Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Reunion

Reunion

The noise of the machine echoed through the claustrophobic cubicle and Sasa stared at her own reflection in the elevator mirror, trying to distract herself from the sound or from something else she did not want to admit.

She was wearing a new navy-blue blouse with shoulder straps and short sleeves, and black skinny pants. To complement it, a shoulder bag and white flat sandals.

A look for a special occasion.

The elevator door opened and she walked past the apartment's entrances, with heavier and heavier steps. Eventually she came to an entrance with a sign.

Mami Tomoe

She stopped in front of the door. There was silence, was there no one home? It would be too good to be true. She went to press the button, even touched it, but did not. Instead, she retreated and lowered her head, talking to herself, "What am I doing here..."

Visiting Mami and being friends with her was one thing, a very discreet thing, actually, but now she had been invited to a birthday party, with so many guests as embarrassments. An ode to the successes and happiness of the person who would be the center of attention on that day and a promise of continuity of that.

Sasa gritted her teeth.

Her birthdays have always been an ode to hypocrisy. The next day, if not on the same day, the people who wished her success were sabotaging her efforts and then demanding more of her, in an flawless cynicism.

Her arms began to tingle and Sasa touched her fingertips, feeling small shocks. It was a strange sensation that she had been feeling lately, another reason not to be there. She had time to leave and make up an excuse.

... If you behave well...

She stomped against the floor. The goddess' voice was clear and she certainly had been invited as well. She and that guardian. Sasa did not know which one was the scariest.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps and the door opened, accompanied by a more childish voice, "I'm going to catch him at the station!"

Sasa saw that Nagisa was ready for the event. It was a turquoise blue dress with a skirt down to the shin, which were covered by a pair of gray socks with white polka dots, white as the pair of sneakers. Even the scrunchies were more colorful than usual, and there was a sweet fragrance of a freshly applied perfume.

"Okay, but come back soon. I need your help."

Nagisa was still staring into the apartment until Mami's response, only then she noticed who was at the entrance.

"Hmmmm..." Sasa timidly waved. "Hello."

Nagisa smiled and turned her face, calling, "Mami!"

Sasa's eyes widened and extended her hand. "N-"

"Sasa-chan is here!"

"... Noooooo..." It was too late.

But Nagisa had heard that. "Huh?"

Sasa tried to recover quickly, smiling. "Ehhhh... I wanted to surprise her."

The white-haired girl furrowed her brows. "Really?"

Since when did this girl become smart? Forcing her smile more, Sasa nodded.

Nagisa was not convinced, shaking her head, but then she smiled and whispered, "Look. You must be worried that you hid from us that you're a magical girl and Madoka's friend."

"Ah..." Sasa sighed and shrugged. "Maybe."

"Don't worry about it. Hmmm..." Nudging her cheek and looking up, thoughtfully, Nagisa continued, "we're... accustomed to mistrust. I know someone else who tends to avoid exposing herself too much at first, more due to caution."