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Chapter Text

There had been many worlds that Homura left behind. Infinite possibilities, these tangled timelines, but though she would have left at the end of the month the world before would still go on.

In one of these, Mami and Kyoko (and their relationship) survived to their eighteenth birthdays. In that time they had not changed in appearance since the time that they contracted. They got compliments for keeping youthful faces, but it would probably prove to against their favor when driving.

It wasn't an easy time learning how to drive, but Mami was able to find a good instructor that could teach both of them.

Today, Kyoko held out her Soul Gem and told Mami where to turn based on the Soul Gem's feeling of the Witch's current location.

"It's like a crappy GPS," Kyoko muttered.

Mami would have laughed, but another car's tires screeched loudly and her heart seized up. She waited for the crash, the horrible shriek of metal and the burning pain that wouldn't end-

"Hey." Kyoko's voice was surprisingly gentle. "Pull over. Let me drive for a while."

Mami nodded, swallowed thickly and pulled the car over. They exchanged their positions and she headed to the left side of the car and fell heavily into the passenger's seat.

The car started up and Kyoko drove it back onto the road. Mami stared at the window and managed to say, "I'm sorry," without choking on them.

"Don't worry about it," Kyoko said gruffly.

Chapter Text

It was at the end of another day of hosting, with surprisingly less obnoxious behavior from Tamaki and the twins than usual. Haruhi was about to leave before she felt someone tap her shoulder. She turned around and had to tilt her head up all the way back.

Mori was holding a small, brown package and handed it to Haruhi. "It reminded me of you."

"Um... thank you."

He smiled, which definitely caught her off-guard, with the amount of words that he usually spoke to her in a week used up in a day. She let Mori walk out first and she looked at the package quizzically.

She tore it open carefully and saw from the top part of the packaging that it was a charm. If it was anybody else she would have expected the charm to be a giant, fancy tuna or a tanuki.

Haruhi pulled out the charm and saw that it was a single flower, with white petals and purple anther. A pear blossom, the label said.

She smiled and would later hang it up on her doorknob.

Chapter Text

The day had been filled with shopping, with Mettaton finding clothes that were fashionable and comfortable for his new employees on the surface and the outfits that Frisk was interesting in. Not that Mettaton was spoiling the child, perish the thought. (Well, once in a blue moon doesn't hurt.)

The two finished their adventure at the mall at a little ice cream place, and Frisk rummaged around their little rucksack to bring out a plastic rhinestone wallet.

They scattered the coins on the counter and signed to Mettaton that they were going to buy him a banana split.

Mettaton took a cursory glance at the money and said, "Darling, will there be enough for yourself?"

"No, no, it's my treat," Frisk signed, and they started to count the money, pushing it forward to the patient cashier.

The coins were enough, and Mettaton took the huge banana split. He insisted on giving Frisk a spoon, and while the ice cream was not gourmet it was quite good.

Chapter Text

The last that she had seen of her friend in this lonely, vast valley was tumbling over the cliff, broken up and falling into the chasm. Ida could only watch, though her grief was cut-short as the sound told her to move this way. Move this way, your quest is not over.

When she returned a piece of the sacred geometry, she found herself in the coldest tundra, and followed the sound that reverberated. The sound told her this way, this way, and there was a pulley that held a piece of her friend.

As the sound moved the piece around, there were more to be found, and though she couldn't speak Ida hoped that her friend knew what she thought.

Don't worry. Come here, follow the pull of the sound. Let me fix it.

Chapter Text

The Witch had done enough damage that Sayaka's healing could barely keep up. She could barely grasp the Grief Seed, shrugging off Madoka's insistence to help.

Madoka's heart twisted up with anxiousness and she didn't hesitate to say, "I'll walk you home," to Sayaka's trudging figure.

Sayaka stopped, stumbling just a little. She rubbed at her face, her eyes beginning to form purplish bruises and she smiled just a little. There was a tiny chip in her tooth.

"You know what? I wouldn't mind."

Madoka hurried to her friend, half-carrying her, and helped her get home.

Chapter Text

It was almost their two year anniversary and Takeo decided to go back to the cafè to take up a temporary job. Everyone there seemed to like him, and he had gotten good at it, too.

It was almost their two year anniversary. Youth was as fragile as the cherry blossoms...

"Takeo?" Rinko asked. Her voice broke him out of his musings. "Is it time for you to go to work?"

Takeo looked at his watch and barely suppressed a bellow of surprise.

"I have to go!"

He jumped off the park bench and ran, his school bag flying in the wind.

"Have a good day at work!" Rinko called, waving at his retreating figure.

I love her!

She deserved the whole world on their anniversary, he thought.

Chapter Text

Her school bag fell heavily onto the floor and Homura staggered before falling into the bed.

She knew it was late, so late that it was nearly morning. She was thankful that it was break, because she couldn't imagine going to school after fighting all of those Wraiths.

Not that she could use her time shield anymore, anyway.

Homura rubbed at her eyes and rested her hand on the top of her head. She untied the red ribbon and cradled it against her chest.

"I dreamed about you last night."

She didn't hear anyone reply. She curled up tighter and thought of her dream, a lovely dream indeed, until sleep claimed her.

Chapter Text

Madoka settled onto the floor and reached for the teapot, the sweet aroma making her mouth water.

"Oh, Madoka, you don't have to sit on the floor," said Mami. She stood up and held out her hands to her seat.

"No, no, it's okay."

"You're a guest, I insist, take my seat."

"Mami, you can take mine," said Sayaka.

"No, stay where you are. Madoka, it's all right-"

(At the end of it, all three of them sat on the floor, the chairs pushed against the wall.)

Chapter Text

Frisk heard too late that there were donuts being sold at the cafeteria, and despite their rushing there wasn't any left. The table was half-covered by paper, and a sign declaring the sale sat sadly on the floor.

"Hey, dude!" called Monster Kid. They were beside a tiny fort of binders. "I saved a piece for you!"

The donut was a little squashed and the chocolate covering was a little smeared, but that was all right. Frisk grinned, their mouth full of the pastry, and signed "Thank you" when they finished.

"Anytime!"

Chapter Text

It was the first timeline where this happened. There may be more, forbid it, but for now Homura couldn't find the words. Today was the day of Kyousuke's funeral.

They had never been close in any timeline, but it still struck hard that someone could die and she couldn't do anything to stop it.

But it wasn't about her today, Homura noted. She was walking around mourners, adults and her classmates, keeping her head down until she almost collided with someone. She was thankful that she wasn't her old self in that moment.

The person she had almost hit was Sayaka, the girl's eyes bloodshot and puffy. There wasn't any deep animosity in her gaze.

Homura kept back the words that swirled around in her head like a storm. He wouldn't have loved you, he called you a monster, he ignored you for his violin, he wouldn't care, I've seen it so many times that it hurts to think of it.

But those words were laced with poison, traitorous, and it wasn't right. 

"I'm sorry," Homura said quietly. "I'm sorry for your loss."

She kept her head down again, and she bit back a cry of surprise when she felt arms envelope her.

"Thank you..."

Chapter Text

Fuuka tiredly took off her shoes as she entered her home, calling out, "I'm home.". Her shoulder was aching from her heavy school bag.

"Welcome back," Ena said as she peeked out from the living room. "How were exams?"

"Exhausting. I need something sweet," said Fuuka. "It's for my, um... brain power."

"Sure." Ena headed to the fridge and opened it up, spotting a lone eclair in a plastic container. She brought it back and said, "We can share it. You can have half."

"Oh." Fuuka opened up the container and carefully pulled at the pastry, careful to make sure the filling wouldn't spill. "Yeah, thank you. It'll be easier for my diet."

Chapter Text

Steven had been helping Amethyst clean up her room. Well, it was more like putting things from piles into more organized piles. At least, so far, he hadn't touched anything that had muck or some nauseating water stain on it.

Eventually, though, doing all that work made him hungry. He finished putting the old, scratched-up CDs into their proper pile and called, "Amethyst, I'm gonna go get some donuts!"

Steven heard something skid down the garbage-treasure and Amethyst appeared next to him. She held a slightly tattered jacket.

"Here, dude," She said. "Take my jacket, it's cold outside. If you get sick, Pearl's gonna freak out."

Steven gingerly took the jacket and inspected it. There didn't seem to be anything in it, weird or not. The weirdest thing about it was probably the fringe at the bottom.

He said, "Thank you," and headed out to the Big Donut.

Chapter Text

Pearl waited inside of the movie theater's lobby, the coldness of the air conditioning settling into her skin. She was waiting for Sheena, as the two of them were going to see a movie that was about the retelling of Hades and Persephone. Pearl had no doubt that this new movie would have inaccuracies, as she did hear the very first time it was told so very long ago. However, it was interesting to see how humans interpreted stories, and how they thought to surprise.

Besides, Sheena had said that the black horses and golden chariot were "mind-blowing". Pearl had packed some tissues so that Sheena could safely collect her mind when that part showed up.

"Sorry I'm late!"

Pearl smiled when the woman hurried up to her.

"You're not late, don't worry," she said. "It's only five minutes and nineteen seconds until the movie begins."

"All right," said Sheena. "Oh, do you want anything to eat?"

Pearl shook her head. Sheena went to buy a small kettle corn and drink, and they headed to the theater room together.

Pearl did try a piece of kettle corn when Demeter made an impressive bridge of grass and flowers. She didn't understand how humans could eat popped corn kernels, but the taste of sugar and salt on it was nice.

Chapter Text

The snow was scattered on the ground, and the fountain had sheets of ice on top of the water, easily broken with a hand.

Luigi’s breath was visible. He was looking up at the night sky, the snow beginning to fall again.

He tugged on his gloves, and brushed away the small powder of snow off them. He looked at Daisy, and stood up.

Holding out his hand, he asked, “Can I have this dance?”

She grinned and took his hand, pulling herself up from the stone of the fountain wall.

Before they danced, a few snowflakes drifted down to her hair. Luigi gently brushed them away.

Chapter Text

Takeo sat stoically on the bench, his hands resting on his knees and his posture still. A passerby would have thought that he was meditating, but that was a half-truth. It was more like serious mulling mixed with daydreaming.

"Takeo!"

The sound of Rinko's voice broke him out of his mixed thoughts and he relaxed at the sight of her. She pushed a box full of pastries at him.

"I made your favorite," said Rinko.

"Everything you make is my favorite," Takeo would have said, if he wasn't eating.

Chapter Text

Connie looked at her ceiling, her pillow too warm and the covers too confining. She turned to her side, groaning when a crick in her neck stung. She sat up and carefully rolled her head around, hearing the tiny pop of muscles.

On her desk her phone lit up and Connie threw off the covers and got up to look at the screen. It was a call from Steven.

Connie unlocked her phone and took the call, asking, "Hello?"

"Connie? I'm sorry, did I wake you up? I just... I couldn't stop thinking about everything..."

"No, no. It's okay. I couldn't sleep, anyway."

Chapter Text

Ib went on her toes to look at the foot of the stairs, hoping that no mannequin or a painting of one of those ladies was at the bottom. Her rose was okay, it could have been better, but that didn't quell any fear.

She stepped forward, and her foot twisted in on itself. She would have fallen down the stairs if Garry had reached out and grabbed her arm, his hand tightly clutching her wrist.

Ib got her balance back and Garry let go of her arm. He let out a sigh of relief, and asked, "Are you okay, Ib?"

She nodded, and reached down to massage her ankle for a few seconds. She looked ashamed at her clumsiness.

"It's all right, Ib," said Garry. He leaned down and smiled. "Just watch your step, okay? It's scary in here, isn't it, sweetheart?"

Ib nodded again and pointed down at the foot of the stairs.

"Ah, right, let's go," Garry said. He went down first and didn't make any comment when Ib reached out to grab his hand.

Chapter Text

The worst part of catching a cold was the sheer discomfort that decided to eat its way into your bones. It felt like sand had found its way into Luigi's throat and was making its way into his bloodstream.

And the day was mostly spent sleeping. He thought he had visitors, some percentage in his head, but there was also that dream about cursive writing that was on the walls that he was about eighty percent sure wasn't real. Well, that was something for the healthy Luigi of the future to figure out.

He heard the floorboards creak and felt a hand that was relatively cool rest on his forehead. "How're you feeling?" asked Mario

Luigi tried to say, "Not better," but the words came out arid and hoarse. He tried to sit up and even that made his head pound.

"Here, drink this. You'll feel better." Mario handed him a glass of water.

The water did help. His throat felt soothed, and he gave back the empty glass.

Luigi settled back down and closed his eyes. He felt a twinge of guilt.

"Sorry... for being a bother," he said with a slightly less hoarse voice.

"You're never a bother."

Chapter Text

It was an indeterminable day in an indeterminable place. The two gems moved together, indeterminable.

Not a part of a Diamond's court and not a part of the rebels, either. A nebulous position, just Ruby. Just Sapphire.

It was still easy for Ruby to stray into panicked thoughts, "I have to get her back to Blue Diamond's court," before reality settled in and reminded her of what had transpired. It was easy to still see herself as lesser than Sapphire, a gem that could see the thread-like paths of the future.

(Even thousands of years later it would be difficult to shake that feeling off)

But now. Now it was early morning on this planet, the stars chased away, and the sky smeared with reds and oranges.

Ruby thought of the other planets that she had seen, their vastly different mornings, and wondered why the rebels had a reason to protect Earth.

She glanced at Sapphire and figured that the courts would wonder why Sapphire had a reason to protect her.

"Can I... Can I hold your hand?"

Sapphire smiled, faintly, and wordlessly slipped her hand into Ruby's.

Chapter Text

Papyrus irritably dug through his box that held his special attack. He didn't misplace it, he was certain of that.

Of course, he had been perfecting his puzzles, so perhaps the missing special attack was accidentally tied up somewhere...

"you're muttering," said Sans, making Papyrus jump. Papyrus thought thought that his brother could be scarily stealthy. "here, you can borrow mine."

"OH," said Papyrus. He turned around. "THANK YOU, BROTHER, I REALLY APPRE-"

Sans was gone, with an all too small special attack left on the floor of the doorway. If humans could have miniature versions, then even one of those could get over that special attack.

But, Papyrus had to admit, at least Sans decided to help out.

Chapter Text

Alphys didn't really like receiving presents. It left her with an uneasy feeling, like wondering why someone would spend their money on someone like her.

Well. That's how it was in the Underground. She had worked on accepting presents while resisting the weird, prickly feeling that arose in her chest.

Today, though, Undyne had presented her with a brightly colored box, small enough to hold one piece of jewelry inside, and Alyphys was really trying to resist the weird, prickly feeling.

"Oh no, I can't take this," she said, the feeling winning. "You didn't have to, I mean, I..."

"You might like this," said Undyne. She smiled, which may have looked odd to anyone else but it made Alphys's heart beat.

"A... All right." Alphys took the box and popped it open. Her mouth fell when she saw the necklace inside.

There was a perfect, flat metal replica of the mark that Mew Mew got in episode five. It was a heart, with two thin lines over-arching it. On the bottom of the heart were four lines in a square, vaguely resembling a clover. The necklace was colored silver, with a silver chain.

"T-thank you," said Alphys. "I don't know what to say..."

"Ahh, don't worry about it," said Undyne. "I love you, and I love your weird shows."

Chapter Text

There was a headless mannequin blocking the door, one seemed poised to jump out and tear off one of the rose's petals. Ib still eyed it with suspicion, and raised up her tiny hands, curled into fists, as she approached it.

It didn't do anything when she came up to it, but she misinterpreted the distance and slammed into it.

"Goodness, Ib," said Garry. "Are you all right?"

Ib rubbed at her arm and nodded. She glared at the mannequin, and tried to shove it out of the way, but that didn't do anything.

"Here, let me show you," Garry said. He moved to the side of the mannequin and chuckled at Ib's dubious look. "Don't worry."

He planted his feet on the ground, bending his knees a little and gave the mannequin a push. He gritted his teeth when it didn't budge, and pushed harder.

He saw Ib's concerned look and chuckled again. "It's not heavy. I'm stronger than I look-"

The mannequin moved forward, tipping over, and Garry grabbed it. He tilted it back to a proper standing position and brushed his hands against his coat.

There we go. Ready, Ib?"

She nodded and followed him through the door.

Chapter Text

Frisk hadn't really thought of the story about Bloody Mary when they first changed into their swimsuit. Sure, it was a little frantic and they stuffed their clothing into the bag without much thought, but afterward they felt confident that they wouldn't be scared since nothing happened.

But now they were standing outside the restroom, pushing on the door and losing their grit when they saw the huge mirror. One story would have been enough, but the older kids had told three. And it didn't seem like Bloody Mary would be willing to go into battle and see that Frisk meant her no harm. It felt like Bloody Mary would just get them and go on her way to the next kid.

Their swimsuit was starting to get cold, and starting to itch. They had to go to the next camp activity, but the fear of Bloody Mary kept surging when they stepped near the restroom. Frisk rocked on their feet, trying to build up their courage and just get it over with.

"Yo!"

They turned to the sound of Monster Kid's voice and relief flooded their heart. The older kids didn't say what would happen if two people face against Bloody Mary, and the two of them could easily fight her off.

"Are you okay, dude?" asked Monster Kid. "You're gonna be late for those weird marshmallow chocolate things."

Frisk signed that they were afraid of Bloody Mary coming after them in the restroom.

"Oh, Bloody Mary? Isn't it weird that she can come out of any mirror at any time? Does she teleport?" Monster Kid was starting to get excited. "Can ghost humans do that? How come? That's so cool!"

Frisk waited for them to calm down and signed, "Can you come into the restroom with me and wait while I change?"

"Huh? Oh, sure, dude," said Monster Kid. "I'll wait."

Frisk smiled and headed into the restroom, Monster Kid following. Frisk was able to change into their clothes, folding up the swimsuit neatly and putting it in their bag, and the two exited the restroom and headed to the next activity.

Chapter Text

It had taken hours to make it to the fair, and Bob still didn't entirely get the point of it. They lived close to a wharf, wasn't that the same thing?

("It is not the same thing, Bob," Linda had said when she put the basket of food in the back of the car, closing the trunk as if to emphasize her point.)

Well, now his family was scattered up in this arena of deep fried foods and activities that didn't require heavy machinery. He supposed that the lack of machines was a difference between a fair and a wharf, but that was where the differences ended.

Bob eventually found Tina near a stall that was selling some kitschy stuff, and Tina had her hands closed over something.

She showed it to him, revealing a small jewelry box shaped like a horse, the strip of paper sticking to it saying that it was four dollars. There was a ring inside, one that Tina took out and put on her finger to prove it fit. It took a little effort to slide it off her knuckle, but it did come off.

She put the ring back inside and closed the box, looking at it longingly. Bob reached into his pocket to give the cashier four dollars.

"Just because," he said, smiling a little.

Chapter Text

Frisk had told her that they were going to cross the walk to school alone today. Toriel only walked them up to the sidewalk that lead to the school entrance and patted their back.

"Be good," she said. "Look both ways."

Frisk nodded and smiled, and stood on the edge of the corner. They hunched up their shoulders and looked to the left. Then, to the right and to the left again. Seeing nothing, they raced across the road and made it to the other side.

They began to jump with joy, and waved emphatically to Toriel before running up the steps to the school.

Toriel knew that the stop signs were all around the school but it was important to teach her independent child how to be safe.

Chapter Text

Ena's thoughts were invaded by what she had done yesterday as she walked home. Yotsuba was an energetic, cute kid but when something didn't stick it really didn't stick.

But that didn't mean that she deserved getting yelled at for mispronouncing Julietta's name. When Ena got right down to it, it was just a name for a bear. And it was difficult to pronounce sometimes.

She resolved to not mind when Yotsuba called Julietta "Juralumin" anymore. She had to apologize, and there was a murky feeling in her stomach when she tried to convince herself that the incident hadn't made Yotsuba cried.

She would say, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."

(As it had turned out, Yotsuba didn't even remember what happened, and it was both surprising and typical.)

Chapter Text

Frisk chewed on the inside of their cheek. There was a big bowl full of soup in front of them, a sort of broth that they couldn't pinpoint what color it was.

Papyrus was smiling expectantly, holding up the ladle and keeping one hand hovering over the boiling pot for whatever reason.

"GO ON, MY FRIEND," he said. "IT IS A NEW SOUP I HAVE INVENTED. TRY SOME, PLEASE?"

Frisk stopped chewing on their cheek, remembering that it would probably tear if they kept doing so. They picked up the spoon and plunged it into the soup, bringing up a mouthful.

They pinched their nose and shoved the spoon into their mouth, the soup washing over their taste buds. They waited for the moment when their body would shiver all over from the horrible taste and they would have to force it down their throat.

That moment didn't come. The soup was mostly peppery but in a good way. They nodded at Papyrus, giving a thumbs up, and finished their bowl.

"I'M SO GLAD YOU LIKED IT," Papyrus said as he patted Frisk's head. "NOW, UM... COULD YOU PLEASE ASSIST ME IN THE KITCHEN? IT IS A BIT... UNKEMPT."

(How the tomato paste managed to get all the way up onto the ceiling fan would always be a mystery, but otherwise the damage to the kitchen was easily cleaned up.)

Chapter Text

There were many timelines left behind, with infinite possibilities. One early morning Mami prepared her lunch and said good-bye to her parents as they left for a business trip to the next town.

She felt a twinge of something, like a piece of a puzzle that was lost, and called out as the door was shut, "Drive safely."

They returned home three days later and in that life Mami made her contract with a different wish.

Chapter Text

The Grief Seed of the Witch clinked to the floor, the tip of it in the shape of an apparition. The Witch had been called Ariel, the runes displaying themselves before the Witch showed itself and it had been very easy to defeat. Even the familiars were lethargic and didn't put up much of a fight.

Homura insisted that Madoka take the Grief Seed. Walpurgisnacht was going to arrive in two weeks, and Homura was going to make the seventh trip back through time the last.

"I feel sorry for that Witch," Madoka said as she traced over the Grief Seed. "It seemed so... sad. I can't really explain it."

"They all feed on grief," Homura said. She held on to one of her braids as they walked. "Maybe the Witch kept taking in people's sadness and cycling it through. Its power might've been offensive."
She hoped that made sense.

"I suppose..." Madoka shook her head and smoothed her hair back into something less tangled. "Well, what do you want to do?"

"I didn't eat lunch earlier because I didn't have any time to make one-"

"Oh, Homura, you should have told me," Madoka lightly scolded. "Here, we're going to go to a restaurant and I'll pay for your lunch."

Homura tried to make a sound of protest but closed her mouth. There wasn't any use in arguing.

And next time she would ask for some of Madoka's if it happened again. Her father's cooking was pretty good.

Chapter Text

Alphys had found herself reading books on science since she was very young. She remembered discarded, slightly soggy books on the different planets stacked up in her room when she was a kid. Discovering science textbooks with ballpoint pen scribbles and doodles. The chapters that declared "Human Reproduction" in their bold, block letters had the most doodles and scribbles. There had even been pamphlets in the garbage dump, the fun facts and did-you-knows protected by the lamination.

It was a little odd to her that humans could present these facts and make up stories about kitchen appliances going to Mars. But for the most part these kinds of things were accurate or marked as fiction.

Frisk had an assigned work for school, a book on an astronaut that got lost in space and meets colorful planets and aliens. The assignment sheet had a big, cheery disclaimer that it would be fun for the child to read with a parent or guardian, and Frisk had insisted that Alphys read it with them.

The assignment called for only one chapter to be read in-between each class time so that the suspense and fun could be preserved, as well as the information stay fresh for the brief in-writing recap. However, in chapter four the astronaut was captured by aliens on the moon Despina, and it looked like she would be trapped as a statue forever.

Frisk tried to put their fingers into the book before Alphys could close it. They looked up imploringly at her.

"Ah, Frisk, you know that we can't read anymore," Alphys said to their pleading face. "And, well, um, I think Lucy will be okay! Remember how she fixed her space ship on Jupiter? That was a little scary, right?"

They didn't move their fingers.

Alphys glanced and whispered conspiratorially, "One more chapter."

Frisk smiled and settled back in next to her, eager to see how the astronaut would make it off Despina.

Chapter Text

Garry slumped against the wall, faintly hearing Mary singing about loves me, loves me not. He knew that Mary didn't like him, so maybe it was to be expected that she drew out his pain like this. He couldn't let her have Ib's rose. He exchanged it for something prettier, something that made her eyes glint with joy.

He breathed, and it felt like his lungs were lined with needles. His vision blurred Ib, who was looking at him with a teary, worried expression.

"Ib," he said, his voice raspy. "Don't worry about me. If you need me, I'll come running."

Garry strained to make what he hoped was a smile. He could hear Mary's last syllable of the song and the rip of a petal from a stem.

Chapter Text

There was a two-man play going on in Beach City that night, a romance-action-tragedy-fantasy mashup that showcased props that were discarded from yard sales and old garages. Steven had the chance to show off his wardrobe, from the suit for the classy character of Lady Biscuit to the casual jeans and T-shirt for the distant Prince Jam and a bee-patterned dress complete with a ribbon for the fae character that made the entire plot start,

But now, as Jamie was on stage as the Archduke Leo lecturing the audience on the importance of presenting one's self in a professional way, Steven was having troubles with an article of clothing that was not from home.

It was a dress where the body was a deep red. The puffy shoulders were purple and the sleeves were a bright yellow. That was all right for the character, as the false Queen was suppose to present herself as garish, but there was the matter of actually getting the outfit to stay on.

There were tiny, tiny hooks in the back. But the sleeves were entirely too stiff, so Steven was left fumbling for the hooks and getting them caught unevenly. He could hear Jamie, muffled, and knew that he had to get out there soon. There was a certain part where the false Queen would announce herself loudly and chase Archduke Leo off the stage.

He strained against the stiff sleeves, quietly saying, "Come on, come on," and felt the fabric itch against his skin. Jamie had only managed to find something so obnoxiously colored at the last minute, and now Steven was wishing he had done a mismatched outfit with the T-shirt and dress pants.

"Steven?" he heard Pearl ask. She walked into the changing room. "Jamie has been improvising for five minutes and Garnet said I should check on you - oh, my goodness."

She held her hand against her mouth, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Well. That's an... interesting color for a dress. I must say, the designer must have had a lot of imagination."

"Pearl," Steven said, "Can you help me? I can't get the hooks."

She motioned for him to turn around and knelt down to slid the hooks into their proper place. She patted his back when she was done.

"Thanks!" Steven took a moment to look down and examine the outfit. He hoped that the dress wouldn't steal the false Queen's performance.

"It looks nice on you, Steven," Pearl said genuinely. "I'll help you get out of it, all right? Now, go knock their shoes off."

Steven nodded and rushed out, his arms stiff at his sides. He accidentally broke the rickety table when he stepped on it for the big speech, but that only made the audience laugh more at the false Queen's showy personality.

Chapter Text

“Close your eyes and hold out your hands,” Luigi said.

Daisy held them out but peeked just a little. There was a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

He took hold of them, his hands under hers. Luigi hesitated for a moment before kissing her hands.
He looked up when he heard Daisy laugh, noticing her smile. His face felt warm.

“Ah, don’t be embarrassed!”

Chapter Text

Hitomi leafed through the brown paper bag that held her purchases. She had to make sure that there were enough notebooks for all her classes. One class required a notebook with paper that was thick enough that ink wouldn't bleed through. She leafed through them again, her eyebrows furrowing. The train lurched, matching the feeling in her stomach.

"Oh, no, it's not here," she said, panic in her voice.

"What isn't?" Sayaka asked, peering over.

"The notebook, the one with the thick paper," Hitomi said. "By the time I go on the next train and buy it again and get home it'll be late..."

"That's okay," Sayaka said as she pulled out the notebook from her brown bag and handed it to Hitomi. "I bought two."

"Is this really okay? I can pay you back-"

"No, no," Sayaka insisted. "It's all right."

"Thank you so much!"

Sayaka closed the tape over the brown bag. She would have to go to that shop again to replace the thick notebook tomorrow.

Chapter Text

There was a flash of light, and really Garry was more than half-expecting it to reveal more murderous artworks and they would have to run for some other means of an escape. But the frame was gone, and there was faint chatter from the art gallery. The real one, where creepy little dolls didn't follow you and girls weren't born out of paintings.

He closed his hand over the makeshift bandage Ib made out of her handkerchief. He hoped a little blood wasn't enough to ruin it.

Garry looked down to see Ib staring at the painting and he placed a hand on her shoulder, saying, "After you."

She looked up at him and nodded, climbing into the painting. She looked almost translucent in the light.

Garry felt dread, like something was at his side ready to strike so he climbed into the painting without looking to see what it was. The next thing he knew he was still at the art gallery and it felt like he was robbed of time, though for what he didn't know.

(That handkerchief would help him remember everything, when a girl who looked desperate pointed it out. They had survived together.)

Chapter Text

It was too horrible. It was just too horrible, Pearl could still see her friends writhing on the ground and their bodies twist into horrific forms, and the screaming, the screaming, the screaming -

Sometimes she didn't know what would be worse. Being corrupted like that or hearing those screams forever.

Rose and Garnet were the only ones left. And now they were all searching, to put their fallen friends into a bubble, a state that would cease their suffering until the way to undo the corruption could be found.

Pearl had found shards on the ground when they were searching. Whether Crystal Gem or Homeworld, she didn't know. And she was acutely aware that Homeworld wouldn't search for those missing. They could be replaced. In the end, Homeworld had the last laugh.

She bubbled the shards and just stared at them. Whoever this was would never reform again.

Something touched her shoulder and Pearl turned, the bubble staying close to her open hand. Rose was there, a small, sad smile on her face. She gently took the bubble and sent it to a safe place.

"We'll figure it out," she said, and Pearl knew it was true. She, Rose and Garnet. They would bring back the gems that were lost.

Chapter Text

They had defused, not because of being attacked to the point that they had to retreat into their respective gems to recover, but because thoughts had swarmed around them and it was really too much. In hindsight, Sapphire thought, it was a little embarrassing. Usually she was able to keep her thoughts tidy and out of the way.

But they had decided to take a step back and breathe on their own for a while. Ruby had taken some time to roll around in the grass because it was still a mystery as to how something could be described as sharp and soft. Ruby was going to find out why one of these days.

The grass stuck to her when she sat up. She heard Sapphire settle next to her and a blade of grass slipped into her mouth. Ruby spat it out inelegantly.

Ruby wiped her mouth, averting her eyes. That was a pretty impulsive thing to do, and it was one of her qualities that probably made them defuse because when one thought got away from her... Well.

"It's not your fault," Sapphire said.

Ruby didn't really know what to say to that.

"Ruby," Sapphire said, "There is something that I learned that humans do. They have lips and mouths, yes? So they put two of those lips and mouths together. And call it a kiss."

Ruby had seen something like that.

"It would look strange," Sapphire continued, "But it looks nice. So, Ruby... Can I kiss you?"

Immediately, Ruby made her mouth purse like one of the humans. She remembered that sometimes humans would close their eyes during this and waited.

She felt something press against her lips and opened an eye just a little. She could see Sapphire's face closer than ever before.

There was a light and Garnet was resting on the grass.

Chapter Text

Sans heard many laughs, though his jokes usually earned some groans and resting of forehead on hands. Or the equivalent for some Monsters. He had once made it his mission to see all of the reactions to his jokes, but decided to give up after about ten minutes.

Besides, in that ten minutes he had managed to get a genuine laugh out of his brother. The mission was a success.

Many, many months after he had made that mission Sans had said a joke that made Toriel laugh so hard that there was no sound. He couldn't remember the joke now, but he did remember that Toriel had a moment in laughing where a snort broke through her nose.

"Oh, goodness, I'm sorry," she had said, covering up her mouth.

"i like your laugh," Sans had said simply. There was a silence, broken by Toriel making a pun about noises, and the moment passed.

Chapter Text

Perhaps he had been harsh. But Mr. Koiwai hadn't gone through life asking, "perhaps, perhaps, perhaps" because that would make him think of the opportunities lost.

But this once, he indulged in a perhaps. Perhaps it had been too much for Yotsuba to be placed in the place where Niou-san resided. She had admitted to being a liar and that there was no "lying bug" after all. But Mr. Koiwai knew what it was like to be consumed by mistakes and he hadn't had someone or something like Niou-san to make him admit his lies.

It was really a blessing that all that she lied about was breaking a window or spilling coffee or the dishes that were shattered on the floor of his kitchen right now. Yotsuba was a kid, she was expected to do something like that. But he didn't want her to lie about something later in life, something that had ramifications.

He loved this girl, this strange child that went on with life in her own unique way. He would make mistakes, regrets, but he hoped that she always knew that he loved her.

Yotsuba had tightened her grip on the back of his shirt, shifting slightly in his arms. She sniffled, and Mr. Koiwai felt her press her head into his neck.

"Don't cry," he said soothingly. He would tell her what he had been thinking.

Chapter Text

As she grew older Asagi wondered why her parents had received her trinkets of drawings, beaded necklaces where there was more string than beads or a four leaf clover found in a patch of grass. Of course that last one lead to her mother telling her to look for an extra rare five leaf clover, which led to many hours of dirty knees and hands and pushing up the grass to find one. It took a long while for her mom to admit that there was no such thing as a five leaf clover, and so Asagi vowed to only give gifts to her dad. And then he had to work more and more, so she settled for making that joke of him being gone or not knowing who he was.

Torako found it all a little twisted.

With Yotsuba, however, she was kind. Even when she had called Asagi an ugly, old hag which was pretty funny, especially after Mr. Koiwai explained what she meant. It was certainly a shock.

Yotsuba was always bringing over little gifts. The coffee, the pine cone necklace, milk, instant ramen, prickly plants and even a four leaf clover.

Sometimes the gifts were odd. But it still felt good to receive them because in essence it meant "I made this for you".

Chapter Text

Steven awoke with a start, his heart racing and his breath shaky. He sat up and looked around wildly, only calmed by Garnet's hand resting on his shoulder.

"Garnet," he said, his voice catching, "Is Amethyst okay?" His nightmare was in shards, but the words still held weight, as if it happened.

"She is all right," Garnet said soothingly. "Go back to sleep."

Calmed, Steven settled his head on the pillow and felt the beginnings of sleep. Garnet drew the covers to his chin and ran her hand through his hair until he fell asleep.

Chapter Text

It was best to treat the human with utmost care. They had endured many unwanted battles but still brought everyone to the surface with no dust clinging to their clothes.

Frisk was willing to show anybody and everybody love. Sans found it a relief that it wasn't the acronym.

Still, he felt some guilt about what had happened at that fancy place in the hotel. Just for a moment he saw Frisk flinch in primal fear. That was the hard way to find out that humans did that.

There was a fair in town, and Sans volunteered to take Frisk there. His brother had cheered and declared the day a holiday for Sans to not be so lazy.

When Frisk was holding a cone of cotton candy, biting at the fluff, Sans was looking at a laminated guide. Subconsciously his hand rested on top of Frisk's head.

He felt them look up and quickly took his hand off. "oh, um. sorry."

Frisk made a face and reached for his skeletal hand. They placed it on the crown of their head.

"huh," he said. "is this okay?"

Frisk nodded and chomped at the cotton candy, a few bits of it getting stuck on their face.

Sans was a little relieved. At the rate they were going it seemed he would have to help Frisk get the sugary treat out of their hair.

Chapter Text

Whenever Torako thought of the word "kid" she would think of a very small human that had something or other stuck in their hair or shrieking at levels that would rival a plane taking off. The kind that would put something they weren't supposed to in their mouth or crying so hard that their face became the shade of eggplant purple, covered with tears and snot.

Torako hated the crying the most.

She couldn't really explain it but she felt she tolerated Yotsuba. Not that this kid didn't cry or shriek or anything. Less said about the little mishap with the bike the better.

But, well, underneath the usual kid exterior Yotsuba seemed different from Torako's other experiences with kids. Yotsuba was curious and even when she didn't get certain things she could do others well.

When Torako was driving away from the Ayase home she spared a moment to look at the yellow daffodils tied together with a ribbon in the cupholder. Yotsuba had practically shoved them in her hands, declaring, "I picked these for you!"

Torako let a finger touch the stem of one of the daffodils. If Yotsuba could tie a ribbon like this then maybe Torako had a chance of teaching her how time worked.

Chapter Text

Pearl chewed on her thumb, her teeth leaving bluish marks on her thumb. She was thankful that she wasn't organic because then she would have to ask for assistance with a bleeding thumb at this rate.

She forced her thumb away from her mouth, feeling nauseous at the reminder of blood. She looked up and thought that human hospitals took great care in looking the way they did.

It was a distraction, to think of how humans strategically placed stacks of magazines, something quietly viewed as junk food in human media consumption. Pearl turned her thoughts to Steven, hoping that he had a healthy dinner instead of the little bits of fries.

Eventually, a doctor appeared. She was smiling, which relieved some of Pearl's worry, and said that the patient's wound was not deep enough for stitches and would heal well.

The way that had happened. Pearl worked up the courage to eat full, human food and while Sheena was chopping something up and the knife had grazed the side of her hand. Pearl, in a sort of panic about nerve damages or bones, had wrapped up the wound with paper towels and said, "I'll drive you to the hospital!"

Pearl sank against the chair, breathing out. She got up and thanked the doctor, watching her go to the next patient.

Sheena came walking down the corridor not too long after, waving her bandaged hand. Pearl went to greet her, a smile tugging at her mouth.

(She made a resolve to try the human food next time.)

Chapter Text

The ability to watch whatever you wanted whenever you wanted up on the surface was overrated. Perhaps it was because Alphys wasn't quite ready to branch out of the genres of anime that she loved dearly, but everything looked and sounded stale at this point. Of course, Mew Mew Kissy Cutie was still the greatest one but she didn't want that one to be viewed as stale so she avoided watching it too much. But the ones that she watched when she had a break definitely landed themselves in the repetition category. Even shows that once made her laugh until she cried, like Weekly Boys' Nori-san or My Hectic Lifestyle.

Alphys even watched the episodes of shows that she normally avoided, due to heartbreaking betrayal or a death of a core member of the cast. Even those she could follow easily.

It became a slog, really. But one day, when she was eating lunch, she got an idea. When her next break came up she called in Undyne to watch TV with her.

"More human history?" Undyne asked as she made herself comfortable on the couch.

"Not. Not exactly," Alphys said. "I, um, well, um... What do you want to watch?"

The TV hosted many wrestling tournaments that break. But Alphys found that it was strangely entertaining.

It was enough to make her branch out of her genre containment and watch a horror anime with Undyne on her next break. It was a small mistake, as both didn't expect one of the ghosts in the show - one that could be laughingly called the bath tub ghost - to be so gory looking.

But at least it didn't feel stale.

Chapter Text

There was one thing on the surface that Asgore had trouble with; the corridors and entrances in human buildings were often too narrow for him to properly walk through, on account of his horns. If the top of the door frame was too short then it meant a good five or ten minutes of maneuvering so that he could squeeze his head through and shuffle into the building.

It was because of this that Asgore often patiently waited for others to go through the door before trying himself. It was a little undignified and comical to see the king struggle with something as simple as a door frame.

Frisk had been pulling on his paw down the plaza, in the direction of the shop they wanted to visit the most. Asgore's heart sank when he saw that the door frame was both narrow and short.

He gave a gentle push to Frisk's back. "Go ahead of me, little one."

Frisk puffed out their cheeks and shook their head. "You can go first," they signed, still puffing out their cheeks.

They were being persistent, pointing back and forth at the door and Asgore. Asgore finally agreed, holding his breath as he confronted the door.

This time it took six minutes to get through but Frisk ran in after, taking his paw again so that the two could look at the candles together.

Chapter Text

Technology was amazing, no doubt about it. But Steven decided to go the archaic route, sending snail mail to Connie. Snail mail - even the term for it sounded fun. And really, some things couldn't be properly conveyed over text. It was one thing to get a picture of a picture from a friend but it was another to hold it in your hands.

Steven waited an hour after Jamie picked up the letter from the mailbox, sitting on a chair that was near the kitchen counter. He quickly tapped on Connie's contact when the final second passed, signifying the next hour, and swung his legs as his phone rang.

He so excited that he blurted out, "Did you get my letter?" after Connie barely said hello.

"Oh. We don't get mail today," Connie replied, her tone vaguely apologetic.

Steven said that it was okay, and a few hours passed as they talked.

Chapter Text

In the visitation of worlds that Homura left behind or had not yet encountered, there existed a time where Kyoko and Mami had stayed close throughout all their struggles and internal demons. After, when all the universes were rewritten, Homura would say that this had enough data to say that in the majority those two had banded together through thick and thin.

Here, Kyoko had stumbled to Mami's apartment, her throat dry and her emotions spiraling. The thought of Mami being there was enough to stave off her Soul Gem darkening completely.

Mami opened the door when Kyoko pounded on the door, desperately. She asked why Kyoko was out so early in the morning, smiling just a little, because Kyoko was zealous in protecting people from Witches.

Her smile faded when she saw Kyoko's face. Kyoko explained everything when she was invited inside and a cup of tea was in her hands. Her father finding out about magical girls. What she had found.

She made her Soul Gem appear, the jewel a reddish-black. "I need to find Witches for Grief Seeds," she said, her voice small and hoarse.

"I'll do it for you," Mami said, her tone clear that this would not be argued.

Kyoko only nodded and watched as Mami walked out of the apartment to find Witches.

Chapter Text

Pearl was finally able to try some of Sheena's cooking, consisting of vegetables and a sauce that smothered the mashed potatoes, and she had to admit that food wasn't quite as revolting as she had thought. Eating was still something that she would only do occasionally. Once or twice a year.

But maybe not eating human food before worked out in her favor - Pearl didn't notice anything wrong with the sauce before Sheena went back to clean up her kitchen and realized that she accidentally dumped half a bottle's worth of paprika into it. Pearl assured her that it was okay. The spiciness was wonderfully warm.

When the meal was done, Pearl had to go home. She was saying good-bye to Sheena at the door, with a hug and a kiss, before she remembered there was something humans said at the end of dates. It was on the tip of her tongue but she couldn't remember.

"Oh," she said, "Call me when you get home!"

Sheena laughed and Pearl realized the fallacy of her statement. But Sheena said that she would, grinning ear to ear as Pearl went down the stairs.

After a few minutes, Pearl had to laugh lightly at her mistake. She also thought that perhaps next time she should bring dates as a housewarming gift.

She would have to ask Steven what housewarming meant. A warm house sounded very nice.

Chapter Text

What should have been a simple walk in the woods turned into an impromptu adventure that ended up where they were right now; star gazing. Daisy weighed her options as to how this happened. It probably started when she kept saying to Luigi, “No, no, wait, I want to check that out,” so what should have been from point A to point B ended in a myriad of going back and forth, eventually ending with them finding a field and deciding to look up at the night sky.

It wasn’t intentional. Or at least Daisy was pretty sure it wasn’t. If this was some subconscious plan then that would be a little embarrassing.

Daisy was sitting on the grass, reassuring herself that she had no other motives. Exploring was just fun. It was more fun to explore with him and generally be around him, but the heart of this was the exploring.

She looked over her shoulder, smiling a little. Luigi was on his back, hands behind his head, staring at the stars and probably thinking about adventures.

Daisy looked up at the stars again, an idea turning in her head. It was a little too easy. She moved so that she could clearly see his face.

“It’s beautiful tonight,” she said nonchalantly, trying not to grin.

A silence; she could see him take in a deep breath and nod, and she knew he gathered up enough courage.

“I think you’re beautiful,” Luigi said, pulling the brim of his hat down over his eyes when he finished saying it.

Daisy laid down next to him, tucking her head under his chin and covering up a laugh with her hand. After a moment, Luigi rested a hand on her shoulder.

She would welcome another impromptu adventure.

Chapter Text

After the Witch's defeat, the people under its spell looking about as if they had been in a dream, Madoka found Hitomi in the crowd and hugged her close. Sayaka had run off to find Kyubey, as she was holding onto a used Grief Seed since the fight had darkened her Soul Gem considerably.

To her friend's somewhat woozy response that she was okay Madoka supported her and asked, "Are you sure?" because she still didn't understand how the luring kiss of the Witches worked. Hitomi reiterated that she was fine but didn't protest when Madoka helped her out of the warehouse.

Madoka felt a prickly feeling at seeing her friend like that. She had to think of a wish soon so that this wouldn't happen again.

Chapter Text

From the moment that Connie was born Priyanka vowed to keep her safe yet motivated. She knew that her daughter was capable, smart and was trying to break out of her shy shell. Priyanka thought that she knew her daughter like the back of her hand.

And then her patients turned out to be monsters, and her daughter was fighting alongside that boy. The sword Connie carried was pink and sharp and durable and Priyanka wouldn't have believed that Connie could fight like that unless she saw it with her own eyes. But it had happened. And to tell the truth there was guilt that she didn't realize things about her daughter that were really right under her nose.

Priyanka decided then that she would listen to Connie more, and let her branch out (and maybe put that abacus into storage) because above all she wanted her daughter to be happy. She didn't understand everything that was going on but she still said, "Have fun," fondly when Connie would leave to go to that boy's home.

Chapter Text

It wasn't easy for Sayaka to get along with this girl. Every time Sayaka looked at her all she could think about was stolen apples and some various other acts of delinquency. Or cruelty, if letting familiars go so that Kyoko could farm more Grief Seeds.

Well, that last part was unfair. Kyoko had stopped doing that a long while ago.

Kyoko had invited herself along when Sayaka had to go study at home. Kyoko didn't have anything to work on ("Delinquent," Sayaka thought) and so had entertained herself snooping through Sayaka's room as she studied. Sayaka was holding in a lecture to hit her with.

Her pencil jumped out of her hand in its frantic movements and clattered far away from the desk. Sayaka groaned and started to stand up to get it.

"Sit down," Kyoko said. "I'll get it." She had a look on her face that was clear she was shut off to any protests and she actually went to get the pencil. And put it on the desk, which Sayaka thought she was going to throw it out the window or something.

Sayaka would let that lecture go. It was an unexpected kindness.

Even if Kyoko did go back to snooping around her room.

Chapter Text

There was a place in town where the meals were extravagant and delicious which meant that they were pretty expensive. Sayaka wanted to try it out just once and she saved up her money for a little over a year. When she was close to her goal Sayaka excitedly told her friends about going on a specific date, when she finally had enough money. But when the time came to finally go she realized that one that particular day the restaurant wouldn't accept anybody who didn't have a reservation because it was so busy.

She dejectedly told her friends that she couldn't go but as the day went on she reassured herself that she could go another time. Even if it felt like the excitement was deflated just a bit.

But at the end of the day Hitomi caught Sayaka after school and asked Sayaka to walk with her. Sayaka found herself in front of that restaurant and looked at Hitomi, puzzled.

"I made reservations," she said. "To surprise you."

Sayaka did get to have an extravagant meal that day. But now she decided to save up money so that she could buy a proper thank-you gift for Hitomi.

Chapter Text

When Undyne thought of the time before the human became her friend she would cringe. The thought of hurting a dear friend like that made her squirm but knowing Frisk they probably would reassure her.

As it was now she wasn't always completely gentle with the kid. They both found out the hard way that throwing from the table to the couch would result in a tooth getting knocked loose. Frisk was happy at the prospect of getting a visit from the Tooth Fairy. Undyne wasn't going to forget Toriel's lecture anytime soon.

But the now wasn't always rough. Undyne had found time to relax, and she sat with a book propped up on her knee. Frisk wandered by and reached out for her arm, their little fingers squeezing at the muscles there.

They withdrew their fingers when she looked. Undyne shrugged and gave them a toothy smile. "I don't mind."

Frisk lifted up their arms and flexed. Their muscles were puny in comparison to Undyne's but she praised Frisk anyway.

Chapter Text

Sans wasn't too excited with the prospect of new things. Things that were old were comfortable and were less disappointing than new things. New things would have time wasted on them trying to preserve their newness until the owner gave up and let time take its course.

But here he was now, with a new jacket draped across his legs. Toriel was smiling at him expectantly, since she was the one that put the piece of clothing there.

"Do you like it?" she asked. "I thought that it brings out your eyes."

"eye see," he would have said but he was too touched that she thought to get him something. "thank you," he said instead, and he put on the new jacket. It was soft on the inside and puffy.

He wasn't sure if it did bring out his eyes but it was a wonderful present.

Chapter Text

It wasn't that Alphys didn't like to be close to her girlfriend. It was just that sometimes she couldn't believe that someone as cool as Undyne would ever want to be close to her. She was often sweaty, or smelled like cup ramen and poor snack choices if she was working too hard, and she couldn't think of a third reason but those other two were enough.

Still, it was somewhat comforting in that Undyne insisted on being close to her. Such as that time they were absolutely going to be cramped on that tram ride but Undyne kept saying, "There is enough room for both of us," even if Alphys protested that she was kind of sweaty and smelled like old churros. The amusement park had a plethora of snacks.

Eventually, Alphys relented and found herself squeezed next to Undyne. She did enjoy it, especially when Undyne lifted up her arm and draped across Alpys' shoulders.

Chapter Text

It was something that Homura knew she couldn't control, not forever, and she found herself on the opposite side. Everything she thought was rotten and despicable about herself grew and grew, forever searching for the emotion called love but it would never arrive.

A demon did not deserve such a thing.

At the end of it she was powerless, just as she always was. She could see the goddess there, and accepted whatever fate that would befall her.

But when she opened her eyes Madoka was there, with no hatred or malice in her eyes. She was the same as she always was.

"I..." Homura tried to say, "Sor..."

"You don't have to say anything." Madoka walked to her, tall and unflinching, and embraced her.

A demon did not deserve this but Homura did.

Chapter Text

Even though she knew it wasn't possible Rose still yearned to see her child. To see his excitement when he discovered something new on this planet, or the first stages of his life or just about anything. But she knew it wasn't possible, not now.

When Garnet had come to say her good-byes she dropped a kiss on top of Rose's forehead when they were done talking. For a moment Rose could see what Garnet saw; a little boy, full of life and brimming with energy, eagerly going about his life and accepting everything he came across.

To Rose it was the most precious moment. She looked up at Garnet and could only say, "Wow." It was enough and she thanked her old friend profusely.

Chapter Text

Rose knew that the day had arrived. It was a day that was going to be filled with joy, with sorrow and confusion but she was ready to face it.

She let her hands fall down to her stomach. It was hard to imagine that she wouldn't be here, to be half of her son, but it was something even now she was willing to do.

"Steven," she said, hoping that somehow, some way he could hear her voice and remember it. "Happy birthday."

Chapter Text

In his quest to stand up and be an adult Greg had an opportunity one day. There was something that Rose wanted but in her excitement he didn't get the entirety of what it actually was. However, he was pretty certain that he could piece it together into something coherent. More or less.

So when Rose expressed her desire to find this thing and see it up close Greg told her, "I'll pick it up after work," and she looked happy but also a little confused.

After work Greg hurried to a cake shop and bought the fanciest cake (that he could afford) and proudly presented it to Rose. She was gleeful and clapped her hands but kept it secret that she wanted to see ducks at a lake. But a cake was great, especially when she saw that her happiness made Greg smile.

Chapter Text

When a few days passed without any word from Alphys Asgore was beginning to worry. His royal scientist was generally nervous and flinched away from conversation but she seemed to be okay with written words. It had been a while since he heard an update on her research but truth be told he was more worried about Alphys.

So he folded up his long robe and doused himself with water before entering Hotland and making his way to Alphys' lab. Asgore knocked on the door and heard its familiar whoosh as it opened.

Alphys stood there, her lab coat disarrayed, her eyes blurry and slightly glossy from lack of sleep. There were stains on her lab coat, which looked like the remains of cup ramen, or some other food that was paired with bad choices. She blinked up at him as if she didn't recognize him. Asgore waited patiently for her to speak.

"Ah!" she exclaimed. "I'm, I'm still working, I'm sorry, I know it isn't enough, I should work hard, I should-"

Asgore rose up a paw and she stopped talking. He smiled gently and brushed away something yellow, thin and stiff on her lab coat.

"Noodle," Alphys said weakly.

"It is okay," Asgore said. "Whatever it is that you are working on, it can wait until tomorrow. Or how many days that it will take until you have enough rest."

He took another look at her and said, "If you would like to you can join me for dinner."

Alphys rubbed her eyes and nodded.

Chapter Text

Yotsuba rocked back and forth, watching the TV with glee. She and Frisk had stumbled across an American movie, one that had subtitles under it but were too fast to read. But that was fine, because it was more fun to imitate the English and repeat any words that were especially funny.

But there was a part where two of the characters looked at each other and locked their little fingers together, "Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye." And Yotsuba realized that this was very serious, and in her realization she jumped up and knocked her knees against the TV table.

Frisk looked at her with worry, and Yotsuba made a hissing noise as she rubbed at her knees. But she soon bounced back from it and ran to sit next to Frisk.

"We have to do that," Yotsuba said, "We've gotta pinky promise."

Frisk tilted their head, and Yotsuba added, "I dunno on what, but we've gotta."

She pointed her little finger out and Frisk curled their own finger around it.

"Pinky promise pledge," Yotsuba chanted, "If you're lying I'll make you drink a thousand needles. Pinky promised!"

At the end of it Frisk nodded seriously and the two released their fingers. Their attention returned to the movie and the pledge was tucked away in their minds.

Chapter Text

The first time it happened Homura discarded it. She was too nervous, every hair standing on edge because it was so close to Walpurgisnacht and her already terrible vision was marred by hot tears. This was during a battle strategy on how to defeat a tough Witch in the area so Homura tried to hide it by periodically rubbing her eyes. However Mami noticed this and reached for the teapot, pouring it into Homura's cup and asking, "It's two sugars, right?"

There wasn't any way that Mami could have known, as this was a different timeline. But Homura nodded and quickly drank the tea, the hot liquid fogging up her glasses and nearly scalding her tongue.

It happened again and again until Homura distanced herself enough from the group that making strategies with other magical girls wasn't an option anymore. But however faded that memory was now it was a comfort.

Chapter Text

When they came back from a mission Steven headed up to his room to sleep, and Connie dug out her books from her backpack. She would let Steven rest and do a study crunch which was a double win for her.

She was studying ancient Greece and had just finished reading how harvesting was accomplished when Pearl settled down at the table as well and asked, "What are you reading?"

"Ah, my, um, textbook, ma'am," Connie said. She passed the heavy book to Pearl, who began to flip the pages in a tasteful manner. "We're learning about ancient Greece right now. It's just, um, I'm a little worried about the test."

Pearl tapped her finger against an illustration of Amynthas, the description under him declaring that he ruled for a hundred years. "I'll help you study."

Connie had forgotten that it was very likely Pearl was able to witness some of these events. Still, Pearl stuck strictly to the textbook as it was a rule book to what would happen on this test, "Not that you shouldn't do your own research at times," she added when they went over the differing endings of the myths, such as Athena relenting from turning Archane into a spider because of her repentance or turning her into one despite the pleas.

It took a while but at the end of the study session Connie could answer the questions with little hesitation. Connie's worries were diminished.

Chapter Text

When Connie finished her studying Steven woke up shortly after and the rest of the day was dedicated to fun. The fourth boss was a at very low bar in Legend of Legends: Flute of Space when Connie realized what time it was and blinked at the sudden lack of brightness from the TV's screen.

Connie would've called her mom to say that she was ready to go home but then Steven pleaded, "Stay over," with a slightly sing-song voice and the promise of more video games and sugary snacks in that voice made Connie waver. She asked her mom if she could stay, and she was allowed with the condition that she would help out with a few more chores.

They ended up sleeping in front of the TV, the credits of Legend of Legends: Flute of Space playing in a cheerful loop.

Chapter Text

When the adventure was over and Luigi and Mario were going home Luigi reflected on what happened.

It had been rather strange to meet a baby version of himself. It made Luigi force his memories way back to see if he remembered an adult version of himself taking care of him when he was a baby but all that did was make his head ache horribly and give him absolutely no answers.

Time travel was very weird.

Overtime it was steadily normal to have an outside looking in experience with the younger selves.

A memory bubbled up, one where baby Luigi was crying and before Luigi could do anything baby Mario’s hand had reached out and pressed his hand to the crown of baby Luigi’s head, tousling his hair.

It was strange and nice to see a nostalgic moment in action.

But after the – encounter with Star Gate a piece of doubt had been lodged in Luigi’s heart even if he was told everything was all right with him in the end. It was doubtful that anyone could have been angrily told they’d forever live their lives in loneliness and not feel awful afterwards.

It seemed to be something that Mario picked up on because some remnant anger crossed his face and he said, “Star Gate was wrong, you know. And – I’m sorry, for not sticking up for you sooner.”

“Ah – it’s okay. He was rude to you, too. Sorry I didn’t say anything.”

Star Gate had said something about Mario’s pasta eating habits. Honestly having a family big pasta dinner together sounded so good right now.

Mario shook his head. “I don’t care about that, you got torn apart for no reason and I can’t accept that.”

“But you didn’t,” Luigi said, and that was enough, to know that his big brother was there to defend him.

“Even so – no matter what,” Mario said, with all his conviction, “You’re not alone. You’re never going to be alone.”

It made Luigi look down, a small smile on his face and warmth in his heart. He rubbed at his watery eyes and nodded.

Mario reached out and placed his hand on the crown of Luigi’s head and tousled his hair.

Some things didn’t change and Luigi could be thankful for that.

Chapter Text

The author of "The Spirit Morph Saga" was going to come to Beach City, and Steven and Connie put their combined money in order to buy two tickets. Slowly but surely the allowances, little jobs here and there, and birthday money became enough to buy the tickets.

Or so they thought. They were short ten dollars when they counted up the money again. Disappointment shadowed Steven's face and Connie reassured him that they would get that amount in no time - maybe without even having to combine the money.

Or so they thought once more, because when they counted it up later just to be sure there was a ten dollar bill that neither noticed. Steven thought they they must've missed it but the stains on it - french fries? tea? - made Connie suspicious.

She found the culprit in little time, just after Steven had left to order the tickets. Connie asked the culprit why there was mysteriously ten dollars where there wasn't before.

"You needed it," Amethyst said flippantly. "You didn't have to ask."

Even though Amethyst didn't mention it Connie was going to give her ten dollars in return. It seemed only fair for the kind gesture.

Chapter Text

It was a few days before the author of "The Spirit Morph Saga" was going to arrive in Beach City and Connie was worried. The reason for this was because the venue was full, and people were waiting more and more for their tickets. These tickets were in the form of badges that hung from a lanyard and one would show them to the guards at the venue in order to get in. But if somebody were to go pick up such a ticket on the day when the author would arrive then they would have to wait for hours - and miss out on important details.

Connie knew that she had to relax but she couldn't stand to miss out on anything. The day they were to go was a relief to be honest, and Connie knocked on the wood of the screen door, ready to cross that bridge.

Garnet was the one that answered and said, "I bought you a ticket," as she put the lanyard on Connie.

Connie must've looked a little confused because Steven popped out from behind Garnet and excitedly told her how Garnet had gone very early in the morning early in the week to pick up the lanyards, early enough that she could walk through the line without anybody behind or in front of her.

There hadn't been any mentions of the venue's ticket service being busy earlier in the week, Connie thought briefly. But she thanked Garnet profusely and gave her a tiny figurine of Archimedes after the venue was over.

Chapter Text

Luigi brushed the stray snow from Daisy’s hair gently. She shivered a little.

“Ah, here,” he said, lifting up his hands so that they pressed against her cheeks. Daisy tilted her head against them and sighed.

“You’re warm,” she said.

His puzzled expression melted into a smile. He kissed her forehead.

Chapter Text

When they were walking back to the main part of the festival Chiyo's feet were aching and her obi was finally feeling like it was tied too tight. Nozaki didn't display any indication that he was also tired by the festival but he also didn't hear what Chiyo said so she was done in that department.

They spotted Mikoto at another stall, his sleeves filled to the brim with what was to be assumed anime capsules. Nozaki opted that they leave Mikoto to his own devices.

When Chiyo came back from buying a shaved ice with red beans and condensed milk Nozaki placed a hand on top of her head. She looked up at him, puzzled and her mouth full of sweetened ice, to see his smiling face.

What she wouldn't give to have a camera in her hands right now.

"No reason," he said, and for a fleeting moment Chiyo wondered if he knew. But it was probably impossible.

Chapter Text

A few weeks after it was all over, and the air was beginning to become cold again, Ernest asked Celestine if she could use her art skills to tell their story.

"No," she said adamantly. It was too sad and besides he tried to eat her when they first met. She looked at him wryly when she said that last part.

Ernest concurred that including that part would be no good for anybody. "I'll meet you halfway," he offered, and spun a tale about finding Celestine in the trash can and adopting her as his own, even when it was considered strange for a bear and a mouse to even acknowledge the existence of the other.

Celestine accepted that, and painted it steadily, making bearish features softer and with a lack of claws or sharp teeth.

Little by little they would bring the bear and mouse society together.

Chapter Text

Fuuka put the coins into the vending machine, while Yotsuba danced around the older girl's feet. Yotsuba chanted, "Chocolate ice cream, chocolate ice cream," and Fuuka made the selections. The machine whirred and dropped down two wrappers, each containing chocolate ice cream sandwiches.

She gave one of them to Yotsuba and she excitedly ripped off the wrapper and bit into the treat. They walked back home together, and Yotsuba continued her dance, her humming muffled by the ice cream.

Her foot caught on a crack in the sidewalk and the ice cream flew out of her mouth, splattering on the pavement. Fuuka cringed, and knelt down to Yotsuba's level. The girl looked like she was going to wail.

"Take mine," Fuuka said, holding out her ice cream sandwich. Yotsuba sniffled and took it, her eyes still a little teary. She said thank you but it wasn't easy to hear because of the ice cream in her mouth.

"You're welcome."

Chapter Text

Amethyst thought that the round thing looked weird. She had been out of that Kindergarten for a long time and yet she had never seen anything like this. It was blue, purplish on the inside, and when Amethyst crushed it between her fingers it became all pulpy.

"They are called blueberries," Rose said, and Amethyst looked up from the plant. "It is a fruit."

Rose beckoned to a pail she was carrying which was full of the round, purple things. "It is meant to be eaten," Rose continued.

Amethyst reached out and took one, chewing on it. It was surprisingly sweet and she reached out for another one but stopped.

Rose chuckled. "We can share."

When the pail was empty Amethyst's fingers were fairly blue and she wiped them on her clothes. Rose's clothes were stained blue at the hem and Amethyst thought it looked pretty.

Chapter Text

In this particular timeline Kyoko did not appear after Mami's death. Homura considered it to be a relief overall because this meant Sayaka's idealism wouldn't be shattered. At least, maybe not so quickly.

But at the same time she was worried. Perhaps Kyoko fell into despair after hearing about what happened to Mami. And as selfish as it was Homura would prefer to have Kyoko as an ally.

It was a few days before Walpurgisnacht and Homura was scouting for Witches. She saw a familiar waltz past and heard footsteps not long after. Homura thought that it was Sayaka, but someone dressed in red appeared out of the shadows.

"I was just thinking about you," Homura said. Kyoko made a face at this stranger, but Homura didn't display any reaction. Even if nobody remembered, Homura knew she once considered Kyoko a friend.

Chapter Text

Kikuchiyo had already come to terms that there was a very low chance of him surviving this. For all the optimism and cheerful words there was no place for happiness in a desperate fight.

But he couldn't tell Komachi. She was too young and had always been a vehement supporter of him. He couldn't crush her hopes like that.

So he told her, "I want you to have this," and gingerly placed his family's scroll into her hands. Komachi held it like a treasure and asked if he would come back, and he gave his word.

Komachi announced she was going to marry Kikuchiyo after she grew up, and he danced with her, declaring that he was the luckiest guy in the world.

It wasn't possible, a robot and a human. To add on that it was a precocious crush but if it gave her hope that he would survive then Kikuchiyo could play along. He was the luckiest guy in the world to have her support and friendship. Their possible last conversation was going to be filled with happiness.

Chapter Text

Mami had given Sayaka a lot to think over. A wish like this was precious, something that was measured by her potential and Mami warned her to not be hasty. If there was something more dire then Sayaka would regret wasting such an opportunity.

She would never know that Mami had personal experience with this.

But the older girl softened at the end of their talk and said, "I know it's a lot to think about. Call me if you need anything."

(After Mami's death, Sayaka would dial the number and listen to the voice mail until it disconnected.)

Chapter Text

Takeo fumbled with the suit, his hands clumsily buttoning up the jacket. His date with Rinko was going to be fancy, something for her dad's co-worker. If he didn't get this right then who knows how it would fall onto Rinko's family? He made a checklist to stay quiet and still; not even Rinko with all her cuteness would elicit what his friends called "weird facial expressions."

The tie hung loosely around Takeo's neck and he tried to make it go around but it just wouldn't work. Both of his parents were out, and he couldn't ruin this. If he couldn't even get a tie on right then what would happen at that place?

Takeo got an idea. He grabbed his keys and wallet and ran to the front door. He dug out a pair of black loafers from the bottom cabinet and put them on, running next door. He barged into Suna's room, bellowing his friend's name.

"Knock," Suna said.

"Suna, I can't tie this tie, and if I can't do that then what will happen at that fancy place?" Takeo rambled. "What if I knock over a table? What if I hit my head on someone's head when we bow to each other? What if I spill my drink on the CEO and then Yamato's father gets fired?!"

Suna had tied the tie while this was going on. "There. Honestly, you worry too much."

"Ah... thank you." Takeo rubbed his neck. "Do you want to come too?"

"No. You'll be fine without me."

Suna looked down. "You didn't take off your shoes."

That lead to a stream of apologies so Suna had to remind Takeo to leave.

Chapter Text

Takeo showed up early to Rinko's house, and she let him in. Rinko was almost ready; she just had to put on make-up and wait for her parents and sister to return. Her family went out to pick up a gift for her father's coworker.

But she couldn't stop staring at Takeo. He tilted his head to the side at her long gaze and reassured her, "I'll still be here when you're ready."

Rinko laughed and headed to the bathroom. She would tell him afterwards how handsome he looked.

Chapter Text

Mr. Koiwai was out, and Jumbo was taking care of Yotsuba. She spent most of the day playing with her blocks or showing Jumbo the ads she cut out of newspapers and pasted into a big scrapbook. There was a coupon for a choice of beef and Jumbo asked if she wanted to go there for lunch.

Yotsuba started chanting, "Beef, beef, beef," so that was a yes.

Jumbo lead her out to the car and locked the door behind him. They climbed into the car and Jumbo joined in with Yotsuba's chanting.

He stopped for a moment to ask, "Is your seat belt on?" and Yotsuba pulled on the belt and made it click into place, unceasing in her chanting.

They got the beef dishes for half price, so it was a pretty amazing lunch.

Chapter Text

Yotsuba came home at about six o'clock, her hands and knees dirty and her plastic bucket filled with sand. She chattered about the sandbox and burying treasure as Mr. Koiwai wrangled the bucket out of her hands. He placed it up on a shelf so she wouldn't spread the sand around the house.

He told her, "Go clean yourself up," and she ran to the bathroom. Mr. Koiwai went back to the kitchen and started to cook.

Dinner that night was salted fish with rice and plums. Yotsuba made a face when she ate the plums, exclaiming that they were, "Too SOUR," but she still tried to steal some from Mr. Koiwai's plate.

After a bath, Yotsuba headed to her futon and covered herself with the blankets. Mr. Koiwai stayed beside her until she drifted off, Juralumin clutched in her arms.

He ran a hand through her hair once and said, "Sweet dreams."

Then Mr. Koiwai got up so that he could get back to work.

Chapter Text

Yanda slid the plastic bag onto his arm as he opened up the gate. He knocked on the door and heard thunderous running, before the door swung open. He heard a scream.

"Why are you here?" Yotsuba demanded. She tried to punch his shins but Yanda stopped her by putting his hand on her head.

"I was in the neighborhood," he said a little smugly. He moved his arm around, making the bag shake; there was coveted cup ramen and a box of gummy candy in the plastic bag. He patted her head, and Yotsuba put her hands on her head, with an exaggerated scream. Yanda was pretty sure that didn't hurt.

"Then go home," Yotsuba yelled. She ran off further into the house, announcing that big bad Yanda was here.

So maybe he didn't make the best first impression. But he did give the bubble toys and helped out on the camping trip, so maybe someday Yotsuba wouldn't see him as a bad guy anymore. Yanda thought that sharing half of the gummy candy with her would show he wasn't all bad.

Then she ran back, followed him to the TV room, and chanted about how Yanda was a smelly chicken-moose-tiger-whatever animal that she could think of.

On second thought, he'd shared five gummy candies.

Chapter Text

Doug punctured his time card and slipped it into the slot. He stretched and his back cracked; his mind admonished him, telling him to do proper stretches. Doug kept that in his thoughts as he checked his phone.

"Unknown caller," his phone read. "Three missed calls."

Doug stared at his phone in confusion for a second, before the screen lit up, declaring the unknown number. He accepted the call, more so out of habit, and heard his daughter's voice.

"Dad," Connie said, her voice desperate but relieved. "Dad, I've been trying to call you-"

"Connie, what's going on?"

"Steven and I couldn't find the warp pad," she explained. Her voice sounded crackly from the phone's quality. "My cell died, we've been calling from a pay phone," it was becoming harder to hear what she was saying.

"Okay, okay, Connie, where are you?" Doug tried to keep his voice calm.

"Steven saw a street sign, it said Singing Holly Avenue," Connie managed to tell him.

"Okay," Doug said. "Stay there. I'm coming to get you."

If he left quickly he could beat the traffic. Doug raced down to the parking structure and got into his car. He struggled to keep his composure, and had to keep reminding himself it would cause more trouble if he got pulled over and assigned a ticket.

It felt like an eternity but he eventually made it to the avenue. He could see the two kids huddled on the sidewalk, and Doug practically threw himself from the car.

"Dad," Connie cried out when she saw him. He hugged his daughter tightly.

"Are you okay? Are either of you hurt?"

"We're okay," Steven replied. His teeth chattered.

"All right." Doug motioned to the car. "Come on, I'll get both of you dinner."

They both headed for the car and climbed inside. Doug followed and began to drive to the nearest restaurant. Connie handed him her cell phone so that it could get charged.

The aftermath of this would be difficult but in that moment Doug was relieved that they both were okay.

Chapter Text

"If you ever need anything," Mami told Madoka one day after she visited, "The key is under the mat."

The older girl knelt down and pulled up one side of her mat, and there was one silver key underneath it. It made Madoka a little nervous, something that pocketed itself away in the part of her brain that worried, and whenever she visited after that she'd lightly stomp on the mat. If she did it enough times maybe it'd make it less obvious that there was a rise in the mat.

In truth it wasn't obvious to anybody but Madoka.

A few days after they lost Mami (it brought nightmares, and maybe it always would, would she have to use her wish to forget that it ever happened?) Madoka pulled back the mat and took the key to unlock the door. She left her notebook there on the table.

After she locked the door again she considered throwing the key over the railing, so that this makeshift shrine to Mami's life wouldn't ever be disturbed. But she put it back under the mat, because Mami trusted her with the key and she wouldn't forget that.

Chapter Text

The teacher droned about mathematics and it was dreadfully boring. Yomi's hand almost unwillingly wrote down the formulas, and her eyes kept flickering over to the desk next to her.

Of course Seki wouldn't have brought anything that would alleviate her boredom.

"No, no," she told herself, whacking her forehead with the flat of her palm. "This is a good thing, this is good."

Even so, it was boring.

And besides, since when did Seki never bring anything, she wondered. She swore that he spent every minute of his very existence to vex her.

But when the teacher was halfway done explaining the value of x, Yomi heard a creak and saw that Seki was setting up a chessboard. It would no doubt lead to twisted games where Seki held every control.

Yomi's smile made Seki falter and he almost dropped the heavy board onto his desk. It would've made a loud clatter, and his expression was fearful.

"Ah, Seki," she whispered. "It doesn't bother me."

Seki's expression slowly changed when he realized she wasn't joking. He still kept his gaze on her as he picked up the chess pieces to begin his game.

(Gotou would interpret this as Seki's love for Yomi, a complex love as they tenderly held each other's gaze.)

Chapter Text

As they walked away from the valley, Luigi held Polterpup in his arms. The ghost puppy was quiet and snoozing, a far cry from the mischief he had caused. But that was okay, it was over now and even though Luigi could feel a headache coming on from not sleeping he was content. His brother was okay, so everything was worth it.

He was about to say something to Mario when Polterpup woke up and started to squirm, making low whining noises.

“Okay, okay,” Luigi said. He carefully lowered Polterpup to the ground and had to be careful because the ghost puppy ran around his legs. Polterpup stopped eventually and rolled around happily.

Luigi heard his brother laugh. “He’s cute.”

“Yeah.” Luigi tried to think of something to say, because frankly what happened was pretty terrifying.

But he didn’t have to, because Mario said, “Thanks again. For saving me.”

“Of course,” Luigi said. “You’re important to me.”

Mario hugged him. “You’re important to me, too.”

Chapter Text

Sayaka maneuvered through the row of seats, balancing a bag of popcorn and a soda. The movie was loud, and she hoped that Kyoko wouldn't yell out to her.

Eventually she found the girl, and groaned. Kyoko had placed her feet in the seat next to her, lounging lazily.

"I saved you a seat," Kyoko said. Sayaka bit back a retort that she was already sitting there.

"Delinquent," she said, punctuating every syllable.

Kyoko only laughed and took the food. About thirty minutes later she got startled by a monster in the movie and dropped her popcorn.

Sayaka allowed herself to be impressed when Kyoko started to pick up the scattered popcorn at the end of the movie. Sayaka knelt down to help pick up the kernels as well.

Chapter Text

It was early morning, but the TV cheerfully blasted the music from Legend of Legends: Flute of Space. After some weighing of the pros and cons, Steven decided it was time to try out expert mode. So far they hadn't gotten past the first dungeon.

Connie's phone lit up with a text and she looked at it. "Oh, my mom is here."

"Awww." Steven paused the game and put the controller on the bed. He lead the way out of the house.

They said their good-byes at the Boardwalk.

"It was really fun," Connie said as she climbed into the car.

"I'll see you later," Steven called, and he waved until the car was out of sight.

It was a little lonely walking back but when he reflected on the fun night of junk food and video gaming, Steven couldn't help but have a dance in his step.

Chapter Text

Pearl thought her eyes were playing tricks on her. Or maybe it was a trick of the pigmentation. Was that how human hair worked? It wasn't alive, so it certainly couldn't play tricks. Maybe.

But there was some different color in Sheena's hair, at the tips that rested against her back. It was blue, maybe a sort of lavender, but Pearl thought it would be rude to point it out. She wasn't sure what protocol this was.

Luckily for her, Sheena brought it up, smiling slyly and asking, "What do you think of my new dye job?"

"It's blue!" Pearl exclaimed. "I noticed. It's, um, it's very pretty."

Her babble was briefly cut off by a kiss. Sheena pressed a hand to Pearl's cheek when she drew away.

"Ah, that's blue, too."

Chapter Text

Before Alphys boarded her plane, waiting for about two hours in the waiting area, she texted Undyne, "I will be flying soon."

She got another text pretty fast, even though she was pretty sure it was eleven o'clock at night where Undyne was. She wasn't entirely sure what the time differences between this and Japan were.

"You can fly?!" The text read, and Alphys chuckled.

"No," she wrote back with a cheeky emoticon, "I'm going to be on the plane."

"I'll pick you up at the airport!" the next text declared and before Alphys could respond she got a text that said her data was almost used up. The downside to traveling internationally, she thought.

She knew from getting over here that the plane was going to be freezing. Alphys tugged on a jacket and picked up her carry-on. It was going to be a very long flight.

Luckily for Alphys, she was able to fall asleep pretty quickly thanks to Toriel's recommended sleeping playlist. When she was coming over here, Alphys was listening to regular music, accidentally fell asleep, and was rudely awakened by a very cheery song. It scared her so bad her heart pounded even after she realized what it was.

She woke up when there was two hours left. Alphys felt pretty disgusting and groggy. She languidly decided to watch a movie, but skipped to the end after thirty minutes because the anticipation of the happy ending was killing her. She rested her eyes until the plane landed.

It was difficult to go through the motions of getting her luggage and finding out where Undyne was. But when she saw her girlfriend she felt energetic and happily raced to Undyne's waiting arms.

Chapter Text

Mr. Koiwai was woken up by a kick to the chest. It was a small kick but it still hurt and he opened his eyes, trying to adjust to the darkness. He saw Yotsuba thrashing and he propped himself up on his elbow reached over to shake the girl's shoulder.

She gasped and looked around wildly, and then the tears burst. Yotsuba wailed, and Mr. Koiwai deduced that it was a pretty horrific nightmare.

"Yotsuba," he said. He touched her shoulder. "You're okay. You're okay."

She hiccuped between her sobs and flung herself to him. Mr. Koiwai held her, and patted her back.

"Yotsuba, take a deep breath," he said soothingly. He heard her take a deep, shaky breath and before long her sobs subsided. Yotsuba buried her face into his shoulder and refused to let go.

Mr. Koiwai carefully maneuvered himself so that they could comfortably lie down. He made soothing circles around her back until Yotsuba's breathing became soft and even. He held her a little closer and soon drifted off to sleep as well.

Chapter Text

Yotsuba propped up the book on the table, and traced her finger along the words. She was going to turn the page, but Frisk's finger held it down. Apparently they weren't done reading it just yet.

Yotsuba made an impatient noise but didn't try to force the page up. She looked at the picture, a bunny proudly holding up a gold coin.

"Bun found the tre-a-sure," she said slowly. "Frisk, do you have a tre-a-sure?"

Frisk looked away. Yotsuba scanned the TV room and tilted her head up to make sure her dad wasn't listening, even though he was up in the office working.

"You can tell me anything," she whispered, and Frisk fidgeted. They seemed to decide to trust Yotsuba because they pulled at her arm. The two put on their shoes and headed outside.

Frisk showed the way, and the two only walked as far as the playground. Frisk went to the tree and put a finger to their lips. Yotsuba chanted the pinky promise rule, and Frisk showed her a bucket nearby the tree.

Yotsuba was going to ask about sand cakes, but Frisk lifted up the bucket. A frog croaked, and Yotsuba let out a delighted squeal.

"You can catch frogs?"

Frisk nodded, and reached in to carefully grab the frog. They handed the frog to Yotsuba and she touched its back gingerly.

"Frogs are nice, huh?"

For a few minutes they took turns holding the frog. At the end of it, Frisk and Yotsuba went down to a pond nearby and let the frog go, and it hopped into the water.

When they walked back to Yotsuba's house and brought out paper and crayons they exchanged the adventures the frog would go on.

Chapter Text

It took some brainstorming (and encouraging pep runs by Papyrus) but Sans finally figured out a present he was going to give to Toriel. He took the time to make the gift wrapping itself perfect.

He held the present out to Toriel, and she beamed even as she opened the gift. It wasn't an inelegant way of tearing the paper, rather that she knew the exact way so that it wouldn't make a mess.

"i, uh, i hope you like it," Sans said, to break the silence a little.

"I would like anything you give me," Toriel said, as easy as could be, and she untied the ribbon on the box.

She wore the coat, soft to the touch, everyday until the season became warm.

Chapter Text

They stood in front of the art gallery, a different one. It looked warm and bright on the inside, the advertisements showed off purely happy art pieces and nothing artistically off-putting. Something smaller, less threatening, but Ib still wouldn't budge. Garry didn't force her to move - this hadn't been his idea in the first place - but he wanted to know what was going to happen.

"Ib," he said, kneeling down to her level. "Do you want to go?"

She grabbed the bottom of her shirt and twisted it, making creases in the fabric. Her gaze was to the ground and he could see tears well up in her eyes.

"Oh," Garry said. "Sweetheart, it's okay. You don't have to go inside."

That didn't stop the tears, and Garry felt like his emotions rose up and violently threw him to the shore. He remembered it all, too, painted women that yearned to tear their roses apart, mannequin heads that were smeared with red paint, the smell of fire and paint and ash.

But he was at an utter loss at what to do, and at the moment felt completely useless.

"Ib, what do you want?" he asked desperately.

"I want you to be happy," Ib replied quietly, her voice marred by tears.

Garry's throat closed up at the simple wish, and he held out his arms. Ib quickly accepted the hug.

"It's all right," he said. "If you're happy, then I'm happy, okay?"

"Okay." Her voice was small but firm.

Ib didn't let go until a few moments passed, and when she did Garry stood up.

Ib took his hand, and nodded emphatically to him. She took the first step to the gallery; they were going to face this together.

Chapter Text

To the sympathetic passerby it would seen that Homura worked too diligently. Sometimes there was risk with her Soul Gem, the darkness swallowing up the purple, but she never faltered in her stride even with this weakness.

Her single red ribbon was as striking as her gaze and anybody would have wanted her for an ally. She helped when she could and refused to let anybody suffer.

She kept Madoka's words to her heart, and though she couldn't see Madoka she knew what the girl would whisper in her ear.

"I believe in you."

So Homura worked to make this world, this final world, something Madoka could consider a paradise.

Chapter Text

The first fight as Garnet, as herself, proved tricky. It was clumsy at times, trying to get used to this form and trying to fight, but she managed to deflect some of Pearl's attacks. They weren't going to hurt to the point of having to retreat into their respective gems but some of the blows ached.

(Sapphire rebuked herself at every slip, every stumble, because she wasn't the trained soldier and she never knew how difficult it could be, and overall she couldn't help but blame herself. The festering thoughts swarmed around her.

"You can do it," Ruby called back, and it was filled with conviction, something that not even a Diamond could break apart. Sapphire focused on that, kept it together, and held onto the words like they were her very life force.)

Garnet managed to make Pearl fall to the ground. But the other gem did not look angry; there was pride in her expression and it was something amazing to have the terrifying renegade look at Garnet with pride.

She was getting better, and strove to become better, aided by Ruby and Sapphire's love.

Chapter Text

Takeo was engrossed with his textbook. He didn't understand some of the technical terms, there was a lot of unnecessary jargon, but he was determined to make his university studies something worth praising.

"I have to go," Rinko said, and her voice was the only thing that could've snapped him out of his studying. She collected her textbook and notebook, holding them in her arms.

"You have a test, too, right?" she asked. At his nod, she smiled and said, "Good luck."

"Ah, Rinko," Takeo said. It still made his heart skip a beat every time he said her first name. "Can you help me with this, please?"

She walked over and looked down at the textbook. He kissed her cheek.

"A good luck kiss," he said when she looked at him. She gave him one as well, and headed off to her test.

Chapter Text

Luigi had been too entirely deep in thought on the path back home. He was thinking about what to make for dinner that night, and was working out the prices so he could surprise his brother with a more high-quality dinner than usual.

Then he remembered that maybe, perhaps, they were expecting visitors and that would call for something that would have to be less, but still mouth-watering delicious. And there was the question of whether he could make some dessert and which one would be less time-consuming.

He didn’t even notice when it started to rain. But he did notice when somebody called his name, somewhat exasperated, and he heard rain against cloth.

“You’re going to freeze,” Daisy said. “I brought you an umbrella.”

“Ah,” he said, noticing that he had been involuntarily shivering, “Thank you.”

She passed the umbrella to him and added, “Well, it’s more like that I already had the umbrella and saw you standing there like a statue. So I guess if you’re holding it then it’s an umbrella of love? Or something like that.”

Luigi felt his face become considerably warmer, but Daisy gave him a look when she realized he was just holding the umbrella over her. She hugged him and Luigi dropped the umbrella.

Daisy nodded, satisfied, when she drew away. “There we go.”

She picked up the umbrella and shook it, and handed it back to him. Daisy linked their arms together before they walked.

It was cold, but Luigi was happy to be beside her.

Chapter Text

The night when Sayaka was taken by the Law of Cycles Mami insisted that Homura and Kyoko stay with her for the night. It was a desperate sort of plea, something to have her friends close to her or for some way to protect them, but Homura shook her head and left.

Mami wouldn't force her. She still felt utterly lost, her grief threatening to break even with the relief for her Soul Gem. Kyoko clasped her shoulder and said, "I'll stay with you."

It was a blessing, and Mami couldn't describe the elation that bubbled up. It was a resemblance of how they used to be with each other, and maybe Homura could sense that.

But the bubble burst because she couldn't share this joy with Sayaka, not ever. And she couldn't forget that Kyoko was lamenting that they were finally getting along.

They walked at the same pace, and Mami made dinner that night, something more extravagant. She also took out two small cakes from the freezer, lemon cake with buttercream frosting, and Mami savored every bite.

She made a makeshift bed for herself on the couch and Kyoko refused to take Mami's bed. She made her own bed on the other side of the couch, and Mami relented that both of them would be more comfortable in the bed.

In the morning Mami made breakfast and the two of them talked easily, like the old days. Mami reflected that they had both changed, gotten older, but perhaps they were both looking to mend what had been lost.

When Kyoko needed to leave Mami couldn't help but say, "You can stay here, if you like."

Kyoko stopped at the door and her face nearly faltered. Mami tried to suppress the hope that rose within her.

"I will," she said. "I'll, uh, I'll help you buy another bed."

Mami nodded, unable to find words.

"We'll talk about it later," Kyoko said. "I'm going to find some Wraiths."

Mami reached out and hugged her.

"Be careful," Mami said, and she hugged Kyoko a little tighter. She heard Kyoko make a sound that meant she agreed, and Mami let go.

From then on their broken up lives became mended, happier in the melancholy.

Chapter Text

It's considered a cliche to say this but it changes us. It makes us adapt, appears in the actions we take to ensure each other's happiness. It's simple, it's complex. It's easy to say, it's hard to say. It can be disguised in sweet words.

"I love you."