It's really easy for quieter people to get overlooked. Sometimes the loudest people are the worst at listening, no matter how well meaning they are.
[He looks up at her.]
But you're right, you know. That's what it's supposed to have been from the beginning...a vote to decide...on us, not on anyone else. I hope that the end result will still be okay.
I know that I'm not aligned with you, so it might be kind of disappointing to hear me say something like this... But - I do really think that it'll be okay. No matter the results. You'll all have an eternity to work together. You'll learn, and you all want what's best for the world. I'm sure of it.
[ . . . ]
But we just keep voting for each other and leaving which god is left at the end to luck, and that doesn't sit well with me... Even if I'm sure it will be okay, it's still makes it feel like - like what we're doing is pointless.
No...no, it's okay. It's not disappointing. I want to win, but...as long as I can do my part...as long as it'll be a nice world, and a kind one, I won't...be unhappy.
[He pauses as she keeps speaking, thoughtful.]
I think it's most important right now to make sure...nobody leaves with regrets. I think even though nobody can get everything that they wanted, everyone should still be able to feel that they put their most into deciding who wins...you know? That's what worries me, too.
I kind of like that you think that way. It means...you've really listened to each of us, haven't you?
[He tilts his head, giving a thoughtful noise.]
I know I've been lucky...even if I'm not winning, I've still had a good amount of support. I'm not friendly with everyone in the pantheon but...I know that not everyone's had that same treatment.
There's still some time left! I know it's not enough to really get to know us super well, but...it's enough to learn more and feel more, um, informed, right?
[Justice considers.]
Do you think so? I think it's important, too, but maybe I keep losing my followers because I'm not being proactive enough or...loud enough.
[He stands.]
I was so excited when I was in the lead, thinking that I'd really made an amazing impression, but then...I never gained any of those followers back, so I guess it was a fluke that didn't have anything to do with me at all.
I think that right now... Everyone is trying to figure out the best end for this - and that means they're thinking about themselves, too. I don't think it's a bad thing.
But it means that a lot of people are focused on who can grant them favors or wishes. I don't think it's your fault if people are more focused on that. Being loud and pushy might work for some people, but I think you're better the way you are.
I felt like something was missing. And I guess...even though I know I didn't have to, or need to, I thought...I'd just...
[It seems he doesn't actually know what to say.]
Have you ever felt like the person you know you are on the inside...is someone that nobody can see on the outside? Not even yourself? I knew who I was in here.
[He puts a small hand over his heart.]
But not in my head. I'd look at myself and feel so awful.
[Justice sounds suddenly determined, but at the same time, much more nervous. He hesitates, but then finally reaches up and takes off his mask. Suddenly, that drawing he asked for weeks before may seem to make more sense: because he looks like what her brother would likely look like around the age of ten.]
I wouldn't have been able to do this...without you.
[ Madoka blinks. She just stares at him for a really long moment because she's - well, she's omniscient. She exists outside of time, she's seen Tatsuya age. So this is... Weird.
And she doesn't quite understand, really? But that's okay. There's one thing she does know. Madoka smiles. ]
[Seeming to lose a bit of that nervous edge, he bounces mildly on his feet.]
I feel...a lot more confident now. I feel like how I felt a bit more before...I realized what was missing. But even better, because I can really see it. I'm still a little afraid, but it's getting so much easier.
[ Tentatively, Madoka leans forward to reach out and cup his cheek. ]
Making changes to your outside - whether it's to your appearance, or to how well you express yourself...
I guess you could call those changes. But it's still good to remember that you're still you - and that it was your own will. We need to stay kind to ourselves, old and new, because they're all still us.
Of course. There's no time limit to making better friends with someone.
[ She strokes her thumb over his cheek one last time, then draws back.
She doesn't get to touch people back home. And he looks like Tatsuya, who can see her now, back home - while he's young. But he'll grow up and forget. It makes her heart ache to see a likeness, but - it's nice to touch, just for a moment. ]
I'm happy that I'm getting to know you a little better.
[Justice laughs happily. He can't feel the warmth of her hands, not really, but it's a comforting sensation nonetheless.]
You mean it? That makes me so happy! Hey, do you know how to fold origami? I've been getting a lot of origami from everyone, so I've been building a whole town!
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[He looks up at her.]
But you're right, you know. That's what it's supposed to have been from the beginning...a vote to decide...on us, not on anyone else. I hope that the end result will still be okay.
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[ . . . ]
But we just keep voting for each other and leaving which god is left at the end to luck, and that doesn't sit well with me... Even if I'm sure it will be okay, it's still makes it feel like - like what we're doing is pointless.
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No...no, it's okay. It's not disappointing. I want to win, but...as long as I can do my part...as long as it'll be a nice world, and a kind one, I won't...be unhappy.
[He pauses as she keeps speaking, thoughtful.]
I think it's most important right now to make sure...nobody leaves with regrets. I think even though nobody can get everything that they wanted, everyone should still be able to feel that they put their most into deciding who wins...you know? That's what worries me, too.
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But because I believe that any winner would be a good outcome, I probably shouldn't criticize that too much...
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[He tilts his head, giving a thoughtful noise.]
I know I've been lucky...even if I'm not winning, I've still had a good amount of support. I'm not friendly with everyone in the pantheon but...I know that not everyone's had that same treatment.
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And I think... As long as you have enough followers to be safe, that's enough. That's what matters most right now.
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[Justice considers.]
Do you think so? I think it's important, too, but maybe I keep losing my followers because I'm not being proactive enough or...loud enough.
[He stands.]
I was so excited when I was in the lead, thinking that I'd really made an amazing impression, but then...I never gained any of those followers back, so I guess it was a fluke that didn't have anything to do with me at all.
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But it means that a lot of people are focused on who can grant them favors or wishes. I don't think it's your fault if people are more focused on that. Being loud and pushy might work for some people, but I think you're better the way you are.
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[There's a somewhat awkward pause as he looks down at his hands.]
But what if I've already changed?
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[He's thoughtful for a moment.]
I felt like something was missing. And I guess...even though I know I didn't have to, or need to, I thought...I'd just...
[It seems he doesn't actually know what to say.]
Have you ever felt like the person you know you are on the inside...is someone that nobody can see on the outside? Not even yourself? I knew who I was in here.
[He puts a small hand over his heart.]
But not in my head. I'd look at myself and feel so awful.
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I can't speak about it too confidently or anything, but...
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[But, he shakes his head.]
I did change, though. I changed...ah...can I just show you? D-Do you mind?
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If you want to show me, please do.
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[Justice sounds suddenly determined, but at the same time, much more nervous. He hesitates, but then finally reaches up and takes off his mask. Suddenly, that drawing he asked for weeks before may seem to make more sense: because he looks like what her brother would likely look like around the age of ten.]
I wouldn't have been able to do this...without you.
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And she doesn't quite understand, really? But that's okay. There's one thing she does know. Madoka smiles. ]
... It's nice to meet you!
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[For some reason, he feels very suddenly like he should be bowing to her. It kind of comes out as a nervous, awkward shuffling, an embarrassed smile.]
I didn't...have a face. I didn't have...a head, actually. So I felt broken and i-incomplete and scared.
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[ I MEAN, NOT THE NOT HAVING A HEAD THING, but definitely the feeling incomplete or scared like that! ]
And you feel better now? More like yourself?
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[Seeming to lose a bit of that nervous edge, he bounces mildly on his feet.]
I feel...a lot more confident now. I feel like how I felt a bit more before...I realized what was missing. But even better, because I can really see it. I'm still a little afraid, but it's getting so much easier.
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Then Madoka hesitates, because she realizes halfway through an idea that... Her motivations are probably part selfishness.
But she still asks: ]
Do you mind if I touch you?
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I...I don't mind at all!
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Making changes to your outside - whether it's to your appearance, or to how well you express yourself...
I guess you could call those changes. But it's still good to remember that you're still you - and that it was your own will. We need to stay kind to ourselves, old and new, because they're all still us.
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Madoka? Can we be friends? I know there isn't a lot of time left, but...
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[ She strokes her thumb over his cheek one last time, then draws back.
She doesn't get to touch people back home. And he looks like Tatsuya, who can see her now, back home - while he's young. But he'll grow up and forget. It makes her heart ache to see a likeness, but - it's nice to touch, just for a moment. ]
I'm happy that I'm getting to know you a little better.
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You mean it? That makes me so happy! Hey, do you know how to fold origami? I've been getting a lot of origami from everyone, so I've been building a whole town!
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