Puella Magi Midori ☆ Magica - Deceit

Chapter 15 | Secrets Out

Mature content warning for this chapter: 

Controversial topics and mild crude language

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             Imogen plopped down on the soft grass next to Haruka, unwrapped her sandwich, and took a bite out of the side. As she swallowed, she pointed to the rest of the sandwich in her hand, and said with a smile on her face, "For an old shop, that place makes some bloody good sandwiches! I'm gonna have to remember that place for when Xavier comes back." Imogen paused before muttering, "If he comes back."

              Haruka frowned a bit at her last sentence, then took a bite of her own sandwich. "Well, we can definitely go back more 'till he does come," she replied, then smiled. "Then maybe we could all go."

               "Yeah, that would be fun!" Imogen replied through another bite of sandwich. She swallowed again as she added, "I'm sure you and him would get along great if ya' met! Xavier's awesome..."

              "Tell me more about him," Haruka encouraged, wanting to learn more about Imogen's family, but mainly giving herself time to think about something.

              As she scarfed down the rest of her sandwich, Imogen let out a sigh. "Well, he's about seven years older than me, give or take a few months. He's super chill, and is cool with doin' just about anythin' no matter what. I remember one year for my birthday, he came downstairs dressed like Indiana Jones, and cosplayed as him for the whole day. Best birthday gift ever, even though I knew it was Xavier all along.

              "He's a really firm believer in the Bible, meanin' he loves everyone just like God says you should," Imogen continued. "He always brings that air of positivity to the table; even if he's feelin' sad, he'll try to keep everyone else happy. I could keep goin'..."

              The reminder of Imogen's Christian roots suddenly worried Haruka. She pushed the thought away and answered, "You can talk about him with me as much as you want."

              After thinking it over for a moment, Imogen shook her head. "Nope, I want to hear somethin' about YOU or YOUR family now."

             Haruka internally wished Imogen had continued to speak about herself more so she could think, and felt uncomfortable being put on the spot, but she did her best to hide her small bit of frustration and began to speak. "Well, I have two brothers that you've probably seen around while visiting the restaurant. My older brother, Sora, can be a bit annoying sometimes, but I know he's only teasing and being affectionate. My younger brother, Yuta, is more interested in building things than cooking, meaning my parents get upset at him a bit more, but I wish they didn't. He means well, he's just passionate about it, though I wish he'd at least not argue so much against them." She sighed, wishing she hadn't begun to say anything negative at all.

              "Huh. Sounds kinda tough, mate." Imogen flopped over on her stomach so that she was looking at Haruka. "Wish I could do something to help ya' out."

              Haruka leaned against the tree, still facing Imogen. "It's nothing anyone can really help with, unless for some reason they all start to agree and bite each other's heads off less. It's not that bad honestly, it's just a concern of mine I suppose."

            "Yeah," Imogen replied. "Seems only a contract wish would be able to take care of that problem, huh?"

              "I can't force some girl to make a wish because of that, unless I become human again somehow and make another wish, but I'm pretty sure that's impossible." Haruka laughed a little, partly to ease her nerves. "Besides, it's not like it's causing huge problems for everyone. I'm sure they'll all come to terms some day."