Aw~"

Meerkats scurried to and from holes. Some of the little critters stood on top of the stone, watching the people back, while others laid on their backs or scurried into the holes in the ground. Mami's eyes followed their movements in awe.

"Cute, aren't they?" Amai grinned. "They're my favorite animals here. Oh! You see that one running on top of the rock? That's my Meerkat!" One of the creatures stood at the peak of the stone, staring straight at the two girls.

"Oh, really?"

Amai hummed. "Yep. True story; I came to the zoo one day a few years back, and when I stood right here when he moved all the way to the glass here and perched against it. Then I got the urge to pet him, so when I reached out to him, he stood there and let me pet him on the head." The whole time as she recounted her tale, she met the Meerkat's stare. "It's like he knew how lonely I was and he was trying to make me feel better."

"Amai..." Mami looked to the girl.

The brunette shook her head. "Sometimes I would bring some snacks from the restaurant and feed it to him, even though you're not supposed to." Amai chuckled.

Despite herself, Mami snorted. "Oh my! I'm sure he must really like you for that. I'm surprised he hasn't come by here thinking you brought him something."

"Nah, he's cool. Seems like they're just relaxing today. Kind of like us."

"How so?"

"Well, you're here with me, for one. You're not going around all Magical Girl and you're actually relaxing, for once." Amai grinned.

Mami hummed. "From the sound of it, you might have to bring the little guy a treat next time you come here."

"Really?"

"Yes. In fact, maybe I should bring him a treat myself. He kept you company when I couldn't be there for you."

"Mhmm, lunch wasn't so bad!" Amai chirped as they left the zoo restaurant. Between them leaving the Meerkat exhibit and experiencing the remaining part of the zoo, the two of them finally decided to have lunch.

"Thank you for inviting me to it. You didn't have to cover for it."

Amai shrugged. "Hey, it's no problem. I was the one who invited you on a date and all."

"All the same, it's been a wonderful day. Even with our followers."

"Followers...?"

Mami turned her head slightly with a smile on her face. Amai did the same, and she thought she caught a glimpse of purplish-black along with pink. "What...? Is that really Homy and Madoka-chan?!"

The blonde nodded her head. "Yes, the two of them and another friend of theirs have been tailing us for a while now. I guess now they're leaving the zoo, too."

"When did you know?! And why didn't you tell me?"

Mami giggled. "They weren't following us for long. We split ways around the Monkey exhibit."

"And I never noticed..." Amai looked astounded.

"They were keeping their distance. I'm surprised Madoka-chan and Akemi-chan were even there, but I suppose Akemi-chan at least would be interested in knowing..." Mami trailed off.

"Know what?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

At Mami's smirk, Amai was able to add two and two together. "Oh~ I see whatcha mean... So, Homy didn't make any moves?"

"From the looks of it, no."

"Aw, that's too bad..." Amai let her mind linger on her friend for a moment looking up at the sky before she returned her eyes towards Mami. "Well, what now? Your call, darling."

"Hmm..." Mami placed a finger on her chin in thought. "We could go to my place."

Amai quit walking right then and there, eyes widening and staring far ahead. Mami didn't realize she had stopped until she was about to turn a corner and noticed the other girl so far off. She started. "Amai! What's wrong?"

She ran back to Amai. "Are you feeling all right?"

Red slowly began to fill into her face. "Uh~ so we're going to your apartment... just the two of us... alone...?"

Mami blinked, before a scowl appeared on her face. "Oh, Amai, and you were doing so well..."

"Hey! Give me some credit! What am I supposed to think when you say that?!"

"I don't know; that maybe I'm inviting you for some tea and sweets?"

Amai looked away, pouting slightly. "Okay, okay, I get it." It didn't take long for her smile to return. "Some dessert sounds nice."

"Great." Mami slipped her hand into Amai's grasp. The brunette stared at their entwined hands with wide eyes, before a silly grin appeared on her face. She swung their hands forward and back in glee the whole way to Mami's apartment.

It was a tall building, and the blonde's part of her home stood in the halfway point. When Mami began to lead her towards the elevator, Amai froze. Mami stopped in place – their hands were still linked together. She turned her head, giving Amai a questioning look.

With a gulp, the brunette asked while pointing skyward. "Up there?"

"Yes. Is something the matter?"

"Aren't there a set of... stairs we can take?"

The panicked look Amai sent to the sides caused Mami some worry. "Well, yes, but it would take us longer taking those."

"I-I-I-I-I'd rather take the stairs, thank you! There isn't any glass in the staircase, right?"

"Amai, what are you talking about? Come on. Why would you want to take the stairs when the elevator is right there?" Mami began to tug Amai forward again, pulling against the resistance the other girl offered.

"Please! Mami! You can take the elevator and I'll take the stairs! Just give me the number of your apartment and I'll meet you there!"

"You're acting really weird... It's faster this way, and you're going to get all sweaty."

Amai squirmed in place, mumbling something under her breath.

"You're going to have to speak louder, dear."

She mumbled again.

"Amai?"

"I'M SCARED OF HEIGHTS!" She blurted out in a louder voice. Amai's face flared a bright red, and she struggled to keep glaring at Mami.

The blonde in question let go of Amai's hand, the same hand snapping to her lips. "Oh." It was all she could say to that, especially as she inwardly began to scold herself for being forceful when Amai had clearly been resisting for a reason. "W-well, the two of us can take the stairs instead. We'll go nice and slow..."

By the time the two of them made it to Mami's floor, Amai calmed down considerably. She still refused to meet the gold eyes gazing at her.

Mami fished through her purse and pulled out the apartment key, pushing the door open. She held her arm out towards her guest, Amai taking a step inside.

It was a small, quaint space, and just looking at everything, Amai could tell this was Mami's home. Plushies lied at the corners, particularly in the living space of the home. After the girls removed their shoes by the door, Mami made her way to the kitchen.

"Make yourself comfortable." She smiled at her guest before turning and walking away.

Amai glanced down the hall next to the entrance. As tempted as she was to explore the home, she decided to keep to the living room for the moment.

She sat next to a triangular coffee table, leaning back a bit and admiring the sunset outside. The large and wide window offered quite the sight – Mitakihara at dusk, with the other tall buildings in the foreground and the sun's waning light shining from behind them. Amai was sure that if Juudai were here with her, she'd have a few more words to offer in description. In the meantime, the brunette was just grateful at the opportunity of being here.

Amai sighed, bringing her knees to her chest. It felt surreal to be here after so long – she couldn't remember when was the last time she was alone with Mami.

This truly is her home, Amai thought, looking away from the sunset to take in the room once more. She didn't know how to explain it but it felt like it was Mami's living space. The blonde's presence was in the home, and Amai felt warm and welcomed. She sighed once more, closing her eyes and staying still.

Footsteps drew near. She opened her eyes to Mami, who smiled as she loomed over her with a tray. "The sweets will be done shortly. In the meantime, I prepared some tea. I hope you don't mind green tea."

Mami set the tray on the table, kneeling down as she passed a cup and saucer to Amai. After setting her own cup aside, she turned Amai's cup and poured the tea. The brunette took the offered dish, taking a moment to smell the sweet scent of the drink before giving a blow and taking a sip. She hummed pleasantly. "Taste good."

"I'm glad to hear that." After taking a sip of her own drink, she sat down on the other side of the table, looking around aimlessly for a moment. "This is nice."

"Don't you do this all the time with Madoka-chan and the others?"

"Well, yes, but... it's still lonely sometimes."

Amai lowered her cup, leaning forward on the table. "Hmm, you know that wouldn't happen if you'd have reached out for me earlier, you know."

"I'm still sorry about that. I know it wasn't fair for you..."

"Eh, it's all right." Amai shrugged. "I wish we could've hung out more, but we can make up for lost time now."

Mami shook her head in face of Amai's smirk. "Give me a moment; I think the sweets are nearly ready." She stood up with a laugh and headed towards the kitchen. Amai could smell the pastries from here, and it made her mouth water.

"Whoa! Cakes?" She exclaimed when Mami set the plates down.

"Just a mixture I had laying around. I whipped it up real quick. Hopefully you'll like it."

Amai stared at Mami over her plate. "Hey."

"Hmm?"

"You're quite handy with making sweets, huh?" Amai took a bite of her cake, humming after she swallowed it. "Have you considered working at a restaurant of some sort?"

"Is this your way of asking me to come to work at your family's establishment?" Mami chuckled.

"We can always use more employees, especially total babes like you." Amai winked at her. "You'd be paid, so you'd have some extra cash, and to top it off, we'd get to spend time together. And on that note, I have another question."

"What's that?"

"You don't just bake sweets for your meals, right?" Amai aimed a glare at her.

Mami chortled, nearly spitting her mouthful of cake out in the process. "Do you think I know that?! How am I supposed to live off of sweets?!" After she calmed her amusement, she settled into a thoughtful look. "I don't think I'd mind that actually."

"Eating sweets all the time?"

"Working at your family's restaurant, silly."

Amai smiled. "Really?"

"Really, really."

Then Amai's smile broke out into a full blown grin and she barely managed to round the table before throwing herself into a hug with the other girl. Mami laughed again, barely managing to catch herself before she fell over completely on the floor.

"We'll get to see each other often; that's a deal." Amai gushed. "You can't back away from this one. Please don't leave me when I just found you again."

Mami hummed. "Of course not."

Another round of treats were made, and the two of them were in relative silence for a bit. It felt nice for Amai.

"I'm hoping we can see each other at school, too, you know. It was already bad enough we no longer had classes together; every time I saw you in the halls, you avoided me, too."

Mami opened her mouth, but stopped when Amai shook her head and held up a hand.

"If you say you're sorry one more time, I swear I'll pinch a boob. Besides, in the end, we got to meet again and even go out, so no harm no foul."

"My at least, you're looking at the bright side of things." Mami chuckled.

When it was time for Amai to go, she found she didn't want to leave. Not now.

"If only we can stay together a while longer." Mami sighed, hanging at the door.

"We'll plan out for our next visit."

"Of course. Hurry on home. Give me a call when you've made it safely."

"Will do."

Since they left the café, Sayaka and Kyousuke held hands. Her skin went clammy, and she knew her body trembled. She couldn't believe this was happening.

"Something wrong?" Kyousuke asked when they passed a park.

"N-nothing!" Of course, her voice suggested otherwise. Sayaka's heart thumped fiercely in her chest all the same, and her eyes shifted towards the boy every few seconds, judging his reaction. He gave her an odd look before keeping his face forward. Eventually, once enough time passed, Sayaka couldn't keep it to herself. "Why are we holding hands?"

"Huh? Oh, well... I..." His face turned red, and he let go of her hand. Sayaka immediately missed the warmth and contact. "Sorry. Did it bother you?"

"N-no. I was just wondering why..."

He didn't answer right away, instead looking to the side and watching the people who frequented to the park at this hour. "I... felt like it."

His answer stayed like that. Sayaka wished he would elaborate, or better, hold her hand again.

In the silence that followed, the two of them left the park behind and fully entered the surrounding neighborhood. A few people walked past them as they continued in the direction of Kyousuke's home. Sayaka will always be in awe whenever she stepped into the neighborhood. Most of the houses were so big – a reflection of the people's wealth. Even though, it had been quite some time since she was last here, the feeling never changed. She felt so small compared to it all.

Once the two of them walked up to the gates of his home, he turned to her, slowly meeting her gaze.

"I suppose this is where we part."

"Yeah..."

"Let's hang out again, Sayaka." He smiled at her. "I really enjoyed our time together today."

"I did, too..."

"Yeah, when was the last time we actually hung out together like that?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know, before I was... hospitalized. We used to hang out so much when we were kids, but I realized we weren't together often previously."

"Oh, well..." Sayaka didn't know how to explain it to him. 'I started to like you, really like you, and I was worried being in the same room as you without making a fool of myself.' "I guess things started getting a little crazy for me. But you realized it, huh. And then the accident happened and I started showing up more often... Guess that doesn't look really good on me."

"...Not really. For me, it showed you would still come running for me to help." Kyousuke's smile shone so bright. "I'll never say it enough. Thank you for being there for me. Even though I appeared ungrateful at times, you still stayed."

"No problem..." The two of them stayed there for a moment longer, until Sayaka mentioned. "You'd better get going before your parents have a fit."

"Right. See you at school." He pushed the button for someone to open the gate for him, and once they confirmed it was him, he walked past the steel entrance. After he walked ahead for a few moments, he turned around and waved at Sayaka.

She waved back, still staring at the spot he stood even after he entered his home. Sayaka didn't realize how long she had been standing there until a new voice called out to her.

"So he's the one you're crushing on, huh?"

Sayaka gasped, quickly turning around to see the red-haired girl from before. A hostile look immediately made its home on her face. "You..."

"Whoa, don't growl at me!" Kyoko mocked, holding her hands up as if to surrender. "I'm just saying 'hi', geez!" She nonetheless chuckled after her comment, still staying in place.

"I don't have time for this." Sayaka made to walk away.

"Hey, don't just walk away without greeting me!" Kyoko insisted, following after the blunette.

"I've got nothing to say to you."

"Well, you just said something to me."

When Sayaka threw a glare at Kyoko from over her shoulder, the redhead responded with a grin. "So, did you tell him anything?"

Sayaka attempted to ignore her, she really did, but she kept walking for another three minutes, and the girl refused to leave her alone. A part of her didn't want this girl learning where she lives; maybe she would attack her when she least expect it.

"Don't you have something better to do?!"

"Yeah, but this just happens to be one of the things I gotta do. Besides, you never answered my question. That's awfully rude of you."

Sayaka stopped, turning to gape at her. "Listen, I'm not in the mood to put up with your bull! Just leave me alone!"

The redhead stopped in her tracks, smile gone from her face and her eyes set in a hard stare. "What if I told you if this has to do with your capabilities of being a Magical Girl?"

"Of course." Sayaka scoffed.

"I'm serious. You might think this is all part of a miracle, but it's not as easy as you think. You just made this wish so you can keep him, huh?"

Sayaka stopped talking.

"Admit it; you want him to be eternally grateful to you. I have to admit, it's a good technique. It means you got a leash on him."

Sayaka's hands formed into fists at her sides.

"Got to say, it's awfully devious of you, but it guarantees he will have a reason to never leave you. In this world," Kyoko grinned wickedly, "you have to take advantage of the things you got and can do, right?"

"I'm surprise you all chose to come here after that fiasco." Juudai barely resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of her nose while she said that. "This one nearly got away from me this evening after Amai left." She slapped her clipboard on top of Nagisa's head.

Madoka sat between Homura and Hitomi, the three girls having ordered cold drinks after returning from the zoo. As soon as the three girls have found a corner to nestle in, Nagisa had rushed towards them and asking about Amai and Mami's date. Juudai finished taking the order of the couple that came, dropping the slip of paper at the chef's window before rushing over to the others.

"Just asking; are the three of you interested in any snacks?"

Hitomi shook her head. "No, thank you, Naosorishii-san. I'll have dinner waiting for me at home."

"Yeah, this drink will be enough for me, Nao-chan." Madoka smiled.

"Um, I wouldn't mind ordering dinner here." Homura replied.

Nagisa ran off and returned with a menu, dropping it off in front of the raven haired girl. She thanked the whitette and glanced through the pages.

"So, we don't really have that much to say. The whole entire time, Madoka felt bad following them." Hitomi told them after a sip from her drink.

"I'm sorry..." Madoka looked down on herself.

"I don't know why you're apologizing for something a NORMAL person would do," Juudai insisted. She leaned against the booth to keep an eye on her table and when Papa Asurito would call her for their dishes.

"Well, sor-RY for being curious about a couple being together." Hitomi pouted. "Especially a coupling between two girls; girls can't fall in love, and yet Tomoe-san and Asurito-san are seeing each other."

"There's nothing wrong about being curious, but how about we wait for the two girls to come to us and tells us their experiences themselves?" Juudai suggested with a lifted brow. Hitomi's pout deepened.

"Juudai, can I have this one?" Homura pointed to an item on the menu.

"Sure, let me write that down and place it in." Juudai left the girls alone to drop off her note. When she walked past one of the windows, she saw something from the corner of her eyes. She turned to look and her mouth fell open. "Hey..."

The figure standing outside the window shook their head, and signaled for Juudai to come outside.

Juudai quickly stepped outside, meeting face to face with the long-haired girl from before. "It's you..."

"Kaname-san is with you right now, yes?"

At Madoka's name, Juudai went slightly on edge. "How do you know about Kaname-chan...?"

"Never mind that. Please take her to Miki Sayaka at once."

"Wait, what?"

"Miki Sayaka will soon be in trouble. You all need to be there for her, specifically Kaname-san."

Juudai closed her eyes for a moment, taking a breath. "Where do we need to go?"

Sayaka faced against Kyoko on the bridge. The redhead still had that unnerving grin on her face that made the blunette want to reach across the space between them and deck her.

"So we're really doing this here, huh?"

"Stop that. Yes, we are. You're a real pain in the ass."

"Normally, I would say that isn't nice, but I guess you have a point." Kyoko shrugged. "Still, you're just wasting your time. If you can barely handle Witches and Familiars, how can you hope to handle me in a fight?"

"I'll handle you just fine. Don't you worry." Sayaka held her hand up, looking at the ring resting on her finger for a second before looking back at the other Magical Girl. She took a breath as she felt the magic welling inside her, the feeling soothing her.

"Whatever. Just don't come crying to me when I whoop your butt." Kyoko's own hand was lifted in the air.

Both girls took a step forward, and –

"Sayaka!"

The girl in question froze in place, eyes wide as she whipped around to see Madoka among others – Nagisa, Homura and Juudai – run towards them.

"What are you guys doing here?!"

"Making sure you don't do anything stupid!" Juudai called out. Madoka gave her a shocked look. "It's the truth."

"Sayaka, you shouldn't fight!" The pinklette turned to her friend. "You're all fighting the same enemy, right? So you should be working together!"

Sayaka looked away. "...Madoka, I can't."

"...Huh?"

A glare settled onto Sayaka's face. "I will not work together with someone who willingly allows Witches to attack innocent people, just for her own selfish needs!"

"If you ask me, you're the one not giving her a chance."

"What was that?!" Sayaka spat at Juudai.

The orangette scoffed. "You immediately jump on another person the moment their ideas or attitude rubs you the wrong way. I understand as humans we react that way, but considering how dangerous it already is hunting those stupid Witches, strength in numbers seem like a good thing. You hunt with Tomoe-san, don't you?"

"What's that got to do with anything?!"

"It's got to do with everything. The two of you work together to defeat a common foe. Isn't it much better to work together than apart?"

"What part of I can't work with this girl do you not understand?! I rather lose an arm before I work together with her!"

"Geez, I just love how y'all are talking about me like I'm not even here." Kyoko drawls. A smirk appeared on her face. "Just in case you care to know, I'm perfectly fine with working by myself. Besides, who would want to work with someone as whiny as her?"

Sayaka's response was immediate. Her head snapped back to Kyoko. "That's it!" Her hand thrust forward, the ring on her finger shining before releasing her Soul Gem into the air. When she made to grasp it – Madoka stopped at her side, taking her Gem out of her grasp. Before Sayaka could fully process what her friend had done, the pinklette threw the Gem over the bridge.

"Madoka! Why did you do that?! You-"

Sayaka's voice hitched, and everything went black.