Title: The Greenhouse Effect
Fandom: PMMM
Genre: Drama/Romance/Angst
Rating: T
Challenge: Show Me The Love Summer 2023
Word Count: 5841
Characters: Homura Akemi, Madoka Kaname
Pairing: HomuMado
Content Notes: Warning for death, internalized hatred, internalized homophobia, uh yeah
Summary:
Kaname showcased her signature sweet smile. "Oh, you like Grandiflora roses, Akemi? That's interesting. I always thought you'd be more of a fan of clematis or violets."
"It's cause I'm demure and wear a lot of purple, right?"
Madoka nodded, her head bobbing down cheerfully.
"Yeah, because of that"—Madoka moved to the right to water the next flower—"and whatnot. Demure is even the exact word I was going to use! You know, that might be the fifth time you've accurately guessed what I was going to say or think. It's almost like you're a psychic sometimes, you know that?"
Homura shrugged, scratching at the back of her head.
"Not the first time someone told me that."
(Or, moments between Homura, Madoka, and a pink rose, between multiple timelines. Drama. Angst. Bittersweet ending. 2010 anime route, movies don't apply.)
Disclaimer: I do not own Puella Magi Madoka Magica, nor am I or will I ever profit from this work.
THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT
By Lumiere de Venise
© July—August 2023.
I.
THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN OF Mitakihara Middle School was postmodern and polished, the windows of the hallways tall as skyscrapers and captivating like figurines, the flooring of the classrooms fine marble free of flaws. The beauty of the school's greenhouse was no different, its design reminiscent of a blue-tinted ballroom, a rainbow of flowers and vines of every size standing and curving like participants ready to dance.
Homura had never seen such glamorous scenery at her old school—then again, she had never been at school or any outside area for long in her old town at all, instead almost spending her time bedridden at hospitals. Sitting up to work on homework was like climbing a cliff at times, a simple task that for her would leave her in pain until nurses came with ibuprofen.
To think she'd be able to walk around now and crouch to water dozens of flowers and fruits was unbelievable. The last checkup Homura went to even ended with predictions that she'd soon be able to stop having to take Tenormin pills with how successful her recent surgery was.
She'd still have to take a few other medications and still faced fatigued whenever she ran around for too long, but just having one less drug to take was great progress. For the first time in a long time, Akemi felt great motivation and energy rising up inside her rather than a great pressure and strain on her lungs and heart, even if it was only her third week as a student in Mitakihara.
"Akemi! I was wondering where you are!"
Slowly, Homura stopped watering the flower in front of her, her pale cheeks quickly turned red like the ribbon of her school uniform. The gentle, cheerful voice that spoke to her…every time Homura heard it, the already meek girl would come even more undone, tripping and stuttering like a broken record. Despite how passive the owner of the voice was, just one sentence from them was enough to make Homura change or add to her plans with enough encouragement—
It's how Homura ended up being a member of the crafts and gardening club at this school after all.
"K-Kaname," Homura let out with a little stutter as she turned to the other girl, "h-hello, n-nice to see you! I…I wanted to do my duties e-early today since I have an a-a-appointment soon…"
Kaname walked towards Homura, her light pink pigtails bouncing lightly up and down as the laces of her thin red hair ribbons swayed smoothly and slowly left and right. She reached for the watering can in Homura's hand, and Homura instantly gave it to her.
"Oh, that's right, you said you have to go for checkups every Monday and Friday afternoon…well then, why don't I do the rest for you? You've done a great job so far from what I've seen!"
Homura sheepishly smiled, her face still a youthful scarlet. Kaname Madoka was compassionate, comely, and cheerful, and therefore everything Homura admired and everything she also struggled to emulate.
"T-Thank you, Kaname, that's r-really kind of you," Akemi responded, looking to her side so Kaname wouldn't see her appearance and confuse her blush to be one indicating illness.
Kaname looked at the floral piece Homura was in front of. "You always seem to be favoring watering and caring for this flower the most, Akemi. I always thought you'd like a flower more demure or since you like to wear it a shade of purple, but it's cute you like these types as well!"
Homura looked down at the flower in question, a large pink rose. Specifically, a Queen Elizabeth rose, according to one of the third-year members of the club.
The second Homura saw it she was drawn to it, at first because she was impressed at how it was one of the largest roses in the greenhouse but then because she realized how much it reminded her of the other girl, its light pink shade identical to that of Kaname's fine tresses.
"I guess you could say…even someone like me can have the most surprising favorites," Homura shyly commented, her forehead and cheeks so warm she was sure that if it was winter instead of the beginning of May she'd look like a snowman with makeup.
As Akemi went to water the next flower, she suddenly stopped, her eyes widening and her face possibly at that point now red like a rising temperature in a thermometer.
Her forehead was suddenly touched by the back of Kaname's small, gentle left hand.
Cocking her head so quickly that her right pigtail almost hit Homura in the face, Kaname remarked, "Oh no, Akemi, you're burning hot! Let's just end club activities for today. In fact, I'll ask my mom to drive you to the hospital since she's coming to pick Sayaka and me up anyway since Sayaka always visits a boy named Kyou—uh, Homura, are you okay…?"
With a small squeal as a poor response, Homura ran out of the greenhouse covering her red face. Kaname followed right after her, asking the transfer student what's the matter.
II.
"Madoka, please let me join your club!"
All the members of the gardening club turned around and looked at Homura in surprise but she paid them no mind, instead running her way to Kaname who was watering several flowers near the back of the semi-crowded greenhouse.
Not giving the pink-haired girl a chance to respond, Homura grabbed her by the wrists and grabbed them tightly, letting go when Madoka yelped.
"Wow, Akemi, you're really excited to join us," Madoka said after Homura removed her hands from her, "I'm so happy! Er, in order to join us you'll have to talk to Okamoto, though. She's the president of the club, after all."
Homura blinked once at Madoka before blushing furiously. "O-Oh, that's r-right…opps."
Madoka opened her mouth to say something else but Homura instead looked at the flower Madoka was watering, gaining a big and wide smile.
"You're watering my favorite type of flower! What a coincidence," Akemi commented as she bent down to softly trace some of the curves and patterns of the flower.
Kaname showcased her signature sweet smile. "Oh, you like Grandiflora roses, Akemi? That's interesting. I always thought you'd be more of a fan of clematis or violets."
"It's cause I'm demure and wear a lot of purple, right?"
Madoka nodded, her head bobbing down cheerfully.
Homura always found it cute when she did that, just like how she always found it cute how she'd always begin and end her sentences positively, unintentionally saying the right words to make Homura blush or giggle either in the original timeline or the second timeline Homura managed to get herself in.
"Yeah, because of that"—Madoka moved to the right to water the next flower—"and whatnot. Demure is even the exact word I was going to use! You know, that might be the fifth time you've accurately guessed what I was going to say or think. It's almost like you're a psychic sometimes, you know that?"
Homura shrugged, scratching at the back of her head.
"Not the first time someone told me that. Hey, that flower is just about a grown adult, right?"
"Hmm? Oh, yeah. Do you want it for yourself Akemi?"
Homura shook her head no, and instead pointed at Madoka's left ribbon.
"I want to give it to you so you can use it as a hair ornament! I know a lot about knitting and sewing since it was one of the few things I was able to do back when I would spend all my time in hospitals."
Madoka gave a little laugh before she replied, "That is very sweet of you, Akemi. However, it's against the rule to use any of the flowers for fashion or accessory purposes. Our president views them as valuable elements of the school that should be grown and observed for the beauty and uniqueness of nature."
"...Oh. Yeah, t-that makes…sense."
Kaname perked her eyebrows up joyfully, handing her watering can to Akemi who accepted it.
"That doesn't mean you can't knit something similar to it, though. Maybe after school you and I can walk to a crafts store? I need to get new crayons for my baby brother anyway," Madoka had told her with a chirpy tune.
Homura almost dropped the light gray pot at Madoka's response.
In the previous timeline, Madoka had always invited Homura to outings, but Miki and depending on the scenario Shizuki always were included. Even missions to hunt witches were often spent with at least one other girl being there, and the few times it was just Madoka and Homura were mainly spent with Madoka having to correct Homura's many fumbles.
This current timeline, however?
Having Madoka alone to herself at school was so easy it was almost suspicious at times. Miki was initially surprised at how instantly upfront Homura was about wanting to be Madoka's friend but rather than then react to it in anger and uncomfortableness she instead seemed to respect Homura's boldness, once even telling Homura she was way bolder than she looked.
Shizuki was, as always, perfectly fine with a new addition to the circle, although Homura didn't speak that much to her.
In the original timeline, Homura always felt that one of the biggest mistakes she made was on being on the more passive side until it was too late. In the new timeline, so far her attempts to be the dominant one in her relationships and role as a magical girl seemed to produce much more successful results in not only improving how she could connect to Madoka but on defeating witches as well.
Now, Madoka asked for them to spend time together after school…alone. Sure, Madoka was planning to use the time to also get something for her brother, but the fact of the matter was that just the two of them would be out with no third wheel or major catch.
It almost at times felt too good to be true, but it's because of that warm feeling every time they got closer in this second timeline that Homura had no other desire but to keep it growing and extend the happy times they can make together.
Extend the life of Kaname and the others, as well.
Placing the light pot lightly on the floor to the side, Homura flashed a small smile.
"I'd love that, Kaname."
Madoka grabbed Homura's left hand, exclaiming, "Wonderful, and then we can also stop for some food afterward!"
Humming to herself and still holding Akemi, Kaname began to walk her way to the door.
Homura, meanwhile, believed this was the happiest she's ever been since the doctors told her that she could attend school again.
This timeline, Homura thinks to herself as she smiles to herself, is really going better than the other one.
Hopefully, things can stay this way.
(When she once again laid in lavender-tinted water next to a dying Madoka as Walpurgisnacht destroyed all of Mitakihara City, Akemi knew her wish was too good to be true.)
III.
Mitakihara Middle School had one of the most pristine and unique designs Homura had ever seen, with glass walls and reflective flooring so much like a greenhouse it could be said the entire school was one, with the students and teachers the budding plants growing.
That could explain why in the actual greenhouse, Homura was standing quietly, looking at her reflection as Kaname and other members of the crafts and gardening club continues watering flowers.
Three weeks ago, Homura had calmly and quietly asked the president of the club if she could join, and when accepted then had thoughtful discussions with several third years on the different types of flowers that were growing.
Now, however, Homura was waiting for club president Okamoto to arrive so she could inform her that she would be quitting. If she wished to keep Madoka and to some extent Miki and Tomoe alive, she would have to find a balance in how much time she spent with Madoka.
In the original timeline, Madoka led their relationship so much that Homura failed to act.
In the second timeline, Homura led their relationship so much that Madoka failed to act.
In the original timeline, Homura always felt she was in Madoka's outer circles, watching Madoka with others and wishing to join but being held back due to her shyness and frail health.
In the second timeline, Homura always felt she was too involved in Madoka's inner circles, not holding herself from Madoka to the point where others probably felt she was too familiar and not enough considerate of boundaries.
The first time she met Madoka, she struggled with knowing the exact words to say.
The second time she met Madoka, she struggled with knowing the exact words not to say
In the current third timeline, Homura had done a lot of thinking, and she still did not have all the answers. What she did know, however, is that she can not be a shadow or bright light in Madoka's life. Too much extremism would only lead to more harm by the time Walpurgisnacht arrived, and it would be best to spend more time instead figuring out the double meanings and truth of contracts and incubators.
No matter how much it hurt.
"Akemi…"
Snapping out of her thoughts, Homura looked behind her at Madoka, who with a sad-looking smile was touching her right shoulder.
"Yes, Kaname?" Homura responded, trying her best to wipe off her own sad expression, to no avail.
Madoka lightly pouted her lips. "I know I've already asked, but are you sure you have to quit? I do believe that at the very least gardening is a club you won't have to worry much about your health concerns."
Homura turned around, softly so Madoka had time to recoil her arm. Homura thought of holding Madoka's hand in hers, but it then made…certain feelings bubble up inside of her, and those certain feelings made her feel like it'd be impure to do such a thing.
"Unfortunately, I…have to go to the hospital more. They think there might be something wrong that my last heart scan failed to pick up."
"Oh Homura, I do not know how you do it"—Kaname hugged her tightly—"it's so sad you have to go through things like this! You're such a strong girl."
Homura looked down, first out of shame for having to lie to Madoka and then out of shame for thinking how nice it feels to be so close, so connected physically with her.
(She wanted to be even closer to Madoka. She wanted to hug her just as tightly and breathe in the sweet smell of sakura fragrance from her hair and those feelings were getting so stronger with each timeline it hurt.)
Eventually, Madoka took a step backward and instead grabbed at Homura's hands, Madoka's fingers and hands so soft and gentle and cute.
"Come, Homura, I want to show you something."
Nodding in obedience, Homura let Madoka drag her to the back of the greenhouse, where a familiar flower was waiting.
The large Queen Elizabeth rose.
"You know, I always found it funny how much you seem to always like giving this flower the most attention, Akemi. I didn't expect you to like it with how you can sometimes, er, be a bit gloomy."
Homura cocked her eyebrows. "Gloomy?"
Madoka awkwardly giggled before patting her on the shoulder. "Well, not in a bad way…kinda. Gloomy, but in a way that makes you very mysterious, in a way that makes someone not be able to help but want to know you. I always thought that's what makes you pretty, you know?"
Homura blushed slightly, turning her eyesight to the rose in question in embarrassment, and fixed up her glasses before they slid off the tip of her nose.
"...Y-You think I'm pretty?"
"Really, Akemi! Not just me either, the whole class does. Your hair is so long and smooth like the hair of a princess. I'm frankly jealous at times…I sometimes wish you'd let it down more, you know. That one time you did during gym class, everyone was so amazed at how it flowed."
Homura's face reddened more, and she grabbed the nearby gray watering pot to calm her down and stop herself from grabbing at her own skirt and continued looking at the pink rose.
Madoka always complimented her in the previous timelines, but in this timeline, it seemed her praises were more…personal—something you'd say to someone more than a friend.
(It made Homura want to embrace Madoka right then and there, especially with how the back of the greenhouse happened to be empty sans for them, the rest of the students situated in the front.)
Slowly, Homura watered the rose in front of her, a pink rose not so different from the color of the silky soft hair on Madoka's head. Madoka often complained about her hair, but Homura always loved it. She thought a short swarm of cotton candy was more attractive than simple black hair.
The color of the rose was also the same shade as the rose on Madoka's delicate bow made of pure sequoia bark.
(A flower that looked like the ends of her dress in her magical form as she lay bleeding on the floor while Walpurgisnacht terrorized the city.)
Gasping, Homura dropped the watering pot. Madoka, thankfully, managed to catch it before it could fall and bring any flowers down with it.
"Be careful, Homura! I was scared for a second that the floor was about to be covered in soil," Madoka commented as she placed the can on the floor a few feet away from the two girls.
Homura lightly bit her lips and turned to the chirpy Madoka who was walking back towards her, whose expression as always was sanguine, her thulian pink eyes shining with youth.
Even when she was close to death in the previous two timelines, those orbs never lost their innocence and hope.
(Homura wished every night that she could be as pure as Madoka.)
Clasping her hands behind her back, Madoka questioned, "Do you think you could at least water the flowers once more time, Akemi?"
Madoka had maneuvered herself even closer to Homura, their noses no more than a few inches apart, her perfume's aroma identical to that of freshly picked strawberries.
Perhaps that sweet fragrance is what made Homura take off her glasses, lean forward, and quickly kiss Madoka.
The second their lips touched Homura regretted what she had done and attempted to move back and get ready to apologize, but to her surprise, Madoka kissed her back and held her tightly into a hug.
Madoka's lips tasted like fresh mint.
Eventually, Madoka separated from her, her trademark expression swapped for a surprised look.
"H-Homura…I never would've thought you'd have…feelings for me. I admit I always had a tiny bit of a crush on you, but I always assumed you'd want someone more pretty or interesting," Madoka admitted.
Homura frowned, putting her glasses back on. "You're…beautiful. The idea that your looks wouldn't interest me is absurd…and nothing is wrong with being simple. I'm like that too."
Madoka's smile came back to her face, though more shy than before.
"So...what does this make us, Homura?" she asked, her pink orbs twinkling with admiration and merriment.
"It…uh, well, Kaname—"
Madoka softly holds Homura's waist.
"Call me Madoka, Homura," Madoka interrupted softly, "we're close enough to be on a first-name basis, right?"
"...Madoka.I do want to be with you…but…"
So much needed to be done beforehand.
First, Homura would soon have to reveal to the others the true agenda behind Kyubey, the witches, and the fate of all girls who create contracts. Second, Homura would have to try to explain to the others that her powers gave her the ability to go back in time and that all of them were in danger of dying or turning into witches unless they either defeat all the incubators or cease to be magical girls in the first place, and that second option is already impossible at this point with Tomoe and Sakura.
Third, Homura needed more weapons, her inventory not with out-of-this-world rifles and muskets like Tomoe's nor an always expanding and transforming lance such as the one owned by Sakura. She doesn't have any relatives who engage in hunting, so her only way to get more guns would be stalking around Yakuza hideouts. Then, Homura would need to start distancing Kyubey from the rest, as it was clear the creature despite claiming to have no personal feelings or opinions on their wishes and lives did have a tendency to exploit their fears to push them to freak out either to improve their chances of killing a witch or pushing them more into becoming one.
Depending on her answer, perhaps Sakura could help at some points.
Finally, as Homura has accepted since the previous timeline's end that Walpurgisnacht is unavoidable, she needed to have at least four of the main group alive for it to be taken down or at the very least subdued enough to not destroy all of Mitakihara City.
With all these things to do, a romantic relationship was out of the window until Homura could ensure there was no more danger that'll separate Madoka from her, no matter how much it hurt to pause their budding love.
So, reassuring her decision was logical, Homura continued, "I wish to be with you, but I have several things on my plate…some of which I need to deal with alone. However, my feelings for you are strong and passionate, and once, er, everything is okay…..I wouldreallylikeitifwecouldbegirlfriends."
There was a brief second of sadness on Madoka's face, but it swiftly vanished.
"I understand, Homura. I will wait for you, so just let me know when you're ready, okay?"
Homura nodded and wiped off her own sad, regretful expression that they would have to put away being together until further notice.
"Y-Yes, Madoka."
With a small twirl, Madoka went and grabbed her watering can.
"Now, let's get to watering these flowers for the last time before you quit!"
—✦—
✦ † ✦
—✦—
Freezing, and unnerving.
That was how Homura would describe the water soaking the back of her hair and neck and clothes, its pale and transparent purple hue a constant reminder to her that she once again failed her goal, the roaring sounds of Walpurgisnacht turning buildings and people into enflamed monstrosities so loud that it almost overpowered the sounds of Madoka's strained breathing despite how close they were on the ground and were holding hands. Homura's only reason for not being in the same condition was Madoka's noble sacrifice of the grief seed she found.
"I-I'm glad you let your hair down more in the end," Madoka croaked out with a weak laugh before flinching, a tiny trail of blood falling down from her mouth, "I always liked how beautiful it was when it all flowed around while you'd fight in the air."
Homura did not respond, and instead simply sat up and took out a pistol from her skirt pocket. In silence, she gently pressed the muzzle of her gun to the center of Madoka's forehead.
After a minute of complete silence, Homura simply said three words.
"I love you."
Madoka smiled, angelic even despite her end being seconds away.
"I love you too…Homura."
Closing her eyes, Homura pulled the trigger.
(Why was such an imbecile like her given the ability of chronokinesis?)
IV.
Usually, the greenhouse for Mitakihara Middle School would be crowded with students from the crafts and gardening club. Sometimes due to the third years making final preparations for flowers that would be exhibited for upcoming school festivals, and other times due to first years being taught by second years who would have watering and gardening duty for the week. There were even cases of curious parents coming in to observe what their children or children's schoolmates have formulated so far in the year.
Today, however, only Madoka was in the gardening room, as today was a day where the club would not meet and Madoka was the one who volunteered to do all the duties in the other members' stead.
It wouldn't be long, however, until another person entered.
"Kaname Madoka."
The girl in question flinched as she stood straight. Slowly, she turned around.
"A-Akemi…good afternoon."
Homura was silent, walking quietly forward, and looked only at the black watering can in the other girl's hand.
(Were their interactions always so uncomfortable and distant?)
"I wonder why, Madoka, you insist on learning more about how to become a magical girl."
Madoka sheepishly smiled. "I told you before, Homura, I wish to help others in this world."
"That's a wish able to be completed on your own without needing to sign a contract."
"That is true, Akemi, but with the witches coming to attack this city it seems this area needs all the magical help it can get to make sure it doesn't get ruined."
"Even if you have a great chance of dying horrifically?"
"That's something you have to just accept when it comes to lending a hand."
Homura frowned. Madoka's hopeful altruism was her best feature, and yet it amazingly was to her detriment. Even after seeing what happened to Tomoe, the pink-haired girl never stopped wanting to fight and sacrifice herself for others.
"Haven't you ever desired to protect something at all costs?" Madoka asked as went back to watering the flower behind her.
Homura had to control her emotions deeply as she responded, "Not enough to allow a target on my back after being warned of it."
Madoka gave a small hum. "You know, Akemi, it's not bad to let others in. Sometimes, if you do…you might find the missing piece you're looking for."
Homura said nothing.
How could she tell Madoka that every time she did it ended in the hopeful girl's demise?
"This is my favorite flower to water you know, Akemi. It's a Grandiflora pink rose that is usually nicknamed Queen Elizabeth, after the current Queen of England."
"Interesting."
"I'm not surprised you said that. You always look at it the most whenever you come in here," Madoka continued, "even if you sometimes try to act like you don't. That's why I actually like to give it extra attention. You seem like someone who'd…"
"Rather be into orchids or violets, but instead favor such a vibrant and elegant pink rose?"
Madoka placed the watering can down to her feet, turned around, and giggled.
"Akemi, it's so amazing how you can always guess what I'm going to say next. That's one of the things that make everyone in the class find you so cool, did you know that?"
Homura looked to the side and scratched at the back of her hair.
"...Thank you."
Boldly, Madoka gave Homura a gentle hug. Homura quickly pushed her away and tried to ignore the feelings of regret and shame inside of her as Madoka reacted with a brief, shocked look before showing a smile struggling to conceal disappointment.
"Figures you'd not react well to that," Madoka said, a strained laugh coming out afterward.
Homura wanted to tell her that it was because not letting her in would be the best chance of saving her, but those words did not come out.
Instead, she had to take a more cowardly route, just like she had to take the cowardly route in every timeline where she'd freeze up and struggle to fight off a small witch until Madoka or Tomoe would come and aid her, just like she had to take the cowardly route every timeline she had the chance to try to be a leader and successfully convince the other girls to not trust Kyubey, just like she had to take the cowardly route and be saved at the cost of others' death every timeline the day Walpurgisnacht attacked arrived.
(Why was a coward like her instead of a brave heroine like Madoka given the ability to go back in time?)
Homura held Madoka by her right shoulder tightly, looking deep into her soft pink eyes, not saying anything as she leaned forward to try to lean her head against her left shoulder, although at the slow rate she was doing it it probably looked to Madoka like Homura would bump her nose against hers.
"What are you doing to her?"
Homura let go of Madoka and looked away from her bewildered expression to instead look at the unamused, scrutinizing glare of Miki, who was standing with her arms crossed at the entrance of the greenhouse.
Once again, Homura attempted to open her mouth but nothing came out. She never seemed to know the right words at times even with how much she's changed, and this was especially true with such reactive and defensive people like Miki.
Deciding not to have any more awkward moments, Homura simply took her way to the door and leave, and neither looked at Miki nor acknowledged her any further even as the blue-haired girl continued looking at her in wary.
She did not look back at Madoka either, because if she did Madoka would've seen the tears that threatened to fall from Homura's face.
V.
The first time Homura was a student at Mitakihara Middle School—in the original timeline where Homura was flimsy and scared and stuttering and fragile—she had always found herself lost in the beauty of the school's design, from the transparent glass for walls to the clean, reflective marble flooring that was in every classroom and hallway.
This architectural choice extended to the greenhouse, and when Madoka had convinced her to join the crafts and gardening club, she partially agreed with how stunning the mini-building and the flowers it held were placed.
Currently, the exquisite nature of the conservatory still caught her eye—as well as a certain flower inside it—but it feels more lonely these days to observe the scenery.
After all, Kaname Madoka is never there to help water plants row by row, and she isn't there to suggest the idea of hanging out after extracurricular club activities end.
(She isn't there to greet Homura whenever she enters their homeroom either.)
When school and the crafts and gardening club end for the day, Homura always walk home alone, humming a nursery rhyme or passing by the local park, her briefcase in hand.
Today, she brings along not just her briefcase but a pot with a large pink rose.
"Oh! We meet again—you're the sweet girl with the cute ribbons from the other day!"
Homura halts her steps, looking at the waving woman in front of her a few feet away. It's Madoka's mother in gym gear, who this time doesn't have a cheerful Tatsuya clinging to her waist.
"You caught me. Where is your son?"
Smiling, Mrs. Kaname responds, "Sleeping at home. I just needed to jog for a bit. Been a bit behind on my exercise with how much I've been doing extra hours at work every other day lately."
Mrs. Kaname takes a few steps to the grassy hill in front of them and sits down. She pats the area to her left and glances up at Homura expectantly. Obediently, the middle-schooler places herself down right next to the woman.
"You know, although your smile is pretty small compared to the smiles of most girls your age, your eyes show you're just as hopeful and delightful as them," Mrs. Kaname comments after a few seconds of silence.
Homura cocks her head. "Is…that a bad thing?"
"Oh, not at all! It reminds me of my husband, really"—Madoka's mother points at the sun still bright even in the last few minutes of the afternoon—"all introverted and meek but just as able to show their affection, just more by actions than words, kinda like a shy moon hiding behind a bold sun. I guess that's why you have that rose after all, right?"
Homura chuckles, glancing at the rose to her right before looking back at Mrs. Kaname.
"You could say that's why."
Mrs. Kaname turns her head quickly to Homura as she grabs the younger female's hands into hers.
"So I was right?! That's adorable! The youth never fails to disappoint me!"
Homura smiles. The two begin to speak for a few minutes, mainly about current events and romance, before Mrs. Kaname then looks at her watch and abruptly raises herself up.
"It's 5:00 already?! Sorry, but I have to go now, It's family night at my household! Have a great night!"
Before Kaname could leave, Homura got up, held the flower pot in her hands, and presented it to her.
"Here, miss."
Mrs. Kaname blinks in confusion before responding, "This was an act of romance between you and someone else. For me to take it is…"
Homura shrugged.
"Sometimes, it is love other than romantic that can be the strongest. Platonic love, for example. Besides, I'm sure your son will love it…"
Mrs. Kaname looks as if she is going to argue more but she instead laughs.
"Kids these days…well, until next time! If you change your mind, I don't have any issue."
Homura watches Junko until she leaves her vision, and then she turns around to pick up her briefcase.
Kyubey is sitting on it.
"You gave her the flower despite you wanting it, and you told her platonic love was the strongest despite how much you yearn to be reunited with Kaname Junko's daughter."
Homura flips her hair.
"It is possible for two or more things to be true at once. A reminder of one's past lover can be a bittersweet memory to hold, but sometimes, letting it go to be a more happy remembrance for another is better."
"Even despite Kaname Junko not having any recollection of Madoka as her eldest child?" Kyubey asks, cocking its head.
Homura nods. "Even despite that…besides…"
Placing her hand on her chest, Homura joyfully looks up at the setting sun.
"The love between Madoka and I is at its strongest internally."
Kyubey curls its tail around her left leg. "Human emotions often travel around contradictory lines, but yours, in particular, are very peculiar. To fight in desperation to see her in the physical and real-time form again, and yet argue that a subjective sense inward sense of romantic attraction is most important in your values…that's a path that awaits sorrow along the way."
Homura shrugs, looking back at the incubator.
"I suppose so, but that is something you have to accept when it comes to lending a hand," she argues as the creature untangles its tail from her, "as well as when you desire to protect something at all costs. In other words, a part of being human."
Kyubey hops on her shoulders, a signal to Homura that Demons are close to appearing.
"How strange," Kyubey simply replies with nothing more.
Homura laughs.
"Perhaps."
(When Mrs. Kaname and Homura meet again, Homura assures the mother to keep the rose.)
[FIN.]
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