View source for 683/We're just playing

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2015/12/06
|Location=Uminari City - Roaring Bayside Theme Park
|Synopsis=Madoka invites Takashi and Homura to a day at the theme park. There's sure to be fun, but will spending time around each other lessen Homura and Takashi's animosity towards one another?
|Cast of Characters=8, 23, 47
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:8|Madoka Kaname (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka had been somewhat shy and subdued at school recently. She wasn't in a bad mood or unhappy but rather she was very self conscious in a way that she hadn't been for the last few months. It had to do with something she had started wearing recently, though perhaps to the chagrin of someone in particular had kept well out of sight tucked beneath her shirt.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Around lunchtime at school Madoka had sent both Homura and Takashi a text asking if they'd come with her to have fun at the theme park on Sunday. She was also very direct about letting them both know the other would be there. From what she knew they still didn't like each other even if things had at least been civil at school and she didn't want to give them a major shock.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The message had asked them both to meet at noon at the entrance to the Roaring Bayside Theme Park, somewhere she'd wanted to go ever since she learned of it but hadn't quite had the chance. She shows up 15 minutes early herself, wearing a light long-sleeved pink sweater and a long white skirt with black leggings underneath(because rides!), and her usual shoes.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's wearing something else as well; an ostentatious necklace with three pink emeralds that sits in the center of her chest, worn outside of her shirt for once. The top gem is a round, an enormous teardrop shaped one in the middle, and a much second smaller round gem beneath it. It positively twinkles in the sunlight, and every time someone stares at it as they walk by she squirms a bit self-consciously.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:23|Homura Akemi (23)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Homura Akemi was invited to a theme park by Madoka. This was a good thing. Takashi was going to be there. This was a bad thing. Homura spent many hours, watching the pendelum swing back and forth, back and forth, tick tock. It's a chance to have fun with Madoka (tick), ... that is if Takashi doesn't ruin it... (tock) Well maybe he'll behave if Madoka is there... (tick) I wonder if Takashi even really knows how to behave (tock)...<br /><br />Aaaaugh. Well, it's not like Homura was ever going to not go. It's not really a choice. Just... Ugh... TAKASHI! Homura wonders just how long she can pretend to be nice to him for Madoka's sake. She would like to think she'd do whatever it took to make Madoka happy, but she knows well enough that her temper has a short fuse.<br /><br />When she shows up, it's a few minutes after Madoka. For once, she isn't stalking her, since she already has a general idea of where Madoka is going to be.<br /><br />When Homura does approach Madoka, her eyes go to the pink jewels hanging around her neck.<br /><br />Her heart stops.<br /><br />no...<br /><br />No.<br /><br />"NO!"<br /><br />Homura rushes towards Madoka, taking her hands and looking into her eyes. "What did you do? What happened?! Tell me!"<br /><br />Homura's adrenaline is already pumping. Did she seriously not stalk Madoka ''enough''? Was she too complacent? She tried everything, even when she knew it wasn't even healthy!<br /><br />Maybe in a moment she'll realize that Madoka's not in henshin, and that her Soul Gem would be a ring on her finger right now instead of a necklace.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:47|Takashi Agera (47)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Takashi didn't even think twice. The presence of Homura Akemi was going to be a complicating factor - but there was no reason to think he couldn't still succeed at looking good in front of Akemi. Maybe he could even try to bury the hatchet. Either metaphorically, or more literally.<br /><br />But he's also running late - something got loose in the lab and had to be... contained... and really nobody else was capable of doing it. That's why he's running up in the distance as Homura is entirely mid freak out.<br /><br />So instead of calmly waving to Madoka and his unwanted fun-time partner, he's running up to them, in time to see Homura grasping Madoka and looking up in a panic. This only causes Takashi to panic /as well/ and run up. "IS EVERYTHING OKAY? WHAT'S WRONG, MADOKA-CHAN?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:8|Madoka Kaname (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka is fidgeting quietly and thinking maybe she should have asked to meet in a less populated place as she gets a few more stares. It also makes her wonder if maybe she hadn't worn it at all since they're going to go on rides... but she really wanted to have it visible for Takashi. It doesn't even occur to her that it might have significance to the other person she invited aside from the fact Takashi bought her something ludicrously expensive.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She sees Homura at the same time the other girl sees her, and is about to lift her hand, wave, and call out to her, when she hears the shout. It silences her, and she actually looks behind herself, wondering if perhaps there's something there that Homura is reacting to. The look in her eyes gets her a bit shaky well, "Huh? Wh-? I haven't done anything. What are you talking about, Homura-chan?"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A bit rattled by the intensity she pipes up a moment later, "O-oh! I guess something did-"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And that's when Takashi runs up as well, looking incredibly worried and panicky. With that Madoka's own nerves are shot and she starts to look fearfully between the two. When she speaks again her voice is squeaky and trembling, "I- what? N-nothings wrong! Not with me! Is it something else? Is there a Witch?!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:23|Homura Akemi (23)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Homura just stares at her, and continues staring at Madoka even as Takashi freaks out behind her, and Madoka just looks... confused?<br /><br />This isn't right. Madoka isn't the kind of person to lie for no good reason, or to play dumb. There's no way she'd have her Soul Gem out like that and then think that she could hide it from Homura... right? No, the only reason to have it out like that was to reveal it, so why suddenly hide it?<br /><br />It's then that the adrenaline starts to pass, and Homura starts to realize a few other inconsistencies. Notably, the gem around Madoka's neck seems to not contain anything like the magic in a Soul Gem, at least nothing that Homura notices. Also, shouldn't it be a ring in a case like this?<br /><br />Homura slowly releases Madoka's hands and backs away. Her eyes trail down to the necklace. Is this thing mocking her? It's not an inconcievable shape for jewelry, certainly... but for it to be so close to the real thing, and yet just be an ordinary necklace.<br /><br />She's staring at it, as if she's seeing something impossible. After a moment she turns away and says, "Nevermind. It's nothing. I just thought I saw something that wasn't there. That's all. Maybe I've been working to hard."<br /><br />That ''thing'' disturbs her. She avoids looking at it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:47|Takashi Agera (47)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Takashi looks oddly at Homura Akemi. He's required to be polite in front of Madoka, but he can't help but comment. "Maybe you have been working too hard, Akemi-san. Or you're just not used to days off." he adds the honorific since Madoka's around.<br /><br />He calms quickly when Homura calms (and when Axion can see no threats in the area.) and then he looks to Madoka. "Well, thank you very much for inviting me." He doesn't say us.<br /><br />The only thing he reserves for Homura right now are the far-too-pleasant comments, and slight glares whenever he thinks he can get away with it. "Oh, you're wearing it!" he says, getting sidetracked. "It still looks so pretty on you." Is he marveling at the way it looks on her, or is he just boldly pointing it out? The answer is likely both - especially with Homura here.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:8|Madoka Kaname (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Homura lets go of her hands and steps back Madoka goes down a step from suddenly frightened to confused. "I don't understand, but if you're sure there's nothing wrong." She lets out a sigh of relief and sets her hand over her heart. "You really scared me for a minute there, Homura-chan!" Her voice isn't so much accusatory as it is relieved and slightly playful. There are enough terrifying things in the world that she's seen that a scare like this really being nothing is far from beyond the realm of possibility.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Homura's eyes go down to the necklace she flushes slightly and once more moves with embarrassed mannerisms, especially when Takashi draws attention to it. It's a whole different thing, wearing it in public. The very extravagance that draws Takashi to it makes her a little nervous; she's unaccustomed to being loud and drawing attention to herself.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, yes, um, Takashi-kun bought this for me. I tried to tell him it was too nice for me, but he insisted that wasn't true." The nervousness fades a little when she speaks of the compliment he gave her, and when he does so again right now she looks up to him with a happy smile, "Thank you."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's not so blind as to miss the undercurrent of distaste between Takashi and Homura, so she moves to remedy things quickly. Out of her pocket she produces three tickets, handing one to Takashi and then hooking her right arm into his, without asking. She then all but drags him forward towards Homura, to whom she hands another and likewise hooks her arm through the taller girls, so that she's standing between both of them linked elbow to elbow.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm so glad to get to do something fun with two of my favorite people," she says excitedly, putting on a bright and sunny smile as she makes to walk them all inside. "We're going to have so much fun today!"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And the thing is, despite the earlier scare she doesn't have to fake a bit of it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:23|Homura Akemi (23)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Homura stops short of saying, 'Yeah well ''you'' scared ''me''', and instead just offers an apologetic smile. She really didn't want to give Takashi something to hold over her, but here she is...<br /><br />"So you bought that for her?" asks Homura to Takashi. She says it flatly, almost casually, as if it's no big deal. "It's a very interesting design. I wonder why you chose that one specifically."<br /><br />Homura Akemi is the only one who should know what Madoka's Soul Gem looks like. Not even Kyubey would know. She wouldn't put it past Takashi to pick that design specifically to troll Homura, but it's not something that he should even know about.<br /><br />"I'm surprised, though, Madoka-chan. I didn't think you were into jewelry."<br /><br />Homura doesn't mention the kinds of things that she thinks that Madoka is into. She doesn't want to give Takashi gift ideas.<br /><br />When Madoka hands her a ticket, Homura stares at it while Madoka hooks her arm around Homura's. Homura briefly glances at Takashi's way, and manages to mostly hide her disgust when Madoka says that Takashi is 'one of her favorite people'.<br /><br />"I'm glad I get to do something with my favorite person, too."<br /><br />Homura walks along with Madoka, holding her ticket with her free hand and looking at Madoka. Takashi isn't really being looked at directly, but Homura is aware of him through peripheral vision.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:47|Takashi Agera (47)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Yeah, I was going to give it to her for Christmas, but I couldn't wait." Takashi admits. "I guess that means I need to get another present for Christmas, though." he adds with a grin at Madoka.<br /><br />When Homura asks about what made him purchase it, he looks at her. "Well, I saw it when I was looking at presents and something about it just... made me really think of Madoka-chan." That probably does nothing to dispel Homura's suspicions.<br /><br />His arm is hooked through Madoka's and for a moment everything is okay. Even if the other arm is around Homura's, being near Madoka does have the amazing ability to make him happy - something her other friend can probably attest to.<br /><br />"I always enjoy myself when I'm around you, Madoka-chan, no matter where we are." he adds. He keeps Homura in his vision too, but he does probably do a better job of relaxing than Homura does, having not borne witness to the things she has seen.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:8|Madoka Kaname (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka turns her eyes over to Takashi as Homura muses aloud why he chose that particular style. She's rather curious herself! Then Homura makes a keen observation that draws an embarrassed laugh from her, "Jewelry isn't really something I'd ever think to buy for myself. I guess I don't really go window shopping for it either..."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks down, peering at the necklace resting on her chest, "But it really is very pretty. If I have one very nice piece of jewelry, I think this is the kind of thing I'd want." Though were it something she bought for herself or a gift from one of her parents she'd likely only ever wear it with fancy dresses. "I think the thing I like about it the most is that Takashi-kun gave it to me and thinks I deserve it, though." She makes a little laugh, "I feel spoiled!"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks over to Takashi then with a mild look of alarm, "Nothing more like this! This is more than enough for a Christmas present. If you really think that get me something small." She's willing to accept one over the top gift but not to be buried in fine jewelry!<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The responses she gets to her happy comment keeps her smile bright and shining, almost skipping as she walks along between the two. "Where should we go first?" she asks, looking for a long moment at the ferris wheel. That probably should wait for later , she decides. "Maybe we could go on the carousel first?" she offers, looking between Homura and Takashi for input.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:23|Homura Akemi (23)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I think it suits you," says Homura, possibly not wanting to be the only one raining on Madoka's parade. Even if it was actually Madoka's Soul Gem, Homura couldn't hate it, because that Soul Gem would actually ''be'' Madoka. She might hate what it represents, and what a contract would ''do'' to Madoka, but Homura couldn't hate the Soul Gem itself...<br /><br />It still disturbes the heck out of her. Takashi's own explaination of events doesn't help matters at all. Not that she ever expected Takashi to help.<br /><br />On the other hand, Madoka's responses do validate Homura's own choice in gifts.<br /><br />She did say at one point that if Destiny demanded Madoka's death, then Homura would make Destiny her enemy. Was this some kind of karmic revenge for her defiance? ... no, no, that's just paranoid thinking. Homura can't afford to think that way.<br /><br />Madoka starts talking about rides, and Homura looks at them. Riiight, before the scare they were her to have fun, weren't they? "Sure, the carousel sounds good. Let's go there."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:47|Takashi Agera (47)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Okay, okay. No more fancy jewelry for Christmas." Takashi says, laughing a bit. "But I do really think it suits you." he adds. "I think even Akemi-san can see it." he says a bit mischeviously.<br /><br />"Kaname-san, I think I'd just like to spend the day with you. So if you'd like to go somewhere, just ask! And I'm sure I'll -" then he remmebers Homura is there "- we'll be happy to indulge you." He notices her looking at the ferris wheel and points. "Does that look fun to you?"<br /><br />Then Homura suggest another idea - and he smiles. "The carousel sounds fine too." he adds. But that tone is probably visibly different to both of them. Since he's talking to Homura.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:8|Madoka Kaname (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thanks!" Madoka replies to the compliment. She does see it as one, too, saying something so brilliant and shiny and beautiful suits her. She gives Homura's arm a squeeze as they walk along.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If Homura thinks about it some more she'd also recognize certain other differences between the necklace and the Soul Gem she'd seen in previous timelines. The color isn't an exact match, even if close, and it's also clearly faceted rather than a smoothly rounded surface. Her actual Soul Gem had only two gems as well, the third smaller gem beneath instead being a part of the golden setting. That isn't to say that at a distance the resemblance isn't uncanny- because it is.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I do too, Takashi-kun," she replies, "But there's only so much I'm comfortable accepting." a half beat, "or even having!" This is followed by some more soft laughter, remaining in high spirits. She turns her head and looks up to Takashi, "I just want to spend time too, but we can have a lot of fun while we're here."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then the mention of the ferris wheel is brought up, having clearly been caught looking at it. "I do... but not just yet! It'll be more fun if I make myself wait for it a little bit first."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The carousel is also relatively close by which makes it easier to drop into it's short line. For being in the main park it has a lot of kids riding it, but she doesn't seem to mind. When it's time to actually ride she does, unfortunately, have to let go of the other two, which she does so reluctantly. Soon though she's smiling and having fun, laughing as she's spun around and around on an arched back dolphin wearing a horses saddle.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks a little ridiculous and know it, so she plays it up by laughing all the louder and making silly faces at her friends.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:23|Homura Akemi (23)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The more Homura realizes the differences in the jewelry from Madoka's Soul Gem, the more she relaxes. She eventually convinces herself that it's little more than a piece of jewelry that reminded her of something that was on her mind a lot. It's not enough to make it not-disturbing to her, but it's enough so that she wont be disturbed if she doesn't look at it.<br /><br />Homura, for a brief instant, glares at Takashi after the 'Even Akemi-san' comment. Like what the hell is that supposed to mean? No, no, she has to be nice today. Even if being nice means keeping her temper on a short leash.<br /><br />Homura doesn't really care if they go to the ferris wheel or carousel first, but it's what Madoka mentioned, so they're going to the carousel. Homura climbs onto a seahorse right next to Madoka's dolphin. At first she rides it with a strangely blank face, but when Madoka starts making silly faces she at first smiles and then starts laughing.<br /><br />Homura tries making goofy faces back at Madoka, sticking her tongue out and crossing her eyes.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:47|Takashi Agera (47)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Takashi shrugs a bit. "I think you deserve the world, Madoka-chan, but I also don't want to make you feel uncomfortable. So I guess you'll be getting something more like the other gift then." he adds with a slight smile.<br /><br />And they're off to the carousel! And Takashi's there too, though he might look the most out of place - sure there's a few other guys, but it's not as common. Still though, he's ALSO not going to look like he doesn't enjoy fun in front of Madoka. So he does find something to ride, eventually.<br /><br />The ride he chooses is a giant eagle-like bird. It's a little silly, but he decides to just roll with it and enjoy it. It seems like he's actually enjoying it more than Homura - but that may just be that he ISN'T using his default face. Even still, he'll be much happier once he's off the silly looking eagle and near Madoka. Someone close might be able to tell he's kind of faking.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:8|Madoka Kaname (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ohh, yes! I'd like that very much!" is the quick response to the comment about the other gift. She really did like it very much, didn't she?<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka seems to have a much easier time being looked at because she's acting silly than she does because people are staring at her jewelry. Homura has a special insight into why this might be, having gone with her to Karaoke.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She laughs even more when Homura starts playing along with her. "That one's great, Homura-chan," she cheers at the cross eyed look. She'll keep making silly faces as they continue to ride, and is having so much fun she stays on for one more go around when the carrousel stops to exchange riders.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though Takashi does a pretty good job of having fun she is pretty sure he's not having as -much- fun as she and Homura are. She turns about on her dolphin to give him a bright smile, "You look very majestic, Takashi-kun. Eagles are the Nobility of the birds!"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once the ride stops again she hops off, "After the next ride we should get ourselves a snack." She seems to be getting kind of plan in order as she walks ahead of them, walking backwards for a moment and smiling before leading them over to their next destination. It doesn't take long to figure out where she's taking them.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Right to the bumper cars. "This is going to be so much fun," she laughs.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:23|Homura Akemi (23)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Homura plays right along with Madoka the whole time, even when the riders are being exchanged. She even does a few of the things from the song they karaoke'd the other day, putting her hands over her eyes like glasses and doing a few of the poses that can be done with her arms.<br /><br />At one point she glances at Takashi, for a moment, watching him on the back of his eagle. When she looks away, it's a dismissive gesture, as she immediately goes back to make silly faces at Madoka. She doesn't even look in his direction as Madoka compliments his eagle.<br /><br />When the ride ends, Homura is quick to follow after Madoka. "You sound like you've thought this out, Madoka-chan," she comments as Madoka explains some of her plans. However, once she realizes where they're going, to the bumper cars, Homura, for a brief moment, frowns. Bumper cars...? With Takashi?<br /><br />Slowly, a grin starts forming on her face. It might be a little scary if viewed from the right angle. Once Homura realizes that she's making a face like that she quickly looks away and pretends she's looking at something else.<br /><br />"Um... yeah, that sounds like a great idea. Let's go!"<br /><br />Is Homura planning to do WICKED DEEDS on the bumper cars? Maybe. Maybe not. She was certainly thinking about it, though. Besides, she doesn't really trust Takashi to not have some evil ideas of his own.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:47|Takashi Agera (47)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Takashi gets off the ride - he's playing along when he thinks Madoka is looking, but it's obvious he's still just playing along rather than playing. But it's nice that Madoka complimented his choice, anywayus! Once he gets off though, it's notable that he is at least equally quickly quickly back at Madoka's side. Like he's protecting her, wether from Homura or something else, is up in the air.<br /><br />He's also not entirely sure what to make of all of the motions that Homura made, though they also seem oddly familiar.<br /><br />It's probably a good thing Takashi can't see that grin on Homura's face when Madoka brings up bumper cars; because he might recognize the grin as the same one that's spreading slowly over his own face. A truly wicked smile, perhaps. He doesn't let Madoka see it.<br /><br />"Oh yes, that sounds like a lot of fun. I haven't been on bumper cars in ages." he says with a simple smile. But his mind is already twisting and turning and full of machinations.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:8|Madoka Kaname (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka giggles and plays along with Homura until they get off the ride. Being silly for silliness' sake is a great way to help her feel less self-conscious and she clearly has a whole lot of fun exchanging poses and silly faces with her while they ride sea-creatures.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When her thoughtfulness about their itinerary is mentioned she gives a little shake of her head, "Hm, only since I got here a few minutes before you did. There's just so much that I want to do and try! Plus I want to make sure that you two enjoy yourselves as well."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Takashi catches up to her she's happy to stay near his side. She'll even hug onto him a little as they walk. Hopefully this doesn't make Homura too nauseous.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She briefly catches the grin on Homura's face and blinks. But when she looks again it's gone and back to normal. Her head tilts slightly, is she just seeing things? It also causes her to entirely miss the one on Takashi's face.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a few minutes wait in the line but before long attendants are showing them into their cars and making sure they're strapped in well while teaching them the controls if they don't know them. The actual driving area is surprisingly large with plenty of room to maneuver or pick up speed.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When it's time to start Madoka drives her car around a bit just to get used to the controls, but quickly gets into good natured bumping wars with some of the other participants. Before long she's alternating between giggles, laughs, squeals and shrieks as she gets lightly tossed around in her harness. Once she thinks she's gotten a handle on her driving she'll start seeking out Homura and Takashi specifically with a playfully determined expression.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:23|Homura Akemi (23)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Homura Akemi isn't vomiting.<br /><br />Yet.<br /><br />At least not externally.<br /><br />When they reach the bumper cars, Homura hops into a purple one and starts to strap herself in, but stops when an attendant reaches in to do it for her. She tolerates this brief intrusion on her personal space for sake of 'politeness' and 'the rules', but she is quietly sure that she could've done it on her own.<br /><br />When the ride starts, Homura starts driving around to get a feel for her car. Once she's satisfied that she has it down, she starts seeking out her targets.<br /><br />When she chases Madoka down, it's playful, not that hard, and she's laughing when she does it. Taking a few bumps from Madoka doesn't bother her any either.<br /><br />On the other hand, when she targets Takashi, it's done with a bit of a different spirit. She spends a bit longer building up speed, hits a little harder and often from angles. The look she gives Takashi, when she thinks Madoka isn't watching, is taunting.<br /><br />It's not as mean, or as bold, as some of the things she ''could'' do with a bumper car, but she wonders if she can set off his temper this way.<br /><br />If it doesn't work, well... it ''is'' a purple car. The glow would be harder to detect visually, if she chose to use her magic on this. Takashi's device would know that something was up, but Homura doesn't know that even exists.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:47|Takashi Agera (47)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Takashi leans back onto Madoka, leaning his head on hers a bit as she hugs onto him. But he's also thinking about the bumper cars. Specifically, about smashing his into Homura's. Repeatedly. The smile on his face is, therefore, one of the most genuine anyone had ever seen, by the two combined thoughts.<br /><br />"I think I'll enjoy myself very much today, Madoka-chan." Takashi says.<br /><br />Takashi is belted in, and having actually been to a theme park like this before a few years ago, accepts the instructions with a disinterested look on his face. He considers how best to approach this - like anything else - by trying to think it through with logic. Because his goal here is simple: attack Homura without getting flagged for being excessively rude.<br /><br />Takashi only softly nudges Madoka - but everyone else gets a real slam as he sweeps into them. But Homura? Homura, he's waiting on. Accidents could even happen, maybe - but would Madoka forgive him if they were obviously his fault?<br /><br />An d that's when he sees the look Homura gives him. After a particularly nasty bump. And that's when his device chirpingly informs him that Homura's using magic. Of course, now that it has, he can see that faint outline. He remembers seeing it on ambulance, once.<br /><br />Takashi tries to consider how to resolve this with his own device - and as he does, he glares back at her, before side swiping into her with his bumper car, letting his momentum carry the heavier back of his car into the wall of her door hard.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:8|Madoka Kaname (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura finds Madoka before Madoka finds Homura, and the result is an eek of surprise as the purple car bumps into hers. She looks over to the source and laughs when she sees Homura, "You got me, Homura-chan!" She's not about to go chasing after her to get revenge, but she does get a good couple of bumps in herself. The same goes for Takashi's little love-taps, though when he coddles her with an especially wimpy bump she playfully sticks her tongue out at him.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Are Homura and Takashi going to start crashing into each other? Of course! She knows there will be some rivalry in a game like this, and she's actually hoping the chance to take it out on each other will be a good way of acting out their frustrations. If they can both feel they 'got each other good' maybe it'll be easier for them to spend the rest of the day around each other without so much animosity.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The cars are also built to handle the impacts and protect the people inside. If the two go crazy crashing into each other they should remain perfectly safe!<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't think for a moment that either of them will up the ante by using magic.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a short while Takashi and Homura end up with practically half the ring all to themselves, that sideswipe slam convincing most of the other drivers that they play far too rough. Madoka is for the most part playing in what's effectively the 'kiddy pool', exchanging good natured bumps with others.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Soon enough she breaks from the pack. She doesn't have any magic to assist her, and she her car is no better than any of the others. The one thing she does have the entire length of the ring to accelerate.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And so with that determined expression on her face, eyebrows lowered slightly, twintails fluttering behind her in the wind, that she charges in and interrupts the fated duel by waiting for the perfect moment to crash into both of them at the same time at full speed. The impact is enough to elicit a scream from her as she's thrown into the harness.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A half second later she's laughing as her bumper car spins to a halt, "You aren't the only ones who can play rough!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:23|Homura Akemi (23)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>So Takashi had the same plan that Homura had. Homura's not surprised, but when the sideswipe comes she braces for it. Can someone even do that with a bumper car, under normal circumstances? Homura narrows her eyes at him. He's either done this before, or...<br /><br />Madoka comes in like a wrecking ball. Homura sees her at the last minute, and releases her magical grip on her machine before Madoka can feel just how solid her car really is. This allows Madoka's impact to slam her around as easily as she could any other bumper car.<br /><br />After this, she backs off of using magic to get at Takashi. She wanted to bully him a bit, maybe, but he remains unbullied and anything further would potentially endanger the one girl that Homura actually wants to protect.<br /><br />After a moment of surprise, Homura lightens up and laughs. "Good one, Madoka-chan. I never even saw it coming."<br /><br />She backs away from the three way collision, and then playfully bumps into Madoka again. She makes it look like she's ignoring Takashi, not even looking in his direction, but she's half-wondering if he'll keep things up...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:47|Takashi Agera (47)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Takashi slams into Homura's car - but then it feels like he's jostled just as much as he intended to do to Homura, due to the supernatural heft her magic gives her car. Note to self: come up with more subtle ways to use his own power. While he'd -nudged- what his car could do by adding a little bit of darkness when he slid at her, that was about his limit...He could toss out a youma or something, but that would ruin this day that Madoka's been so excited for.<br /><br />For all the force she's showing, Takashi does remain unbullied - but that's because he knows where she's getting that suprising power.<br /><br />...WHUMP! And there's Madoka, speaking of! His laughter here isn't forced, even as Homura beats him to the compliment. "I guess I have to keep an eye out for you too?" he offers before driving around and THUDing into Madoka, no more playful taps for her!<br /><br />Takashi then gets an idea. It's a small idea, but it's built on the foundation of what Homura did. As he backs away from the three-car issue, and Homura taps Madoka, he musters up a little energy and gets it at the front of the car. There's no telling wether Homura will notice it on the front of his own black (of course!) car - but what she will notice is the tremendous impact from the dark energy on the front releasing a burst of power as he impacts Homura!<br /><br />And Madoka might even notice the inordinate strength of the impact, too... though not the nature of how.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:8|Madoka Kaname (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka smiles to them both as they compliment her on her aggressive crashing. "Yes you do!" she replies to Takashi. Her pink car then gets smacked by Homura and Takashi in turn after she draws aggro and she starts driving around evasively, veering from side to side. She's able to give about as good as she gets when magic isn't involved.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Takashi starts aggressively maneuvering towards Homura it leaves him open, so right as he's ramming the purple car with the pink one comes in from the side to bump his right near the rear wheel, trying to spin him out.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's a lot of fun being able to play-fight like this," she says with a laugh. It isn't until after she says it that she notices just how big a bump Homura's car took.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:23|Homura Akemi (23)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Homura is all smiles and adoration at Madoka, making a show of ignoring Takashi while secretly having a portion of her attention on him. It's because she isn't completely ignoring him that she notices the dark, forboding power that's coming right at her.<br /><br />If she trusted Takashi at all, she wouldn't even think that anyone but Homura would be endangered or threatened by this. However, since she doesn't trust him even one iota, her immediately thought is that Madoka might be harmed by this, and it's that first instinct that she acts upon.<br /><br />Her own car is empowered again, and she hits Madoka's car, not hard enough to really harm the driver, but enough to get her far out of the way. She doesn't ''know'' that the blast would also hit the pink-haired girl, but she also doesn't know that it ''won't''.<br /><br />As for the hit, well, Homura takes it. The full brunt of the burst of dark power sends her car sliding across the ring, smashing into a group of unwitting bumper cars. Fortunately, her own magical power mitigated a lot of the damage that would otherwise be done, both to herself and the people behind her, but she's quick to charge back to where she was.<br /><br />Well, she managed to arouse his anger, which was one of her intentions. She just wasn't expecting his temper to be so... explosive. Or was he planning this from the start?<br /><br />She doesn't know this guy is, but she's now more than convinced enough that she doesn't want Takashi anywhere near Madoka. Dark energy isn't something that good guys typically use.<br /><br />If this escalates any further, they could really break something. Homura might even need to henshin, and that could just lead to worse things...<br /><br />No, she can't allow that with Madoka so close by... so... how should she de-escalate this?<br /><br />She decides to go with Madoka's words. "Yeah, play-fight. That's all this is, right Agera-san? We're just playing."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:47|Takashi Agera (47)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Takashi watches as she empowers her car again before the hit - but he doesn't think of it as having the goal that Homura means - he figures it just means she's defending herself from his attack - and so when he hits her and slams into her, he just immediately lets the power destablize so there's nothing left after the impact that drives Madoka away.<br /><br />There's a truly malicious look on his face directed at Homura for JUST a moment...<br /><br />Then, Takashi takes the blow from Madoka, so focused was he on getting Homura back, that he DOES get spun out, and he can hear her laughing as he spins. He's even dizzy for just a moment before he backs up and bumps her car with his own again.<br /><br />He's laughing now too - intentionally de-escalating the situation because he doesn't want to let it grow out of hand, though for different reasons than Homura - he could feel that energy almost begining to build up within him like it does when he's upset, and he lets it go quickly lest Madoka realize there's more than there seems to be.<br /><br />"Yep, just a little bit of fun!" he adds with a smile. "Nobody means anything by it, of course."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:8|Madoka Kaname (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka's pink car goes sliding away and skidding out of control as Homura knocks it clear out of any potential danger zone. They're built to be all but impossible to tip over so there isn't much danger in this, though the tires do squeal loudly in protest. "Wow! That was a really good one, Homura-chan."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a bit more bumping she's starting to realize the situation is actually getting more tense and uncomfortable. Luckily Homura and Takashi both seem to be looking to ease things back down. "Ehehe, I'm glad you two are having fun. But maybe we could go get something to eat now? I'm getting a little hungry after all that bumping!"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After waiting for only a short moment to hear any answers she'll start driving over to return her car to the attendants.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sometimes it's nice when the people around her are willing to let her have her way, she thinks.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:23|Homura Akemi (23)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Homura stares at Takashi for a moment before following Madoka out. "Yeah, sure, let's go get a snack."<br /><br />Homura's mind goes into overdrive. How should she handle this? There's a clear danger to Madoka here, regardless of whether Takashi's affections are sincere or not. No, more than that, Takashi's a threat just by being in the same ''classroom'' as Madoka...<br /><br />Maybe she's blowing this out of proportion. It's not like he's Riventon or anything. He has some dark power, but Homura has no idea how much.<br /><br />...She should try to find out at some point...<br /><br />Homura quickwalks to catch up to Madoka, placing her arm around hers. "So, snacks! What did you have in mind?"<br /><br />The next time she looks in Takashi's direction, she's no longer pretending to ignore him. She intentionally holds her stare, more than long enough for him to see it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:47|Takashi Agera (47)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Takashi glares at Homura, too. "Yeah, I think a snack would be good." he says, driving off, giving her a threatening glare as he does so.<br /><br />He's not nearly as off his game as Homura is, because he knows more about her capabilities than she does about his. But all of this has made him consider her a problem again - not just something he can ignore. He'll have to see if he can take care of her - without letting Madoka know. Complicated.<br /><br />"Yeah, where do you want to eat, Madoka?" Takashi asks as they get back to Madoka. He's looking at Homura too, just behind the back of Madoka's head, glaring daggers at her as best he can.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:8|Madoka Kaname (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka is plenty happy when Homura links arms again. "Hmm, there's so many to choose from, but baked sweet potatoes are my favorite and I think I saw a stand back by the entrance," she tells them both.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She'll lead them on towards lunch, unaware of the staring contest that's going on around her. For all the tension she's still having a lot of fun and is very happy that she decided them both to come along.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When she gets her sweet potato she takes a big bite, making a happy sound at the autumn delight, likely that last fresh one she'll get this year. "It's really good!"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A quick look between her companions. "But not as good as getting to spend time with the two of you, Takashi-kun, Homura-chan!"<br> <br>
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