To love a sword

Chapter 13: Transfer Student

Beta read by Shigiya, Paragon of Awesomeness and Darklord331

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-Sainan, Shopping District-

These last few days had… not been his most relaxing moments, to put it lightly. Marred with stress and constant worry about an intergalactic empire ruled by an apparent impulsive psychopath who was contemplating invading Earth just to retrieve his daughter who ran away from home was not something Emiya had ever experienced, even as a Counter Guardian.

Honestly… it was still not the worst he’d ever dealt with.

That did not mean he forgot other matters related to his everyday life, including the invitation from Rin to visit the Tenjōin estate. A promise he ended up breaking in favor of other, more pressing, matters that presented themselves before him that same day. 

Lala's arrival and everything it had led to had been completely without warning, and he had already been hesitant at visiting Saki’s house to begin with. Honestly, Emiya doubted anything would have changed whether Lala came over or not, he could see himself continuing to avoid the heiress until she gave up. But a voice inside his head whispered to his ears how such a tactic was idiotic and only served to buy a little more time in exchange for more trouble down the line until he finally dealt with this. It was his consciousness telling him that. sooner or later, he would need to confront Saki one way or the other. 

"It's pouring cats and dogs outside, isn't it?" He said, putting up his regular smile to placate the drenched blonde from her anger as she glared at him. "Since this is as good a moment as any, why don't you join me for a small chat? There are some available seats here. I know you've also been waiting for such an opportunity, Tenjōin-san." Patting the space next to his, Emiya hid his smirk while watching Saki's anger bleed away in an instant and be replaced with a slight blush. 

Was it wrong to manipulate a girl's feelings like that? Well, he refused to acknowledge it as manipulation and preferred to see it as simply welcoming her for a friendly conversation.

"Wha-Wha…" The previously raging bull-like appearance simmered down instantly, with the girl's hands coming up in an attempt to hide the red of her cheeks — all of which did not escape Emiya's gaze. Though he had no desire to acknowledge the reason behind them any time soon, especially since bringing it up bluntly could easily worsen the situation. He’d honestly expected Saki to become so shy and embarrassed upon hearing his invitation to sit down and have a chat, pushing her to either run away to the other side of the shop or even all the way back to her estate. 

He was half-tempted to try it.

"F-Fine!" Impressively, she had enough courage to not do so and slowly walked up to him — though she still avoided any attempt at eye contact — and sat right next to his seat. Given the sofa was on the smaller side even for two people, her arm pressed against his along with her hair grazing his shoulder. This did not bother Emiya, but he could not say the same for the girl as the slightest movement on his end made her visibly twitch. "Y-You won't get away this time, E-Emiya." 

The girl's two lackeys complied with her words and blocked any path of escape, with Rin standing in front of the door while giving him a stare that conveyed enough of her intentions, while Aya made sure he would not run off to the clothing section.

"A bit excessive, not like I was planning to run away at the moment." In the end, he did feel bad for ghosting her so frequently. Having this matter drag on for this long was counterproductive to his desire to be left alone.