Chapter 10: A smile worth more than a thousand thank yous

(???'s pov)

"You'll catch a cold if you stay in the rain too long."

I heard a voice coming from behind me, so I turned around. The one who called me was a boy who was probably similar in age to me. His hair was and his eyes in golden shade.

I was captivated by these eyes not only because I thought they were beautiful but also because he seemed... worried.

I didn't see anyone worried about me since I was adopted. Even my old family didn't look at me like that when they gave me away... except maybe Nee-san, although, as of late, I started to doubt even that. Why wouldn't she try to help me?

As I started drifting away because of my thoughts, I felt something being dropped on my head.

I looked up and around to see that I was covered by the boy's jacket. It looked like a school uniform jacket.

I don't understand, and it looks like my look revealed my thoughts.

"As I said before. You'll catch a cold if you stay in the rain too long. Unfortunately, I don't have an umbrella with me, so I can't lend you one."

He smiled and patted my head for some reason.

His jacket was wet from the rain, but for some reason, it was... warm.

I held the hem of the jacket from both sides with both of my hands, bringing it closer to me to feel this warmth even a bit better and maybe so I wouldn't lose it too soon.

The boy looked inside the shop I was observing moments ago. Without saying anything, he went inside, dragging me with him, and after a few minutes, he got two crepes.

He extended one arm to me.

"You wanted to eat it, right?"

I hesitated as I was about to take it from his hand, but he pushed it to me, 'forcing' me to hold it.

We went to sit at one of the tables.

I looked at it in wonder and took a bite, and tears started to flow down my cheeks, but I didn't stop eating.

The boy who sat in front of me didn't say anything and waited for me to finish in silence.

"Thank you... it was delicious..."

I think I smiled at the moment because the boy smiled gently at me as well.

"You are welcome. Now that we have satisfied your curiosity about crepes, we should dry you up, and since it's still raining and you would get wet again once if you go outside, you are coming to my house, which is near, so you can wait out the rain. I'll even prepare a meal for you."

"No... I..."

"I'm not taking a no for an answer. I wasn't raised badly enough to leave a girl in the rain without offering her help."

I see... He is nice... I had never met someone like him, or at least I don't remember the last time I met someone that nice to me.

I decided to let him guide me since I assumed arguing with him wouldn't change his mind.

"Before I forget, we should probably introduce ourselves. I'm Emiya Shirou."

"Matou... Sakura."

(Shirou's pov)

I thought my day couldn't get any crazier after trying with the legendary Irish figure, but as I was returning home, I noticed a lonely figure in front of some cafe that was specializing in sweets.

I practically instantly recognized the girl, as not many people have purple hair. I hadn't seen her in school, so I thought that maybe she wasn't in the same middle school as I was, or maybe I just didn't see her. It's not like I was looking for her and any other character that I would know from me watching and reading Fate.

I called her out for staying in the rain, and when she turned around, I saw these dead eyes that were showing resignation.

I instantly knew what that meant, and I didn't like it one bit. The worst thing is that I can't help her for a while. Not because I don't want to but because I can't and also because I have too little information. Illyaverse wasn't explained in great detail, so I don't know how much it differs from other timelines. Do Matous even use the same magecraft? Maybe they use something different here. I just don't know, and I'll need to do some research soon. And even if they use exactly the same magecraft and methods, it would mean that Zouken hid one of his bugs inside Sakura, and I can't remove him without hurting her at the moment.

Knowing all that, I decided to at least be someone that could make her a little bit happier. She deserves at least that much. It also will allow her to take a breather around me. That's why I invited her to my house. It was almost a kidnapping with how I didn't take a no for an answer, but she wouldn't come with me otherwise.

---

After a short run, we arrived at my home.

"I'm home!"

Kiritsugu and Irisviel weren't home anymore since they needed to... do something. They didn't explain, but it has to do with their work... I think.

"Onii-chan!!!"

A small figure ran to the hallway to hug my leg. Seeing someone unfamiliar, she hid behind me. She was being shy. How Cute.

"Illya, you don't need to be shy. This girl is named Sakura… Is that alright if I call you by your name?"

I forgot about honorifics and all. It just felt natural to call her that.

"I don't mind, Senpai."

"Senpai?" I raised my eyebrow.

"Yes... I'll be your junior since I'll be transferring to your school in a few days. I recognized the uniform, and from the look of it, you're 2nd year. In other words, my senpai since I am 1st year."

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She was still saying everything in an emotionless voice, and while her 'dead eyes' weren't as bad as before but it'll take time for her to be able to show emotions again.

I felt a tug on my pants. Right, Illya was still hiding behind my leg.

"Now Illya, why won't you introduce yourself."

I gently pushed her so she would face Sakura. Still shy, she said her name.

"Illyasviel von Einzbern... Nice to meet you."

As soon as she finished the sentence, she quickly hid behind me again.

"Sorry, it looks like Illya is feeling shy today." I smiled awkwardly at Sakura.

"I don't mind it."

I turned to Illya.

"Can you take Sakura to the bathroom so she can take a bath? I can only ask you to do it."

Hearing that she was the only one that could fulfill her Onii-chan's request Illya became pumped up. She even clenched her fist to show her determination.

"You can count on me, Onii-chan!"

"I know I can." I once again patted her head, and she closed her eyes to enjoy the moment to the fullest.

After that, she took Sakura by the hand and dragged her to the bathroom. I wonder where her shyness went.

I couldn't see anywhere Leysritt or Sella. I would guess that Sella dragged Leysritt to help her with shopping.

That gives me a chance to try out my cooking skills.

I went to the kitchen, put my apron on, washed my hands, and started doing magic...

---

I don't know what happened, but I instinctively and theoretically knew how to cook. I expected to have theoretical knowledge but it went beyond that. I'm not complaining, though. I enjoyed making a meal for Sakura and Illya. I also prepared something for Sella and Leysritt.

Speaking of which, they called home to say that they'll be late today for some reason. They didn't specify, which was strange, but I didn't stick my nose where it did not belong. It would be a stupid thing to do right now when I'm weak.

Being done with preparations, I placed everything on the table in the dining room, and it was exactly on time as Sakura and Illya exited the bathroom. It seems that Illya went with our guest to take a bath.

"Wow, did Sella-onee-chan and Liz-onee-chan return already? It smells delicious!"

"No, I was the one who made everything."

Hearing my answer Illya turned her head to me in a robotic manner.

"Onii-chan did?"

"Yes, is it bad?"

"N-no! It's not wrong! I'm happy that you made something for me, Onii-chan."

She smiled, but it was a fake smile.

I think I remember reading one chapter where Shirou decided to start learning how to cook, and his food wasn't the best, to say the least. He probably didn't start cooking for everyone until he was sure of his skill, and that day probably didn't come just yet.

We all sat at the table and started eating. I noticed Illya hesitating, but as soon as she took a bite, I could see stars appearing in her eyes, and her eating speed increased. I was happy to see her enjoy my food.

I then looked at Sakura, who also was enjoying my homemade meal. This time though, she didn't cry.

Am I below a random shop's crepes? I have a lot to learn, and won't stop improving until I'm better than some random crepe.

Joking aside, I could see that she was happy about eating my meal, and that was enough. If I could make her forget about her suffering even for a while, I should do it because... because... Why?

Why do I feel like that? It's not because I feel sorry for her because I watched what happened to her in anime. It feels completely different. I have this strong urge to do all that for some reason, and I feel like I'll regret it if I don't.

I don't like this feeling, but I'll ignore it for now. I'll think about it when I'm alone.

---

After we were done eating, it was, unfortunately, time for Sakura to go home as the rain ended.

At the door, I was saying my goodbyes to Sakura, and then, in the end, she gave me the most beautiful smile, which was in great contrast to her usual emotionless expression.

"Thank you for inviting me for dinner, Senpai!"

And just like that, she left.

---

END

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