Homura walks up to Mitakihara General, with flowers in one hand and gifts in the other. Technically this isn't how White Day works, but the way White Day works depends heavily on a very vanilla, hetero relationship, and well... They kind of aren't.
So Homura just resolves to give Madoka gifts twice a year. No harm in that, right? No one's going to stop her, in any case. She arrives to the front desk, and asks the nurse where Madoka is.
The nurse isn't even looking, digging through some kind of paperwork again. Prescriptions, records, etc. She does reply, regardless. "Oh? Are you another of her friends? We don't see you here often."
"Well... um... I try not to get hurt. Or sick." Homura kicks herself. What kind of response is that?
"Sounds like a good plan, hahaha." The nurse is helpful enough with her directions. Homura thanks her and starts to walk where instructed. As she turns away, the red and pink flowers and white gift bag get looks from some of the staff. Homura can almost feel the shipper eyes burning into her back as they whisper and giggle behind her.
She finds Madoka by the lockers, just after she's changed. She clears her throat to get her girlfriend's attention. "Madoka-chan... um..." Ugh... why is she shy all of a sudden? It's not like they haven't been shamelessly all over each other before. Just... now it feels different. Maybe because this time she's surprising Madoka, instead of being the one surprised?
Meekly, she holds out flowers and mutters, "Um... happy White day."
Strictly speaking Valentines Day is the day girls give chocolate to people they like, and White Day is the day gifts are supposed to be given back in thanks. As far as Madoka is concerned being able to show her girlfriend how much she cares and thinks about her twice instead of once is excellent! The fact that she might also get twice the gifts doesn't hurt.
The whispering behind Homura's back as she goes towards the lockers is pretty on point, too. Madoka has worked with a lot of different nurses and isn't ashamed to talk about how happy she is with her girlfriend. She doesn't go into juicy details, but the nurses manning the front desk know exactly who would be showing up for Madoka on White Day with flowers and gifts.
At the end of her shift Madoka cleaned up and put her pink scrubs into the hospital's laundry basket(technically speaking they were the Mitakihara General's, not her own!). She changed into a simple white blouse and pink skirt, washed her face, brushed her hair out quickly before returning it to it's usual high, fluffy twintails and otherwise generally freshened up.
Being a Sunday it's one of the rare early shifts for her and it almost feels strange having so much time left in the day after getting off of work. She knows just what she's going to do! She-
"H-Homura-chan?" she asks with a gasp as she hears the familiar voice, her pink eyes widening. She isn't sure what her girlfriend is doing here for a brief moment, but as soon as she turns around and sees the gifts held out to her her cheeks flush. "You came to give these to me right after I got off work?" She accepts the gifts, taking the flowers carefully. She looks them over, "They're beautiful, thank you!" Smells them, "And they smell so sweet, too." And then, gift bag still in hand, steps closer to Homura to wrap one arm around her wonderful girlfriend and hug her close, careful not to hurt the flowers.
"Thank you, Homura-chan, I love them. And I love you!"
Homura isn't exactly hiding it, but she still gets shy about her feelings sometimes, and she's actually not that talkative when it comes to dealing with strangers.
On the other hand, Madoka-chan is here, and something about that makes Homura feel safe no matter how shy she is. It might be a bit odd, considering that Homura is the one who usually protects Madoka... but actually this whole thing started because the pink-haired girl was the one who first rescued her, both from eagerly curious classmates and from the first Witch who threatened her. Madoka will always be that person to her.
Upon seeing Madoka, Homura smiles again, allowing the gifts and flowers to be taken. She wraps her arms around Madoka, accepting the hug and holding her tight. She spends a good few moments just holding her there. That in itself isn't unusual, but... it hasn't been that long since...
She pushes that out of her head. They're alive now, despite every reason why they shouldn't be, and they have another chance to celebrate their love.
"I wanted to be the one to surprise you this time, so... yeah." She nuzzles against Madoka, before pulling away just enough to look her girlfriend in the eyes. "I'm happy to give you things, Madoka-chan. I love you, too. I love you so much."
Homura should be used to holding Madoka by now, but today she's feeling particularly needy, because she really wants to reassure herself that Madoka is alright.
"Um... are you feeling okay? After the um... you know..." She wrings her hands behind Madoka's back. "... oh! Also, um. I don't know if you were planning anything. I was thinking we could go walking through the park, but... um... we could do something else if you wanted!"
Madoka stays close as Homura hugs onto her, her light blush holding steady. Being held by Homura is always something she enjoys and recent events has only reinforced that further. Her girlfriend is so warm against her, warm and alive. She'd be hugging back much more tightly herself, but it would be rude to be so rough with those kind gifts that were given to her.
She returns the nuzzle while smiling, looking into Homura's eyes after she pulls away, soft pink meeting purple. "You did surprise me, I wasn't expecting anything like this at all." She twists a tiny bit in the other girl's arms and says in a soft voice, "Coming to my work and giving me presents. You're very romantic, Homura-chan."
The hugging continues and Homura wrings her hands. Madoka's expression shifts slightly, showing sympathy and tinge of embarrassment, "I feel wonderful, Homura-chan. I'm here, you're here, and we're together. That's the most wonderful thing of all." She'd say a little more but there are people listening who would probably mistake talk of the near end of the world and wonder why they were so emotional about a TV show or video game.
Instead she speaks with actions, leaning in to give Homura a gentle, lingering kiss on the lips, heedless of any eyes that may be watching. When it finally breaks she smiles, "A walk in the park sounds lovely. That is... if you don't mind getting your presents from me a bit later. I don't have them with me right now."
Homura giggles, blushing slightly. "It's hard not to be a hopeless romantic when I'm hopelessly in love with you." The little twisting and wiggling that Madoka usually does is comforting, especially when she does it in Homura's arms. She nods as Madoka says she's feeling alright, and she smiles brightly. "I'm glad." She doesn't really want to give details either.
Madoka kisses her. If flowers and gifts didn't give away Homura's relationship to Madoka already, the lingering kiss they share most certainly confirms it. It's... a bit different than some of the kisses that have bothered her in the past. The fake Mamoru's kiss, which the youma had invited everyone to come watch, and was just a lead in to strangling Usagi... Times when she felt like someone was just rubbing her loneliness in her face...
This on the other hand is just something natural sweet, and there's nothing wrong with that, since it's about being happy with each other instead of something malicious. She lets the kiss last, and she may as well. They could die at any moment, and one time they might not have a miracle to save them. After what seems like a while, she pulls away and out of the hug... but not completely away from Madoka.
Since Madoka's hands are full, she wraps an arm around Madoka's. Homura shakes her head, saying, "I don't mind that. I can wait. You've been so good to me already." She makes a sweeping gesture with her hand towards the way to the entrance and asks, "Shall we, my dear?"
"Hehehe," comes the giggle as such sweet words are spoken. "Being your girlfriend is all I need to know why poetry exists, Homura-chan." Then they kiss, and Homura lets it linger, putting a tiny curl of a smile on Madoka's lips as they stay pressed to Homura's. It stays gentle and sweet on Madoka's end, because sweet innocent romance is exactly the order of the day.
It hasn't yet occurred to Madoka that Homura might be shaken up after the past events. For the pink-haired girl it doesn't bother her so much partly because things turned out well in the end, but more importantly that her sacrifice was made for the best of causes and helped pave the way to the ultimate victory of goodness and the downfall of evil. She has always been willing to give her life if that's what it takes to save people- some would say too willing. Homura has likewise always been willing to give her life... but that always hinged on saving Madoka's in the process.
When her girlfriend pulls away and links arms with her Madoka smiles happily, leading the way towards the hospital exit next to Homura. When they pass by the front desk she gives the nurses there a bright smile and makes a point of smelling her flowers again. Good girlfriends deserve public brownie points! More than one boy in the lobby gets a shocked look on his face and does an about face and heads for the gift shop. "Okay! I'm excited to give them to you, but I think it's okay if they wait."
Homura actually stutters at Madoka's compliment. "W-wow." Yeah, that was a good thing to say, especially if she wanted to leave an impression on Homura. "When you say things like that I feel like I want to ask you out. Then I remember I'm already lucky enough to be your girlfriend."
Poetry. It's been awhile since Homura's tried her hand at it, but Madoka mentioning it does give her ideas...
Homura doesn't want to worry too much. Being worried is exactly what will get her into trouble, and she's trying to push that away, but recent events seem to indicate that she doesn't worry enough... but maybe she shouldn't worry at all. Madoka would be happy with a sacrifice like that, and Homura knows it. Besides... it's not as if Homura was left all alone. She was with her, and no matter how cruel the fate that counts for a lot.
Homura giggles as Madoka smells the flowers. She's still shy, but reassured with her girlfriend here. She catches a glance of the shocked boy, who looks like he just remembered something important. She smirks, maybe a little smugly. Then she feels guilty about that and tries to forget that, too.
As the two of them walk away, Homura tries to think. "My heart skips a beat. So adorable and sweet. The love of my life."
Well Haiku is poetry, right?
Madoka suppresses a giggle when she sees Homura's reaction and then blushes a bit more when the compliment is returned. "Of course you are, because your wonderful and beautiful and devoted and you told me that you loved me! With so many amazing things about you how could I not be your girlfriend?"
It's probably a talk they'll have to have, about sacrifices and that their lives are worth. This might not be the best time for it, but whether or not Homura is actively worrying about it the fact that it's a concern means it's likely something best out in the open.
Madoka also notices the boy, and more importantly notices Homura noticing the boy. In a mildly teasing tone she whispers, "I bet your girlfriend is cuter," Such a comment might be oddly immodest coming from her. That's because it's a setup for, "I know mine is!"
When Homura says her little Haiku Madoka almost trips on the way out the hospital's front door, so surprised is she by it. "Did you write that for me?" she asks with wide eyes, "Right now in just one minute?" That faint blush suddenly changes to Madoka trying not to let her entire face turn red, which only means she blushes harder as she worries about it. "That's so..!" Her stomach flutters with butterflies and she gives Homura a lovey-dovey gaze that encapsulates all those happy, giddy feelings. "You're the sweetest, most romantic love I could ever ask for," she says softly.
Homura still can't help but smile as Madoka pours compliments over her head like an anointing. She isn't sure what to say in response, but she tries anyways, "You know... all of those things are because of you, right? Even the beauty." Homura flips her hair. She knows she looks good and she's not ashamed of it. If it makes Madoka happy, all the better. "I didn't look this good when we first met." At least, Homura doesn't think she did.
Maybe they could talk about it, but Homura's pretty sure she knows what Madoka will say, and Homura actually hasn't figured out what she'd say in response. She's still trying to figure out how she'd feel about it. One thing's for sure, no one can say that Madoka was tricked when they went to D-point. She made a choice, and Homura made it with her. That counts a lot... but Homura still has feelings about keeping Madoka alive.
Not everything sweet is necessarily good for you. If Homura somehow successfully stopped Madoka from being self-sacrificing, she not only be destroying a part of her, but she'd be destroying an important part of Madoka that Homura really loved. Maybe she can bring it up when she actually knows how she feels about it.
Homura unabashedly agrees, "She very much is," when Madoka calls herself cute, only to blush brightly when Madoka calls her cute again. "I swear it's like you're getting even better at this."
Homura catches Madoka when she nearly trips, walking out of the hospital with her and down the street. At first she's surprised, but then she giggles nervously when Madoka figures her out. "Y-yeah... I wish I had thought of it ahead of time, but you did kind of give me the idea."
At first she was nervous about how it'd be received, but her girlfriend seems to be reacting very well to it. Incredibly well. Homura's bright red right now. Her voice is soft, too. Her eyes are earnest. "It's just how I feel. I love you so much. I'm glad you like it." Homura gazes into Madoka's eyes, somehow managing to actively dodge running into people as the two of them look into each other's eyes.
Madoka thinks back to the picture of Homura as she says that even her beauty is because of her. "Hm... it's true that you weren't as breathtakingly beautiful, but you -were- completely adorable, Homura-chan." She giggles softly, "You might not have been catching everyone's eye, but I don't think you looked bad." She actually isn't trying to lay it on thick with that comment; a lot of people do stare after Homura in class whenever she flips her hair. She could easily be very popular if she wanted to be.
The pink-haired girl finds it amusing when so Homura so easily confirms that she is cute, but gets embarrassed when the very same compliment is directed at her. The vulnerability itself is endearing, but what's even more is that Homura is letting herself blush and be embarrassed and show her emotions like that when not even a year ago she hid everything behind a stony neutral expression and hard tone of voice. It makes her so happy that she can open up that way, not just to Madoka, but to herself.
As to the note about her getting better at complimenting(and flustering?) Homura she peeks away before looking meekly back towards her, "That's because I love you so much, Homura-chan. I love everything about you, so it's easy to tell you all the different ways you're worth loving." With a giggle she adds a bit more playfully, "I already love you, but that doesn't mean I can't keep falling more in love with you."
Madoka remains a little shocked when Homura admits that she came up with the poem on the spot. "That you could think of such sweet words and turn them into a poem just like that... that's very flattering. I'm not sure quite what to say, other than thank you. I do like it, very much. I'm so lucky to have someone who can love me as much as you."
Madoka, who was leading at first, is skillfully lead out of the way of crashing into people. She doesn't notice.
Was Homura adorable back then? She wonders if she really was. She didn't really feel adored, but no one really has ever made her feel the way Madoka does. On the other hand, Madoka's always loved her, and she did look after her. "Thank you, Madoka-chan. If I ever see my past self, I'll tell her you said that."
She's not entirely serious, despite the fact that she's literally a time traveller.
Homura does like to show off her hair, but mostly she likes to show it off for Madoka. Popularity is not has never has been a priority for her, and it's actually kind of ironic that she currently has as many friends as she does.
Homura's emotions are a lot more varied recently, especially the shown ones. It's easy to keep the same expression when the only thing you feel is the same combination of fear, misery, and grim determination you've felt for years. Take all of that pain away, and other emotions do get to flourish, and be expressed. Besides, she doesn't have to hide from Madoka anymore.
Homura's face is getting a little less red, but Madoka's words put a bit of that redness right back in. "I love you too, Madoka-chan. It's easy for me to tell you, too, because I feel it all the time. I guess I'm the same way... even without the time travel, we end up falling for each other over and over, don't we?"
Homura cants her head slightly and smiles gently. "Haiku aren't really that difficult... but I'm glad you love me, too. I can't tell you how much it means to me, that'd you'd be with me as much as you are."
The park isn't that far away. Homura glances ahead and sees it in the distance, but her attention is drawn back to Madoka.
"Okay," Madoka agrees with a giggle as Homura talks about relaying the compliment to her past self if ever she meets her, "I'll count on you, then." It may seem a bit ridiculous but far crazier things have happened than a time traveler bumping into herself.
Madoka likes it when Homura shows off her hair, because Homura's hair is beautiful, silky, and shiny. She likes looking at it and she likes watching the way it moves when Homura flips it. When she isn't staring herself she also appreciates the reaction it gets from people, especially now that the beautiful girl is her girlfriend.
'Even without the time travel, we end up falling for each other over and over, don't we?'
Madoka's face reddens back up to match Homura's, though she seems to endure it better this time. Her smile remains soft and sweet, "Maybe that's what happens when you're meant to be together? I feel that we really must be." After a moment she gives a little tilt of her head, "Maybe we should ask Mamoru-kun and Usagi-chan?" Surely they'd be the people to ask about miraculous romance.
"Eheheh, you say that but my language teachers tell me otherwise." It is Infinity, after all. The beauty of Haiku is how profound a statement you can make with simple words, like the sweet love poem Homura made moments before, and that's what the exclusive school asks of its students.
Madoka holds Homura's arm a little tighter with her own as they enter the park, cozying up to her and leaning her head against the taller girl's shoulder as they walk side by side. The park has a nice ambiance to it, the sun warm in this beginning of spring, the growing grass scenting the air. Children laugh and play on their day off from school, their noises are a joyful ambiance rather than an intrusion. And further along, off in the distance, the cherry trees are in full bloom, their petals not yet ready to fall.
'Maybe that's what happens when you're meant to be together?'
Homura thinks that over in her head. Sure, it feels that way now... but she's felt like she was in more than just a new timeline, but in a new universe altogether. If that's true, then in the previous universe, were they ever 'meant' to be together?
Seems impossible to believe that, considering what always happened.
This is a different world, and maybe here, at least their love is meant to be. This seems like the kind of world where that kind of thing happens. It's not the world she's from however. Does that make her alien? What if it does?
She shakes her head. That's a silly thought.
"I think I know exactly what Mamo-kun would say, and I doubt Usagi-chan would disagree. Mamo-kun was trying to set me up with you back when we were just friends. Before then, even... one time I was going to ask you for a dance, but Takashi asked first, and Mamo-kun noticed it."
Homura considers. Yeah, Infinity would make things harder, push harder, demand more. "Well... I mean... compared to other forms of poetry, it seems easier to me. The brevity lends itself to more potent imagery. Less is more. Don't get me wrong, I don't disagree. It's not just getting the syllables right. You have to paint a mental picture with it, and you have to consider pacing. For example, 'the love of my life' is a stronger statement than 'my heart skips a beat', so it comes last. You build up to it."
She realizes that she's rambling again, but Madoka's compliment did get her excited. Partly because she knows Madoka won't say things she doesn't mean, so...
As they enter the park, Homura glances past Madoka at the sights, and her ears take in the ambient sound. It's a very nice place to go on a date, and she doesn't regret taking Madoka here for a second. She does look around for a place for the two of them to go.
"Um... would you like to sit under a cherry tree? Maybe..." She points. "... that one over there?"
Madoka blushes a little when she hears that her first new friend after moving back to Tokyo was trying to set her up. "I had no idea!" Her head shakes enough that her twin pigtails flop against her cheeks, "I'm not sure what I would have thought back then if I had... but I suppose I should probably thank him." She then tries to think of the times when she was friends with Homura and she danced with Takashi, and two times come to mind. One of them is Right Out because Homura wasn't there when she'd started dancing with him. The other ended with Mamoru swooping in and dancing Takashi away.
"...that's what that was?!" she gasps out, only to giggle and laugh so much she leans on Homura as they walk together, the taller girl able to feel her shaking as she leans. "I, wow! Mamoru-kun is a wonderful friend in both love and war, isn't he?" And in a whole lot of other things, too.
When Homura explains how she put together the poem in her head and why haiku are nice Madoka's giggling calms, nuzzling her head against Homura's shoulder while walking arm in arm. Aside from a small peek at the scenery around them and her own glance to make sure they're not about to walk into anyone her eyes are set upon Homura, watching the beautiful young woman as she speaks. She takes in any little motions her girlfriend makes for emphasis, smiles when she realizes how often purple eyes meet her own. Who knew there could be so very much to enjoy when doing something as simple as looking at a beautiful face? Madoka enjoys them all.
"You put a lot of effort into everything you do. Especially when it has to do with me." Another little nuzzle of cheek against shoulder since her hands are so full she can't offer a hugging squeeze. The offer is made to sit together under a cherry tree, and Madoka's face lights up, "I'd like that very much, Homura-chan! Spring is a wonderful time of year, isn't it? Even the trees are putting on their prettiest clothes." She turns in the direction Homura pointed and helps walk them towards the tree, slipping away from Homura in order to find a nice place to sit down.
The best part of sitting down is naturally that her hands will be free, and she very carefully lays down the flowers in a way that won't harm them, setting the bag close to her so she can get her presents soon. With hands now free she giggles and holds her arms out to Homura, opening and closing her fingers like a toddler asking to be picked up, her brightly smiling face giving her girlfriend an innocent and adorable version of the 'come hither' look.
"I had no idea back then that I'd feel this romantically towards you..." Homura's voice is almost a whisper, but still loud enough for Madoka to hear. "... but I know that I really wanted to dance with you. It's funny, that feels like so long ago..." She clears her throat. "Though one thing hasn't changed. I still like dancing with you."
When Madoka remembers, Homura glances at her from the corner of her eye and nods. "It was. He went through all that effort just for us." She reaches behind her head, flipping her hair out. "... and yet he's surprised that I do nice things for him sometimes. Really, he is a wonderful friend. I'm happy for him, now that he has his life back again, and his family."
Now that Homura is a lot more animated than she was when she and Madoka first met, Madoka might notice a bit more of her body language since she's looking closely. Her purple eyes shine when she gets excited, and the edges of her lips curl up slightly. Her free hand rises up and flips back and forth in the air, or makes circular motions to emphasise a point. Sometimes the light catches her Soul Gem ring just right and it shines, briefly, as her hand moves.
Even her hair does not go unaffected, accentuating every tiny movement her head makes with its motions. Sometimes that soft silky hair brushes up against Madoka, and if that teases her a bit then Homura certainly doesn't seem to mind.
Homura smiles a little bit wider when Madoka mentions the amount of effort she puts into things, but then the outer corners of her eyes shift down slightly, giving her a sadder look. "It's because I don't want to fall short. I have to do my best, and even then it's not always good enough."
Madoka lays down, setting the bag beside her. Homura waits, looking for an opening, and when Madoka makes grabby hands at her she accepts the invitation. Not wanting to harm the flowers that she noticed Madoka avoiding, she lays down on top of her, just a little off to the side, wrapping one arm around her back and the other around Madoka's chest, hands resting against her girlfriend.
"I'm so happy that I still get to hold you, Madoka-chan."
Madoka smiles softly, "I'm glad we did get the chance to dance together, in the end." The smile widens a little and she agrees with Homura's sentiment, "I like dancing with you, too! It's a lot of fun, whether we're alone or around others."
The hairflip is watched, the spring sun glinting off silken black strands. If they do end up brushing against Madoka they certainly will be a tease. "It must have been hard to go through all of that, to be set against his friends for so long." After a moment of quietness Madoka looks up, "I hope he gets to be extra happy from now on to make up for it!"
The motions and gestures are very different from the stillness of before to match the stony neutral expression and cold voice. As Homura opens up to Madoka and herself more and more she gets to see all these things come to life.
Now that she's so happy Madoka's own mannerisms are more playful, and from time to time a bit bubbly. Some of that is just from how much she enjoys spending time with her girlfriend, but there is a fuller happiness that is starting to settle in. Homura has seen her act this way before, but it was long, long ago. It's how she acts in her day to day life when she's happy with and proud of herself.
At the hint of sadness Madoka's lips involuntarily make the slightest little pout. She looks up to Homura with a kind expression and gives a soft shake of her head, "You hardly ever fall short, Homura-chan. You're amazing! Nobody can do everything perfectly, and even if they do things can go wrong anyway. I've seen you put your life on the line for others, watched you stick up for your friends, was there when you wanted a change because you wanted to strike out on your own." She closes her eyes and smiles, "If it wasn't for all you've done neither of us would be close to as happy as we are. I think that's very much good enough!" Then after a moment she gives a teasing giggle and adds in a sweet voice, "You're good enough for me, Homura-chan."
Then everything is happy and wonderful as Homura lays down with her beneath a canopy of cherry blossoms, Madoka's arms wrapping about her back and squeezing her close, only to rub gently at her back with one hand and brush her fingers through long silky black hair with the other, changing that earlier tease into a promise of what was to come. "I love being held by you, Homura-chan." Her eyes sparkle and she stares into Homura's, "Thank you for picking me up at work; that was such a wonderful surprise." She shifts a bit as she enjoys Homura's arms around her, hands on her, and part of her weight against her. "Everything feels so right, right now. You make me so happy, Homura-chan."
Homura's smile turns a bit wry as Mamoru's future happiness is mentioned. "Seeing the way he looks at his 'brothers', I think he will be extra happy. I used to tease him about being the 'gentle sensitive type', but he fits that bill so well that I almost feel like I shouldn't tease him about it."
Homura notices the way Madoka is acting. It was something she had longed to see, something she wanted... it was how Madoka acted when she fell in love with her. Even though it's too late to change it, she still has to ask: Is it worth the risk, to see Madoka like this?
Maybe, though Homura still refuses to admit that she owes Kyubey anything. She's happy that Madoka is confident and happy, and that's it.
Madoka insists that Homura hasn't fallen short, but Homura can't help but think out loud, "... but we've both died recently, haven't we? I mean... if that isn't a failure to protect you..." She pauses for a moment, gripping Madoka's hand just slightly more tightly. "... even if it turned out alright..."
Homura almost can't even finish the thought. Her teeth clench together. It's hard to mistake the terror in her eyes... she promised herself that she wouldn't do this, get upset like this, but old habits die hard.
"... sorry."
Then she finally registers what Madoka said, and then Homura looks at her with a soft smile. "Thank you, Madoka-chan. I'm glad that you accept me... You're good enough for me, too. More than enough."
Homura tries to forget about all of that as she nuzzles against Madoka. Winter is over. Flowers are blooming. The occasional cherry blossom falls onto the pair. "I'm glad. I'm glad I could make you happy that way. Can." Her embrace becomes tighter, closer, and warmer. Her locks drape over Madoka's cheek, as she plants a kiss on Madoka's opposite cheek.
"You make me happy too, Madoka-chan."
"I'm glad! Mamoru-kun deserves that," Madoka replies to the upperclassman being extra happy. On the subject of teasing him about his personality the pink-haired girl looks thoughtful before saying slowly, "I suppose... that might depend on if he enjoys the teasing or not? It's not such a mean thing to say when he has so many friends surrounding him."
Naturally Homura doesn't owe Kyubey a thing, nor does Madoka. They both made contracts, trades and exchanges for what they wanted. How fair those trades were is very much in the eye of the beholder. Even Kyubey getting what he truly wishes is no more guaranteed than that of the countless Puella who asked for one thing and wanted more. He has all the time in the universe to wait to fulfill his true purpose and usually does, but it isn't a certainty. No, Puella must hunt Witches and Kyubey must accept used up Grief Seeds, but they don't truly owe each other anything else.
Homura notes that they both died, starts to get upset. She clenches her teeth as she often does in moments like this, but rather than simply watching Madoka leans in and presses a soft kiss to her lips, trying to surprise her a little by the action. She lingers a moment before pulling away, reaching a hand up to stroke her girlfriend's cheek when she sees the terror in her eyes, "We did, but our deaths allowed the entire world to be saved. Everyone on the planet would have died, even us. If we had lived but instead Sailor Moon had died... I don't know what might have happened."
Madoka's expression turns slightly apologetic, and she squeezes Homura's hand, "You didn't fail to protect me, anyway. We made ourselves vulnerable. You only did because I asked you to. If you have to look at it that way... I think only by failing there were we able to truly win, in the end."
Not wanting to dwell too much on the sad topic she turns her head to the side, looking up at the cherry blossoms above. "I was wrong about one thing, though... you do look nice as a devil."
Madoka smiles as Homura holds her closer, cooing softly as her cheek is kissed. "Good, because you deserve to be happy, Homura-chan." She closes her eyes and snuggles warmly against the dark haired girl, pressing into her and nuzzling her cheek affectionately. She shifts around so that her forehead leans against Homura's, opening her eyes back up a moment later to look into them. The tip of her nose brushes back and forth against Homura's, and then the side brushes against it as she tilts her head to let her lips barely touch the other girl's, silently mouthing the words 'I love you' against her lips before pressing a soft kiss to them.
"He never seemed upset by it." Homura shrugs. "Teasing each other is just kind of a thing we do. Did, before he was brainwashed. Maybe still do sometimes, I don't know. We've both changed a lot, and we haven't had a lot of time to explore how that affects our friendship."
Madoka's kiss does surprise her, and for a moment Homura forgets about the horror of that time. Madoka reminds them that their sacrifice was necessary, and Homura knew it. Just... "Yeah... we wouldn't have lived if we had stayed out of it. I just wish we weren't so doomed sometimes. I swear the universe is trying to give me PTSD or something." Trying to make light of it, she points out. "Of course, even that didn't stop us from cuddling."
Homura grins, mischievously, as her devil form is mentioned, and even complimented. "You think so? I'm not sure how I ended up with a form like that, but I'm glad you like it." Her grin widens just a little bit. "Hard to think of myself as damned though, when I get to spend my afterlife with an angel." Her giggles have a deep tone. "I guess we did end up making our own little paradise."
Homura can't help but feel relaxed, as if Madoka's warmth alone is enough to relax her back and drain away the stress. "So do you, Madoka-chan. You especially deserve to be happy."
Their noses brush together, and Homura takes in a deep breath as Madoka's lips move against hers. To the mouthed phrase, Homura responds 'i love you, too'. Homura presses her lips against Madoka just a bit more, gripping Madoka's back and shoulder for a moment. Then she nuzzles against Madoka's nose again, moving in for another kiss.
"Well... if you haven't had the chance yet you should test it and find out!" Madoka smiles, trying to be encouraging to Homura about reestablishing her friendship. "Maybe we could even go on a double-date with Mamoru-kun and Usagi-chan? Do you think they'd like that?" And if the double-date slowly evolves into a pair of couples cuddling their loved ones more than interacting together, no one is likely to be too upset.
If she was able to ease the intensity or duration of the terror it was definitely worth it. Not that kissing Homura isn't always worth it to Madoka. "There is a lot of evil in this world. More than I ever would have guessed, but there's also enough love and hope to face it down and win. Maybe we had to die and be saved, but I don't think we were the ones that were doomed; that was Beryl and the Dark Kingdom. As long as there are people like us around," the big 'us', all the magical heroes, "people like them can never win in the end. Not really."
Madoka speaks the words softly in response to Homura, but she speaks them with conviction as something she truly believes. A smile at the mention of cuddling even despite what happened, "I'll cuddle with you for all eternity, Homura-chan, one way or another!"
hen she giggles playfully and nods, "I don't know how either, but you were very cute." A slight tilt of her head, "Maybe a bit too mischievous for your own good... like Tatsuya!" Even more giggles that are playful in a different way when Homura mentions spending her afterlife with an angel, and she wiggles a bit in her girlfriends arms, "Paradise is wherever we are together! Even if that's between Usagi's Odango." Or literally freezing to death in a block of ice. As horrifying as it might have been she could ask for no better death than in Homura's arms..
It makes Madoka very happy that her presence and closeness can calm Homura and relax her, and she continues snuggling warmly against her, rubbing her back and squeezing her. "I am happy," she says in reply to the returned sentiment.
Her lips curl up into a smile as Homura's mouths sweet words of love against them, 'Mmm'ing enjoyably as her girlfriend's grip on her becomes momentarily stronger during the kiss. She giggles softly at the brush of nose against nose, taking in a deep breath and letting it happily before closing her eyes when Homura kisses her again, wrapping her arms tighter around her and losing herself in the tenderness of the embrace and affection.
A double date with Mamoru and Usagi. Homura thinks about it. "Maybe. I don't really know how he'd feel about that kind of thing. I suppose I wouldn't object to it. I honestly haven't asked about his comfort zones in a long time." Though she wouldn't mind it turning into a cuddle party. Though Homura doesn't doubt that Usagi would try to cuddle both of them, too.
Homura thinks about who was really 'doomed' in that instance. It's true that the Dark Kingdom lost, and that all of them are still alive. "Yeah, well... she was doomed the moment she made Mamoru her 'consort'." Homura never forgets. Homura never forgives. Well she does sometimes but not that. "I suppose you're right though. I did decide to change my methods because this way worked. I suppose I should have faith in that choice."
As hard as it is for her to have faith sometimes.
The mention of Madoka stating, with conviction, her intent to cuddle Homura forever brings another blush to her cheeks. "Oh my god." After a pause, and a shy giggle, "We'd finally be able to cuddle without interruption!"
How did Homura have a devil form? She acts like she doesn't know. Maybe that's honest. To be fair, it's not like she knows for a fact. It's just... somehow she thinks if she weaponized her love, it wouldn't exactly be a purifying attack like Sailor Moon's.
... and really, as far as deaths go, at least Homura can look on the last one with a little bit of fondness, since it did mean being in Madoka's arms forever. Or at least until she was brought back to life, which is even better.
It's hard not to forget about the world and its troubles when Homura is with Madoka like this. The warm embrace, the soft kisses, and the tender touches all serve to take her away to a world where only she and Madoka exist. It's a good thing Homura doesn't have anywhere else she needs to go, because she could easily lose track of the time here.
Madoka considers what Mamoru might think about a double date, but finds herself wondering if she can do much more than guess. "They might have changed with everything that's happened, but the only way to know for sure might be to ask." Then with a giggle she adds, "If he'd rather not maybe we could get them both some concert tickets as a 'thank you' for everything they've done!" It would be fun to return that old gift, too.
Madoka shudders a little at the word 'consort'. She doesn't know the exact details but anything about forcing someone to act romantically is horrifying to her, and she nestles into Homura's arms. "In the end she got what she deserved."
When Homura blushes Madoka does as well, cheeks turning softly pink, a shade lighter than her hair. "Now that the world is safe for a little while we should take a day or two just for us. A whole day, I mean. Then we won't have to wait for 'forever' to cuddle without interruption." She lets out a happy sigh and says quietly, "I still want to wake up in your arms in the morning and fall asleep in them the same day."
Madoka doesn't personally read too much into it. Even if she was dressed mostly as Madokami the feathery wings and (fake!)halo are not a standard part of it. She mostly just assumes Homura was playing her opposite in the angel/devil conscience gig. After all, they were telling Usagi to destroy the person who committed the sin Homura will never forgive or forget; she clearly has the anger to properly play the part of asking Usagi to destroy Beryl out of rage.
There is something tragically romantic about dying together in each other's arms. Maybe Madoka would be more upset about it, but in the end the only two who made it to the North Pole without dying were Usagi and Mamoru. It really is a heck of a thing to experience dying together with Homura and coming back to talk about it; a weird thing to scratch off a bucket list and still be able to do more!
Another smaller, quieter voice that Madoka doesn't like to admit to tells her that she's secretly glad Homura didn't survive her. It isn't that she would ever wish death upon her- not ever. But the idea that Homura might have had to continue on after watching her die, again... she isn't sure how she could handle dealing such a cruel blow to the person she cares about and wants to protect from suffering the most.
Madoka and Homura may well end up covered in blossoms as they cuddle and kiss beneath the cherry tree. Once the very intimate snuggling begins it's easy for hours to slip away like sand through the fingers. Madoka soaks up the love and affection, all while trying to show her own to Homura through closeness, touches, and kisses. Sweet and loving more than intense and passionate, it seems just as easy to forget everything else in the world and just enjoy the wonderful girl beside her.
Madoka does have somewhere she needs to be. Luckily it's where she is right now.