Rin poped her head barely above her knee-high stronghold.
-"Ibrahim."

I blinked.

She scoffed.
-"Ibrahim Incorporated, the largest conglomerate of oil, gas, and gems."

My brain finally made the connection.
-"We had a shootout with the Edelfelts over their gas main pipe. Fun times."
I looked over my elbow, the faded scar an angry reminder of a score to settle.
Go to Syria, meet new places, mispronounce a greeting, and get shot over goat ancestry.
2/10, would not recommend.

My companion shook her head and refused to acknowledge the latest bit of trivia about her future in-laws.
-"Their heir, Reinard Ibrahim, began to court me since we met at the Clocktower Summer Ball."

-"Can't fault the man for having good taste."

She gave me the stinky eye.
-"Flattery is unnecessary for you, Emiya. You already got what you wanted, all of Tohsaka's resources."
And displayed the back of her hand, where sigils denoted our binding contract.

I scratched my nose.
-"I counted on you chickening out."

-"What?"

-"Don't take this wrong, Rin. You ARE gorgeous, but we are only 16, for root's sake!"
I looked at my hands, recalling the panic of getting caught in such a rookie mistake.
"I tried to think of the highest possible price, something no Magus would ever give up, so you would flinch."

The air crackled with ozone and the smell of death filled the night.
-"Emiiiiiiya...are you telling me...you do Not Want IT?"

I made no sudden movements, the first lesson you learn walking over minefields.
-"As I said earlier. You are gorgeous, but we are too young to start a family."

Rin eyes bore onto mine.
-"And what about Tohsaka's Gemcraft?"

I wasn't following, raising an eyebrow to convey my confusion.
-"What about it?"

-"WHAT..."
She growled and covered it with a cough.

I am not as socially inept as Sasuke says.
I notice stuff too.

Rin dismissed her earlier outburst and continued lecturing me.
-"...since Tohsaka magecraft uses a vast variety of gems, it stands to reason to merge our families... But that fool asked for too a high price."

-"Your family crest?"

-"..."

I used my pinky to clean my ears.
-"Didn't catch that one. Care to whisper louder?"

-"Sakura"

I pursed my lips.
-"How strangely humane of you to value more your kin than any advantage pursuing Akasha."

Rin's voice was flat.
-"It feels me with dread to think my husband is going to be such a moron. You would have been a fine match for the hussy Reinard got."

-"Heyyyyy. I resent that remark."
And added to my list.
427:Reinard Ibrahim.