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Softly glowing lamps lined the path to the clearing in the middle of the forest. Such a forest had never existed before in Mitakihara, but Madoka loved flowers and nature, so Homura had managed to create this small place for her. This whole world existed for her, after all.
Homura pressed a hand to her forehead; the headaches had grown worse, but today was the promised picnic with Madoka, so she couldn't let this pain stop her.
Together Homura and Madoka sat in this forest clearing, surrounded by brass lamps and various cakes and drinks laid out among them. Homura couldn't remember the last time she had enjoyed a picnic like this, and Madoka smiled so sweetly, so innocently. Her pink eyes were bright, without any hint of gold. Yes, she was safe here, able to enjoy her life with her family and friends—
Madoka shivered, a sudden chill autumn wind blowing around her and Homura. Most of the leaves had fallen, creating a sea of reds and oranges upon the ground, and the trees were bare and twisted. The lamps flickered, and Homura reached out a hand to touch Madoka's cheek. Madoka let out a faint giggle and said, "It's a little chilly, huh? But this is fun, really."
"That's good to hear," Homura said. She poured Madoka a warm cup of tea, which Madoka accepted with both hands. She held the warm cup close to her lips, a faint steam rising from the liquid. A smile tugged at Homura's lips; here like this, it was like they were the only two in the world.
She touched her cold serpentine earring, and eyed the red ribbons in Madoka's hair. She wouldn't have minded being trapped in her Soul Gem for eternity as long as she could be with Madoka. But Madoka would've gotten lonely, and in this artificial world she could also be with her family and Sayaka and Hitomi and Mami and Kyouko too. They were all alive, and never again would Madoka have to know grief.
Dark shadows lay over the two of them, growing longer the more the sun set. A spot of cake frosting stained Madoka's cheek and Homura kissed it away, eliciting a giggle from Madoka. Again the lamplight flickered, shadows dancing all around them. Dry leaves fell like rain around them, crumbling to dust as soon as they hit the ground.
Someday Homura would be able to see other seasons with Madoka. They would view the cherry blossoms in spring, visit the beach in summer, and watch the snow fall in winter. As long as she had the power to maintain this world, she could be with Madoka. Her love was strong enough.
She winced, clutching her head as a sharp pain shot through her body. "Homura-chan?" Madoka exclaimed, reaching out for Homura.
"I'm fine," Homura muttered between heavy breaths. "I don't mean to worry you."
Madoka pursed her lips. "You have such dark circles under your eyes. Have you been sleeping well?"
Homura lowered her gaze. Madoka was the health representative of their class, after all, and she was sharper about these sorts of things than she gave herself credit for. Homura knew of no one more caring.
Yet Madoka only smiled as Homura remained silent, and she patted her thighs. "You can rest on my lap, if you'd like."
"…Thank you, Madoka," Homura said softly as she lay to rest her head on Madoka's lap, and Madoka laid a hand on her hair, stroking softly. Against the chill autumn air, Madoka's warmth enveloped her like an embrace.
"You can rely on me too," Madoka said, threading her fingers through Homura's hair. "I may not be very useful, but I can do this much, at least."
"It's enough that you're here," Homura whispered, unsure if Madoka heard her. This was what she wanted. As long as Madoka was safe, she could endure any suffering. This was the strength of her love for Madoka.
The lamps burned more brightly, and the shadows cast across Homura and Madoka grew darker.