Words Count: 5319

A/N: Today fucking sucks.

Guest: This is reaching spoiler territory. I can't divulge any info at the moment.

Anyway, here's my usual spiel:

You can start reading up to Episode 59 of Fate: False Sovereignty in advanced. The Tier starts from as low as 1USD! You can support me and read as soon as I release an Episode, check it out:

P(a)(treon).com(/) LiamThePoor

Expression the picture-perfect example of professionalism, chin resting and plopped on my clasped knuckles, I swept my gaze across the entire party, which was- unsurprisingly- female-dominated. On my right was Shiro, and next to her, Saber who's already munching on the refreshments prepared by my maids. To my left were Rin, Archer and last but certainly not least- the person most relevant to this little meeting of ours- Sakura.

The younger Tohsaka didn't look at all disturbed, as if the situation had nothing to do with her, even though it did- it absolutely did.

In fact, this meeting was called almost solely because of her reckless excursion into the City completely unprotected and unguarded. "What exactly brought this on, Leo?" In spite of her inquiry, I could tell Rin already knew the whys. The question's merely an attempt to soothe the tense atmosphere that had befallen us. "Ano… Why am I here?"

My gaze shot sharply towards the short, albino woman. 'Indeed, why on Earth are you here, Illyasviel von Einzbern?' I most definitely did not remember requesting her presence in this meeting. It's a private matter, and as I had said plenty of times, one should not air one's dirty laundry to the public. It revealed weaknesses, and while I doubted the Ms. Einzbern would try to take advantage of it, you could never be too cautious with Magi and… People in general.

In retrospect, my decision to reveal the [Game] to Rin was not only idiotic, but also incredibly thoughtless. For all I knew, I could've been put inside a Timeline where Rin Tohsaka's every bit as psychopathic as every other Magi. Hell, she could've been worse, it'd not surprise me in the slightest knowing what I now knew about the Moonlit World.

Wordlessly, my eyes darted to Shiro- full of questions- awaiting her response. Besides the auburn-haired Heroine, I could think of no other person who would both invite Illya and had the authority to get her past my- frankly- fanatical guards. "Illya-nee-chan and I have been getting to know each other, and since Berserker is a powerful Servant, I thought it'd be wise to let nee-san attend."

"Hey! I'm Shiro's only nee-chan!"

Just in time… And I was wondering where she went. "Taiga-nee, how many times do I have to tell you?"

I drawled sarcastically, stressing though not before throwing the Tigress a faux annoyed eye-roll. "Do use the doors like a sane person, please. They are put there for a reason… Not to mention, it is unbecoming of you to climb in when my subordinates are watching- it sets a bad example." Seeming proud, Taiga said in a patronizingly tone, her nose pointedly smugly upwards. "Leo-chan, don't be such a buzzkill!"

"It won't hurt to refrain from your usual antics for a couple weeks while the War is ongoing." Eyes narrowed, I jokingly scolded and gestured to the empty seat near Illya's. "You are late… Taiga-nee–" I started threateningly. "– Luckily for you, we're just beginning. What are you still waiting for? Go on, take a seat."

Illya- running in the same frequency as I did- hurriedly patted the chair besides her. Perhaps she thought Taiga's presence would make hers in this meeting- as an uninvited guest to boot- less… Awkward, I supposed?

Sadly, not even the seemingly limitless source of excitement that was Kiritsugu's biological daughter could match the fierce Tigress', which was actually endless. Okay, perhaps that was a bit of an exaggeration, but you get my point.

"Well, since a certain somebody got here late, I will have to backtrack a bit, but basically I want Sakura to contribute more and start practicing Magecraft. Although I understand the traumas she has been through, this is not just about her feelings, it's about our wellbeing- and I said our because the longer she goes without the ability to protect herself, the harder it'll be on the rest of us mentally."

The Tigress pouted for a sec, before growing serious at the mention of Sakura. "She can't be a participant, Leo. Sakura-chan does not possess her own Servant!"

Rin also protested, though more out of sisterly love than any actual reason. "I know you are angry, but Sakura isn't a fighter, Leo."

'Ha!' I nearly snorted, barely managing to contain the snicker bubbling its way up and out of my throat. If only they knew of Dark Sakura- the young woman who singlehandedly who not only decimated and defeated an entire group of Servants, but was also responsible for Gil's death. Before, I was willing to overlook her due to her dislike of violence and gentleness, but since she wanted to 'go and wander JiangHu', I'd satisfy her wishes. "I understand you don't want her in fights, but right now she is a huge liability to us all."

I emphasized, making quotation marks with my hands. "A wiseman once said: It's okay to be weak, it's not okay to stay weak. She'll never overcome her traumas if we keep coddling her. Now, I don't want to, nor am I asking Sakura to be an active frontline participant, but she needs to train before her weakness bites us all in the ass."

"Are these your true thoughts-" The person in question glanced at me. "- Or are you doing this to be petty and controlling, Leo-senpai?"

"Controlling?" I repeated. "You want to see how controlling I can be, you ungrateful–!"

Translation: 'Fuck around and find out.'

Taking a sharp breath to calm myself, I soon realized a whole section of the table had been completely broken- shattered to thousands of shards next to my feet. Practically everyone backed away besides Archer, Herakles and Artoria, who likely believed they would have to overpower me if the need arose.

It didn't come to that- thankfully- as I was able to clamp down on the urge just in time. "Fine, fine! Think of it that way, let say hypothetically I am that petty- ignoring the fact your completely disobeyed such a simple and clear-cut order and nearly made us subservient to the enemy- Do you- Sakura- really think this is the incorrect course of actions? Will this hurt or help you more in the grand scheme of things?"

Nobody answered.

What the Hell was this? I thought we're over this shit? I thought we had an understanding?! "How many resources- how many decade-old relationship do I have to sacrifice to protect you- just you?! I was okay with you staying out of the War- I respected your decision and let you do whatever the Hell you wanted because I thought I could trust you. Clearly, my trust is misplaced. You want to act like a kid- running away from home? I'll treat you as such. Either you start training with Rin, or I lock you up in your bedroom and believe me–"

I laughed- it's a menacing thing filled with contempt and promises of pains. "– That lock will be tighter than a nun's asshole for the duration of the War." Artoria cringed at the comparison, Archer coughed and Berserker- to my surprise- reached forth to cover Illya's ears. ""Leo.../Leo-senpai…""

Both the Heroine and the Tsundere began, only to turn away when faced with the stone-cold expression I had put on. "Lady Tohsaka, tell us, why did you sneak out? Perhaps an explanation will cool Lord Magnum- Leo's–" Artoria corrected, playing out the role of the peacemaker. "– Anger. If it's excusable, I'm sure he can find it in himself to forgive you."

Now, I could be patronizing about this, but that's beneath me and hence I simply sat still, awaiting her answer. Sakura fidgeted in place, her complexion paling several shades as she bit her lip hesitantly- I don't have time for this- "Very well. Since you don't want to answer, your training starts at noon today, I want you in a fighting shape by the end of the week."

"WAIT! I was jealous and needed something to distract myself with, okay!"

"Jealous?" I echoed.

"Of whom?!" Rin asked, gaping- visibly confused.

"Of Leo-senpai." She gestured at me.

"""WHY?!""" Three voices rose in unison, as though having practiced this moment- Taiga's, Rin's and my own. What could she possibly be jealous of?! The fights I had to participate in? All the troubles I had to deal with on a daily basis? The fancier bathroom I had- which by the way I rightfully earned?! "I don't know."

She said and as quick as they were, I was still able to catch the glances she threw towards the three other women in the room and how it lingered briefly on a certain auburn-haired Heroine. So that's what this was about, aye? It… Made senses, actually. Rubbing my eyes, I leaned forth, nearly dropping to the ground due to a general lack of- Well, table in my direction. "I see."

'Sakura did have poor self-esteem in Canon, but this is fucking ridiculous.' Swallowing a heavy breath, I tried to put myself in her shoes- how would I feel as a former 'abused victim' who's desperately clinging to every shreds of love and companionship I had when someone who had basically disappeared from my life returned and stole all the attention? Worse, to steal all the attention of my long-term crush- Nay, long-term obsession?

'Not good, probably.' Nice conclusion, Angra. I'd never have been able to think of that! 'Less sarcasm, more planning Leo-tan.'

"What do you see?" Taiga asked without any heat, appearing to be genuinely curious.

I looked at Sakura, saw the slight- nigh unnoticeable- shake of her head and sighed. 'Let it go, Leo. She is just a girl- an abused and lonely girl. Don't hold grudges.'

"I'm willing to overlook your mistake… But only if you agree to talk to me after the meeting." I was angry still, but putting yourself in someone else's shoes had proven to be an effective method to cool my wrath- made it a lot easier to sympathize with their plights. While I was definitely a petty motherfucker, "All I'm asking for is a proper heart-to-heart. Can you do that, Sakura?"

The young woman nodded silently, and I let out a sigh of relief. The crux of the problem had not been resolved, but this was as good as things were going to get between us until we had had that talk.

There was no need to make our relationship tenser than it had to be. I was kind of- sort of dating her sister, and sometimes it was a necessity to sacrifice your ego and keep the in-laws happy, right? "Wait, what are you talking about?!"

Loudly, Rin questioned, though was soon muffled by her Servant. 'Nicely done, Archer!'

"Onto the next subject–"

"There's more…?" Illya muttered tensely.

"It's regarding the next steps of the War." I explained patiently. "Previously, I hadn't known the identity of the other Masters, thus making a concrete plan was not possible…"

"And now that you do, you think you can predict their next moves?" The Tigress- for the first time in her life- seemed serious- too serious in fact.

"I know Swan. She likes to think she's smarter than everybody else, but she isn't." Swiping a hand down my face, I crossed my arms.

"My guess is she'll try to take advantage of this time to strike, probably believing our guard would be down after such a recent failure from her end. She will come at us with everything she has got- with all of the available resources and manpower at her deposal–" Gaze swept over my surrounding, I continued. "– Which is why we must be prepared. We take her down, those working with and under her will descend into complete chaos- demoralized, meaning they'll make for easy-pickings. Some might be able to pull themselves together, but by that time–"

"It will already have been too late." A certain Tohsaka cut me off, concluding. Thank you Rin. I really appreciated you interrupting just to save me a few words! What would I ever do without you? Throwing the twin-tailed tsundere a swift thumb-up, I smiled and pointed at her. "Yup, what Rin said. Speaking of which, Miss Einzbern-"

"Call me Illya, please. Miss Einzbern reminds me too much of my dear grandfather." There was so much spitefulness in that singular word, it surprised me.

'Little Ms. Emiya' hadn't seemed angry at Jubstacheit, or not nearly as much as she should be a couple of weeks ago. Made me wonder, what brought on this sudden change of heart? Correcting, I coughed. "Well then Illya-san, may I know your thoughts in regard to this plan?"

"I- Uhmmm…" She stuttered. "I don't know, I guess it's fine? You're the expert here, Leonis-san."

"Does anyone object?" Just to be sure, I questioned again. "C'mon, raise your hands! It's a democracy here–"

No it's fucking not, but there was no reason for me to voice that, nor did they need to know my true thoughts. "– Voice your objection now, or I will take it as you have forfeited the total right to make the decision to me, in which case I will expect obedience from you… Unless it is a life-threatening situation and the only way you can survive is through defiance."

"As Illya-chan said, you are the expert here. You know that Swan-woman more than any of us, I think it is still best to leave the planning to you." Said Taiga, and soon enough the other women in the room also joined her as well. The sole exceptions were the Servants, who hadn't added anything substantial to the meeting-

Nothing beyond trying to calm things down at least.

Artoria was okay with whatever, trusting her Master- Shiro and I. Same went for Enkidu who was faithfully standing guard behind me. As for Archer and Berserker- one was quite literally incapable of speech, while the other seemed to have confidence in my decisions thanks to his prior interactions with Leona- presumably my female-counterpart from another Timeline. "Are you sure?" Still, I emphasized- not wanting a second 'Sakura incident' to occur when it could be avoided.

""""YES!""""

Only after everybody screamed, did I let the matter slide. "We'll touch on the specifics at a later date, but what you need to know is Swan won't attack in the morning- draws too much attention and while she does not give a rat's ass about normal governmental body, she is still very fearful of the Tower despite her hatred of me."

"So it's safe during the day?"

"Yes." I nodded. "Unfortunately, we'll have to switch up our usual schedule a bit. You guys are fine with that, right?"

Most of us became irritable when sleep-deprived, though none more than a certain tsundere… It's small- nigh unnoticeable- but I could hear it- I could hear the frustrated groan Rin let loose at the news. "Don't worry, I will make sure coffees are prepared for you at all hours of the day- or night, I suppose?"

Flustered, the tsundere sent me a glare- one without any heat as I winked at her, continuing. "Everything will be provided for you guys… In return, for the coming days, I expect everyone to be on their best behaviors. This isn't a joking matter, understood?" Unable to resist the urge, I glanced towards Sakura's general direction to find the younger Tohsaka facing elsewhere- refusing to even look at me.

"That is all for today's meeting." Rising to my feet, I added.

"Normally, I would not bother doing this amongst friends, but considering the fact many here are rather… New faces, I'd like to extend my eternal thank to those who have attended and are actively helping us."

"Leo-chan, what do you think this is, Peace Summit?" Taiga joked.

"Peace Summit is important."

Shiro quipped in from the sidelines,

Before things could devolve into a conversation regarding politicians and their bullshits, I waved with a quick, "Meeting adjourned."

Then marched off to the door while others were gathering their stuffs. "Sakura… Walk with me."

.

.

.

"Leo–!"

Rin Tohsaka- her expression marred with concern and worry for both her wayward friend and sister- stood up in a hurry to give chase, just to be stopped dead in her track by her own Servant- truly, the saying: 'The saddest thing about betrayal is that it always comes from the place you least expect.'

"Archer! What's the meaning of this?!"

'Why are you stopping me?!' The tsundere shouted internally.

"It's their business, Rin… I know you want to help, but if you step in now you will only cause the rift between them to widen more." In fact, she knew this too- how could she not know? Rin Tohsaka was a lot of things- a Magus, a student, an elder sister to a traumatized and abused girl. While she never claimed to be the most perceptive or understanding, she had her moments. It's just- this matter concerned her loved ones, she felt obliged to help out in any way she could.

"I know." Instead of arguing, the tsundere merely nodded worriedly- hoping the issue would be resolved sooner rather than later. "Don't worry–"

Patting her on the head, the tanned Servant finished. "– If he's anything like Leona, I'm sure he will deal with it quickly."

— [Fate: FS] —

We ended up all the way out into the street of Fuyuki- walking silently besides each other while Life happened around us.

People smiling, playing, talking- actually connecting to one another rather than staying on the phones all the time. They looked so… Worry-free, so unconcerned, that it's genuinely upsetting to me. Little did they know a mass-murderer was walking next to them- just a face amongst the crowds. "There it is, Ahnenerbe. Come to think of it, I have never even brought you here, have I? It's a pretty cool café, the atmosphere, the decorations, the employees- all nice."

That's a stupid question to be honest.

I had never hung out with her, let alone bring her to my favorite hangout spot in all of Fuyuki. Maybe that's why it had come to this? Maybe I had neglected my relationship with my… Only in-laws a little too much? Granted, I did kind of neglect everyone in favor of business, but in Sakura's case, I had never even had a single moment with her- although it didn't have to be romantic, or touching, or wholesome, I should have– 'Don't blame yourself. This one is on her and no one else.'

'Thank you, Angra.' I told him gently. 'For reminding me.'

"Leo-senpai, it's not necessary to–"

"Sshhh–" I hushed loudly, putting a finger on her lips. "– It's better this way. There are private booths where we can do practically anything inside as long as no drugs or- Well, the 'Devil's tango' are involved, our little heart-to-heart will not be interrupted… Much, since the staffs still have to take and deliver our orders."

"Can't we talk at the Castle?"

"No." I replied, shaking my head resolutely. "With all the people living there, privacy is a luxury at this point, and that's not mentioning Rin. You do remember how fast news of you and Illaoi being ambushed by Swan spread, right? Besides, I don't think you- or anyone for that matter- will be comfortable with you and I in such an environment, alone. Feels too much like I'm coercing you into agreeing with what I want."

And by environment, I meant 'home-field' advantage. The Castle was literally crawling with my servants, spies, guards,…etc. Pulling her by the hand, I added. "Here, if you ever feel the need to scream for help, people will rush in instantly."

Pretty sure George and my waitress-friends were supernatural as well- seriously, they had not aged a day- which might provide Sakura some much-needed comfort. "Don't worry. You don't owe me anything. Think of it as a outing between two friends."

"Leo?/You came!" The only green-haired tsundere I knew- Chikagi Katsuragi- and her ever excited friend- Hibiki Hibino echoed in unison. That was before their gazes zoomed in on my companion, who fidgeted in place from all the attention she was receiving. "Uhmmm. Welcome, customer?!"

Needless to say, the first to greet Sakura was Hibiki. Chikagi was far less courteous as she touched her forehead gingerly- seeming just… Done with me. "Leonis, this isn't a place for you to trick other people's daughters."

"It's not like that, she is Rin's little sister. We're having a secret in-laws meeting." I explained, cold-sweats dripping down my chin.

"So you got the nee-san, and now you're looking to add the younger sister to your Harem too?" I tried to deny, though there was no point. "Scum."

Honestly, was my image that terrible in their eyes? I meant, sure they did have a reason for it, but I wasn't nearly as horrible as what they thought of me! Hell, I had barely touched any women since that night with Gil on the rooftop, else my Stats would have been through the fucking ceiling by now! "Can you just- Is there a private booth available?"

Grimacing, I asked with a tired voice. I was here to get coffee and relax, not get judged by some biologically-immortal waitress. "Hmph!" Chikagi snorted with crossed arms as she left in the kitchen direction, while Hibiki laughed awkwardly. "Forgive her, Leo-san. She's just being difficult. Your usual booth is available, just remember to turn the sign and–"

"I get it, I get it. No funny business in George's establishment." I waved the concern away and marched into Ahnenerbe- mood incomparably worse.

"Hibiki-san, bring us something to fill our bellies please. I'll take the usual, but it's Sakura's first time here." I gestured at the younger Tohsaka, and said politely. "Can you give her the Menu?"

"Here you go." Pulling out exactly what I asked from nowhere- Well, it was actually from her blouse, but how the Menu- which by the way was quite literally a third of her torso- managed to cramp inside such a small opening, I had no idea.

"One Menu, done!" As though to cheer herself on, the friendlier of the two waitresses pumped her arms up enthusiastically. "There's no need, Hibiki-san? I'll take what Leo-senpai's having."

"Are you sure? His are quite bitter. It's black coffee and bun with dark-chocolate stuffing. I'd suggest something sweeter for a sweet girl like yourself." … 'Is today [Mock Leo International Day] or something?!'

'Could be with how many L's you're taking.' Angra joked, snorting in amusement. 'Well, at least my sufferings are making someone happy, I guess…'

After a brief moment waiting for Sakura to pick her chosen refreshments, we silently marched into the booth. Nothing had changed, not the decorations, not the paints, not even the foods and yet the people were different… Okay, you know what? I was beginning to understand why the two waitresses reacted like that. From an outsider's perspective, I did look like a fuckboy- even though I wasn't.

As we wordlessly and awkwardly took seats opposite from one another, it almost felt like I could hear the imaginary crickets chirping in the background. Sipping on my coffee– 'Damn addict.'

SIPPING. ON. MY. COFFEE! My eyes remained trained on the rippling surface. Meanwhile, Sakura fidgeted, looking at basically anywhere- in every other direction, except mine. "At a risk of sounding very, very rude. May I ask why you're being so- so… I don't know, angry towards me? We haven't really talked since my return, we also don't interact all that much- which I admit was my fault, I got carried away with work. Still, I thought we had an understanding?"

This wasn't the first time- I had caught Sakura glaring in my general direction multiple times during the short few weeks I had been back. I didn't think it'd devolve into this, I thought she was simply narrowing her eyes to see better or something along that line. When she did not speak, I raised my voice a bit- though I was still perfectly calm. "You said you were jealous of me. I presume it has to do with Shiro and Rin?"

Taiga too.

"I- It's just-"

"Relax." I reassured. "Take a deep breath. Regardless of your answer- regardless of the outcome of this conversation, I won't do anything to hurt you. I was angry, stressed and said many things I did not mean. Although you did give me a reason to be angry, it was childish and out of line of me. I should have looked at things from your perspective first. You are a teenager locked inside a Castle with nothing to do and you lashed out–"

"IT WASN'T–" Taking a breath, Sakura swallowed the ball of anger down. "– I wasn't lashing out."

She emphasized. "I wasn't angry at you- that's not why I escaped the Castle and disregarded your order. I just needed a little… Fresh air. It's just- You were gone for years, Leo-senpai. You were gone and the moment you came back, it's like nobody cared about me anymore. It was all Leo, Leo, LEO."

Rubbing her forearms, Sakura continued- calmer, thankfully. "Nee-san, Shiro-senpai and Taiga-nee forgave you without any trouble. You guys did nearly everything together- While I'm only addressed when they need something and it's just talk after talk after talk about you. It is always Leo did this today, he did this tonight.

And when they're not talking about you, they just train. There are days I don't even get to see nee-san 'till late night when she goes to rest. I feel… Abandoned. It feels like a decade ago again, the night when my father sold me to that- to Zouken."

Looking up from her beverage, she smiled- a smile filled to the brims with self-deprecation. "I thought it was unfair. I put so much efforts into cultivating a relationship with them, and the second you're back, I'm forgotten and I know- I know they don't mean to do it, I know they are trying their best to include me in everything, but it still hurts. I can't help it."

Shrinking into herself, the younger Tohsaka seemed ready to fall apart from the seams. A touch and she would, undoubtedly. "Sakura…"

From the corner of my vision, I saw she touch the bracelet I had given her all those years ago- the protective Mystic Code I painstakingly forged. "It's stupid, I know. I didn't mean to shake your trust in Illaoi, I just wanted a day to myself- a day to de-stress and not have to hear about how great you are. It's like I'm delegated from nee-san's sister to someone less. From senpai's kouhai to a stranger living in the same house."

Oh-Dear… "Sakura."

Rising to my feet, I changed seat next to hers and spread my arms invitingly, the look on my face was calm, gentle- something I'd use when approaching a small, wounded animal. "Do you need a hug?"

"I- Yes…" Contrary to my expectations, she agreed.

We stayed like that for a while, until I decided to whisper into her ear softly. "I won't pretend to know how traumatizing it must have been in the Matou Household, but I think you should practice Magecraft again. Not just for your own protection and our peace-of-mind. Consider it a way to bond with the three of them. No one has forgotten you, and I can promise Shiro, Taiga and Rin will never abandon you. Still, you need to understand, your likes and dislikes are… Different. Extremely so.

Without school and the usual stuffs, they don't have a lot to talk to you. Magecraft can rectify that- it can be a way to strengthen your existing relationships and pass time." Ruffling her hair, I chuckled. "Believe it or not, even we don't talk all that much. We mostly train- enjoying each other's presence."

"I'm sorry." She hadn't cried yet, though it's close. How did I know? Well, call it a hunch of sort. "Sakura, if you promise to train with us, you can leave whenever you want- you're not a prisoner in my Castle, though I still ask you take a few of my subordinates with you and report to us when you leave. They are the best my Faction has to offer and were handpicked by me. Every single one is willing to die for me. If I assign them to you, they will definitely prioritize your wellbeing above their own."

"… I don't want anyone to be hurt for a broken thing like me."

"You're not broken, Sakura." Soothingly, I combed her hair. "You're strong, and beautiful, and you deserve more than anything I could offer. What happened to you- the things that filthy Worm did, none of it was your fault. We do not think any lesser of you for your past."

I stressed, hoping it'd get to her- or at least lessen the pain she's feeling.

"You really think so?" Her voice was muffled almost to a point of being inaudible- I was barely able to make out what she said amidst the shakes in her tone. "I know so."

For a period, neither of us spoke, enjoying this little moment we're having with each other until finally, "I'll do it…"

"Hmmm?"

"I'll practice Magecraft again- I'm not sure bow good I'll be at it, but I don't want to be a burden to you or anyone." The smile that pulled on the corners of my lips was huge as I patted her head. "Good girl."

"In return–" Wait, I thought that was it? "– Can you revoke Ms. Illaoi's punishment, please? It's my fault, I went out on my own, she shouldn't have to suffer because of me."

"Sakura…"

"Please!" She pleaded again.

"I'm angry because she betrayed my trust. She is- was my right-hand woman. I know she was just trying to help you- perhaps even seeing a shadow of her past-self in you, but she still did so against my order." She could have- should have given any of us a call. She wouldn't have invited my wrath otherwise, yet she didn't…

Such a simple- seemingly harmless act of insubordinate nearly cost both of them their lives and that- that I couldn't forgive. "I don't think I can let her off so quickly, but I'll try to keep an open-mind as long as you do your hardest during the coming training sessions, how about that? This is the best deal you're gonna get out of me, take it or leave it."

The last sentence was said jokingly, though the expression I wore conveyed my feelings perfectly.

"Al- Alright… Pinky swear?" Sakura raised her pinkie up, and I could no longer contain it- A sharp burst of giggles escaped my lips as I pulled her in closer. "Le- Leo-senpai?"

"Sorry, sorry! Rin did the same when we were younger- when we first met I think? You two really are siblings, huh?"

"Of course we are!" The younger Tohsaka pouted, faking offense.

"Hey…"

"Yes?"

A forlorn look came over my face, hidden behind strands of her dark-brown hair. "When I'm gone, take care of them, alright. Especially Shiro, that girl's going to do something stupid, I just know it. You have to deter them, I can only entrust you with this. You're the only other person on this Earth who loves Rin and Shiro as much as I do- maybe even more."

"You're going away?!" She snapped, a look of confusion creeping into her wide-eyes.

"Maybe…" I muttered. "Never mind that. I just had a bad feeling about the War, that's all."

Forcing a smile to my lips, I tilted my head. "Friends?"

Sakura took my extended hand with a smile of her own, though hers was genuine- mine was not.

"Friends."