982/Altering the Equation
From MahouMUSH
| Altering the Equation | |
|---|---|
| Date of Scene: | 03 February 2016 |
| Location: | The AM/PM Mini Market |
| Synopsis: | Madoka helps Kyouko on her way to work, and the two talk about stuff. |
| Cast of Characters: | Madoka Kaname, Kyouko Sakura |
- Kyouko Sakura has posed:
The following day after her conversation with Homura, Kyouko is once again traversing the route to her job. It's not very far, only a couple of blocks, but it's amazing how much more of a struggle it seems when you barely have the strength to keep yourself upright for fifteen minutes at a time. She /is/ getting better. Every day it's a bit less of a struggle than it was the day before. But she's far from fully recovered. She seems fine when she sets off, but by about halfway there she's leaning heavily on her makeshift cane, and by the time she actually gets to work, she usually has to sit on a stool behind the counter for half an hour or so before she gets back the strength to walk around the shop.
She's about at the halfway point now, slowly making her way down the sidewalk, leaning on her stick and looking just a tad bit pale and sweating a bit, despite the chilly weather. She's wearing her awesome coat- even if she gets overheated, she's not about to abandon that thing until she has to, she loves it so much. It's the middle of the afternoon, on her way to an evening shift, and the sidewalks are a little crowded, resulting in people bumping her because she's moving so slow.
She doesn't complain though, or curse at anybody even though a couple of times it looks like she might want to after almost getting knocked over.
- Madoka Kaname has posed:
Madoka is walking to school. Alone for once because attendance seems to be sporadic and just because her house didn't get a building chucked into it doesn't mean other's didn't. She almost feels a little bad how easily it seems for her to fall back into an ordinary mode of life when so many other people have had their own uprooted or changed. That's not even counting the people who died.
Her mind is a bit gloomy though not overwhelmingly so as she walks through the city streets on the way to Infinity but not enough that she's so stuck in her head she isn't noticing the world around her. That coat, for example, she would notice anywhere. It really is a great coat, and there's probably not another one like it in all of Japan.
The first thing the pink haired girl notices after the coat is the gait of the person wearing it, which isn't exactly what you'd call an Olympic sprint. Normally she'd just keep walking, not wanting to bother Kyouko with her potentially unwanted presence. But she's seen people walking like that before at the hospital- a lot of time after surgeries or when recovering from long illnesses when their energy seemed to just be gone.
She doesn't know Kyouko all that well, but she does know she likes to be independent and strong. Something like this probably bothers her more than she's showing.
Madoka pauses on her path... and then cuts away from it, hurriedly walking at a right angle that will take her over to Kyouko's side because-
Whump!
The sound of two people colliding just off to Kyouko's side. "S-sorry sir!" Madoka immediately pipes up, bowing and apologizing to a businessman who is in such a hurry he doesn't even bother to respond other than to give a glare.
Watching him go for a moment Madoka takes another couple of steps, moving the rest of the way to Kyouko's side. And once she's there she quietly, unassumingly, sticks her elbow out and hitches it up over the redheads arm- the one not holding onto her stick. She otherwise says absolutely nothing about it. She doesn't mention it, explain herself, or even give the Puella one of her trademark sympathetic looks.
"Kyouko-san! It's good to see you again after everything that's happened. I hope Sayaka-chan took good care of you." Yes, that's a bit of a teasing jab but it's aimed carefully. "I saw you all the from across the bridge because of how awesome your coat is! Would you believe it?"
- Kyouko Sakura has posed:
Kyouko is more focused on the simple but taxing task of making her way along the sidewalk than on the people she's sharing it with, but she's not so oblivious as to miss the sound of a collision next to her.. or the voice issuing that apology. She glances over just in time to find Madoka slipping up beside her and putting an arm through hers.
She tenses slightly at first, not because she's actually offended or uncomfortable, but more just as an instinctual reaction. She's not used to people being close to her, outside of a few special cases. But after a moment she relaxes, and although she doesn't say anything either, Madoka can feel her leaning some of her weight on the shorter girl.
"Madoka-chan." She greets, with a slightly lopsided smile. At the notion of Sayaka taking care of her, there's a faint flush- more because it reminds her of how Sayaka found the letter she wrote than because she's embarassed by the notion itself. "Yeah.. well, I'm still in one piece, so I guess she did okay." The compliment to her coat earns a slightly bigger smile. "Ain't it? I love this thing. Usagi-chan outdid herself."
She falls silent for a moment, then adds, "I hope everything went okay with you and your family and stuff."
- Madoka Kaname has posed:
Madoka takes the weight pretty well since helping people walk is one of the things she does a lot as a volunteer. Kyouko's not big enough that she's even much of a burden; not that Madoka would care even if she was.
She smiles happily in return as the compliment to the coat is accepted, "Usagi-chan sounds like a wonderful friend. And she has great taste!" If it was the kind of thing that would look good on her Madoka might even be a bit jealous. But it isn't really her style. It really is Kyouko's style though, which is half the reason it's so impressive. It's not hard for Madoka to be so enthusiastic about the coat because seriously, that coat.
Her family is brought up and Madoka's smile eases into a softer one. "They were safe in the shelter while everything happened. So yes, they were all fine- thanks to you and everyone else who fought Walpurgisnacht. Thank you, Kyouko-san." She'd close her eyes to enhance the smile but it'd be bad if she accidentally guided Kyouko into a light post.
- Kyouko Sakura has posed:
Kyouko shrugs. She's not dismissive of the part she played in the fight, but she's also well-aware that she wouldn't have been enough on her own, that she wasn't the deciding factor. That would have been obvious even if Homura hadn't said so. "Turns out I kinda like this city. But it was hardly my being there that stopped that thing, so I can't really accept thanks for it. I just did what I could."
And paid the price for it, as her current weakened state proves, but it's a price she's happy to pay to preserve the life she's build here, small as it is. For someone who has had nothing, it doesn't take much to seem like a lot. "Everyone there played a part. Homura, Usagi.. Saya-chan." She sighs a little bit after saying that last name.
"Madoka-chan.. you've been her friend a lot longer than I have. And things are a bit.. weird between us right now." Thanks to that stupid letter, but she doesn't go into detail. "I'm worried about her. If you see her, will you talk to her? Just remind her that.. that people are thinking about her. I'd do it myself but I'm not sure how she'd react to me right now."
- Madoka Kaname has posed:
"That's true. They might not have lost without you." There's going to be more judging by her tone. Predictably it comes a moment later, "But maybe they'd have taken a lot more casualties before they won. Walpurgis might have made it further into the city, or to one of the shelters." She smiles a bit more brightly and says in an upbeat tone, "Just doing what you can- that's the mark of a true magical girl!"
She notes the down tone when Kyouko says Sayaka's name, punctuated by that sigh. She looks over and tilts her head a little. Weird between them? Oh. Right. Madoka tries not to smile because even though she actually sees that as a good sign it's not best if it keeps Kyouko from helping her friend. "I'll tell her the next time I see her, Kyouko-san." She thinks quietly for a moment, "I think that your friendship would mean more to her than any weirdness between you, Kyouko-san."
She decides to tip her hand, just a little. "It's true that I've known Sayaka-chan for a long time, but I was also living overseas for years. Maybe neither of us changed very much... but I think you're actually closer to her than me, right now. I'm worried about her too, and I think you might be her best hope."
Which brings her to another similar topic. "Ah, I saw Mami-san yesterday. After what happened on Sunday... you got through to her, but she's was still very upset and hurt. I... I think she's going to be okay, though. She's going to be staying with some friends for a while until things get better. If you called her or sent her a message it might help a lot."
- Kyouko Sakura has posed:
Kyouko has to laugh at Madoka's (to her) naive sentiments about what it means to be a magical girl. But she either doesn't have the heart or doesn't see the need to disillusion the girl, and she just replies with, "That's the mark of a decent person, Madoka-chan. Something I've found myself thinking more about recently. Everybody just does what they can.. can't expect more than that. Shouldn't have to."
She sighs again when Madoka says that she might be closer to Sayaka than Madoka herself, and that her friendship would mean a lot to the blue-haired girl. "I know.. I know." She says after a moment, glancing down at the sidewalk. "I just.. want to make sure to cover my bases, that's all. I'll try to talk to her, but. You might be able to help her too. And if you can, I want you to."
At the news of Mami, Kyouko's expression actually tightens a little bit. "She's always been an idiot." Kyouko mutters. "That's why we split up all those years ago. Girl can't see the world for what it is, lost in her delusions about a perfect world that never existed in the first place." After a moment her expression softens again. "But I wouldn't want to see her dead either, if I could help it. I'll text her. Not sure seeing me face-to-face is what she needs, but. I'll let her know that I'm glad she's okay, at least."
- Madoka Kaname has posed:
Madoka would like to tell Kyouko she's always thought she was a decent person but unfortunately that would be a lie. On the other hand? "I think it takes a good person to want to be a decent person, Kyouko-san." She decides not to get too much more saccharine on the redhead. It feels nice being able to do something as simple as walk and talk with someone she once didn't get along with and she doesn't want Kyouko coming away with a bad taste in her mouth.
"I'll help her in any way I can. Even if we're not as close as we were as kids Sayaka-chan is still very important to me. She's one of the most dependable friends anyone could ask for and she's been there for me a lot over the years. If I can do something to help her and repay the kindness and support she's given me then I won't hesitate." Madoka gets a bit emotional talking about Sayaka, but manages to keep it within check. After so many crazy events happening recently it isn't hard to work herself up.
She makes an embarrassed look when Kyouko calls Mami an idiot but doesn't correct her. Heck, from what she's seen 'idiot' might even be an affectionate term in Kyouko's extensive vocabulary of put-downs and insults. "I... think she has less delusions than you might think, Kyouko-san." She's in dangerous waters, suddenly. It might hurt Mami a lot more than help her to reveal the cracks in her perfect facade. "She's... a lot more aware of things like that than she lets on. She's just wants to be strong so that people can rely on her."
She ends the train of thought on another upbeat note by giggling and saying, "That's a start!" at the mention of not wanting to see Mami dead, trying to lighten the mood by making a joke.
- Kyouko Sakura has posed:
"I said this to Homura too, but," Kyouko says quietly when Madoka brings up how Sayaka is a dependable friend, "She reminds me of myself, once upon a time. I think that's why I was drawn to her in the beginning. She looks at the world the way I looked at it before.. everything. I wanted to be a hero of justice, too." She laughs softly, self-deprecating. "Well.. a bit late for me now. I ain't a hero and I ain't ever gonna be one. I seen too much. Done too much."
"But that don't mean I can't help her be one. Even if that means doing the unpleasant stuff so she doesn't have to." That's a bit of an ominous statement, but Kyouko doesn't elaborate further, and instead switches gears slightly, smiling just a bit at Madoka's giggle. "It's a lot better than a year ago, that's for sure. Truth of the matter is, I owe Mami my life, probably a few times over. She took me under her wing when I was as fresh and naive as.. well, as Saya-chan is now." She chuckles ruefully. "Probably woulda got myself killed if she hadn't been there. So the least I can do is do my best to return the favor now."
"I think the most important thing I've learned in the past few months, Madoka-chan, is that people can change. For the worse, sure, but also for the better. Holdin' onto the past.." She shakes her head slightly. "What's the point in that? We gotta look forward if we want to make use of the time we got left."
- Madoka Kaname has posed:
"That's Sayaka-chan alright," Madoka says with a smile at the term 'hero of justice'. That's exactly what Sayaka always did. Stepping in front of bullies, setting wrongs right. And fiercely protective too- funny, that's a trait a whole lot of people around Madoka have, including the girl right next to her.
Of course she can't entirely help herself once Kyouko finishes, "People can change. I think you're right." She looks over to Kyouko with a slowly widening smile that forewarns the idealism to come, "And letting go of the past, I think that's right. Letting go of the bad things and holding onto the good, I think that'd be best of all. So maybe you don't think you're going to be a hero because you've seen and done too much... but maybe if you tried hard enough you could be anyway, despite all that."
She gives a small shake of her head, "I'm not saying you have to. Only that if it's was something you still wanted that I think you could. You're a very strong person in so many ways, I wouldn't put something like that past you."
- Kyouko Sakura has posed:
"Nah." Kyouko is quick with her dismissal, but it's not mean or cold, merely pragmatic. "A hero's gotta be selfless, Madoka-chan. I'm way too selfish to be a hero. Maybe once upon a time, but. Y'know, I've learned a lot about people over my life, and I've learned a lot about myself most of all. I ain't ashamed to be who I am, but I also ain't under any delusions."
"Even me wanting to help Saya-chan is selfish. It's just because I-" She catches herself, hesitates, and then goes on, "Because I'm not sure what I'd do without her. I want her to be safe but in the end, it's for me. That ain't the way a hero thinks."
She shrugs her shoulders again afterwards. "Still, you don't gotta be a hero to help people. I may never be a hero, but that don't mean I can't try and make life a little better for the people I care about. Like what we did this weekend." She's leaning on Madoka a bit more as they walk, but luckily they are most of the way to the store now. "I did it for selfish reasons. But I'm still glad it helped other people, too."
- Madoka Kaname has posed:
"That's true. You don't have to be a hero to be a decent person and help people, right?" Madoka agrees in the end. In a way thinking that real heroes are completely selfless is incredibly idealistic in it's own way, and Madoka isn't going to do anything to suggest otherwise to Kyouko if that's what she thinks.
Now comes the sympathetic smile and look in the eyes when Kyouko admits not knowing what to do without Sayaka. She reaches across herself with her far hand to squeeze Kyouko's forearm, "It's not wrong or a bad thing to help someone because it benefits you. Especially when it's because you care so much about them. I'm very glad Sayaka-chan has a dependable friend like you, even if you're doing it for yourself. I really do think you're the best chance for her to stay safe, and to be happy."
As Kyouko leans on her more Madoka steps a little closer and offers more support. She may be small but she can take it! She's honestly rather happy to be able to do something like this for her, even if it's a small thing in the long run. If she can have just a bit more energy and not be quite as tired at work it's completely worth it. "I kind of like that, actually," she notes about Kyouko helping people for selfish reasons. "Especially if the reason is Sayaka-chan. I bet she'd be happy to know she was having such a big impact. If that's what it can do, then I hope more people find selfish reasons to help people like you."
- Kyouko Sakura has posed:
"God, I hope so." Kyouko mutters regarding Sayaka being happy she feels that way , because the fact that she was having such a big impact is basically what was in the much-bemoaned letter that Sayaka had read even though Kyouko hadn't meant her to. She blushes just a little bit again at having thought about it. Ugggh, she needs to talk to Sayaka to make sure she's okay after the whole Anshi thing, but she's so embarassed about the letter she's dragging her feet.
"It's all about the equation in the end, right?" Kyouko finally notes in a slightly subdued voice, as she spots the conbenie up ahead just another block or two. "Especially now. If I'm gonna become a monster when I die, then I gotta make sure to do enough good before then so that no matter what, people think it was a good thing I was alive." She smirks, a grim but strangely optimistic kinda smirk. "Gotta make sure the equation comes out in my favor. I'm already ancient for a Puella Magi, you know. Me, Homura and Mami.. I'd be surprised if there were any Puella in Japan left who were around when any of the three of us contracted."
"That said, I don't have any intention of dyin' now."
- Madoka Kaname has posed:
Madoka nods her head quickly, "I'm sure of it. Sayaka-chan likes helping her friends. Maybe it's easier for her to do that by being strong and dependable, but she's always been supportive of me when I needed it as well. If you're doing good things because of her that should make her feel that much better about herself." Or at least that's Madoka's understanding of it. Hearing about that at the same time as a love confession could certainly make it take longer to sort out.
Talks of equations puts Madoka slightly off guard and confused. Math sucks, equations are hard. Luckily Kyouko's reasoning makes a lot of sense. "Oh. I see. That's true. And by helping defeat Walpurgisnacht I think you've done a whole lot of good! Helping Sayaka-chan, and Mami-san too. You've done a whole lot of good." She gives another smile.
Hm. Ancient for a Puella Magi. They really don't live very long lives on average, do they? It's a little sad to Madoka, but the proof it doesn't have to be that way is standing right beside her. "If you've managed to make it this far I think you have what it takes to keep going. Mami-san... her most difficult time might be right now, and Homura-chan just made it past her own." Or so she thinks.
- Kyouko Sakura has posed:
Hearing Madoka say that she's done a lot of good actually puts a smile on Kyouko's face. It makes her feel warm inside. It's not because Madoka means anything special to her- it's quite the opposite really. Madoka is a friendly acquaintance, and not much more- on top of that, she is very close with Homura, who has been an enemy of Kyouko's for quite some time. Therefore, Madoka has no reason to lie to her or placate her, and hearing her say that means that much more because of it.
"Maybe I have." She says, and sounds happy just saying it. "But the equation is far from balanced. I did a lot of crappy things before.. and I'll probably do more after. That means I still got work to do if I want people to look back on Kyouko Sakura with a smile and not a curse. That's really all I want, in the end."
She shakes her head slightly at Madoka's assertion that if she's made it this far she'll probably keep going. "I hope you're right, kid." She says, as they approach the store. "But if there's one thing I've learned it's never to make assumptions about the world not being a crappy place. I always get suspicious when things start going too well." She pauses outside the door, still holding on to Madoka's arm. "But hey.. thanks."
- Madoka Kaname has posed:
Madoka's own smile brightens when Kyouko sounds happy, only to giggle at the mention of wanting to people smile when remembering her. "If you keep doing things the way you have recently then I know I will, Kyouko-san. But you're right, you should keep going and doing more good things. Who knows? By the time you're done you might get a national holiday named after you and we'll all go celebrate Kyouko Day!" She's rather intentionally going way over the top there, laughing a little afterwards but still smiling happily to the redhead in the awesome coat because of the grain of truth within the silliness.
"Suspicious when things start going too well... Maybe that's a quality all Veteran Puella have. I know Homura-chan was very worried before the fight because of how well things were going. I think she might have actually been less worried about it if something bad had happened in the week leading up to it." She's not entirely optimistic as she says this; she actually sounds a bit worn if anything.
At the mention of thanks she tilts her head and makes a small, "Hm?" Only to give a small smile a moment later, "You're welcome. But it's no big deal." A little pause before she asks conspiratorially, "...do you think the donuts are still fresh?"
- Kyouko Sakura has posed:
"She thought things were going well?" Kyouko actually sounds amused as she considers Homura's reactions before Walpurgisnacht. "Didn't seem that way to me.. I thought it was a miracle we pulled it off without anyone on our team killing each other." She chuckles softly, shaking her head. "Maybe my pessimism cancelled out her optimism.. or vice-versa. Either way, I guess it worked out.
She doesn't say anything to Madoka's over-the-top predictions for her legacy, merely shaking her head, but when Madoka asks if the donuts are still fresh, she smiles. "I know it. Old lady wouldn't let us sell stale donuts, even in the afternoon. C'mon.. I can even let you have my discount. It's the least I can do to repay you for lendin' me an arm and listenin' to me blather."
- Madoka Kaname has posed:
Madoka blushes and rolls her eyes slowly in an embarrassed way, "Weeeeeell, you remember the dance, right? She kind of told me she loves me romantically," yes, that last part is something that actually needs clarified. Kyouko knows Usagi so she'll maybe understand that. "...and, well, we started dating!" She turns a very bright beaming smile on Kyouko that may well sicken her if the idea of anyone being romantic with Homura would do so. There's also a little something extra in the look than just her own happiness. Puella romance... it's a thing that can happen! Even for jaded veterans.
Any of her slightly down attitude from a moment ago is now completely washed away and she happily goes inside the conbenie, still keeping her arm available for Kyouko if she wants it. "A discount? Cheap fresh donuts are even better! Thank you!" If Kyouko is still accepting her help she'll lean sideways against her shoulder to shoulder for just a moment as the hint of a hug.
- Kyouko Sakura has posed:
Kyouko doesn't look at all surprised about Madoka's blushing revelation about her lovelife. "Well, duh." She says. "You don't literally travel back in time and suffer all that crap for somebody if you don't love 'em." She says, as if this is the most obvious thing in the world. She lets Madoka hug against her arm for a moment before pulling away and walking over to the counter, smiling to the old lady who runs the shop, who gets out of the way to let her sit down and then bustles away to the back, obviously familiar with Kyouko's state and as willing to accomodate it as anyone.
Kyouko hangs up her awesome coat on a peg and then slumps onto the stool behind the register.. but she still smiles as she gestures to the case of fresh baked goods. "Pick whatever you want."
- Madoka Kaname has posed:
Madoka blushes even more when it was so obvious to Kyouko and ends up laughing in embarrassment. "It, um, does seem really obvious now that I look back on it. But actually I had no idea before she told me. I knew she loved me... but not like that!" She doesn't exactly feel bad about it since she was told not to but it's still embarrassing that she could be so oblivious.
Madoka gives the old lady a happy wave as she enters the conbenie. She excitedly starts looking over all the baked goods, leaning in close and checking over each of them. Her parents feed her very well but refined sugar treats are actually pretty uncommon in her house- it's probably the only reason she's skinny when she likes eating so much. "Hehehe... they all look so good! Are any of them extra tasty, Kyouko-san?"
- Kyouko Sakura has posed:
Kyouko doesn't make any further comment on Madoka's relationship with Homura. The somewhat faraway look in her eyes may suggest that she's comparing it to her own situation with Sayaka- at once similar, and yet very different, if only because of the personalities involved. The last thing she wants is to talk about that right now though- especially after Usagie's huehue-ing (even if that did make her feel better in the end).
As Madoka asks about the baked goods, Kyouko looks up from tying on her orange apron with the P.M. Minimart logo on the front, still sitting on her stool behind the counter. "S'all good." She says, with the confidence of someone who has tried every option multiple times. It's amazing /she's/ as skinny as she is, consdering she doesn't have the money to eat healthy, but. Must be that undead magic. "I'm partial to anything with chocolate on it, myself."
- Madoka Kaname has posed:
Madoka is still looking over all the options when Kyouko says everything's good. She pauses for a short moment and then quickly shakes her head, "No, no! I can't do that, that'd be -way- too much!" One of everything would certainly be enjoyable but it'd completely ruin her lunch. In the end she ends up picking out only one thing because she does have -some- self control. And a distinct lack of undead magic to keep her waistline intact if she did go crazy on junk food.
She ends up picking out a bismarck, letting herself be influenced by Kyouko's own preference this time. She sets it on a napkin, walking over to the register and setting it down before getting a small change purse out of her pocket. Seeing Kyouko with the apron on has her tilting her head a little. "Kyouko-san? What's it like having a job? I volunteer but I'm usually the one who sets the hours for that." And she doesn't get paid, of course. "There's actually a lot of people my age I know that have jobs, but I've never asked."
- Kyouko Sakura has posed:
Kyouko has been working here long enough now that she rings up the purchase almost automatically, taking the change and giving back what's due with an almost rote "Arigato-gozaimasu," as the cash register dings. Once that's done, she pauses at Madoka's question.
"Huh? Oh.. I dunno. I like it. It makes me feel useful." She says, with a bit of a lopsided smile. "And like I'm takin' care of myself without relyin' on anybody else. Plus the old lady, she needs me." She leans down and whispers this last part, since the old lady in question is in the back of the store and would probably argue if she heard, if only for apperances sake. "Place would fall apart in a week if I wasn't here." This obviously isn't true, since her stint as Apatite saw her gone for over a month, but even so.
"Still. Girl like you can probably do a lot better than working in a convinience store." Kyouko says, with a genuine smile. "For me though? I think it suits me."
- Madoka Kaname has posed:
Madoka accepts the change and is just about to put it in her change purse, only to pause when she notices some donation box or another with a change slot sitting on the counter. After a short pause she almost automatically reaches out and dumps the change into that instead. Then she peeks at the cause for a few moments longer and drops an extra 100 yen coin in for good measure.
She listens to the answer and hums, ending with a smile. "That sounds really nice. So you're doing something good, feeling useful, and making a living all at the same time." She looks upwards for a moment, "Maybe that's why Mama is so focused on her work. She really enjoys it even though it's very hard." She giggles quietly alongside Kyouko when she mentions the store going to shambles without her.
"You really think so?" she asks. "There was a time when I thought I'd mess up even something like this." Working at the hospital has done a lot for improving her self image in that regard. "I don't know about 'better', though. The world would be a mess if we didn't have anyone to sell us treats!" It's mostly a joke, but it might more true than she thinks given all the magical girls protecting people from danger.
- Kyouko Sakura has posed:
Kyouko doesn't comment as Madoka drops her change into the donation box. She wouldn't have done that herself- not because she's cheap, but because she doesn't have enough money to think that way. Every little bit helps when your diet consists mostly of cup noodles and plain rice. Still, she doesn't seem jealous of Madoka's ability to toss change away- if anything, it only confirms her image of the girl as nice. Perhaps naive, but good-hearted.
"Yeah. Well, I dunno about your mama, but. For a long time I was pretty useless to everybody." Kyouko says this without shame or any sense that she's fishing for reassurance. It's just the truth. "So it makes me feel good to be able to earn my keep, that's all." A faint shrug of her shoulders.
"Anyway, I shouldn't keep you. You were on your way someplace, right?" She asks, leaning an elbow on the counter. "Thanks again. For lendin' me an arm. I'll be back to my old self in no time, but for now.. well, it's appreciated."
- Madoka Kaname has posed:
"Feeling like you have something to contribute is really important, isn't it?" Madoka asks in a soft, understanding tone. She knows that feeling very well, as well as its' negative opposite: feeling worthless, useless, and unable to do anything helpful. "I'm glad you've been able to find something that makes you feel useful. You're useful in a lot of ways." A gentler smile, only to disappear behind her doughnut which she happily takes a bite out of.
"Mmm!" When she finishes the bite she notes, "You were right, it's really good! But, um, yeah, I should go. I'll be able to catch my second class if I hurry." She steps towards the door and waves, "You're welcome! I'm just glad I could help. Thanks for the discount!" Off she goes, practicing jogging and eating a treat at the same time.
