785/Keep your friends close..

Keep your friends close..
Date of Scene:	02 January 2016
Location:	Mitakihara - Downtown
Synopsis:	Sayaka and Madoka run across each other at a skating rink.
Cast of Characters:	Sayaka Miki, Madoka Kaname

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Sayaka Miki has posed:
    It's a chilly winter's day that greets Sayaka, after she leaves the cozy coffee shop, following a brief chat with Kyouko about recent events. Fortunately the sun is shining and the sky is a cheerful blue, making Sayaka feel inspired to go skating.

    She's carrying a pair of new skates over one shoulder, dressed in a pretty yet functional short blue ski jacket and white leggings, ready for a fun time on the frozen park lake!

    As she heads for the skating rink, Sayaka goes over the events of the last several days, a little overwhelmed, a little thoughtful, but feeling all the freer for it all. Definitely, she's keeping an eye out for Madoka as she arrives on the skating rink, busying herself with getting into her skates as she eagerly peers over the icy rink.

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Madoka has a brand new pair of ice skates and has decided that ice skating and dancing are both a lot of fun. She's all bundled up in a cream colored coat, red mittens and a dark pink scarf with the bottom few inches of a pink tartan skirt peeking out from beneath the warm winter coat, a pair of white leggings on to help keep her legs warm. She's all ready for a day of ice skating!

    She arrives a little after Sayaka does, pulling on her ice skates and starting to make circles around the edge of the rink. Eventually though she notices some familiar blue hair, lifting her hand and waving, "Sayaka-chaaaan!"

Sayaka Miki has posed:
    Sayaka grins as she launches onto the ice, easily and effortlessly gliding and dancing on the ice as if she's had years to practice. The blue-haired girl has always been very keen on just about every sport out there, and figure skating is no different, except that it's less competitive than most.

    For a moment, she closes her eyes as she listens to one of the latest classical albums that she downloaded on her phone, before she catches a familiar glimpse of a certain pink-haired girl which causes her to pause, changing her trajectory to meet with Madoka.

    "Madoka chan! Heeey!" she calls out cheerfuly. Sayaka seems to be in an especially good mood today, for some reason.."How've you been? I've missed you." She says, once she's close enough.

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Madoka meanwhile is skating like she's only just remembering how to skate, which is true. She used to go ice skating a lot with Sayaka in the winters, but her last few winters were spent in America and over there she hadn't kept up the pace. So where she could once at least keep up with Sayaka if not match her she's now relearning all the motions.

    Sayaka notices her wave, if not her shout due to the music. She smiles happily to her friend as she skates closer, letting the more athletic girl come over to her since that's far easier than Madoka changing directions.

    "I've been... really good, actually! I've missed you too, Sayaka-chan." She pauses for a moment, and then very carefully skates closer to give the blue haired girl a tight hug. "It's really good to see you again."

Sayaka Miki has posed:
    Sayaka thinks back to the last time she's hung out with Madoka. Seems far too longer, and the bluette is a little guilty of that too, what with her over-attentiveness to Kyousuke, and now becoming a Puella Magi which has made her quite busy lately.

    "I'm good to hear that..Me too! I have so much I need to tell you, it feels like so much has happened in so little time. I feel bad, I haven't spent as much time with you as I should have!" she smirks, "But I guess I can make up for that now, hopefully."

    Sayaka takes a deep breath, before plunging into what she has to say, a bit uncertain of how Madoka might take it. "Guess what? Kyousuke-kun's hands are all healed..Quite..Miraculously, actually." The way Sayaka's looking at Madoka as she says that, makes it pretty obvious perhaps, that it was more than just a 'mere miracle'.

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Madoka smiles to Sayaka and gives a small shake of her head, "It's okay, Sayaka-chan. You don't have to feel bad. I'm happy for you! I'd feel bad also if you were lonely, but you've been spending time with friends, right?" Not a hard extrapolation given how close Sayaka and Kyouko seemed to have gotten at that Thanksgiving Dinner.

    She then tilts her head a little and gives Sayaka an even softer, knowing smile. "I heard he had been discharged from the hospital." She does volunteer there, after all. "The doctors and nurses were all very surprised at how quickly his hands healed. One of the nurses said in the morning they thought he'd never even move them, but later that night he was moving it around as if the accident had never happened."

    She smiles brightly to Sayaka, "I'm very happy for you, Sayaka-chan. I know you've always cared about him a lot." A small pause, "That was you wasn't it, Sayaka-chan?" she says with closed eyes.

Sayaka Miki has posed:
    Sayaka smiles, nodding slowly, "Kyouko's a good friend. I guess..We've become pretty close.." She looks away for a moment, a brief, confused expression crossing her face. However as Madoka speaks again, Sayaka snaps out of it, looking back at Madoka with a smile.

    "Yes! He's still in physical therapy, but he's already able to play the violin again." Another nod as Madoka guesses correctly, "They..They said it was not possible for his hands to be healed, short of a miracle. I could think of no better miracle to ask for, then to help another person achieve their lifelong dream. I could never regret that, no matter what others might say about making such a wish."

    Sayaka does seem happy and at peace about this, although she glances curiously at Madoka, "I think now I no longer have to run and hide, or just get in the way. Now I can actually be useful in a battle. And being able to help people and fight evil? I think that's the best! And what about you, Madoka-chan? Have you considered Kyubey's proposal?"

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Madoka is genuinely happy when Sayaka says she's become a close, good friends with Kyouko and it shows on her face. "I'm happy for you. More friends is always a good thing!"

    She then smiles again when she gets the update on Kyousuke's hands, "So he can already play... it must have made you very happy to be able to hear that again." It's another guess, and this one actually much more of a guess. "I understand, Sayaka-chan. He's someone you've been friends with for a very long time, and the most important thing to him was taken away. That's cruel and unfair, and I think you're a very good person for using your once chance at a miracle to heal him and give him the chance at a happy life."

    She hums thoughtfully when the Magical Girl aspect of it is brought up. "It must be very nice not having to worry about being helpless or unable to help in a fight," she agrees. When Sayaka asks her about her own thoughts on what Kyubey is offering she looks very thoughtful. It's not an easy answer.

    "I've thought about it a lot, Sayaka-chan. There's a part of me that wants to help people, and to fight alongside Magical Girls as one of them. But..." She pauses for a moment and shakes her head, "I have decided, Sayaka-chan. I've decided that I'm not going to make a wish with Kyubey unless there is no other choice. Being a magical girl is very dangerous, and there's a lot I can do to help as I am right now." Madoka looks up and gives Sayaka a smile, though there's a slight sadness to it.

    A moment later that all changes and she giggles playfully. "So! Sayaka-chan!" She skates over and hugs onto one of the other girls arms with both of her own. "Now that Komijou-san is able to play again and you've used your miracle for him, are you going to tell him you love him?"

    She giggles conspiratorially while giving an entirely too bright smile, just on the edge of teasing. "I know how you must feel, Sayaka-chan~. You know all the different kinds of music he likes, and you worry about him day and night when he's in trouble." She looks up and pokes her chin, "Christmas just passed, and Valentines Day is a long ways off... So I think you should be honest and tell him now!"

Sayaka Miki has posed:
    Sayaka nods, beaming brightly, "Yes! It's nice, not feeling helpless anymore, feeling like I can make a difference in the world. I know how you once said unpowered types should just stay out of the line of fire, or else we cause more harm than good."

    She smiles, "I also know you have often been the target of peoples' attacks and kidnappings, and that Kyubey once said you'd likely become the most powerful Puella he'd ever seen. However, I understand if you would not want to live that sort of a life. I suppose it's a trade off, and so, I will do my best to protect you!"

    There's no denying that a part of Sayaka would have liked to fight alongside Madoka, but it's a heavy burden for anyone to bear, and so she does not want to push her either. As for Kyousuke, mention of his name causes Sayaka's face to redden considerably.

    "Um....I dont really know. I'm a little afraid to hear what he might say, besides, I know that Hitomi is also in love with him and has been spending more time with him lately, too. Besides, would he be alright if he knew the real reason behind his miracle? I guess..I just need a little moer time to think about it. I wonder if that's cowardly of me..? To tell the truth, I was hoping he might be here today, so I could watch over him from afar, but a part of me feared that Hitomi-chan would be there right alongside him.."

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Madoka returns the bright smile to Sayaka, "That's true, it is best to stay out of danger, or if there is danger let a magical girl protect you and not try to get involved in the actual fight." She looks up a little and touches her chin, "But once the fight is over there's a lot a normal girl can do, like looking after their injuries, or just being a friend. Having good friends is very important, especially to magical girls!"

    She then laughs nervously at the mention of getting targeted often, "I think that's calmed down a little bit, but I do keep getting into a lot of dangerous situations even when I'm not following Mami-san around." She lets out a little sigh. She's... oddly silent on the mention of Sayaka protecting her, actually.

    When Sayaka mentions that Hitomi is spending time with Kyousuke Madoka suddenly gets a stricken look on her face, almost as if she'd been smacked in the gut. She shakes her head a little and does her best to pretend it didn't happen.

    "Sayaka-chan!" she suddenly states forcefully, "A-all is fair in love and war! I think you should be honest with him. You... you aren't a coward, because you already are willing to risk your life for him, right? And Hitomi-chan, I think she'd be very upset with herself if she knew what you did for him! Even if we can't tell them, we should consider their feelings if they did know, right? Hitomi-chan would never want to hurt you if she knew how much you cared, that you were risking your life because you cared so much!"

Sayaka Miki has posed:
    Sayaka chuckles, "Yeah, I know how that is. It's how I met and became friends with Kyouko, just trying to be emotional support, while staying out of trouble. Even so, I've never liked feeling helpless. But I'd never try to push you into making a contract either. Now that I'm a Puella, I'll be able to protect you better now, too!"

    She beams, although looking shyly away as Madoka speaks more of Kyouuke and Hitomi. "Hmm..I'm pretty sure Hitomi knows how I feel. It's probably why she hasn't told Kyousuke exactly how she feels. I suppose maybe I should stop avoiding Hitomi-chan, and actually talk to her about it, just.."

    She sighs, "I dunno. Guess I'm afraid of the 'what ifs'. Or maybe I'm not sure if I'd have time for him, now that I've become a Magical girl. I guess..I just need some more time to think about it."

    Sayaka chuckles, "what about you? Anyone special in your life lately?"

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Madoka smiles when Sayaka speaks about her friendship with Kyouko. A while ago that would have made her very nervous and worried for her friend, but hearing about Kyouko say she wanted to put the bad things she's done behind her has done a lot to soothe those worries. "Needing to be protected isn't the part that bothers me," she considers aloud, "it's feeling like there is more I could be doing more to help." She then gives a nod, "And while you protect me, I'll do my best to be a good friend for you, Sayaka-chan."

    Which she goes right into trying to do. "You might be right. Hitomi-chan has been your friend for a long time, I'm sure she noticed how much time you spent with him in the hosptial." Pink eyes turn upward for a few moments as Madoka tries to think of how to press her opinion further without putting so much pressure on her friend it'll cause her to dig her heels in.

    Before she can Sayaka asks her a question. That... might be just the ticket.

    Madoka slaps her hands to her cheeks and twists from side to side, "I'm sure you've heard the rumors by now, Sayaka-chan." A short pause, "They're true! I'm dating Takashi Agera."

    She takes in a breath and lets out a happy sigh, "He's been so kind to me. I don't think many people get to see the side of him that I do, but when we're alone he's nothing but a gentleman to me."

    Her cheeks flush a little, and a moment later flush even more until she's blushing brightly. "We... we spent Christmas night dancing together. A fancy ball just for us. It was so romantic and wonderful! A-and... he kissed me!"

    She does a little twirl on her ice skates before hugging onto Sayaka's arm and laughing, "You should confess to Kyousuke-san, Sayaka-chan, so you can see how wonderful it feels! Maybe we could even go on a double-date together!"

    It's not quite an act- working herself up into a tizzy of embarrassment is fairly easy for Madoka, especially about romance and her love life. Besides, Sayaka is her childhood friend, she should know all those things anyway!

Sayaka Miki has posed:
    Sayaka smiles warmly at Madoka, "Thank you, Mado-chan, you've always been a good friend to me. And now, I'm gonna need your support more than ever. I guess being a magical girl can be kinda scary sometimes, but I'll do my best!"

    However, she decides to focus on Madoka's romantic issues instead of her own. Blue eyes widen in wonder and curiosity as Madoka speaks fondly of Takashi. She's only met the guy a few times, but he seems nice enough. "Wow, he actually kissed you!? That's amazing! So are you into this guy, or what?"

    Although a mild amused smirk appears on her lips, "I mean, I guess I always thought that Homura was..Very fond of you. But.." looks like her attentions are elsewhere. Perhaps that's a good thing as Sayaka still doesn't trust Homura much, although she has many questions for her. But those can wait.

    "Hmm...Double dating? I think that'd be cool! Although, I dont want to rush things either. Who knows what Kyousuke thinks of me anyway? Sure, we've always been childhood friends, but he's always been kinda..Oblivious to stuff like that too. Plus he's often busy with his violin practice. Now more than ever, since he has lots of catch up on."

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Madoka smiles back happily to Sayaka, "I'll do my best to support you, Sayaka-chan! You know you can always come to me if you need someone to talk to. Or... anything else, really!"

    At the two questions she blushes even more, nodding in response to the first. The second one gets a slightly scandalous, "Sayaka-chan..! I wouldn't have let him kiss me if I didn't like him!" She makes playful swatting motions towards her friends arm as if she's been teased.

    The comment about Homura calms Madoka down a little. "She is very fond of me." She tilts her head a little before noting, "Homura-chan is a very important friend of mine. I know you two don't always get along and she's made a lot of mistakes, but most of them were because she was trying to protect me."

    The attempt to inspire a fit of romance in Sayaka doesn't seem to have panned out as well as Madoka had hoped. "I understand not wanting to rush things. But it's also important to make sure not to miss a chance when the time is right." She considers thoughtfully for a moment, "If Takashi-kun hadn't asked me to dance at either one of the charity dances we probably would never have started dating."

Sayaka Miki has posed:
    Sayaka winks, "Just kidding! Sounds like it's pretty serious between you two then!" However, she's more interested in hearing about Homura, "Hmm, she does seem very protective of you, as if she's afraid of something, even though you've already got lots of good protectors. In fact, I think maybe that's the one reason she assisted me with that witch, and not because she cared anything about me."

    She doesnt seem annoyed, just thoughtful. "However....." however, she's trying hard not to spoil the moment, "So! Tell me more about this Takashi! Is he a prince charming? Is he a great dancer? What about his kisses?"

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    "Hehe, I guess you could say that," Madoka agrees as Sayaka winks at her. Then her friend mentions Homura's protectiveness of her and Madoka looks down at her hands, "I do keep seeming to get into trouble no matter how many people are protecting me, just like you said."

    She kind of wants to tell Sayaka right here and now why Homura cares about her so much, but even if she does it isn't her story to tell or her information to give. "You should ask her, Sayaka-chan, if you really want to know. If say I told you to ask, she might be more willing to share." After a moment she adds, "She cares more about your opinion of her than you might think, too."

    Is that only because Madoka cares about Sayaka, or because Homura needs her help with Walpurgisnacht? Madoka isn't the kind of person to think that cynically about someone, so she doesn't think so.

    The conversation flows back to her boyfriend and she giggles, "Prince charming? He is very sweet to me, and wonderful and handsome." More of a knight in shining armor, Madoka thinks, but for reasons she can't exactly share. "He's a very good dancer, yes! Better than me. ...but I'm learning fast!" At the mention of kisses Madoka turns red and shakes her head, "You'll have to find about kissing for yourself, Sayaka-chan! I-I'm too embarrassed to talk very much about that!"

Sayaka Miki has posed:
    Sayaka hmms, "Do you really think that Homura cares about anyone but you? I dunno, I suppose, I dont know her that well, but I hope you're right. I once demanded to know what she wants and why she worked for an organization that once experimented on Kyouko. She did not deny being a villain, nor did she ever claim to be a heroine. She is certainly a mystery to me, and I can never trust someone who is not at least a little honest with me. But you're right, I need to speak to her about some other things too. Plus, I have half of a grief seed that I need to return to her."

    She grits her teeth, clenching her fists in some kind of annoyance, "why, if she thinks I'm gonna just accept her help and her seed, she's got another thing coming! I will be her equal and not some weakling who needs her protection!"

    However, it seems that Sayaka is getting carried away with herself! She chuckles, shaking her head, "I'm sorry, I got a little too passionate there. However, I think I'd like to meet your Prince Charming. And yes, someday, perhaps we can go on a double date...If Kyousuke turns out to be a prince too!"

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    "She has a hard time trusting people, because people have a hard time trusting her. But... she's changed a lot since I first met her. Even though she was protecting me she wouldn't tell me why and acted so mysterious. And, well, don't tell her I told you this, but part of the reason why she acts the way she does is because she's hurting. But now that she's starting to make some friends she's getting better." Madoka actually makes a little giggle while noting, "She actually smiles a bit now, at least when she's around me."

    At the mention of sharing the grief seed Madoka laughs a little, "Sayaka-chan, you don't have to be so dramatic! Actually, she did the same thing with Mami-san the other day; a bunch of people fought a Witch together, and in the end Mami-san and Homura-chan shared the Grief Seed because they both worked to beat it."

    Her face lights up and she motions with both of her arms to Sayaka, "Isn't that wonderful? That people can have a disagreement but still work together? They were upset with each other at first, but in the end everything turned out alright! I'm sure if you tell Homura-chan you think she should get part of your Grief Seed because you both fought the Witch she'd understand."

    On the mention of Kyousuke she gives a quick nod of her head, "I hope so, Sayaka-chan!"

Sayaka Miki has posed:
    Sayaka hmms, scratching her chin thoughtfully, "Well, that's weird, why's she so wounded? I mean, she seems pretty tough and strong, I cant imagine what could have happened to hurt her so badly." Yes, Sayaka will definitely need to keep an eye on her, and investigate her more..

    "Well. I just dont like the idea of being helped out of pity. Do you honestly think she respects me? I dont. And I feel the need to prove everyone that just because I'm new at this, doesn't mean I dont know how to do it well! I may not be as experienced as Homura, but someday, I'll be the best for sure!"

    She smirks, "Well, For now at least, I'm gonna call it a truce with Homura. I suppose it'd be nice if all of us Puella could work together. I know how Kyou-chan's always telling me how we are ultimately competing for grief seeds to keep ourselves alive, but....I dunno..."

    Sayaka glides a little on the ice as she speaks and skates with Madoka, although she's starting to shiver noticeably as the sun goes down and colder weather hits. "Y'know, I think I need to get going soon, but..I do want to talk to Homura soon. Please tell her that. She mentionned something about a 'Walpurgis Nacht' and the Inquisition, and I need to learn more about those things. Also, it seems that Mamoru is not dead afterall, but he has been captured by the Dark Kingdom. I want to help out with both, if I can."

    Of course, Sayaka refrains from mentionning that Kyouko had plans to rescue Mamoru herself and take Sayaka along for the ride. That certainly wouldn't go down well!

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Madoka smiles a little. It's somewhat bittersweet, "Even people that look the toughest can be hurting on the inside, Sayaka-chan. I'm sure you can understand that."

    The question of whether or not Homura respects Sayaka is an interesting one, and not one Madoka knows the answer to. She does know one thing, though, "I don't really know what happened, but you did impress her, Sayaka-chan. Maybe she wasn't expecting much from you since you're new, but I think you made an impression on her."

    Walpurgis is mentioned and Madoka nods, "Oh, right! She said something about that to me too. I don't really know what it is, except that she wants your help with it, and Kyouko-san's and Mami-san's too. Whatever it is it's dangerous enough that Mami-san agreed."

    Sayaka respects Mami's opinion, right? Hopefully that can help bring them all together a bit closer. Maybe it's foolish and unlikely, but Madoka hopes that if they do work together to fight whatever that Walpurgisnacth thing is that could be the beginning of even more teamwork.

    "I'm really glad!" Madoka says suddenly, "It would make me very happy if you and Homura-chan could avoid fighting. You're both very important to me." She starts skating over towards the bench where she put her ice skates on, preparing to change them out for her winter boots. "Everyone is very worried for Mamoru-kun, but I was relieved when I heard he was alive. Those people... they're the same ones that kidnapped Kyouko-san, right? I'm sure Mamoru-kun can be saved, just like Kyouko-san was!"

    Once she's changed into her boots she goes over to Sayaka and semi-ambushes her with a close hug. "It was really nice spending time with you again, Sayaka-chan. Let's do it again sometime soon!"