'How many times have you seen me die?'

Homura turned her head. Kyouko was looking at her, trying and failing to keep a neutral expression. Homura smiled, a small and sad smile. 'Why do you want to know?'

Kyouko swallowed. 'Have I...do I ever make it?'

Homura didn't answer, mearly looked away. She heard Kyouko suck in her breath, then exhale.

She turned back. 'Kyouko.' The redhead raised her head. Homura's face was hard and determined. 'This time will be different.'

Kyouko looked at her for a beat, then closed her eyes and grinned. 'Of course it will!' She reached out and slapped Homura on the back, hard. 'There's nothin' the two of us can't take on!'

The conversation played back in her mind over and over as she stared down at Kyouko's corpse. 'I'm so sorry.' she whispered, as she extended her hand to close her friend's eyes, frozen open in shock and pain. 'I'm so sorry.'

And for the first time in more loops than she could remember, Homura sobbed.