Mrrh, still a bit under the influence from the previous snippet, so might as well do this.
***
Nine Years Ago
"AAGH!" Shirou woke up with a start. Looking around wildly, he finally was able to see through the darkness, that he was at his room in the Tohsaka Mansion.
'A dream....a memory...' He told himself as he got off of his bed, then ran out of the room like he was on fire.
'Please...oh, by the Root, please...' he desperately told himself as he finally came up to a particular door, then quietly opened it.
He knew that what he feared was irrational. But, that particular memory his mind drudged up...
He gave a silent sigh of relief as he saw both Rin and Sakura, asleep on the same bed. He gave a sad smile as Sakura snuggled deeper into Rin's protective embrace, as if keeping her away from bad dreams.
A bad dream that will never happen, Shirou opined to himself as he closed the door with a silent click.
Later
The Servant found himself at the kitchen, gulping down a glass of water, quenching his rather dry throat. He sat down on a chair, pondering what occurred in his sleep.
He could still remember that particular Loop, and why he made a decision to commit himself on changing this Loop for at least the better.
"I was so alone all the time, Sempai. Waiting for you to come to me."
He could still vividly remember those sad dead eyes, and a smile that never reached those eyes. He tried to will back the unbidden memories.
"But, every time, I waited, and waited, and waited."
He took another gulp of water, washing down the bile rising, as he still felt the disgusting feel of the darkness caressing him.
"And all this time, I was hurt, and I was hurt, and I was hurt."
He shook his head, trying to fight back tears that came, reminding him of his failure. And why he was doing this, and why he had to do this.
He knew for a fact that That Sakura had been Awake for the most part. He had encountered her several times, and had managed to avoid her insofar. Who knows where she is now, hunting down her precious Sempai.
One way or another, though, just as he saved the Sakura here, that he would also save That Sakura as well...
"Uuumuu, Archer-san?" Archer jumped at the soft sleepy voice. He turned towards the entrance, and saw Little Sakura in her pajamas, rubbing her eyes.
"Sakura, what are you doing here?" Archer asked, finally pushing back and locking away the memories.
"Was thirsty..." Sakura mumbled as she padded towards Archer.
He had to smile gently, "Okay, I'll get you a glass."
He did so, and watched as Sakura took the glass with both hands, then drank the contents down, giving out a cute 'puwah~' as she finished.
EMIYA took the glass, then set it down on the sink. "Here, lemme carry you up." He finally said, scooping up little Sakura into his arms.
"Uumuu, thank you, Archer-san..." Sakura murmured, nuzzling his shoulder in comfort as she began to drift off again into sleep.
EMIYA watched her sleep, then, as he finished the climbing the stairs, and tucking her in at her bed beside Rin in their room, he made a vow.
I will never fail again.
*****
*somewhat ignores the bickering so he can focus on doing as he damn well please*
EDITED FOR 'OGOD Y?':
Omake:
***
EMIYA was sure That Sakura was still out there. Who knows what she's doing now, in her eternal search for her precious Sempai?
Somewhere Else
Subject Zero, also known as Jack, cursed, "Fuck, I fold."
That Sakura giggled, then took in the pot, "Haha, come to mama~"
Alma Wade grumbled as she gulped down a shot of her tequila, then began folding, "And you said that I was using my telepathy to cheat."
Jack snarled at Alma's semi-smug look, "Fuck, I was wrong, okay!?" She grumbled again as she took her dealt hand.
Sadako took a sip of her drink, then said, "..."
That Sakura answered her, "Why, because I'm just THAT lucky~"
Sadako gave her a pointed look, "...?"
That Sakura had the decency to look sheepish, "Of course I'm not using my Shadows to influence the game. Its the same reason why Alma-san can't use her telepathy to read our minds, and/or influence the game."
Sadako rolled her eyes behind her hair, "..."
Jack took this moment to put in her chips, "Shit, 'Dako's right. Shut the fuck up and let's just fucking play."
Alma rolled her shoulders, "Fine. But the dare still stands; we start losing our clothes once the chips are gone."
Alma laughed at Jack's grumbling, at Sadako's slightly embarrassed shuffle, and at That Sakura's giggle.
*****
:rip1: