Authors' Note: This chapter has a little less Gil, and a little more of a serious tone. Don't worry, that will change soon enough.
"Seven heroes. In a battle to the death."
The knife in Emiya's hand didn't pause in shredding the cabbage as he seemed to think it over.
"Yes. It's no place for a third-rate like yourself," said Rin, with a sour glance towards the red sigils on the back of the boy's hand. "But somehow you've managed to tangle yourself up in it anyway."
"I never asked for this," Emiya muttered, placing the cabbage aside. "I don't even want to be a part of this."
"Sorry, Emiya. It's pretty clear the Einzbern Master isn't giving you a choice." Sighing, she added chopped garlic to the oil sizzling in the wok. "I was going to take your seals and wipe your memory to keep you out of it, but with that black wraith screeching about… I think you're badly going to need Saber."
She spared a look through the doorway into the dining room, where the two Servants were seated at the table. Comfortably in Archer's case, a glass of red wine in hand, while Saber's back was stiff as a board.
—lips pressing onto his onto hers with a golden laugh—
"Wait, you were really going to—?" Emiya spun to her with wide eyes.
"This isn't a game, Emiya!" snapped Rin, resolutely turning back to the pan. "You almost died tonight. There's no room in the War for fools or soft hearts."
A pause hung in the air.
"Dad was right," Emiya replied, turning back to the food. "Magi have no mercy."
A small shuffle of metal cut through the silence, and Rin spotted Saber shifting in place.
"He says as he stands there, ready to eat my food." She gave a theatrical shrug. "Guess this merciless magus is eating all this stir fry herself then."
"Why did you save me, then?" he asked, dicing the marinated chicken.
"As Second Owner, I'm responsible for keeping supernatural business under wraps in Fuyuki. Having you mysteriously murdered would draw unwanted attention, that's all."
Liar.
A vision of a pale face set in determination. A boy's knuckles wrapped tightly around a pole as he tried and failed his vault, again and again. Rin stayed and watched for the moment he would inevitably give up. He never did, and some of that spark reignited the dying embers in her own heart.
"Why, did you think you were special?" she said, shifting to (turn her back to him) grab the chillies from the spice rack. "Sorry to disappoint you, Emiya."
The other Master heaved a sigh.
"Thank you, Tohsaka." There was a genuine gratitude in his voice that set her cheeks aflame. There was no way she could face him right now. "I'm sorry for being such a burden. I promise I'll make it up to you somehow."
"It's fine, it's fine!" she said hurriedly, lingering over the wok in the hopes that he wouldn't see the red rising to the tips of her ears. "You can give me your firstborn later."
He laughed and placed the cutting board in the sink. "As soon as I tell that to Issei, he's going to lose his mind."
A reluctant smile crept to Rin's lips. "He'll load you down with protective charms and sutras. But Emiya, just so you know…" she tilted her head, and the smile brightened. "None of them will work against me."
Emiya scratched his cheek and looked aside. "Then I'll have to ask you at some point for your preferred baby names, I guess."
The wooden spoon fell from Rin's hands and clattered to the floor. If her face had been hot before, it now felt like an inferno. "You…" she sputtered helplessly.
Archer laughed loudly. "What's wrong, little mage? His proposal is sound."
"What?" Emiya asked, switching his gaze between Rin and the golden king. "Wha—wait, I didn't mean it like—!"
"A-Anyway!" interrupted Rin, grabbing the cutting board to tip the cabbage into the wok. The sizzle of frying vegetable helped drown out her Servant's bout of renewed mirth. "Tell me about the Einzbern Master. You said she approached you?"
Emiya cleared his throat and added the diced chicken to the stir fry. "Uh, yeah, she did. After you guys left and I was walking home, she came out of nowhere and said 'You're gonna die if you don't summon one soon, onii-chan.' And then I didn't see her again until a couple hours ago. She and the other woman, the one with the fire, attacked pretty soon after you hung up on me." He winced. "She... the little girl... she seemed really cruel."
"And you sure you've never seen her before?" mused Rin, picking up the dropped spoon and throwing it in the sink before reaching for a new one. "Why would she target you, of all people? You're not exactly top of the threat list."
About the last, actually. If what Emiya said about his circuits was true—rebuilding them for each spell!—it was a miracle he hadn't already killed himself.
"I have no idea," he said quietly. "And I still don't get why she warned me. If she just wanted to kill me... it doesn't make sense."
"You said it yourself—cruel." Rin's shoulders dropped a fraction. "She probably wanted to watch you squirm a bit before she crushed you."
The rice cooker beeped. Emiya deftly laddled the fluffy white grains into a serving bowl, shrugging and grunting in reply. "Sure, I guess. So, what's the next step?"
Rin paused.
"Hold on. I never said we were allies." She gave him a stern look. "There can only be one victor in the War."
Saber abruptly rose from her seat. "She speaks truly, Master. While I am... grateful… for the assistance provided," she scowled at Archer's amused smirk, "it does not change that we are enemies. We are destined to meet in battle. Do not form any attachments you cannot afford."
"Like I said before, I don't want to fight if we don't have to." Emiya took two bowls in hand and looked at her. "And if we aren't allies, then why are you hosting us?"
That's… actually a good question. Rin busied herself plating the stir fry to give herself desperately needed time to think. I needed to talk to him, then one thing just led to another. But I can't say that! She sucked in a breath. Come on, Rin. Equivalent exchange, there must be something… but no, that stunt in the alley was a bad thing, I don't want him trying it again—!
Archer waved a hand as Emiya served her. "You remain unaccosted because you entertain me. Once you cease to do so, you will be left to fend for yourself. Then we will see if the runt of the litter can survive."
"Is this all a jest to you, King of Heroes?" Saber's gauntlets creaked as hands clenched into fists. "Parading around in the trappings of an era you profess to despise, instead of your armor. Slipping past my Master's guard and… and humiliating him, rather than ending him!" Her mouth twisted in fury. "Even taking on a female guise to mock me!"
"It is you who imitates your king, maiden knight," Archer said without turning to the other Servant. "Though you are a poor mimic, as I would never whine in so unbecoming a manner."
"You—!" spat Saber, her hair lifting in a sudden gust of wind.
"Here you go, Saber." Emiya blatantly (thankfully) interrupted the escalating situation by placing a set of dishes in front of his Servant. "You probably haven't eaten in a while, right?"
"...a Servant doesn't need to eat," said Saber. It didn't stop her from looking longingly at the meal. "It would be frivolous."
"But it would help bolster your reserves wouldn't it?" Rin cut in. "Especially since you can't be getting much magical energy from a novice like Emiya." The knight looked torn between her anger and the delicious smell wafting from the plate. "And you're our guest," the magus pressed. "It would be rude to refuse."
And it's my house on the line if you two come to blows.
Saber scowled a moment longer before surrendering to the call of her stomach and seating herself again. "There is wisdom in your words. I will accept this meal then. From you, lady." She shot Archer a dark look. "Not the tyrant who claims credit for no contribution."
"I need not claim anything when this world owes its existence to me," Archer replied, taking her first bite. "Hmm. It seems that you two may yet hold a candle to my cooks."
Rin resented the pleased little shiver that coursed through her limbs at her Servant's praise. Huffing, she sat down to her own meal.
Dinner passed in strained silence from three of the participants, and unrestrained enjoyment from the last. Halfway through her dish, Archer finished her wine with an elegant sip and considered the empty glass.
"A good meal deserves more than mediocre wine," she said, ignoring Rin's bristle. Though she made no motion, a portal appeared on the table beside her and disgorged a clay amphora and a golden cup. Unseen hands filled the vessel and set it before its mistress.
"Oh!" Emiya suddenly stiffened. "Oh crap. I completely forgot—Tohsaka, where's your phone?"
Rin's inner magus furrowed her eyebrows. What's he up to, calling someone at this hour—wait, no, what am I thinking? It's Emiya. He couldn't scheme to save his life.
She nodded towards the hallway. "Just outside by the staircase."
"Thanks!" He quickly got up and ran out into the hall. "Fuji-nee's gonna be so pissed..."
His absence left an uncomfortable silence between the three of them. Archer casually sipped at her wine.
Rin pushed her empty plate aside and sighed to draw Saber's attention. "While Archer is still entertained," she said with a touch of sarcasm, "I suppose there's nothing for it but to offer you a formal alliance."
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Archer's insufferable smirk widen a fraction more. It was irritating how good it looked on her.
"Were it only you, I would take no issue," said Saber after a moment. "However, your... companion has no loyalty to anyone but h… herself."
Rin cocked an eyebrow at her. "But you're going to stay here despite that."
Saber had the decency to look a little sheepish. "While it may be true that my Master and I are… temporarily indisposed, the situation will rectify itself." Her shoulders straightened, and for a moment she was the proud knight of Rin's storybooks. "I thank you for your hospitality, and pledge that we shall not trouble you much longer."
Rin's mouth ran without consulting her. "Ah, it's no trouble at all."
Archer snorted.
Saber scowled. "You have something to add, King of Heroes?"
"The delusion speaks for itself," smirked the golden king. "Bold words when your armor remains blackened and dented."
And there goes any chance at an alliance. Is she always going to be this insufferable?
"Wha—I don't even know where to buy those!" Emiya's voice carried from the hall. "W-Why would you even bring that up!?"
And is Emiya always going to be this hapless?
Saber cleared her throat. "Say what you wish, Archer. I swear to you that this time, things shall be different." She shifted to fully face Rin, which happened to also turn her back on Archer. "In the meanwhile, may I trouble you for another serving?"
Fifteen minutes later, Rin cursed as she ran a mental budget. The stock of groceries meant to last Rin for up to two weeks if the War ran unexpectedly long was a quarter depleted. Her smile grew more strained as the numbers failed her.
"Hey, Tohsaka?" Emiya wiped the last of her dishes and put it away. In the correct place no less, though Rin was sure she hadn't told him her kitchen layout. "It's getting pretty late, and I was wondering where you wanted us for the night."
Rin blinked. Oh right, hostess duties. Come on, Rin. Get it together.
"There's a guest room upstairs. I'll show you the way."
Another quick glance towards the dining room assured Rin that although Saber's jaw was wired as tightly as ever, she didn't seem on the verge of attacking Archer again. She was even talking to the other blonde, in a voice too low for Rin to pick up. Forcing her curiosity down, she walked towards the steps and nodded for Emiya to follow.
"Here we are," she said, pushing the door open and leading him in.
Fortunately the weekly maid service had freshened up the room, even though Rin never had visitors. She was turning to leave when Emiya shook hurriedly-grabbed clothes out of his bag. Soot fell over the carpet.
"Emiya," she said, her voice dangerously sweet, "I hope you're not proposing to put that between my sheets."
"Look, I know it's not great, but it's all I had." Shirou huffed. "What do you want me to do, sleep naked?"
Yes! cheered Rin's hormones. Oh hell yes! I've been thinking of those abs since—
SHUT. UP. Rin slammed the voice back into its cage. She needed to put him on the back foot again.
"I could lend you some of my things. You'd look fetching in a nightgown," she teased.
He blushed, then sighed loudly.
"Naked it is!" He threw his arm up melodramatically, beginning to pack the clothes again.
She puffed her cheeks. "You should be at least a little embarrassed to say that in front of a lady."
He turned at her with an insufferable smirk—"If you see one, let me know."
He should smirk like that more often, whispered the voice from inside its cage.
Rin's cheeks turned a little red before she managed to hide it under a grin of her own. "I'll just tell Saber you were looking for one, I'm sure she'll find that delightful."
Emiya clearly did not want to hear that. "On second thought, maybe—"
"Have a good night, Emiya." She shut the door on him.
Shirou was used to restless nights. When he was younger, nightmares hunted him until the dawn and gifted him with insomnia. He drowned them out by teaching himself to cook, and later to form a magic circuit. Though at some point the nightmares faded away, the habit never did, and so Shirou could easily say with a smile that four hours of sleep was a good night's rest.
But hours did not correlate to quality, something he was reminded of this morning when he woke up and Saber was still sleeping in the same bed as him. He certainly did not feel well-rested. How could he? An attractive girl like her climbing into his bed, despite not having known him for more than six hours? He tried to dissuade her, but he wasn't given much of a choice.
"Even if you insist on taking the floor, I will be by your side. The distance between the mattress and the floor could cost you your life should Archer prove treacherous."
He carefully and delicately made his way from the bed, pausing only to stare at Saber's face. He didn't mean to, but her expression was... adorable, he had no better word for it. Softened by rest, she looked less like a fierce knight and more like an ordinary girl. A really beautiful one.
Shaking his head, he put on his new slippers. They were scratchy and uncomfortable, but it was all he could find in his and Saber's (she refused to let him go alone) rushed expedition to the convenience store last night. There would be time to get better ones later, along with less soot-covered clothes. He left the room and softly closed the door behind him.
The sun hadn't even risen yet, and the hallway was full of shadows as he padded towards the stairs. Shirou was grateful for the hospitality, but he missed his own house, with its airy passages and light colours. The Tohsaka manor felt oppressively closed in, with few windows and heavy wood furniture that blended in the shadows.
He took a few steps downstairs before stopping at an imposing grandfather clock situated at the corner of the staircase. The ornate hands pointed to five-thirty am, as he had both hoped and feared. Too much time and not enough to fill it with, given his household chores were in ashes. Reluctantly, he searched through the house for a laundry machine. He hated wandering around when his host was still asleep, but the soot just couldn't stay. Tohsaka's open disgust said as much, let alone the itching in his hands every time he saw the grime.
Once the machine was clanking away, Shirou glanced at the clock again and saw he still had some time to kill. By this hour in his house, he'd have already been washing up from his workout. Though Tohsaka lacked all of the equipment he had acquired over the years, he could at least improvise an exercise routine.
Pull-ups from the doorframe? Would she mind? It's a magus' household, it has to be reinforced, right?
Shirou eventually decided against it, preferring not to risk Tohsaka's wrath. He'd have to make do with push-ups, sit-ups, and the like. The entrance hall was the least dressed-up spot he had seen in his exploration. Making a space for himself by the door, he took off his thin cotton shirt and started his routine.
He'd worked up a good sweat when he heard a knock at the door. At first near-silent, tentative, but it quickly picked up firmness. He froze in the middle of his crunches.
Can I answer that? It's not my house, but... what if it's important? What if Tohsaka just received some crucial supplies or information for the war?
He got up and picked up his shirt, using it as an impromptu rag to wipe the sweat off his brow before answering the door. He pulled open the door.
"Hi, Tohsaka is still sleeping right..." he trailed off.
Sakura stood in front of him, boring a hole into the ground with her eyes. Her hair was tangled, frayed, and she wore a nightgown instead of the school uniform. He heard her take a small breath before she looked up at him. She had bags under her eyes, and she held her arms close to herself.
Oh no. This is my fault. I didn't think she'd worry this much about the house.
"Good morning, Senpai," she said quietly, her gaze hardening as she took in his bare chest.
"Sakura? What are you doing here?"
She forced a smile.
"We still have to make breakfast."
"O-oh, right." He moved aside. "Come on in, then."
She hesitated for a moment before taking a step inside. "Pardon the intrusion."
Wait, am I allowed to invite a guest in? Oh crap, Tohsaka's gonna kill me.
The fragile look in Sakura's eyes told him that it was far too late to backpedal. He hastily pulled his shirt on and led her into the dining room. He stopped at the door frame, panicking as he realized that Archer may be lying in wait, but held a sigh of relief back as he found the room empty.
He turned to say something to Sakura, but she took a step around him into the dining room and stopped in front of a chair, her hand hesitantly tracing the wooden carvings.
"Can I get you some tea?" he asked quietly. There were a few moments of silence before she responded.
"I'll help you make it." She walked into the kitchen before he could reply, and to his surprise she opened a cabinet and immediately pulled out an ornate teapot and cups.
How did she...? Okay, her house is also Western designed—maybe it's a standard.
When they made breakfast together in his home, there was always an easy atmosphere where they could crack small jokes together and enjoy comfortable silences. But here, the silence was heavy and tense. As the tea steeped she remained quiet, even pensive. He considered how to break the silence when he heard footsteps on the staircase.
Saber nodded as she entered the room, wearing a white and blue dress that Tohsaka had given her last night. "Good morning M... Emiya." Her expression soured on the name before it smoothed over again.
"Good morning, Saber," he nodded back. "Sakura, this is Saber, a... friend of Tohsaka's who's staying over for a little while. Saber, this is my friend's little sister, Sakura Matou."
"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Matou." Saber nodded.
Sakura didn't reply, staring at Saber for a few long moments. A gentle smile appeared on the Servant's face before she went to the dining room.
"Did she talk about what business she's here for?" Sakura asked quietly after Saber left. "And how long is she staying?"
"Uh, a couple of weeks, I think," he replied hastily. "I'm not entirely sure about the specific details."
Rather than reply, Sakura moved around him again to open the fridge and pull out a carton of eggs. Shirou made a note to himself to pay Tohsaka back for anything they used. He poured out two—no, three cups of tea while she turned the stove on. The crackle of the flame sounded like thunder in the oppressive silence.
A few minutes passed in that mood before Shirou couldn't take it anymore.
"I'll handle the toast," he said, pulling out a whole wheat loaf from the bread box and cutting it into thick slices before placing them in the toaster.
"Thank you, Senpai." Her voice was almost entirely drained of life. It reminded him of when he had first met her, when she was so closed off and so inexperienced, her eyes blank. It hurt him to see her like this.
He put a plate out for the toast and reached for the butter. "Just a little bit for yours, right?" he smiled encouragingly.
Her face crumpled even as she muttered a small 'yes'.
What!? Did I say something wrong?
As he pulled the butter towards him, he realized that his Command Seals were prominently displayed on the back of his hand.
Oh f—think fast.
"Sakura, I swear," he put the knife down and fully faced her, "I'm not a yakuza. Fuji-nee would strangle me if I tried to join."
Her lips twitched before pressing down in a grim line. "Then what is that, Senpai?"
Where is Tohsaka when you need her!?
As if summoned, he heard footsteps on the staircase again.
"Oh, there's Tohsaka!" Shirou almost sighed in relief before quickly slathering butter on the bread. "Give me one second to explain things to her."
With a cavernous yawn, the girl in question stumbled into the kitchen. She looked half-asleep in yellow pyjamas with a cheerful black cat pattern. Hard to reconcile with the image of a school idol, but much more approachable—cute, even. Shirou hoped it was a good sign that she wouldn't mind an unexpected guest too much.
"Good morning Tohsaka," he said. "I hope you don't mind, but—"
Shirou blinked as she walked right by him and grabbed the tea he'd poured for Saber. A satisfied little sigh left her lips after she'd downed half the cup.
"Ah, uh... guess I'll just pour another cup," he muttered. She drifted into the dining room and joined Saber at the table, still blinking owlishly.
"Did you two have a late night?" asked Sakura by his elbow. Her usually serene voice held an undertone of broken glass that made him shift in place.
"Yeah... something like that," he mumbled. He was still processing all the Holy Grail War information that Tohsaka had dumped on him, and Saber's company had left him restless.
Violet eyes stared hard at him. He felt like he was being silently appraised, though he had no idea what for. A shadow passed over Sakura's face before she turned back to the counter.
"I… I see," she said at last.
Good job, Shirou. The more you walk forward, the more you kick the puppy at your feet.
"Well, don't worry." He put a smile on for her. "This is only temporary. I'm going to call Old Man Fujimura before we leave to see if he knows any good builders that work quickly. Soon we'll be back to breakfast at home like usual."
Her lips twitched up in a smile. A fragile thing, but the closest to an honest one he'd seen all morning. "I'd like that, Senpai. I wish…"
She shook her head and gathered up the plated food. He poured out another cup of tea and put the three cups on a platter, then followed Sakura as she walked into the dining room.
Tohsaka sat across from Saber, looking like she might fall into her cup and drown at any moment. The Servant sat up straight in the formal manner of a knight, but an amused little smile played on her lips as she watched the other girl.
Oh good, she looks a bit more relaxed this morning. I guess it helps that Archer's not around. Those two really don't get along.
"Sorry for the wait, Saber," he said, injecting some cheer into his voice as he placed a cup in front of her. "Tea and breakfast. I hope you like eggs on toast."
The blonde's eyes lit up when it was joined by said food. "That smells delicious. My thanks to both of you."
She smiled at both of them, lingering on Sakura. His schoolmate averted her gaze, only muttering a soft 'you're welcome' after a few heartbeats. Seeing that Tohsaka already had her tea, Shirou looked over the table for a moment before taking a seat next to Saber.
I shouldn't make Sakura sit next to a stranger. She and Tohsaka at least know each other, so sitting together might make her feel a bit more at ease.
Had it not been so silent, he wouldn't have heard the small hitch in Sakura's breath. He flicked his gaze towards her, but she was looking at the empty seat next to Tohsaka. After a moment, she handed a plate to his classmate.
"Here you go... Tohsaka-senpai," she said quietly.
"Thanks, Sakura," murmured Tohsaka, hands still folded around her cup like it held the elixir of life. Then she blinked. Once, then again as her face paled. She almost dropped the cup as she spun to face Sakura. "S-Sakura? What are you…"
Her mouth worked uselessly for a few moments before she closed it, still staring at Sakura like she was a ghost. The other girl had sat down and started on her breakfast, paying no heed to Tohsaka's goldfish impersonation.
"What's wrong, Tohsaka?" Shirou asked. Crap. I guess Tohsaka does mind. I'm so screwed.
The expected outburst never came. His host shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Nothing, I… nothing. It's just unexpected, that's all."
It seemed to take Tohsaka a great effort to tear her eyes off Sakura's face to focus on her plate. Even then, she barely picked at her eggs.
Saber cleared her throat. "Emiya. Were you planning on going to school today?" Her brow furrowed in apparent concern. "You mentioned feeling unwell last night. Perhaps it would be best if you stayed home and rested."
Sakura's head peeked up momentarily to glance at Saber.
"What are you talking about, Saber? I feel perfectly fine." He rolled his shoulders. "See?"
The blonde's frown deepened. "I must insist."
"If he's feeling well, then he should be coming to school," Sakura interjected, her tone far harsher than he had ever heard before.
Saber looked expectantly at him. Shirou glanced at Sakura, who was pleading for something in her gaze, then at Tohsaka who was draining the last of her tea.
Come on, help me Tohsaka!
She continued to ignore him, taking a bite out of her toast.
"...I think I'll be okay," he finally said. "Thank you for your concern."
Saber's mouth set in a grim line. Though she said nothing more, the green of her eyes looked a little colder.
Okay, maybe Issei is right—getting involved with women is nothing but trouble. Maybe I should go purify myself at the temple for a few weeks after this whole thing blows over.
A great crash came from the entrance as the front door slammed open with the force of a typhoon.
"Shiroooouuuu!" screamed the one voice he was hoping not to hear that morning. "Show yourself, you delinquent punk!"
"Excuse me for a second," said Shirou, pushing himself away from the table and quickly walking to the doorway. He barely caught Tohsaka grumbling about bounded fields and civilians before he found himself facing down the tiger.
"Fuji-nee!" he yelled back. "You can't just barge into other people's homes!"
"Why you..." she stomped over to him and he bent his knees in preparation to counter one of her patented Torashinai strikes. Instead, she swept him up into a tight bear hug. "You idiot. How could you make your big sister worry like this?"
"It's just a house..." he muttered, but patted her back. That's when she smacked him over the head. "Ouch!"
"You should have come stayed with me!" she said reproachfully.
"And do all your chores?" he huffed, rubbing his sore head. "No thanks."
"Where did Kiritsugu go wrong with you?" Fuji-nee bemoaned, letting him go and hefting the plastic bag she carried. "I came all this way so early in the morning just to bring you a spare uniform, and in return you give me this attitude! He must be rolling in his grave right now."
Shirou gave her a wan smile. "Rolling from laughter, maybe. If you're so offended, you're welcome to take it back. I can take a day off from school."
"Absolutely not!" the tiger roared. "You are putting on this uniform and going to class, and that's final! I have my pride as a teacher, you know."
"Give me a break," said Shirou, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, I'll go change… wait, Sakura. She forgot to bring her uniform this morning." He glanced down the hall towards the dining room. "We'll need to stop by her house to get it."
Fuji-nee cocked her head. "Sakura's here as well? I'm happy she's making friends, but…" Her expression turned forbidding again. "Alone in a house with two girls, without any adult supervision. Shirou, just what are you up to?"
"Three," he corrected before he could stop himself, "Tohsaka has a guest staying with her." The mountain rumbled threateningly. Hurrying before it turned into a full-blown eruption, he said, "I'll explain everything on the way to school, okay?"
The thunder subsided with the slump of Fuji-nee's shoulders. "I really should chaperone, but I have to get in early today. Important teacher business."
He puffed out a breath. "You forgot to mark assignments last night, didn't you?"
"Never you mind!" Fuji-nee threw the bag at him and he barely caught it. She then marched past him into the house.
"Wait, didn't you just say you needed to be in early?"
The corner of his sister's lip lifted up. "Introductions first, Shirou. I need to see who you'll be staying with before I allow this."
Shirou sighed as he watched her barge into the dining room. He wasn't too worried about Saber. With her polite if old-fashioned manners and serious face, she'd probably fall into Fuji-nee's "good kid" box. Archer, with her golden arrogance, was a different matter.
Where is Archer, anyway?