In all the time Homura had been protecting Madoka there had never been a day like today. Most timelines ended with Madoka's death before the end of April, a mere month and a half of survival. In this timeline Madoka has surpassed that, and Homura had been able to see her gain confidence, and had been able to watch as she let her hair grow out over the past year. But tiny increments were hard to notice, day by day. If you look at it that way Madoka had technically always been getting older, only to have that progress reset after disastrous encounters with Walpurgisnacht.
This timeline that slow, daily progress has continued unabated, and now yet another milestone has been reached that Homura had never before been able to experience. It's October 3rd, Madoka's birthday. Today Madoka is officially a year older, officially growing up past the age at which Homura first met her.
To 'grow old together' is an ancient romantic concept. Their age might make it seem silly, but the circumstances of their lives as Puella Magi, always at the risk of sudden death at the hands of a Witch or the steady decline into despair, means even single birthdays are important. And for Homura and Madoka the significance is even greater, because this is an event that hasn't been celebrated once before in all of Homura's twelve, possibly now thirteen years of repeating history.
The day had begun like any other, with the small caveat that Homura had slept overnight at Madoka's house. School was attended and mostly normal aside from people wishing Madoka a happy birthday. It was only once they went home that the celebration really began. A happy family birthday party was thrown, which of course Homura was asked, if not obligated, to attend, with cake and ice cream and plenty of presents. One of them was an almost mandatory stuffed animal, this one a very silly soft and huggably sized kangaroo with a small, firm baby kangaroo in its pouch. The small one could be removed from the pouch, but Madoka decided to leave it in, unable to contain her giggles because it's firmness meant she could feel it when hugging Mama 'roo.
After desert and presents and general merrymaking dinner was served, and of course it was cream stew, Madoka's very favorite of her father's dishes. She'd made sure to save room so she could have two full bowls to hers, and afterwards things started calming down to simple family chatter about how the school and work day went, and plans for the rest of the week.
To Homura, this day is of very special significance. Even if it was nothing else, it's another reminder that Homura has won. Her long struggle to protect Madoka may not be over in the strictest sense, but Madoka has survived what was likely their hardest battle. Even better, Homura and Madoka are together now, and that relationship has become serious. It's a good thing too, because that seriousness makes it all the more natural for Homura to show up at Madoka's birthday party.
Homura actually got Madoka quite a few presents. She has a lot of money, but the things that Madoka really seems to like... aren't that expensive. Coming over the night before meant that Homura left those presents behind in the office where she had been hiding them, but it only took a simple phone call to get an employee to drop them off at the Kaname household's front doorstep, where Homura could bring them inside if Tomohisa or someone else didn't get to them before her.
Homura's gotten Madoka a number of plushies already, but since Madoka never seems to have too many of them she did get another one: A giant huggable plushie pumpkin, which is also wide enough to double as a pillow!
She also noticed that sometimes Madoka's plushies will wear shirts or other clothes, so she bought a number of tiny sweaters and shirts and ribbons and other various kinds of plushie-sized accessories all chosen to be soft and huggable. Which means no hard parts.
There's also a small plushie repair kit with a sewing needle and some threads of various common colors. It also has a few of those black eye beads that so man plushies occasionally have. It comes in a bag of thick plastic, and the needle has a plastic cap to prevent it from becoming dull or stabbing its way through the bag.
It was tempting to just buy Madoka more and more things, like soft fluffy nightgowns and other such things, but at some point Homura started to think that she was overdoing it. Besides, Christmas was just around the corner, right?
Aside from that, there was one present in particular that Homura wanted to give her. Though in a way, it was also a present for Homura, insofar as cuddling is something that Homura would always like to do with Madoka. It was intended to make Madoka happy, and that's the primary purpose, but Homura would be a bold-faced liar to say that she wouldn't find enjoyment in this.
As the day grew late, and supper ended, and the members of the family started to split off to do their own thing, Homura kissed Madoka and told her to meet her in her room. Normally Homura would have told Madoka to wait a few minutes, but Homura always has as much time as she needs, so she doesn't even bother.
Homura rushes up to Madoka's room alone, closing the door behind her. Then her shield appears without the rest of her henshin, and that shield turns, and time is frozen. She reaches into her infinite storage space and starts to pull out old clothes. A lovat skirt with white frills she hasn't worn in over half a decade, along with a dark blue jacket with red and white trim that goes along with it. Purple ribbons that she hasn't worn since she took out her braids. It takes a bit of trickiness on Homura's part to work around her shield, but by taking it off and holding it with her opposite hand she's able to slip sleeves around her left arm.
Before long, she looks completely different. Wearing red rimmed glasses, hair in long black braids with purple ribbons, white button up blouse tucked into her lovat skirt, and long black stockings covering her feet.
Homura looks just like her old self. While Homura has certainly worn braids for Madoka before, she's never let her see this complete look on her before in this timeline outside of pictures and dreams.
She's checking over herself, looking at herself with a compact mirror, and when she's finally satisfied she resumes time and dismisses her shield.
Something feels off. She pats over her jacket to feel something flat and stiff. Does this jacket have an inside pocket? She reaches in, finding... what is this? A postcard?
.... From Madoka?
Madoka is simply spoiled by all of the gifts! Having things to dress her plushies in and ribbons to pretty them up with is fun, and the pumpkin makes Madoka giggle and smile. She's quick to give it lots of hugs, and already she's imagining resting her head on it while cuddling up to Homura in her bedroom.
Though it's perhaps the most strictly functional of the things she's given Madoka gives Homura a soft, happy look when she opens the plushy repair kit. Something she can use to take care of the plushies she likes and cares for so much- how could she not love a gift like that?
Christmas is just around the corner, and romantic gifts like things to snuggle together in might best be saved for it. Madoka wouldn't mind being given even more nice things, but Homura has already given her plenty to let her know she cares, which is what she's after most.
The final gift is something Madoka is sure to enjoy since it involves cuddles, and while Madoka heavily suspects cuddles may be in order when Homura dashes up to her room she has no idea what her girlfriend has in store.
What Homura finds in the inside pocket of the jacket is not a postcard, but before pulling it out it'd feel almost indistinguishable from one. It's a little smaller than that and wrapped in a colorful unsealed envelope with only the word 'Homura' written on the back side in careful handwritten lettering. What it actually is a letter, or perhaps more accurately a note, written again in carefully spaced letters upon cream colored cardstock, it's outer edges embossed to give the impression of lacework.
I wanted to tell you that I had a lot of fun on our date. It was beautiful getting to look down over Mitakihara from so high up and Papa's cooking was delicious, but the thing I enjoyed the most was getting to spend time alone with you. We're going to be spending most of our free time preparing for Walpurgisnacht from now on, but I'm looking forward to going on more dates with you once we beat it. I was really surprised when you kissed me! I was so surprised I didn't say anything before you left... but I also liked that too, and if you wanted to do that more, I wouldn't mind.
A little harder to remove for fitting so tightly in the envelope is a picture of Madoka. The backdrop is the rooftop of Mitakihara Middle School, with Mitakihara's distinctive skyline further in the background. Madoka looks happy and excited, but also a little shy, her cheeks blushing pink as she holds up her right hand in a 'V for victory' sign next to her face. She's wearing a simple white dress with pink accents, but more notably over the top of it she wears a familiar dark blue jacket with red and white trim; unmistakably the same as the one Homura now wears herself.
A few moments after Homura has a chance to look things over the door to Madoka's room opens and the twintailed girl herself appears in the doorway, "Hehehe, is it time for my favorite present of all? I love my cuddle-cuddle love-love Homura-chan~!" Almost as soon as she says it she notices the change of outfit, her cheeks warming. Did Homura really dress up like that for her as a present?!
Homura is all too happy that Madoka enjoys her gifts. This birthday is a long-awaited day for Homura, and she's been thinking about it for such a long time. She's sure that Madoka would appreciate whatever Homura gave her, but that's all the more reason why Homura would want to give Madoka something she really wants.
Which is of course why 'cuddles' is on the list of presents for Madoka this year, and probably next year and many many years after.
The thing that Homura finds in her jacket pocket seems impossible. There's no way that Madoka could have snuck into her shield and taken out this specific jacket, slipped a letter in there, and put it back in. That's not even possible. So how did this envelope get there?
It's decorated so pretty, too. What is this? It's not sealed. Homura's finger flips open the envelope, and with equal parts curiosity and trepidation she pulls the letter out. The picture comes out, too, flipping out as it's pulled along with the letter and then falling to the floor of Madoka's room where the impossible picture of her girlfriend wearing this same jacket stares up at her.
Homura knows for a fact that she has never once taken this jacket out of her shield. Not during this timeline. Which means that the picture she's looking at is... from another timeline?
Suddenly, eagerly, Homura is reading the letter. Noting every word, considering every detail. They dated? Wait no... they kissed?! A kiss followed by Homura running away? When did she ever...
Homura gasps. She drops the letter. She remembers now.
This was right before Sayaka turned into a Witch right in front of the four other Puella. This was before Mami's freakout took away not only Kyouko but Mami, too. That was when Madoka saved Homura's life. That date was... just days before everything fell apart for them.
It wasn't until the end of that timeline that Homura started calling Madoka by her first name. She remembers now.
Tears well up in her eyes, and for a moment Homura is the very image of the same girl that Madoka has only ever seen in pictures. Her back is facing the door. She tries to hide it. Yet, moments after she hears Madoka's voice, Homura sobs.
"We actually did date before. I can't believe I forgot that."
She laughs, but that laughter is offset by the crack in her voice. "... I think I did something bad, Madoka-chan. It seems I've stolen a kiss from you."
When Madoka comes in and sees Homura she doesn't notice the letter on the floor at first, only the outfit. Her back is to the door so Madoka can't see her expression, and so is tiptoeing up to Homura, though when she hears the sob she freezes. That sound, it's too authentic to be fake. Homura speaks and without context Madoka doesn't completely understand. She looks around and it isn't until then that she sees the letter and the picture, though she can't read the former with it on the ground.
Well, perfect understanding will have to wait. She walks up behind Homura and wraps her arms around her beloved's shoulders, squeezing her close and slipping her head over her left shoulder. She rocks a little from side to side to comfort Homura, "Did we? If we dated I can't help but think it must have been fun. " She giggles a little at the idea of Homura stealing a kiss from her, because if they were on a date she also can't help but imagine it must have felt very nice to be kissed by her.
"Oh, no! You stole one of my kissies? Poor Homura-chan, I'm afraid I can't let that go so easily." Her voice raises to a more cutesy manner and she squeezes Homura a little tighter from behind. She turns her head and closes her eyes, rubbing her face onto the side of Homura's neck, "I might have to steal it back from you, with interest!"
She's being silly, but she's still holding Homura very close and rocking her gently, focused more on comforting her than teasing her by a wide margin.
Homura feels her darling's arms around her neck, and it is so, so comforting and so nice. Being like this with Madoka is so, so nice. Especially right now, when she needs that hug so badly. As tough as Homura tries to be, as tough as she actually is, there is a side of Homura that is just so vulnerable, and only Madoka is allowed to see it. Well, she might have cried in front of others before, but more because she just couldn't hold it in and not because she felt at all comfortable.
As the two of them rock back and forth, Homura recounts it. "In the Mitakihara I came from, the one that wasn't an extension of Tokyo, there's a really tall white antenna that looks over the whole city. I don't know if it exists in this timeline, because things are so different, but maybe it does. We went there, and sat and ate some of your father's food, and we looked over the city. It was amazing. I was so shy back then, so scared that I might offend you..."
She looks down, a tear rolling down her cheek, finding the fallen letter and picture. "... but... according to that, you weren't offended at all."
Madoka talks about stolen kissies, and in such a cute way that Homura can't help but smile, even through the tears. "Ah! You've caught me, Madoka-chan! I'll throw myself at your mercy. I'll pay up... but first..."
Homura does a rare thing. She slips her way out of Madoka's arms, but only temporarily. She kneels down, retrieving the picture and letter, placing them back in the envelope, and placing the envelope on Madoka's desk where it should remain safe for now. "... these are important, because they're from you. They should be in our photo album. Even if you don't remember it... it's precious to me."
She turns back towards Madoka, stepping towards her and wrapping arms around her. Holding her girlfriend tight, and looking at Madoka from behind red rimmed glasses, Homura says with a smile, "I'm ready, Madoka-chan. I'll pay the kissy fine~."
Madoka makes a sympathetic, "Aww," when she sees the tear drop from Homura's cheek, pressing her own to where it fell from and nuzzling her girlfriend sweetly. This vulnerable side of Homura is just a much a part of her as any other, and Madoka appreciates being shown it after her girlfriend had spent so long wearing her mask of calm seriousness.
"That sounds nice, having a date where only the two of us could get. Maybe we should do that sometime; maybe on top of Clover Tower?" She makes another soft sound as Homura says she was scared she offended her, smiling when that turns out not to be the case.
Madoka releases her hold on Homura when she slips away, though she chooses to stay close, keeping her hand on Homura's back and rubbing her gently and soothingly. "I'd like that, to keep that in our album with all our other important memories." It makes something else occur to her, and she speaks up, "I don't know how much you have... but if there are other pictures of us from before we could include them, too. Maybe footage from your camera drones? Maybe we've only been a couple for a little over nine months, but our relationship goes back a lot longer than that, doesn't it?"
Madoka visibly relaxes as Homura's arms go around her, wrapping her girlfriend up in her own easily and on instinct. She giggles suddenly upon seeing the glasses, her cheeks coloring. It seems a little different to kiss Homura while she's wearing them. Gosh, she really does look like she did in that old picture of her! And Madoka would be lying if she said she didn't find that look very cute. "Okay, Homura-chan. But first I want you to know that this pleases me as much as it pleases you."
Pleasing punishment!?
Madoka presses into Homura and squeezes her first, looking into her eyes. She smiles sweetly, building up anticipation for a moment before leaning in and sweetly and softly pressing her lips to Homura's. She lets out a quiet but very happy sound, seemingly having needed that kiss quite a lot without having realized it. She pulls away, letting their lips peel slowly from one anothers and taking a small breath in through her mouth, only to close it and press her lips once more into Homura's.
This time though she holds it much longer, tilting her head and letting her lips squish enjoyably against the softness of Homura's, making tiny changes to the angle of her head so the press of their lips together shifts ever so slightly around. She can't help it. She parts her lips slightly to take Homura's bottom lip between her own, squeezing it gently between them and giving a tiny suckle to it, drawing her arms further around Homura and squeezing herself extra close to her oh-so cutely dressed girlfriend.
When she finally pulls away she exhales in a soft, warm pant, only to 'explain' in a dreamy voice, "You owed a lot of interest..."
"I'd like that," says Homura, with regards to Clover Tower. "It doesn't matter if the view is different. The important thing is the company." There's a sparkle in Homura's eyes, because of course the 'company' in this case is Madoka.
Homura's glad that Madoka is still touching her, even if it's just rubbing her back, because it's not as if Homura didn't want to be touched. She was more afraid of stepping on the picture and letter during some heated romantic moment, damaging something when she doesn't even have the negatives for this picture. They don't exist in this timeline.
Madoka brings up other pictures, and Homura thinks. Then Madoka brings up the videos and Homura... gets a little bit pale. "I'm sure I could... find something to put in the photo album from those. I hadn't thought of that before." There's also some less fun things in their too, but... Madoka might need to see those things, too. For tactical reasons. Later, though.
This pleases Madoka as much as it pleases Homura? Well that's good, because it pleases Homura a lot! One kiss comes, and then another, and Madoka seems to really be enjoying these kisses. So is Homura, lips smiling even as they press against her girlfriend's. She gasps softly when Madoka sucks on her lip, blushing slightly.
Her eyelids flutter halfway shut, and she can see her girlfriend's soft pink eyes through the glare of her glasses. She makes a soft, happy sound. When Madoka pulls away and explains herself, Homura giggles. "I did! Though I think maybe I owe even a bit more. I won't stop until I've repaid my debt, and I still won't stop even after I have!"
She leans in for another kiss, briefly tasting Madoka's lips with her tongue and holding her close in her arms. Homura's tongue retreats, only for her lips to brush against Madoka's over and over, pressing against her more with each kiss.
Madoka's eyes sparkle back at Homura's as the company on a date is mentioned as important and she nods in agreement, "The most important thing. Whenever I want to spend time in good company I can always depend on a date with my sweet girlfriend Homura-chan!"
The paling upon mentioning videos causes Madoka to blush a bit more, though out of embarrassment this time rather than enjoyable romantic fluster. She is worried for a moment she might have ruined the moment, but luckily Homura seems to move past that. She closes her eyes and gives a nod alongside a slightly nervous giggle.
Luckily loving kisses are exactly what she needs to relax and forget about potential faux pas. The gasp she gets from the lip nibbling gets a giggle from her, and Madoka can't help but see that as a good thing, especially when Homura's eyes flutter and half lid. Now that she's had a few wonderful kisses and some tight squeezes Madoka releases her grip on Homura a little, holding her with one arm while brushing her hand over her upper arm, feeling the fabric of the jacket and trailing her fingers down Homura's arm.
Her hand slips off of Homura's elbow to rest upon her hip instead, brushing upward slightly before slipping around and inside the jacket, resting upon and gently squeezing Homrua's waist through her buttoned up blouse. The kisses given to her are happily received, and Madoka quietly controls herself as Homura's tongue brushes across her lips, resisting the urge to meet it with her own.
She wraps Homura up with one of her arms while enjoying the feeling of her side with her hand, reaching past to rub her back beneath the jacket a few times as well. The kisses to her lips feel so very good, and each one of them is happily returned, kiss met with kiss as their lips press together over and over.
Homura's pressing into her is likewise met with gentle rubbing and eventually wiggles, and it's probably not a surprise when Madoka half turns and tries to draw Homura with her into her bed for cuddles while staying close. They may have to roll over each other, but Madoka isn't in the mood for another separation, and she won't be content until they're on their sides together and pressing close while they kiss.
Leaving the hugging and squeezing to Homura while they cuddle, though pressing and rubbing with her body and squeezing one of Homura's legs between her own, she lifts her hand to tease and play with Homura's braided hair, squeezing the tightly knit locks in her hand, twirling her finger around the tips below her ribbon. Her hand then slides all the way up, petting over the back of Homura's head while her fingers tease playfully at the part, one half of Homura's hair drawn into one braid, the other half of it drawn into the other.
If Homura's going to go through the effort to dress up special for her as a gift, she may as well enjoy it fully!
"That you can!" Homura playfully winks. It'd be hard to imagine Homura ever not wanting to go on a date with her cute and pretty girlfriend!
Kissing and giggling are good things, and it isn't long at all before Homura forgets that she was even crying. Well, it was only for a moment, and mostly out of surprise. Having Madoka alive and happy right in front of her does so much to assuage any grief she might feel from previous lost times. The touch of Madoka's hand against her arm is so, so nice, and sends a pleasant chill down Homura's spine. Her cheeks softly tingle, awaiting more pleasant touches.
The feeling of Madoka's hand on her hip reminds Homura somewhat of dancing, which only serves to further her romantic mood! The squeeze brings another giggle out of Homura, and the hand moving underneath the jacket elicits another shiver. Ah~ Madoka knows how to make her Homura happy~.
Homura's eyes close, but she doesn't have to see to know where Madoka is trying to take her. It was only a matter of time before they ended up cuddling each other to sleep, which was really the point of Homura dressing up like this anyways! Her eyes do open, briefly, only to note where the bed is so that they don't fumble too much getting into it. Rolling over Madoka isn't unpleasant at all, and when they do make it to their sides Homura is happily resting her head on a pillow as she holds Madoka tightly.
In a break between kisses, as Madoka is squeezing Homura's leg between her own, the braided girl whispers, "Happy Birthday, Madoka-chan~." For the moment, Homura decides not to take off her glasses.
The part of Homura's hair is a little different than usual. The braids make it... maybe not stiff, but a lot more firm than normal. Also, with the hair pulled aside, the scalp is a lot more exposed, and when Homura is touched there she blushes intensely. Away from the braids, the hair is still somewhat taut, but sometimes there is a loose hair here and there, not quite long enough to be caught in the braid.
Homura's lower arm reaches down to Madoka's waist and holds her tight there, while the other hand rubs up and down Madoka's back. This really does please her as much as she hopes it pleases Madoka!
Madoka is so happy to trade kisses and be close with Homura. Though she almost expected to get to this point tonight she hadn't realized how very much she was looking forward to it. Her party was so, so fun, but all that time opening presents and eating cake was time she didn't have her arms around Homura, and the urge to cling and cuddle had slowly built up inside of her.
It's anticipations desire fulfilled now that they're able to cuddle together, and each reaction from Homura only makes her enjoy it more. It's actually kind of fun squirming and rolling around on the bed trying to get situated while kissing with her eyes closed, and once they're cuddled up together Homura gives her exactly what she wants by squeezing her tight.
Madoka coos happily in response, only to open her eyes as her girlfriend speaks, soft pink eyes gazing lovingly through Homura's red-rimmed glasses, "Thank you, Homura-chan." She blushes shyly all of a sudden, head tilting downward for a moment, "You've helped to make this the best birthday I've ever had. Getting to spend it with you is the best present of all."
Madoka leans in and kisses Homura more to prove she means it, pressing her lips sweetly to her girlfriends. She presses warmly into Homura as her waist is squeezed, enjoying that so very much, loving being held and squeezed close, being wrapped up in the arms of the one she knows loves her so deeply. The rub to her back is comforting and soothing, and she relaxes a little even while continuing to play with Homura's hair.
Taking advantage of the look she sets her head on top of Homura's head, patting her there gently a couple of times before caressing her hand up and down the back of it. It's similar to what she does when trying to comfort Homura, but this time the expression is mostly for herself, soaking in just how adorable her girlfriend looks right now. Those glasses and braids give such a cute cast to her features that it makes Madoka want to go, 'awww'.
Well, it is her birthday, isn't it?
She shakes a little, giving hints of the giggle that comes a moment later, "Aww... you're just so very cute, Homura-chan! I can't help wanting to cuddle you and caress you and love you to my heart's desire~." The hand brushes down between Homura's braids, wrapping her up and holding her close in a tender and gentle fashion, Madoka's other hand at her waist still greedily enjoying the sweet curve there, giving an equally gentle squeeze to Homura's side.
Another kiss, this one heart meltingly soft and gentle. Madoka's soft pink eyes focus on the beautiful purple of Homura's, and when the kiss finally breaks she leans past to nuzzle her cheek sweetly to her sweethearts while whispering quietly, "I love you, Homura-chan."
Squirming and wiggling while trying to get in the right spot is certainly a lot of fun in of itself, especially as a cooperative effort. Especially as a cooperative effort that Homura can share with her girlfriend while cuddling at the same time! The fact that it leads to more cuddling makes it even better!
The best birthday that Madoka's ever had? Homura hears that, and her first response is, "You really mean that?" The braided girl smiles brightly. "Good! I'm glad you're having the best birthday ever. Especially if I get to be a part of it. Especially if I'm making it even better for you."
It's nice how this can be so soothing and enjoyable. Now that Homura knows how good this can be, it's no wonder that she prefers to do this over anything else. Homura's hair, as always, is available for Madoka to play with. The braids curl and twist like loose rope in Madoka's grasp, and should Homura's little angel care to touch them the ribbons feel of soft cotton.
If Madoka finds Homura adorable in this... well, good! That was the point! It's true that the tougher, more experienced Homura Akemi tends to not dress like this, but for Madoka's sake she doesn't mind looking cute. It always made her feel just a bit small, but being small while held in Madoka's arms is different. It's nice, being held, as Madoka's head tops hers, and as the back of her head is cradled. Homura might not need the comfort, but that doesn't mean she doesn't enjoy what Madoka does.
She giggles as she's called cute, smiling brightly at Madoka. "Thank you, Madoka-chan. I'm glad you think so, because I really did want to look cute for you." Homura's soft curves are there just as they always are, and she shows no hesitation to let Madoka touch her there. She blushes at Madoka's close embrace, and she's... just oh so happy right now. Why do they ever not cuddle? Homura's sure that there's a reason, but right now it just doesn't make sense to her.
Homura's heart does melt at the kiss, and her cheek is warm from blushing as Madoka nuzzles against it. In response to Madoka's words, she whispers back, "I love you too, Madoka-chan."
"Almost everything in my life is good and happy now. I've found what it means to be in love, and it's even better than I ever could have expected. And I'm not just in love, but in love with you, and you love me back." Madoka smiles sweetly to Homura, "Getting cuddles as a present really puts it over the top; I've never had a snuggly birthday, so this one has to be the best, right?"
It really does feel wonderful. Having someone warm and caring pressed close and holding her is great, but getting to share such romantic closeness with the person she cares about most is even better. Each little squeeze and rub and movement are as much little communications about how they care for each other as they are enjoyable in their own right.
It's okay if Homura feels small, because Madoka's arms are warm and comfortable, and as much as Homura has always protected Madoka, Madoka will always protect Homura as well. She's plenty safe snuggled in the arms of the pink-haired Puella.
Madoka giggles and smiles back to Homura, showing her pretty white teeth, "You succeeded! I'm happy you went through that much trouble to look cute for me, Homura-chan. I do think you look cute in your usual outfits too, though." Just in case she somehow gave the impression otherwise!
The sweet curve of Homura's waist is happily enjoyed, and it reminds Madoka of dancing just as it did Homura moments before. She presses in closer, nuzzling her head heavily against Homura's so that one of her fluffy pigtails brushes over her girlfriends cheek, remembering all the times they've danced and twirled across the dance floor, both in public and in the private dancing room in Homura's basement.
That's probably the answer to Homura's musings; cuddling is truly wonderful, but there are things like dancing that combine the comfort and contentment of cuddling with energy and movement.
She just said it once, but she's so happy and comfortable that she can't help repeating herself. This time it comes with a preceding whine, as if her tender feelings are bubbling up inside and overwhelming her, "Mmmm, I can't stand it! I love you so, so much! I want to stay close to you and be with you forever!" Her head shakes from side to side playfully, her eyes squeezed shut, and she wiggles and squirms in Homura's arms.
Her hand reaches up afterwards and cups Homura's cute face, caressing it gently while looking into pretty purple eyes. Her fingers brush across Homura's bangs, teasing them to the side, the pure adoration for her darling and beloved shining clearly through her eyes and in her expression. Still gently holding Homura's face in her hand Madoka leans in and kisses her again on the lips, this time giving into her passion and making the kiss a deep one, finding Homura's tongue with her own so that they can rub together and dance.
And dance they do, Madoka playfully twisting in their embrace in time to some unheard tune that matches the pace of her kissing.
"Well you gave me cuddles for my birthday, but it wasn't quite the same." Homura gazes softly at Madoka. "Still, your cuddles have always been the best, and it was probably my happiest birthday ever." With a small giggle, she adds, "Though I bet my next one will be even better, because we'll be girlfriends... and then the one after that..." Homura blushes, looks off to the side briefly, and then clears her throat. "Eheheheh never mind!"
The protection that Madoka offers Homura makes this just as much a nice thing for Homura as it does for Madoka. Sure, she wanted to look cute for Madoka, but she never thought she wouldn't enjoy giving her this particular present. So... soft and so nurturing. Madoka was always this sweet.
Homura looks cute in her usual outfits? Well she does have a lot of different dresses and a few different suits that she looks good in. If Madoka thinks so then that's what matters, because Madoka is the one whom Homura would be trying to impress. Whether or not this particular outfit stands out more than any other doesn't make much of a difference, aside from the fact that she wanted Madoka to enjoy it, and if she didn't then Homura would simply have to find something else to wear.
Madoka's fluffy pigtail brushes against Homura's cheek, and Homura nuzzles against it in turn, because fluffy pink hair is one of Homura's favorite things. Especially since it's part of her favorite person. Dancing is nice, even if it isn't cuddling, because it is something fun and romantic to do with Madoka.
Madoka's whine and declaration brings a chuckle out of Homura. "Well, forever is what I'm here for, my dear. Snuggles and kisses and hugs and cuddles forever and ever. For all of your birthdays and all of the days in between, because I love you too." The wiggling and squirming is cute, and as usual it leads to tighter hugs from Homura, who is squealing softly at just how cute her girlfriend is.
Homura's cheek tingles at Madoka's touch, and her mouth parts open as Madoka's tongue finds its way in. Homura's tongue brushes against her little angel's, playing with her's and rubbing against her's. Homura might not hear the tune that Madoka's dancing to, but she can feel the beat in the swaying of her darling. It doesn't take much coaxing before she's dancing along with her, tongue and sway moving in time.
It really is such a sweet romantic moment.
Madoka smiles brightly at Homura as she talks about her own birthday, and then future birthdays. She nods her head happily, pressing a quick kiss to Homura's cheek as she blushes and looks away, "No, you're right. Every birthday from now on we'll be girlfriends. Every year a new one for each of us~." She starts to giggle, but that giggle cuts off short as something occurs to her. Suddenly Madoka's face is all red as Homura laughs and says 'never mind'. A small smile then shows on her face, both embarrassed and excited, "...wow, there will be birthdays even better than girlfriend birthdays."
Homura impresses Madoka fairly often, and the pink-haired girl is happy to say. From her gorgeous hair to her pretty face, to her lovely figure, there's pretty much nothing about Homura that doesn't attract Madoka. She always admired her beauty, even before they dated, and now she feels super lucky and proud to be dating her. All it takes for that beauty to go from dashing, gorgeous, or cute is a simple change of clothes! She might be jealous if Homura didn't tell her how cute she was on a regular basis.
It's another one of those positive feedback loops, because as Madoka's wiggling prompts Homura to squeeze her even more tightly Madoka wiggles more because she loves being held so very close. Being squeezed tightly may in fact be her favorite part of cuddling, though if it is it's only by a slim margin because every part of cuddling is wonderful. Now that they're settled in Madoka shifts around so that she presses into Homura in just the right way, their bodies having long since grown accustomed to each other. Madoka's arms conform around Homura just so, and Madoka squeezes her and hugs her warmly as she hears her girlfriends adorable squealing.
It's probably no surprise that cuddling together just so includes being positioned for kissing, and Madoka indulges herself in a whole lot of deep and passionate kissing. Her tongue brushes all over Homura's, dancing and playing with it while she moves to unheard romantic melodies.
After many long minutes her kissing starts to slow down, though she doesn't slow down enough to stop. The passion that had built up in her has been satisfied, and so her kissing takes on a different tone. Slower, gentler, and enjoying herself and this time she has with Homura. More focus is put on the press of their lips together, the brushings of her tongue slower and less frantic, more a series of repeated french kisses than fully locking lips.
Though still pressing tightly to Homura she's taken to cuddling her more gently as well, caressing her and rubbing her back while squeezing her warmly with her upper arms and elbows. It's sweet, gentle, and intimate, and Madoka feels thankful that she can spend this kind of time with the person she loves and cares about most.
Homura's realization occurs to Madoka at the same time, and now Homura is meekly looking at Madoka, looking especially cute behind her glasses. She was a little shy about bringing it up, but Madoka caught on anyways. For a moment Homura's mind wanders, and she starts to see the girl next to her not as a girlfriend but as a...
She can't hold it back anymore. She clings to Madoka so tightly, having a giggle fit as she tries to speak. "There will be, and we'll get to share those, too."
Homura always thinks that Madoka is cute. Everything from her fluffy pink pigtails down to her little henshin shoes is so, so cute. Even her kind personality, even her hopes and dreams are cute. Madoka is cute down to her very core! So it really shouldn't be any surprise that Homura adores her endlessly. If Madoka admires her beauty as much as Homura admires her cuteness, then that can only be a good thing in Homura's mind.
As their bodies conform to each other a sense of comfort washes over Homura. It's almost like a dance, or the swinging of a pendulum, how she often shifts between being very excited and very comfortable. It's almost as if she can't fully process this wonderful feeling of cuddling, feeling both a gentle anticipation and an overwhelming sense that all is right in the world. The thought that her own body has come to perfectly match Madoka's is still a very sweet one, and it's the sweetness which often drives Homura over the edge.
The kissing is great too, being equal parts sweet and intimate. It should be no surprise that Homura melts in Madoka's arms, wanting never to let her go. There's comfort in the fact that if she stays for breakfast then she won't have to cut their time short in the name of sneaking out.
The frenching slows, and as it does so Homura spares a bit of her focus to once again brush her hand up and down Madoka's back. Her kissing may become less frantic, but that gives her more time to slowly tug on Madoka's tongue with her own, and in a short time even their lips seem to conform to each other. As well they should.
Even the cuddling grows more gentle, and Homura breaths in deeply through her nose before gently letting it back out again. She's still squeezing Madoka tightly around the waist, but aside from the hand moving across Madoka's back and the motions of her lips and tongue Homura seems perfectly still. She's all too happy to be here like this, and Homura loves the cuddle time she shares with Madoka oh so much.
Madoka happily squeeze Homura close as the dark haired girl clings to her, breaking into a fit of her own giggles when Homura does. "Yes! I want to share all my birthdays with you, from now on." And why wouldn't she, when this one is turning out so very well?
It's so nice that Homura thinks she's that cute, because Madoka would probably choose to be cute over any other visual descriptor. Not that she doesn't like to dress up elegantly from time to time, but she's a very cutesy person and being cute suits her. How lucky to have her girlfriend admiring her for exactly what she wants to be!
As the cuddling becomes very close, warm, and comfortable Madoka makes soft, low whines of enjoyment, much like one might do when they feel good after a nice stretch. Being so close to Homura and getting to hug onto her and be held by her in a continuous way like this is something she's come to deeply enjoy. In fact, she enjoys it so much that it isn't really a stretch that she needs it. It satisfies her need for physical closeness, comfort, and intimacy on a deep level and there are many times when she can't imagine wanting to do anything more than what she's doing right now.
Everything does feel right and good, and there's no aura of hope coming from anywhere to create that feeling artificially. No, it's purely getting to feel Homura in her arms while kissing her, and feeling Homura's arms holding her tight, her hands rubbing her back. She lets out a sigh through her nose as well as her back is rubbed, because it feels so nice.
Slow, languid kissing, and Homura's tongue playing with and tugging on her own. It feels wonderful, and she arches her back a little to press into Homura in response, her lips pressing into Homura's as they kiss and kiss.
Madoka lifts one hand up from Homura's back to her head again, digging her fingers carefully through the thick, tightly pulled hair at the back of her head. Her fingernails find her girlfriend's scalp and scritches gently, just in time for her tongue to retreat. She's not done kissing though, pulling her head back just enough so she can pucker her lips and press them to Homura's, giving little nibbles and squeezes on Homura's lips with her own between direct presses. There's almost as many ways to kiss as there are to dance, and each one of them is fun and enjoyable.
As he kisses Homura over and over her fingers work there way over Homura's scalp, gently scritching. Her lips curl up into a playful smile, and her fingers find the part at the back of Homura's head, scratching up and down it gently, what with her hair being pulled away from the spot. She starts in the center of her head, working up to the top of the part, and then down lower, moving past her hairline to scritch gently at her neck as well.
"Me, too. Your love is the best birthday present I could ever hope for, Madoka-chan." Homura's tone is soft and sweet. She's enjoying both the affection she's receiving now and the cuddling she anticipates she'll be getting for the rest of the night. Not only that, but there's a lot to look forward to in the long term, too. "You are so sweet. I love you so much."
If Madoka's trying to be cute, then she's doing a super good job! Homura has been entranced by her girlfriend's cuteness for so long that she's come to think that she always will be, and how could she not be? Madoka really is the perfect girl for Homura in so many ways.
The soft whines only add to Madoka's cuteness in Homura's eyes. Ahhh, to be able to cuddle someone so adorable! What more could Homura ask for? If this cuddly cute person needs Homura's cuddles, then that works out just fine, because Homura needs her, too. The black-haired girl imagines that if there was something they'd want to do more, then they'd be doing it instead. The fact that they both keep coming back to this, no matter how many months pass, means that they both must be enjoying it a lot.
There's no need to magically emulate good feelings when there are so many happening naturally. The kisses, both soft and passionate, the closeness, both warm and comforting. Every moment is magical, from the way they touch to the soft sighs and other expressions of enjoyment. It's so good. To think that a year ago, Homura had no idea that anything could feel this good.
Madoka's back arches, and as she presses against Homura, Homura's embrace squeezes just a little more tightly. As Madoka's fingers once again play with the back of Homura's head, Homura's kissing seems to slow down. When Madoka's tongue retreats, Homura calls out her darling's name in a whisper. "Madoka-chan..."
The nibbles and soft kisses are wonderful, but it's the touch against her scalp that seems to bring the redness back to Homura's cheeks, especially as Madoka's nails scritch against her hairline. As the back of her neck is scritched, Homura's breath becomes heavier, and the heat of it can be felt in the kisses she shares with Madoka.
Homura's voice is so pretty when she talks in that tone. "I want to be as sweet as I can for you. You deserve only the sweetest and the best." A happy sign escapes her and she squeezes Homura, "I love you too, Homura-chan, so much."
Madoka squirms happily in Homura's arms, pressing gently into her and holding her close. It really is perfect, kissing and cuddling and enjoying each other's company. When things can be so very right in each other's arms, it's no wonder they come back to it time and time again.
The press gets a squeeze and Madoka's lips curl up into a happy, content smile. Her cuddles and her kisses are slow and languid, enjoying every moment here on her bed with Homura. She gives a small stretch of her legs and then curls them back up, lightly brushing them against Homura's and giving her calf a squeeze with both of her own.
Her eyes stare happily into the beautiful purple of her girlfriend's, shining with love and affection. "Homura-chan," she replies as her name is spoken, pressing a firmer kiss to her lips afterwards.
The scritching is something Madoka knows Homura enjoys, but the redness on her cheeks wasn't expected. Playful excitement bubbles up in her chest, and Madoka scritches a little more firmly, only to shake her head quickly from side to side before giggling. "Ehehehe! You're just so very cute when you're blushing! I wonder if I can get your cute cheeks as red as your glasses?"
She wiggles playfully against Homura, as much to tease as to enjoy the enjoyable rubbing it produces. Her lips move away from Homura's, only to press sweetly to her blushing cheek, followed by a nuzzle to rub the kiss into the blush, as if somehow that will strengthen the effect. "Mmm, Homura-chan's soft warm cheek, it feels so silky smooth against my face."
Homura coos happily at Madoka's words. "Well you are the sweetest and the best. My sweet little angel, who's always happy to give me kisses and cuddles."
Slow languid kissing is so nice, especially when they have nothing left to do today except for enjoy each other's company and the sparks of romance flying between them. Homura curls her legs upwards as her calf is squeezed, rubbing her leg against Madoka's in the process. Looking into Madoka's pretty pink eyes while doing that only adds to it, and Homura is once again reminded that Madoka makes her heart flutter.
As the scritching not only continues but intensifies, and Homura is staring wide-eyed into Madoka's eyes. Her blush does get more and more red, and after a moment she gently bites her own bottom lip. After a while, her glasses actually start to fog up, around the same time that the red of her glasses starts to match the red of her cheeks.
"Is that why you're always making me blush? I don't mind it if it makes me look cute to you." After all, Homura is dressing cute today, or at least that was the intent. Now Madoka is teasing her and scritching her, and Homura starts to shift around and wiggle right along with Madoka, intensifying the rubbing. The kiss to her blushing hot cheek is so cute, and Homura's hand moves down from Madoka's back, squeezing her side.
Her own back arches, pressing her against Madoka, and Homura pouts and whimpers playfully. "You're always driving me crazy, Madoka-chan! You're irresistible! It's not fair!"
Despite her spoken protests, she's now moving her head forward slightly to start kissing Madoka's neck, soft gentle pecks over and over again while she holds her beloved in her arms. "Teasing me and making me blush. Well, I'm yours if you want to do that to me~."
Madoka giggles softly, "I like being your sweet little angel, and I love giving you kisses and cuddles. Especially when you give me kisses and cuddles back."
Madoka's leg is rubbed as Homura curls her own, and she gently brushes her soft leg against Homura's in return. Her soft pink eyes are fixed upon Homura's, her smile widening a little as she reads into what Homura is feeling by the look in them and on her face. The wide eyed expression from the skritching is certainly very cute, and it doesn't do very much to get Madoka to calm down! She isn't intensifying though, fingernails scratching at the back of Homura's neck before drifting upward and into her hair again to scratch enjoyably over her scalp.
She giggles as Homura's blush continues to brighten, right up until her glasses begin to fog. "I'm not always trying, but when I am it is because I think you're so very cute with red cheeks." Homura's wiggling gets a happy smile from her, warm and bright, and she laughs and giggles quietly, only to make a happy sigh when her side is squeezed.
"I'm sorry. I can't help loving you so much that I become irresistible to you, Homura-chan." She pulls back after the nuzzle, giving a tiny playful pout, "You don't have to resist me at all, if that helps?"
She lets out a happy sigh as her neck is kissed, tilting her head slightly away to make it easier. "That feels nice," she whispers, only to giggle at her girlfriends words. "I do when you dress up especially cute for me on my birthday." Her arm at Homura's back squeezes tightly and rubs slowly up and down, "My sweet, adorable Homura-chan."
After a moment she lets out a happy whimper, "Ahh, we actually get to cuddle all night, don't we? I really am so happy, Homura-chan."
"Well if that's how you feel," Homura knows darn well that's how Madoka feels, "then you can have all of my kisses and cuddles. I'll even give you all my nuzzles and hugs, too!"
Homura squeezes Madoka's legs between her own, squirming slightly as her legs are rubbed. It's probably not hard for Madoka to know how much Homura's enjoying it at this point. Not after they've been together for so long, and have gotten to know each other so well. If that makes it harder for Madoka to calm down... well... doesn't that make this birthday a success?
It's a good thing too, because Homura has been looking forward to this birthday for a long time. She's certainly looked forward to it more than she's looked forward to her own, which she actually outright forgot about until her mother called.
The gentle scritching on her scalp is nice, and it's something of an unforeseen benefit of having her hair braided like this while cuddling.
Homura giggles in response to Madoka's words. "So my little angel doesn't even have to try to make me happy. She's just that good at getting me to fall for her over and over."
When she hears Madoka say that Homura doesn't have to resist her, Homura grins just a little bit impishly. "Oh believe me, it does help, and you don't have to resist me, either."
After kissing Madoka's neck, and hearing her girlfriend's sigh and then her response, Homura adds, "Well if that's how it is then I'm glad I did!"
She nuzzles against Madoka, getting warm and comfortable in her little angel's arms. "We can. We can cuddle all night long, until we fall asleep in each other's arms, and when we wake up we can cuddle then, too."
Which, really, makes this a very nice day. Cuddling in the morning, spending a birthday together, and then cuddling at night. Homura couldn't hope for a happier life, and the fact that they have many more days like this in their future only makes it even better.