Step Two

I found Sakura at the back of the school building surrounded by three kids who were probably harassing her or something judging by how one would pull on her hair after a bit of time.

I would like to state my course of action here on out was not motivated by some sort of newfound appreciation or sentiment for a sibling I've never had, that would be impossible.

It is the fact that the victim is Sakura... and that bullies don't deserve any mercy.

Find me one fate fan who would see this and let it go... minus those 14 year olds with that I LiKE peOPLe SuFFeRIng bullshit mentality that think people are gonna pay more attention if they say something like that.

"Whore."

Damn, kids can be demons sometimes.

Welp, not something an innocent shota like me would ever be linked to.

Anyway, time to teach these boys about the pecking order of this school

Sneaking up to one, I pulled my leg back and kicked the fat kid in the middle right in his family jewels. He let out a squeak and collapsed with his hands down there.

I looked at the other two with a smile, "There's a new bully in town, kids."

"B-But you're a kid too!" The one on the right pointed at me, stealing frightened glances at his friend on the ground.

I didn't even bother looking at their mob ahh faces.

"O-Onii-sama..."

This was clearly a generic romcom save the heroine from bullying when she's a kid situation.

Of course I don't have to worry about that useless stuff because I'm her older brother and she won't fall for me like some two bit heroine.

"Sup, Sakura." I gave her a small salute, flashing the trademark Shinji dickhead smile, "You having fun?"

"I... You don't have to-"

"Nah, I do."

I had to educate the bullies about the new pecking order.

I lashed out at the still afraid kids with a sudden sucker punch, instantly knocking one to the ground before I bum rushed the other one, tackling him to the ground and straddling his chest with a big smile.

You wanna know why I'm behaving like a corny edgelord?

It's because PTSD goes hard as fuck.

This is gonna be a learning experience for these guys.

They'll thank me once they become adults... that is if they don't pull a stereotypical Japanese and ban themselves from the life server during college or something.

Honestly, they should be grateful I'm such a good person.

"You don't fuck with my business, or my sister. I'm gonna be moving a lot of shit in this here school. And I don't appreciate competition... Do we understand each other?"

The kid under me nodded his head fervently so I let him go with a satisfied smile.

I'd be moving a lot of candy, gonna make all the other students crackheads.

Now you're probably thinking along the lines of, 'This man is beating a kid.'

And my answer is, fuck yeah I am.

Don't tell me you've never wanted to punch that one annoying kid who keeps kicking your seat, or takes that last happy meal, or that kid cousin who ruins your game save... yeah, that's what I thought.

Satisfied with the day's accomplishments, I nodded to myself and looked at Sakura.

Dear sister, why do you look like you've given up?

I guess I'll be nice... she did fix my leg.

"Hey Sakura... did they hurt you?"

My sister flinched at my words, she still hadn't moved from her original spot, "W...Why?"

Hmm... a tough one.

"I want to say cause you're my little sister? And that's what older brothers are for?"

Does that work?

"B-But you were so... angry at me..." She spoke slowly, her voice barely above a whisper as she gripped at the edges of her skirt, not daring to meet my gaze, "A...And I t-took your place."

Dear sister, stop being so innocent.

It's not good for my kind and selfless heart.

Pursing my lips, I scratched the back of my head, "Yeah and I'm sorry you had to go through all you did just cause you did do that."

Zouken's probably listening... I can just imagine his grin.

"Y-You're not angry?"

"Nah." I waved the statement off with my hand, averting my gaze, "I wouldn't spend another second in that house."

"...Why?"

Dear sister, why do you look like you want to cry?

The little purple haired girl trembled, looking at the ground.

"Nothing I can say could ever make up for the shit you've suffered till now." I sighed, looking straight at her, "I can't even begin to relate or understand."

She'd spent around an year submerged in that bug pit as the bugs moved in and out of her body, through any opening they could find. Her body was all fucked up.

I'm not even going to talk about how her father pretty much sold her, and her sister hasn't even tried to interact with her despite the both of them living in the same district for a good while.

...I honestly never could relate.

Hell, I can't even imagine going through that.

But...

I put my hands on her shoulders, "I'm here now... and you're my little sister. I'll protect you no matter what."

Sakura shook under my grip, "I-I don't understand."

Man... it's not often that I have to be genuine.

I don't like it.

"You don't have to." I sighed, "That bug won't be touching you as long as I'm alive."

"B-Bu-"

Man, why isn't this working?

I've used everything I could think up.

You know what, maybe it's time to pull the time old method of ending arguments and discussions.

No, I'm not talking about calling the other person a nerd.

I gave my little sister a hug, wrapping my arms around her and resting my chin on her little head, "You're safe with me... I'll never hurt you."

Hmm... hugs feel nicer than I would have thought... See this is new, because much like you, I also don't have any meaningful relationships.

Dear sister, stop the hiccups.

Dear sister, why does my t-shirt feel wet?

Dear sister, please don't cry.

Dear sister, stop being so easy... I was a literal cunt to you up until yesterday.

Hmmm...

I just sighed and let her cry all she wanted.

... This is what being deprived of affection does to a 10 year old I guess.

How sad, anywa-

Wait no, put that gun down.

I was just making a silly little joke.

That said, I wonder how long it'll take for her to just disregard this entirely... I don't think trauma like hers disappears from a simple talk.

-

When I got to the school's main gates with a meek little sister in tow, I encountered a Shirou that was smiling like a proud parent waiting for me with my bag.

"Good job, Shinji. I knew you had it in you."

Oh my god, he saw me.

"W-What?"

Shirou just smiled mischievously and started walking away, "Let's go home."

No Shirou, don't walk away like a cool protagonist.

No, I was not being nice, screw you.

Geniuses like me don't have relationships.

-

That day, Sakura Matou's hollow eyes gained just the tiniest bit of a hopeful shine.

-

Any and all feedback would be appreciated.