527/Happy Birthday! Make a Wish!

Happy Birthday! Make a Wish!
Date of Scene:	29 September 2023
Location:	Plot Room 4
Synopsis:	Madoka has Homura over for dinner because it's her birthday. After food they go to Madoka's room and talk about magic things. Brai hatches and has a bit of Madoka's birthday as her first meal.
Cast of Characters:	Madoka Kaname, Homura Akemi

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Madoka Kaname has posed:
    It's October 3rd! Madoka's actual birthday! It's not the actual birthday celebration because it's a Tuesday and the weekend was better for that, but Madoka wanted to have Homura over for dinner today, too.

    Why? I mean since when did Madoka ever need an excuse? Well, she might have one ulterior motive. If Madoka gets magic powers soon, then she does at least want to chat privately with Homura about that, and it might be a chance to lure Gretchen over as well. That said, Homura is a close and admired friend, so Madoka would want to spend time with her regardless.

    It's evening after school. Madoka has changed out of her uniform into something a bit more cute but also casual: a long pink dress which matches her hair, complete with white lace and tied together with white ribbons. Tomohisa is in the kitchen preparing food, and Junko is in the living room reading a newspaper. Tatsuya is being held and tended to by Madoka, who is standing on the balcony watching as people pass.

    The pink lacey egg is in her room, nearby.

    As for Gretchen? Well, she's probably following Homura around, wherever she is.

    So how old is Madoka now? 14! How old was she before? ... don't worry about it.

Homura Akemi has posed:
    It's officially autumn now, which means it's a good time to start wearing the more covering clothing that Homura actually prefers. Today that means a dark purple sweater, a seasonably colored dark red skirt with black stockings and flats. She shows up walking down the street with Gretchen close at hand. More than likely the girl is being teased not for the outfit she wears, but because she looks silly carrying a rather large Orca plushie that's all the rage at your local Swedish flat-pack furniture store. There's a tag on a fin that states it's product name as 'Svartfisk' but also says 'Hello, I'm ____________!' with 'Florence' written in Homura's handwriting on the line.

    As she approaches Madoka's house she notices her friend standing at the balcony, smiling a bit to herself as she nears. Once close enough that it isn't strange she calls out, "Madoka! Which window is to your room? Could you open it for me? The direct method might be easier than going through the hall." She jiggles the plush Orca, and it's tail bobbles up and down, "I thought you might want a present on your actual birthday!" Clearly she was saving the best gift for today. Once she's closer she smiles, "Sorry if it isn't much of a surprise without wrapping, but a box this big would have been even more awkward."

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Gretchen gives Homura a raised eyebrow look, because the X-Chara knows that Homura knows darn well which window is Madoka's. She then grins at the Puella for a moment before looking away at the sidewalk. Not even a glance is spared for her actual Bearer.

    Madoka, on the other hand, is all bright smiles and big waves (with one arm, since the other is holding a baby brother) the moment Homura shows up. "Homura-chan! It's this one right here! Oh, but I'll have to open it from the inside... One moment!"

    The pinkette vanishes inside of the house, and a moment later her bedroom window opens. Tatsuya has been put down somewhere for the moment, sitting on one of Madoka's chairs. The Kaname daughter isn't going to neglect her baby brother, but she did kinda need both hands to climb on top of her bed and over all of her plushies.

    Tatsuya for the moment is distracted by all the cute, colorful soft things that are in Madoka's room. There are a ton of them. There's even a big floppy rabbit-eared plushie sitting right next to him.

    Madoka peeks her head out from the window and watches for Homura, waving.

    Gretchen gives Homura a sideways glance. "... Wait, what exactly is your plan here?"

Homura Akemi has posed:
    The thing about having to keep so much information hidden is that after a certain amount of time it just becomes a fact of life that you get used to and can even do it without thinking. The other thing is that it really is easy to forget things. Like which exterior window is which.

    Homura gives Gretchen a slightly raised eyebrow of her own. Yeah, play it off as mysterious. That's way cooler than 'I forgot'.

    "Alright," she calls as Madoka notes she needs to open it from the inside. She'll walk over, staying a few feet from the house itself rather than getting right up next to it. When the window opens up Homura gives a little wave to her, "You might want to back up a little. Special delivery incoming."

    She looks to Gretchen then and almost smirks, "I'm going to do what I'm best at. Cheating with magic." She grips the plushie and holds it up on one shoulder with both hands beneath it. Imperceptibly to anyone around that isn't Madoka, Gretchen or Homura herself the Orca glows faintly purple and she tosses it upwards. It flies in an impossibly perfect trajectory, arcing as it sails up and forward and perfectly clearing the window, landing on Madoka's bed. The tail is still outside, but without chance of falling back down. Good enough!

    "I hope you like her! I'll come in the usual way myself," she says, smiling upward before heading to the front door and knocking like a normal person.

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Gretchen doesn't call Homura out on her silliness, because as long as she's attached to the Puella she's basically her wingmascot. Don't be mean to the person who is providing you with room and snacks. Instead she just smiles, because she agrees with Madoka on one thing: Homura is secretly adorable.

    Madoka responds, "Okay!" and moves to the side, because when Homura Akemi tells you to get out of the way, you don't ask questions. You get the hell out of the way. She watches with her mouth hanging open as her brand new orca friend gracefully sails through the air and through her bedroom window. With a giggle she grabs it in her arms and squeezes it tight, giving it a nice cuddle that Gretchen totally isn't jealous about.

    "Thanks, Homura-chan! I'll go get the door!"

    A moment later, Florence has taken her rightful place of honor on top of the plushie pile, and the bedroom window is closed. A while after that, Madoka is opening the front door to the Kaname household, with Tatsuya once again in her arm.

    The little boy looks over at Homura with the tip of his finger in his mouth. He gives Gretchen a curious look before commenting, "Little big sis!"

    Madoka looks at her little bro, and then at Gretchen, to whom she offers a sheepish smile. "Eheh. Hi, Gretchen-chan."

    "Madoka," flatly says Gretchen, her tone cold. She frowns at Madoka, and floats a little closer to Homura. Awkward.

    To Homura, Madoka says with a bright smile. "Thanks for the present, Homura-chan. I love her. She's great!"

Homura Akemi has posed:
    It probably looks a lot more impressive from Madoka's viewpoint, especially with magic being new to her. If it wasn't impressive at all Homura probably would have just carried it in, looking silly the whole way or otherwise.

    When she's let in Homura steps through the door and takes her shoes off, because not doing so would be terribly impolite. She looks between Gretchen and Tatsuya when the boy's eyes seem to go right where the Guardian Character is floating. Huh, she wasn't expecting that, somehow.

    "Do try to be civil," she notes to Gretchen, "It is her birthday, and next year you'll both have birthdays very close together." It might not be something the tiny mascot had thought about yet, but Homura has little choice but to think about and plan for the long haul. Especially since Madoka is getting magic without needing to make a contract with Kyubey!

    "I'm glad you like her," she tells Madoka, smiling again. "I felt a little bad keeping your main present for today but I thought it would be better this way. Are you having a good birthday, so far?"

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Madoka is certainly impressed by Homura's showing off, but also Homura has had a lot of time to impress her. It's part of what Madoka thinks is so cool about her. The idea of being as cool as Homura is one of the things that makes Madoka excited to become a magical girl. Surely this hasn't influenced the appearance of one of her Chara at all.

    Tatsuya noticing Gretchen is unusual. Madoka notices as well. It's strange because... it's not like he ever saw Kyubey, even in this timeline. Chara are a little special, though.

    Gretchen also looks directly at Tatsuya, and decides to float a bit closer to him. She tilts her head at him, and he headtilts the same way. She makes a silly face at him and he giggles. Madoka watches this happen and laughs, a bit awkwardly.

    Gretchen turns towards Homura and says, "I know..." and then to Madoka she adds, "S-sorry. I don't mean to be rude to you at your own house. Can we have a truce?"

    Madoka smiles and nods. "Mhm! You're always welcome in my house, Gretchen. You're still my Chara, and I'm just happy to see you. Have you been good for Homura-chan?"

    Gretchen gives Homura a glance, and then frowns at Madoka. "I mean... I haven't been bad. Wait a minute--" She opens her mouth to complain about being spoken to as if she's Madoka's child, but after a moment she decides to honor the truce she just asked for. "-- nevermind. Happy Birthday."

    Once everyone is in, Madoka closes the door and starts leading everyone to the main area. "It's great so far, Homura-chan! Especially since I get to spend it with some of my favorite people. I don't mind waiting for my actual birthday in order to get a present. How've you been?"

    Madoka's parents can be heard further inside. Tomohisa is making kitchen noises. Junko has gotten up out of her chair and is peeking around the corner to look at the new arrivals. Unlike Tatsuya, she only notices Homura. "Akemi-san! It's good to see you again. We barely got a chance to speak at the party. How've you been?"

    Madoka glances between Homura and Junko, quietly hoping they end up liking each other.

Homura Akemi has posed:
    Homura smiles again when Gretchen makes a silly face that gets Tatsuya to laugh. It's endearing to see Madoka take care of her little brother, and Gretchen is a part of Madoka. That's how she looks at it, anyway. If there's a bit of quibbling between the two that's something that can probably get worked out in time.

    "She hasn't been a hassle or a bother," Homura notes, "and Amy gets along well with her." Really she doesn't think having the Chara around is a problem at all, aside from the fact that as an X-Chara it means she's innately at odds with her Bearer.

    "That's good. You should be able to have fun and spend time with who you want on your birthday. I've been well. My extracurricular activities are demanding as always but nothing particularly challenging or worrying has happened lately." That's her sanitized way of telling Madoka she's been doing a lot of Witch hunting but there haven't been any incidents with people they might know getting hurt. Madoka's smart, so will probably understand what she means. If not Gretchen can translate; that voice won't carry to her parents. Rather handy that once she thinks about it for a second.

    When addressed by Junko Homura stops, holds her hands in front of herself and gives a polite bow, "It's good see you again, Kaname-san. I've been well and my studies are advancing as I'd hope, thank you." It's something of an understatement; Homura's always been a strong learner when her illness hadn't held her back. Even with resetting time she feels she's making up for an entire childhoods worth of lost time. It doesn't actually occur to her that her heart has been healed for more perceived time than it was holding her back. She's not a genius, but she has enough knowledge built up from 12 years of repeating time that if properly tested she'd appear to be one. To say she could challenge her way to a college degree if allowed would be an understatement.

    Her eyes turn towards the newspaper Junko is reading and considers a moment before noting, "Fujisaki Electric is doing well for a startup. They're giving Mitsubishi Heavy Industries a run for their money with their new generator designs, and they've managed to push back against Obsidian's attempts to acquire it." It's a fairly poignant point that goes half a step beyond what's printed in paper. She knows because of the followup that will be printed next month.

    Madoka isn't the only one hoping she'll get along with the indomitable Junko Kaname.

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Make no mistake, Gretchen and Madoka are locked in a battle to the death, and the Bearer intends to kill this X-Chara with one of the most lethal weapon in a magical girl's arsenal: kindness.

    On the other hand, Madoka still decides not to pet the top of Gretchen's head. It would be taken wrong, in this context.

    "Amy-chan is Homura-chan's cat," explains Gretchen in a soft, melancholy tone. "She's really sweet." The tiny X-Chara has feels regarding that cat and her significance, but she keeps her opinions to herself. Madoka isn't ready to know those kinds of things yet.

    Madoka, on the other hand, is intrigued. "Aww, that's so cute! I'm glad you have a playmate, Gretchen-chan!"

    From anyone else that might sound passive-aggressive, but Gretchen knows full well that her Bearer is absolutely genuine when she says that.

    The tiny X-Chara decides not to translate most of what Homura says, but she does add, "I've been helping her on Witch hunts. I can see things that most magical girls wouldn't, and I have other abilities. Even as an X-Chara, I don't use dark energy, so I have to play support instead."

    Madoka tilts her head at that explanation. "Oh?" She wants to ask more, but mom is right there. Tatsuya heard it too, but he doesn't understand any of it. Baby brother brain only understands that cute tiny big sis is making squeaky noises.

    Junko grins at Homura's politeness, and offers a slight one herself. "Oh? You have an interest in electric companies? Or are you more interested in stocks? With Radiant Heart's reputation you can never be too sure." She raises an eyebrow and crosses her arms, shifting her weight to one foot in a casual way. "I think they're smart to avoid Obsidian. A big company like that would devour them whole. If you ever dream of making it big, the last thing you'd ever want to do is become someone's vassal. Although... a big enough sum of cash can make a dream like that vanish."

    Her eyes narrow slightly, "I've also heard some horror stories surrounding Obsidian, but you didn't hear that from me, Akemi-san."

    Standing to one side, Junko gestures further inside. "Why don't you come in and sit for a bit? Dinner will be ready soon."

Homura Akemi has posed:
    Things seem to be going well enough between Gretchen and Madoka. Homura doesn't comment to much further because she doesn't want to push her luck, and like Madoka realizes that trying to discuss things now in front of Junko would be a pretty bad idea.

    "Stocks and business more generally. I haven't decided what I want to do yet but I'm increasingly of the opinion I'd be better off as my own boss. Learning what companies do to come out ahead regardless their field is important." As for Obsidian? She shakes her head and states firmly, "It wouldn't be worth working for them. The only possible reason would be selling off a startup created for the purpose. Create, innovate and dump; not that VC money is as forthcoming as it was a few years ago." Homura actually wouldn't even do that if it had a chance of benefiting Obsidian but due to something other than their ruthless business practices that Madoka's mother likely knows nothing about.

    As the offer is made she gives another, shorter bow and walks towards the kitchen, "Madoka-chan has shared parts of her lunch with me, so I'm looking forward to more of her Father's cooking." A carefully sculpted statement that hopefully will pass even Gretchen's discerning ears; all true and neatly hiding the fact she has, in fact, tasted his excellent cooking first hand in a past that no longer exists to others present.

    She might worry about getting Madoka teased for sharing her lunches, but the birthday girl is friendly enough she expects that's standard for anyone considered a friend. Who wouldn't want to share Tomohisa Kaname's cooking with as many people as possible?

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Junko responds to Homura with a half grin, resting her cheek on her curled fingers. Most of what Homura says makes Junko take her a bit more seriously. She doesn't need to know about the magical side of things in order to pick up on the fact that Obsidian is the kind of megacorp you don't want to displease. Homura's saying some pretty advanced stuff for a middle schooler. Madoka looks between them like she's completely lost. Junko's tone shows an amused interest. "Your own boss? That's pretty ambitious. It's a lot of work starting a new company, but if you can make it work you'll have a lot of freedom. Personally I prefer the ruthless climb to the top, but there's no need for that when you're already the boss."

    Placing on hand on her hip, Junko adds, "I'm surprised you know so much. Is this a normal part of Radiant Heart's curriculum, or a special interest of yours?"

    Madoka laughs sheepishly. "It's not something they taught in my classes."

    Gretchen for her part is mostly being quiet. She floats deeper in, past Junko who gives no reaction to her presence, because it's annoying to be part of a conversation that she can't participate in. She doesn't comment on what Homura says, or even make any outward indication. If she wants to maintain illusions in front of Madoka, she has to do her part, too.

    Madoka recognizes the sound of her dad putting food on plates, and she runs further inside, carrying her little brother, saying, "Oh, I'll help make the table, papa!"

    Junko walks with Homura towards the kitchen, past it and to the living room. "She's told me you two eat lunch together a lot. According to her, you're pretty passionate, and often busy, but she never tells me many specifics." Most of that is half-truth. It's as much as Madoka could explain without the Veil getting in the way.

    Further inside, Madoka is sitting Tatsuya down on his booster chair. There's an extra chair at the table, right next to Madoka's, because lord knows this house has plenty of decorative chairs to go around. The Kaname daughter is setting out plates, silverware and chopsticks. To Homura and Junko, she asks, "What would you two like to drink?"

Homura Akemi has posed:
    It's definitely advanced for a middle schooler, but Homura has a good reason for this that even explains why she'd be thinking that way regardless of the time looping. "It's a special interest of mine; my parents own and operate a construction business so I've grown up aware of many of the issues involved in entrepreneurship. If I was to work for anyone it would likely be the family business, though in my case I think that would be unwise." Whether it's true or not she can't shake the feeling that even if she excelled it would never be enough to please her father. That goes unsaid for the moment, but it's a clear point to bring up later at a later date if Madoka or Junko are interested.

    She's tempted to help set the table with Madoka but ignoring Junko's further questioning would be rude and that's not something she's willing to be. "That's right. I'm rather intensive in my studies and I've taken an interest in the extracurricular activities provided by the schools guidance councilor, Kyouka Inai-sensei." This is... technically correct, though Kyouka might not appreciate being mentioned to parents and actually having to to deal with them.

    When asked what to drink Homura is quick to reply, "Water is fine for me, thank you." Then taking the chance she asks, "Would you like help, Madoka-chan?" She's not going to call Madoka by her name without an honorific in front of her family, even if it it sounds strange in her ears.

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    There's no real indication that Homura should help with setting up the table. She's a guest after all. It would be weird to ask, and the thought never crosses Madoka's mind. The birthday girl probably shouldn't be setting the table either, but that never occurs to her, either.

    "Construction?" asks Junko, suddenly a bit curious. "Hm... Construction? And your family name is Akemi? I feel like I may have heard of that before."

    There's also something that Junko is thinking but not saying: That Homura looks slightly familiar. She can't quite place where she's seen her before, though. Maybe she'd make a connection if she saw Homura brewing a drink. Not that it'd be likely to happen in this timeline. That's a detail not even Gretchen knows, really.

    "Well I can't blame you for that. Still, even if you plan on making it on your own, a little bit of hands on experience probably wont hurt. On the other hand, you might be a target of some resentment if the other employees think you're only there because of family."

    "Inai-sensei? I've heard a little bit about her. Madoka-chan, didn't you mention her before?" asks Junko.

    Madoka gives her mother a sheepish grin, "Y-yeah, momma. She's the one running self-defense classes." Madoka flexes her tiny muscles a bit. Her arm's a bit more toned than it otherwise would be, but still pretty normal for a non-magical.

    "Sounds like a busy lady," comments Junko. "Well, as long as it keeps you out of trouble." Madoka smiles a bit awkwardly and decides to avoid eye contact with her mother by continuing to set the table.

    "Well it's too late for coffee and too early for a real drink, so I'll have some orange juice," responds Junko. She decides to take her seat at the table, since it seems like Tomohisa is about ready.

    Gretchen looks in Homura's direction when she offers to help Madoka, but the tiny fairy just crosses her arms and silently watches. She doesn't even make a face. The X-Chara, more than anyone else here besides Homura, knows just how far the Puella would go for Madoka. Setting a table is nothing.

    Madoka, meanwhile blinks at Homura, and her immediate thought is that she doesn't want to leave her out if she wants to help. "Oh... um... you can help set out the napkins! They're right there on the table."

    Setting the table doesn't take long. If nothing else, it makes Homura look respectable in the eyes of Junko and Tomohisa. Madoka takes a seat, and pats the chair next to her. "Sit next to me, Homura-chan!"

    The bottom half of Gretchen's egg appears beneath her, and she sits in it and positions herself between Homura's and Madoka's seat, quietly awaiting food.

Homura Akemi has posed:
    "That's right. You might be confused because the family business doesn't operate in Tokyo. It's a surprisingly difficult city to break into." This obviously requires some additional information so she adds, "I'm a transfer student to Radiant Heart. I required heart surgery and Mitakihara General is well known for it's quality of medical care." She's able to say this with remarkable dispassion. Were this the first timeline she likely wouldn't be able to say the words without looking down or away, and speak them slowly. Now she just states them as a matter of simple fact. That part of her life is so far in the past it barely even registers to her, though she remembers well how meek she once was.

    When it's suggested working for her parents would be valuable experience Homura nods slightly, "I've considered that and there is a compromise I'd be willing to take; an independent subsidiary. That would put me in a position to accept backing and advice without direct oversight. My father is a very stubborn man. I wouldn't learn much if he kept deciding to do everything his way, himself."

    As for Kyouka Inai, "Yes. It's a shame how dangerous the city is, but I'm finding learning how to defend oneself is something every modern girl should know." Hopefully that's something Junko will find pragmatic. She doubts the woman will find fault with it in any case, given Madoka was recently in the hospital herself.

    When Junko moves to the table she does as well. She feels slightly out of place, and hopes she doesn't look like she's simply mimicking what the woman is doing. She's trying to impress the family, not toady up to the high powered business mother. Luckily being given the task of setting out the napkins gives her purpose, and she does her best to set them out neatly. Afterwards she takes the accepted offer and sits down next to Madoka.

    Once there she looks between Madoka, Junko and Tomohisa, "Thank you for inviting me. I hope I'm not intruding too much on your family time." Then to soften the words she looks back to Madoka and smiles, "Happy birthday, Madoka-chan."

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    The fact of Homura's heart condition gets Madoka to give her a concerned look, but after a moment it passes. Homura's a magical girl, and very fit besides, so she suspects something like that probably isn't much of an issue anymore. Instead she smiles, and doesn't seem to react as strongly as a mundane would expect.

    Her parents, on the other hand, know that she volunteers at that same hospital, and figure that Madoka probably isn't reacting because she knew that already.

    Junko's mind is focused on other parts of the conversation. Particularly on getting to know Homura. After all, this is Madoka's mysterious new friend, and so far she's been pretty interesting to talk to. The Kaname matriarch almost suspects that Madoka has attached herself to some kid genius, but such kids who find school easy can often find themselves way in over their heads when they hit the problems and limitations of the real world. "Well, expanding the company is not a small ask. Do you have any managerial experience? If not, you should change that. If I were in your position, I'd do everything I could to prove my value on my own. That way, even if he's stubborn, he might not pass up a good opportunity when he sees it."

    On the topic of self defense, Junko's expression hardens. "Indeed. It's been getting rough out there, and a lot of attacks and strange accidents are happening. We're just happy that poor Madoka-chan got better."

    If there is any negative judgment of Homura coming from Junko, the older woman doesn't reveal it. Her face is friendly and yet, in some ways, unreadable. A mysterious woman prodding a mysterious girl to see what comes out. At the same time, this is Madoka's friend, and there doesn't seem to be anything strange or predatory about her. A little eager to please or impress maybe, but that probably just means she values her time with Madoka.

    As Homura gets up to help, Junko smiles. Apparently she's forming some opinion. At least one part of Homura seems perfectly sincere.

    It's Tomohisa who responds to Homura's thanks, speaking from the kitchen. "We're happy to have you, Akemi-san. Any friend of Madoka's is welcome here."

    As the food is brought out, the first thing one might notice is the mixing smells and aromas that promise the kind of savory meal that Tomohisa is known to make good on. A couple of circular wooden containers bring an arrangement of dumplings and steamed buns, placed in the middle of the table for anyone to take as they please. Madoka, the birthday girl, gets a special treat in the form of a bowl of cream stew, which Homura might recognize as her purported favorite food. Each person also gets a plate full of vegetables with several slices of beef off to the side, arranged in such a perfect way to appeal to the eye. The small tomatoes, in particular, seem somehow flawless. Every aspect of the meal has received special care, in ways invisible to all but the most trained eye, to make everything look all the more appealing.

    Tatsuya gets a smaller plate, and an arrangement of food precut into tiny pieces just for him.

    Madoka is waiting patiently as everyone else joins Homura in wishing Madoka a happy birthday.

    "Happy birthday, Madoka!"

    "Happy birthday, dear."

    "Habby birthday nee-chan!"

    Gretchen turns to face Madoka and looks away. "Happy Birthday, Madoka-chan."

    Madoka giggles and says, "Thanks everyone! Itadakimasu!" She smiles at Homura starting to stir her cream stew. Junko immediately grabs a steamed bun with her chopsticks, and Tomohisa invites Homura to help herself.

    Gretchen quietly asks, "U-um... cream stew is my favorite too..." Somehow the X-Chara has a tiny bowl of her own. Don't ask. They can just do stuff like that.

    Madoka, without missing a beat, takes a moment to glance at everyone else before taking a small spoonful of her birthday meal and carefully dripping it into Gretchen's bowl.

    "Thanks," says the tiny X-Chara, and starts eating. Like this, she really does look like a tiny goth version of her Bearer.

Homura Akemi has posed:
    The heart condition is a think of the past. The heart surgery did the job and magic does the rest. Especially considering that Homura is a Puella Magi and can push her body beyond normal levels and can even completely ignore pain to a significant degree if needs be.

    "Not really. I don't think school projects would count in the eyes of my parents." She gives the impression that it might be one of those situations where more is asked of a child at a family company rather than less. "I can't dispute your advice, Kaname-san. If I was sure that was the path I wanted I would take it to heart immediately." She'll give credit where it's due, but in the end she's going to keep her options open. Especially since so much of her life has to do with things Junko Kaname is currently entirely unable of comprehending due to the nature of magic.

    It might be Madoka's birthday and Homura might be trying to give a good impression, but her expression briefly darkens at the mention of Madoka getting better due to the second-hand mention of her injuries. "Yes, it's exactly circumstances like that I wish to learn to handle." Immediately after she adds, "Even if that means recognizing a danger quickly enough to leave before anything bad happens." Situational awareness is very important, after all.

    Dinner is served!

    Homura says a quiet, "Itadakimasu," and picks up her chopsticks to eat some vegetables first, followed by a piece of beef. "My compliments to the chef," she offers. She could say more but instead of talking at length shows her appreciation more by actually focusing on eating and enjoying the delicious food. A clean plate is the best compliment to a cooked meal. She will, if she deems it possible without looking strange, slip Gretchen some of her food as well. Even if that means setting bits near her on the edge of her plate.

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Junko, who is still studying Homura's reaction a bit, notices her gloomy mood. She pauses as she considers it, but doesn't really share her thoughts. Things beyond the Veil are beyond her understanding, but if nothing else she gets the impression that Madoka's desire to be friends with Homura is not in any way one sided. The Kaname Matriarch may have had playful suspicions about Homura's intentions at first, but for now all that really matters is that Homura cares.

    If nothing else, Homura has avoided a situation where Junko throws her out of the house and forbids Madoka from every speaking to her again, but that wasn't very likely to begin with. In fact, if she hears that Madoka is staying out late or spending the night with Homura, she wont have to worry too much. Probably. Madoka is pretty trustworthy.

    Gretchen nibbles the tiny bits of food provided by Homura and Madoka. When dessert comes out in the form of birthday cake, Tomohisa gives everyone visible a slice of it. Madoka gives Gretchen a tiny bit of her slice, half of which the tiny X-Chara eats and half of it she wraps and stores in her egg. She also managed to get a bit of cream stew in a tiny thermos. Is she saving it for later? The tiny fairy's intentions remain unknown.

    After dinner, Madoka takes Homura by the hand and says, "Come on, let's go to my room!" She also gives Gretchen a glance to silently indicate that the invite is extended to her as well. The tiny X-Chara floats after them.

    Madoka's room is a familiar sight to Homura, though to Gretchen it's both new and not. She remembers Madoka's room from other timelines, but this is the first time she's actually been here herself. Florence has been carefully placed on the edge of the plushie pile that adorns Madoka's bed, in the empty spot next to where the pinkette assuredly intends to sleep. This is intentional, so that Homura's present to her will be the first thing she grabs to cuddle when she goes to sleep tonight.

    Once everyone is inside and the door is closed, Madoka turns to face Homura. She leans against the wall of her room, hands behind her back, head tilted down. "Eheh. Thanks for coming over. I'm glad you got along with momma, but we can't really talk openly in front of them. I felt kinda bad for poor Gretchen, needing to be quiet the whole time."

    On Madoka's desk, there's her other Chara Egg, bright and pink, just as Homura saw it the other day. It sits in a golden egg stand, one that looks like a ring supported by four legs. Gretchen sits down next to it, and starts putting out the tiny bit of cake and thermos of stew she took from the birthday meal. Then she knocks on the eggshell. "Hey, come on, wake up."

    The egg shakes slightly. "You said I could take them! You ran away and I had to fight all by myself!"

    "Oh come on," says Gretchen. "You got purified. You're better off that way. Do you really wish you were still shooting tiny arrows at people?"

    There's a whining noise from inside the egg, but it doesn't hatch. Gretchen shrugs.

    Madoka stares at the egg. "It's... never spoken to me before."

Homura Akemi has posed:
    Homura happily eats her slice of cake when it's given to her. She smiles a little but doesn't look over in case it draws attention when Gretchen is given a bit of cake for herself. The storing of some bits of the meal surprise her a little but she just figures she has a lot to learn when it comes to Guardian Characters and how they act.

    She's given another surprise when Madoka takes her hand and starts leading her away. Going to Madoka's room to talk isn't unexpected, but the way she's led is. She offers one final, "Thank you very much for the meal," in a half rushed manner as she leaves, cheeks coloring the slightest bit.

    "It's the way of things. It's unfortunate we have to keep secrets from your family but it's probably for the best the majority of people are unaware of what lurks just out of sight. Witches hide in their labyrinths but it'd be far more dangerous if people became aware and terrified of them. It's a burden we have to bear." That bit of unfortunate truth out of the way Homura smiles, "I'm glad as well. You're right to admire your mother; when she speaks she knows what she's talking about. She doesn't get impressed either, she takes in information and builds an understanding quickly. Your mother would have made a ruthlessly effective magical girl, Madoka. I would not want to be on her bad side."

    As she finishes speaking she's seeing the egg on the counter responding-- or rather the Guardian Character inside of it. "It hasn't? It must be close to hatching." She wanders over and peers at the egg on it's stand for a moment before doing the only thing she can think of. "Are you sure you don't want to come out? Gretchen brought a share of the birthday dinner for you."

    Even if Gretchen is an X-Chara, Homura is positive there isn't a single part of Madoka that would think to bring delicious food and eat it in front of someone else while denying them.

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    The fact that Gretchen has brought food for the sake of her fellow Chara is probably proof that even a worst-case Madoka would care about others in some way. It might be frightening to think about that in terms of how her Witch would behave, and that's a thought that crosses Gretchen's mind sometimes, but it's not one that she brings up. Kriemhild Gretchen the Witch wanted to remove all misfortune from the world, and Gretchen the X-Chara thinks it'd be very unfortunate for her 'sister' to miss out on her Bearer's birthday meal. That's all there is to it.

    Even if the finer details of her choices are missed, the fact that Gretchen leaves the food by the other egg and floats away should make her intentions clear. She left that food for the other. It's there for whenever she feels like peeking out and taking it.

    Madoka smiles softly and says, "Thank you, Gretchen-chan. I know we're at odds right now, but I appreciate you thinking about her like that."

    "I can't help it," responds Gretchen. "Chara naturally understand each other. If you knew what I do, you'd do the same."

    The tiny unhatched egg wiggles a bit in response to Homrua. "She did? Is this a trick? Please don't pick on me..." A tiny crack appears in the egg, and then the top half tilts back slightly. A tiny pink-eyed face looks up at Homura, and then over at the offered food. The whole egg tilts over as tiny hands reach out to grab the tiny cake and thermos, and then the egg seals shut.

    Madoka giggles, and coos at the egg, "Aww, you're shy! It's okay to come out. I'm actually really excited to meet you." The egg doesn't move or reopen. After a moment of silence, Madoka tries again, "What's your name? I'm Madoka!"

    "Brai," is the tiny Chara's response. It goes quiet again.

    Gretchen comments, "She'll come out when she's ready." Crossing her arms and looking away, she adds, "Knowing you, she might come out if you see a youma, so you better keep her on you at all times!"

    "I know," says Madoka. She spends a few more moments watching the egg, before walking to her bed and grabbing Florence. She sits down in her bed and hugs her new birthday present tightly, her eyes on the egg for a moment before turning back to Homura. "I'm always really impressed with momma. She can get pretty intense sometimes, but the reason why we get to live so well is because of her." The thought of Junko being a magical girl makes Madoka giggle playfully. "I wonder what kind of magical girl she would've made? If she dislikes Obsidian now, I bet she'd be really after them then!"

    Gretchen sits in the bottom half of her black egg and watches the other Chara, but she comments on the rest of the conversation. Maybe some friendly chatting will convince Brai that it's safe out here. "Junko isn't easily impressed, but she looks out for her family. It might be hard to tell, but that whole time she was gauging you to see if you were a threat."

    Madoka laughs nervously. "Eheh. Yeah, that sounds like her. You seem to pick up on a lot, Gretchen-chan."

Homura Akemi has posed:
    The egg cracks a little and when Brai peeks out Homura lifts her hand and wiggles her finger in a tiny wave, looking towards the food afterwards. No tricks or picking on here. After it reseals shut she takes a step back, giving the Chara some room. Even if she does come out of her egg she probably wants to eat first anyway.

    She finds a chair to sit on relaxing somewhat. "She would have been a terror, one way or the other." It's meant as a compliment. Part of Homura wonders if that's exactly why she never did become a magical girl. She likely would face down Obsidian... which is something Homura knows all too well is a losing maneuver.

    Then again, there's always the chance Junko was a magical girl and forgot everything due to the Fade. Somehow she doesn't think so, though.

    "I'm not a threat to Madoka but what I represent is. I can understand why she would want to keep dangerous influences away from her. It's unfortunate she doesn't realize Madoka's will is almost as strong as her own when it comes to helping people. Though I think even if she can't know the details, she'll realize that's the case." Homura then notes, "You should tell your parents about the present sometime too, so they don't think I came empty handed." After being quiet for a moment she thinks aloud, "Maybe I should have brought something for dinner. An artisinal loaf of bread, maybe. But your father had everything in hand and I wouldn't want to throw it off."

    A bottle of wine enters her mind as well... but she doesn't say it aloud, since that probably isn't she should be thinking about as a middle schooler anyway. Then again if Madoka has been to charity balls, she might understand the sophistication behind that kind of gift.

    Maybe if it was a nice dinner for a reason other than Madoka's birthday, she decides. The implication that Madoka might deserve some since it's her birthday would be far too unfortunate to risk.

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    The thought of Junko being a magical girl isn't impossible. Madoka considers what happened when she asked Junko what her wish would be, and tries to imagine a magical girl with the power to eject trustees from the company. Would her henshin be a business suit?

    Madoka shakes her head and clears her mind. That's too silly to think about, and could go to some dire places if she thought about it for too long.

    "They may have heard us earlier," says Madoka, sheepishly. "Just to be safe, I'll be sure to mention Florence to them later. Did you come up with that name yourself, Homura-chan?"

    Gretchen smirks. She might not bully her overly shy co-Chara, but that doesn't stop her from teasing Homura a little bit. "My my, you are awfully concerned with impressing Madoka's parents, aren't you?" Her smirk falls into a grin, and then a more neutral face. "I don't think you should worry so much. If Junko hated you, she'd let you know. You came in here being a mostly unknown factor, and now you're a known one. If anything, you should take it to mean you have her approval to hang out with Madoka-chan."

    Madoka, still sitting on the bed and squeezing the birthday orca, decides to rub her cheek against it to see how it feels. "I can't imagine momma ever hating Homura." The honorific is dropped now that they're alone, at least for a moment. "I wouldn't be surprised if she saw a bit of herself in you. You're both pretty fierce in your own ways."

    Giving the orca another squeeze, she asks Homura innocently. "Do you like plushies, Homura-chan? Or other cuddly things? I know you have a cat, but I don't want to make assumptions. Oh, and also, feel free to sit anywhere you like. Make yourself at home." There's Maodka's bed, there's a desk where Brai's egg is, and there's a few chairs decorating one side of the room. Many of the chairs have plushies on them, but a couple of them are empty.

    Gretchen slowly floats towards a high corner of the room as the conversation goes on, looking down at the scene below. She covers her mouth to stop herself from snickering at Madoka's ridiculously innocent questions. Of course, the fluffy pink-haired girl doesn't mean anything by it other than asking if Homura has a common interest in soft cuddly things. In Madoka's mind, it's a normal thing to ask.

    Madoka looks up at Gretchen and tilts her head. "What about you, Gretchen? You know, since you're my Chara, I wouldn't be mad if you wanted to take a plushie with you."

    Gretchen starts stammering at that. "I... I mean... Obviously I... well..."

    At that, Brai's egg cracks opens again, and the top is pushed completely back. It hits the ground and rolls this way and that for a moment before hitting the egg stand, gently coming to a stop.

    Inside is a tiny Chara that looks a lot like Madoka in terms of facial structure, and she's wearing what looks like Madoka's Puella Magi henshin that Homura has seen before. The only strange thing is that she's wearing her hair in a pair of pink fluffy braids.

    Madoka gasps. "Brai-chan! You came out!" The tiny chara blushes and hides behind the bottom half of the eggshell, pair of pink eyes peeking out at the others in the room. Madoka gently sets Florence aside and rushes to the desk, offering Brai the tip of her finger.

    Brai reaches out to touch Madoka's fingertip, and says, "H-hi... thanks for the cake... and the stew." Madoka is all smiles right now.