She wore a mask

And behind that mask was a loving heart. AU

Madoka's world was pretty simple. She had a few good friends, good grades and a loving family, what more could she asked for? Even though she was just a junior high school student, there's still tons of drama around her that she often felt quite confused. Love triangle, friends betraying each other... That was why she loved keeping things simple. No drama, no tears, no sadness. Wouldn't it be great?

But no, Madoka thought that it might not be the case anymore. Her simplicity of her life probably ended when she finally took notice of a certain girl across her classroom. For the first year, they never interacted much before. There was a few time when Madoka had to accompany her to the nurse's office, but now, she didn't need Madoka's guidance anymore since she knew how to go there already.

Akemi Homura. A cold, distant and quiet girl. Her grades were pretty good. Family? Madoka wasn't sure. Friends? Madoka noticed that a few classmate did tried to be friends with her, but they probably gave up trying by now. A person like her... it wasn't really surprising that Madoka didn't notice her much. To be honest, she often forgot there was such person in her class. It was terrible of her to think like that, but honestly, Homura really didn't stand out well in this class or her school.

However, not this time anymore.

It happened during the Summer holidays.

Everyone wasn't really excited about it, not with the horrible heat. Sayaka and Hitomi's family went overseas just to escape the terrible weather whereas Madoka stayed in town, not knowing what to do. Going overseas wasn't really a choice since her Mom was still working and her brother was still young. Furthermore, Madoka's close friends all left town so going out to eat or to watch movie was rather impossible.

"Why not get a summer job?" Junko passed the newspaper to Madoka. When her mother left her room, Madoka started flipping through since there wasn't any other choice.

.

Although the hours were long, the pay was extremely high. Of course with such weather, who on earth would want to stand under the hot sun, wearing a thick mascot while giving out balloons? But Madoka didn't particularly mind the heat. Looking at children smiling happily and how they showed their balloons proudly to their parents, it was kind of worth it. And if she didn't jump too much or move about often, she could actually keep herself cool even in the thick costume of hers.

And this was the first time she ever took a job so she got to be proud of it.

Madoka slowly trudged to a sheltered booth after she had finished distributing the last balloon and taking a picture with a group of kids. She was dead tired now, her muscles were aching from standing and having to carry the heavy weight of the mascot wherever she go. As she sighed heavily, she felt a pat on her shoulder as she clumsily turned around. There was a huge chair, big enough for her to sit down. Smiling happily, she took the seat without a second wasted.

It was hard to look around with the mascot. Turning the mascot head need the energy of spinning two circles for a normal person and Madoka didn't really had the energy right now. The only thing Madoka could do was to stare ahead and said her thanks even though she didn't exactly know who the person was.

A few seconds later, she noticed a hand appeared in front of her with a cup of ice water. Madoka beamed before realizing that she would had to take out her entire costume just to drink. Madoka waved her heavy fluffy teddy bear arms and smiled, although the person obviously couldn't see her apologetic smile. "It's alright, thanks anyway. I have a few bottles of water inside the costume, although the water is rather warm now."

"Oh. That's a pity then." Madoka could feel a stool being dragged to her side and a person sitting beside her. She carefully turned her entire body although that required a lot of energy. Finally, she was able to see who the person was.

It was a girl, with long, black smooth hair. Not tied up though, despite the heat. She was wearing the usual fun fair uniform and a special Hello Kitty hairband, in order to promote its sales. When the girl looked up and at the mascot, Madoka almost stopped breathing. It took Madoka two seconds to realized who the person was and she was the last person she ever thought meeting at a place like this. Akemi Homura, the quiet girl in class.

Wait... maybe not... Madoka mustered up all her courage before she spoke again. "What's your name?" Madoka asked. Maybe...maybe it's not her. Maybe she's just someone who looks like-

"Akemi Homura."

Madoka almost choked.

"You either sounded weak, or you are a girl." Homura sipped onto the glass of cold water. "I was referring to your voice, although it's muffled by the thick costume."

Madoka blinked before clearing her throat. "Well, if I'm a girl, will you be surprised?"

"Yeah." Homura remained staring ahead. "No sane person would want to work like you in this weather. Not a girl at least." Homura slowly looked back at Madoka. "Is this your summer job?'

It was weird. So, so, soooooo weird. Madoka remembered the first time when she brought Homura to the nurse office. The feeling was so awkward that Madoka wished she could have dug her hole and escaped. Back then, they never even spoke a word at all. But they were actually talking right now! Like a conversation! It's a miracle! This scene was actually the last scene Madoka could ever imagine in her head.

After realizing she hadn't answer the question yet, she nodded her head although the big teddy bear head didn't moved. "Yeah, I was bored so I got a job."

Homura nodded understandingly.

"You? Is this your summer job too?" Madoka asked.

"Yeah."

Homura sipped onto her drink quietly while Madoka began to sweat. Not really because of the heat, but because of the built up feeling within her body. Her body started to feel hot for some odd reason.

"Would your boss notice you slacking off here? Maybe you should go to the back." Homura was about to move when Madoka waved her hands.

"It's actually my break time now." She reassured Homura, slightly surprised that Homura actually cared about her. "I'm suppose to collect the next batch of balloons at the station across your booth half an hour later." Madoka explained.

Homura raised an eyebrow. "If it's break time, why aren't you taking off your mascot?"

"It's a hassle to take out and wear back again." Madoka laughed, embarrassed. "What about you? Are you having a break now?"

"Yeah, my friend is covering my shift for me." Homura leaned back and looked behind Madoka and Madoka assumed that she was looking at the booth. "Yeah, she's still there. And she better be there." She leaned forward again and continued drinking.

Maybe... this wasn't too bad after all. Madoka silently thought to herself as the two of them enjoyed the silence between them. Maybe this was a chance for Madoka to know more about her classmate... to know about someone who no one ever got the chance to know about... Madoka suddenly sat upright as she realized something. She asked for Homura's name, yet Homura didn't asked for hers.

That was a great chance! And Madoka didn't really know how to lie. Even if she did, she'll probably forget the fake name she gave to Homura and that would be really embarrassing.

"Homuraaaaaaa. Can you come overrrrrrr and give me back my stool?"

Madoka was snapped back to reality as she heard the voice coming from the booth. Homura looked back with a plain expression and sighed. "Back to work." She stood up and Madoka thought Homura had already left when she felt a pat on her shoulder. "Good luck with your work." After that, she headed to her booth.

Heavily turning her entire body, she watched the two girls with the same outfit and hairbands promoting the items as some customers were looking through it. One was Homura, the other was a redhead.

Knowing she should get back to her work as well, Madoka stood up and quietly picked up the stool and sat it right outside the booth. As she waddled to her own station, she promised to herself she shall drop by again tomorrow.

A/N:

NEW MULTICHAP

YEAH, I NEVER GET THINGS DONE, HOPEFULLY THIS WILL BE DONE. ew
ANOTHER MASCOT FIC ew, BECAUSE CASHBANKY LIKES MASCOT AND SHE'S A BAKA