Chapter Text
The Tohsaka mansion, situated in the western part of the residential zone in Fuyuki city, was one of the oldest buildings in the area. In fact, if you asked the head of the house, Tokiomi Tohsaka, he would gladly tell you that it may very well be one of the houses that established Fuyuki city. His great-great-grandfather visited Japan on one of his travels as a young man, saw the beautiful river and decided that he will spend his life there. Couple of decades later, he, now a well-known jeweler in Germany, left the rapidly growing country pursuing his dream of living the rest of his life in beautiful Japan. With his two hands, and together with many Germans he brought with him, they built the Tohsaka mansion from scratch. Many of the workers returned back to their families in Germany, but some left, having become servants of the Tohsaka family for generations to come.
Of course, this was only according to Tohsaka family. If you asked the Matou household, which was just as old as Tohsaka family there was a very big chance you would hear the same story, with just a few minor changes. The Emiya family, on the other hand, would just shrug and say they moved here ten years ago and the dispute over founding Fuyuki city does not concern them.
If you were ever to investigate this further and go to the official Fuyuki city archive, there may be a possibility you will find a document which states that the families that moved to this place already encountered an established city at the river bedside.
However, there was no denying that Tohsaka family was one of the more influential families in the city. Having passed the jewelry business for generations, they introduced the people in the city to the unique way of crafting jewels and soon earned the popularity needed for living a comfortable life. Their business boomed, and even today, people from all around the region come to this town in search for a jewel that will shine as bright as their future. Yes, it was said that an engagement ring crafted by the Tohsaka would show you the brightness of your future and happiness.
Graceful and proud, they always formed the path for their new heir to the family towards the tradition. Unfortunately, this calm evening in March, something happened that shook the whole foundation of the Tohsaka household.
“Why do you refuse to listen to us?”
Tohsaka Rin sighed. She was the daughter of Tokiomi Tohsaka, and she was the first in line to inherit the business. Since she was a little girl, she walked beside her father, learning everything about jewelry she could. By the age of twelve, she could estimate the value of a stone by a mere glance. Unnaturally gifted, they all thought it was as good as done that she will continue the family business.
Which is why her mother fainted and her father almost choked on his food when she announced to them at dinner that she wants to study at a university in Tokyo. When asked why, she just shrugged.
They never realized she considered other possibilities too. They were so sure she will inherit the job, they failed to notice her will to explore and learn. Having enough, she decided to take her life in her own hands. Her parents were so insistent about this issue, but she already made her mind.
She pinched the bridge of her nose.
“Father, we already talked about this. I want to be on my own. I want to be independent.”
“Rin, your mother and I want only the best for you.”
“Yes, I know. But you want me to stay in this town, continue the family business, and marry a nice guy from a wealthy family.” She suddenly realized how cliché her family was. It bothered her a lot. “This university is one of the best, father. Surely, you wouldn’t deny your daughter to have top notch education now, would you?”
Tokiomi Tohsaka bit his lip. Of course he loved his daughter, but at times like these, he regretted all that private tutoring he allowed. Rin was very stubborn. When she frowns and crosses her arms just like in this instance, she very much resembled her mother. He relaxed a bit and smiled kindly. Of course, as soon as she would open her mouth, it was another story. You are right, Aoi, she really is just like me when she talks; a true Tohsaka. He replaced his smile with a frown when Rin raised her gaze onto him.
He knew that she was about to go into a long speech, probably very similar to the many he gave her while she was growing up. Tokiomi sat on her bed and patted the spot next to him for her to sit down too.
“Rin, I stand by what I said – I only want the best for you.” He raised his hand when she opened her mouth to reply. “Please, allow me to continue. Everything we did so far was for you. I worked hard, knowing that one day you will succeed me, knowing that one day you will continue the business that was in our family for generations.” He sighed and looked down at his hands. “However, I knew from the start this isn’t what you wanted.”
“No, Father, you’re wrong.” Rin said suddenly. “I want to continue, I really do. But not yet; I want to see the world first, and if that world is even only the best university in our country, then it’s fine by me.”
“I see.” He chuckled. “You want to live full life, huh.”
“At least a little, I mean, at least before I come back and crush all the competitors, just like you taught me.” She grinned.
“I see. Rin, it is fine by me, although your mother will cry so much.”
She crawled into his lap, just as she used to do it when she was a little girl. Back then she would just observe how he worked with gems, sorting them or calculating the price. It was calming to her. Even when she became too big to fit comfortably there, she would still from time to time do it. It was like a protective barrier over her; it made her feel safe.
Tokiomi patted her head lovingly and sighed.
“But which other university will accept you now? The entrance exams are all over and you would have to wait another y-“
“No I wouldn’t.” She said, suddenly moving away from him. She lowered her gaze. “Father, I am sorry, but…” Rin managed to glance at him for an instant. He was frowning, and that was never a good sign in her experience. “Father, please don’t get mad at me, but I applied for multiple universities. The letter of acceptance should be coming any time soon.”
Tokiomi stared at her. Even though he wanted to be angry at her, he couldn’t hide how impressed he was.
She bit her lip and started pacing around the room. “See, I knew you would get mad at me! I know, I shouldn’t have done it without your knowing, but I did it, okay? It’s done. There’s nothing to-“
Rin stopped when she met her father’s gaze. For the first time in ages, he was looking at her not as someone who will inherit the jewelry business, but as a father looking at his daughter. The expression was so foreign to her; she averted her gaze, feeling like she was five year old again.
“Rin, it is your life. Whatever you do I will always love you.” He continued in a more serious tone. “Moreover, if you think going there will improve your experience, then who am I to say no.”
Hearing this, Rin finally relaxed and hugged her father.
“Thanks, dad, I will make you proud. Just, never make that face again, okay? It’s creepy.”
“Only if you don’t call me dad. That doesn’t sound right.”
She chuckled. “It’s a deal.”
There was a moment of silence before Tokiomi shook his head, utterly defeated, and left Rin’s room mumbling something that sounded to her similar to “this independence stuff is beyond me.” The Tohsaka heir grinned.
* * *
Couple of days later, Rin got accepted into one of the best universities. However, her happiness greatly diminished when she saw her mother, with tears in her eyes, congratulating her on her success.
“I knew you would get accepted, Rin.” She said, hugging her tightly.
“Thank you, Mother.” Rin said, leaning into her mother’s embrace and she felt the hug tighten. “Mother, you can let go of me now.”
They stood like that for several moments, until Tokiomi cleared his throat.
“Aoi, really, you can let go of her, she isn’t going anywhere yet.” He tried to lighten the situation.
Aoi Tohsaka suddenly let go and turned around to face her husband. “But, dear, where is she going to live? How is she going to live all alone there? Surely someone must go with her.”
“Mother, I will be fine.” Rin smiled. “Remember, I can cook; I can do most of the chores around the house. You know I don’t allow anyone into my room.”
“Oh, that is true.” Aoi sighed deeply. “But, Rin, please, let me find you an apartment. I know there are some of my relatives-“
“No.”
The words Tokiomi said took both women by surprise. They both looked at him, Aoi confused, and Rin surprised.
“Rin, you said you want independence, right?”
“Y-yes, that is right.” She said, frowning slightly. Just where is he going with this?
“I have decided. You are to find an apartment by yourself. We will not help.” He took his favorite ink pen from his front pocket and a piece of paper from the shelf. “This is the sum of money you will get every month; no negotiations. You must learn that money doesn’t grow on trees. Anyway, with this amount, you will pay for the apartment, and everything else, except the university. Are we clear on that?”
“Father, I liked you a bit more yesterday” she murmured to herself, and then continued in louder voice. “Yes, Father, do not worry, I already have an apartment that is very cheap. I looked into some and decided.” Rin glanced at the paper and felt her blood leaving her face. This amount is too small! Father, are you trying to teach me independence, or destroy me? Is this some kind of iron will test? How does anyone survive with this amount of money?! What happened to our beautiful moment last night?
“Now, wait, dear,” Aoi looked at the paper, too. “This is too little. You can’t expect her to survive just with this. I won’t let you ruin my child.” Yes, Mother, the voice of reason, thank you so much.
“Aoi, she’s a Tohsaka. Moreover, she is our child; she can do anything she puts her mind into. Just look, she got accepted into university she wanted.”
“Well that is true, but, Tokiomi, you’re so cruel.” She said, jabbing a finger into his chest. “I don’t agree with this.”
“Mother, it’s okay. He is right. I can do it.” Rin said firmly.
“But Rin…” Aoi pleaded.
“Do not worry, Mother, I can do it.” This time, she said it more confidently.
Tokiomi smiled. Now that is the Tohsaka I wanted to see.
* * *
Rin was passing through her room, murmuring to herself. It has been three hours since she had this talk with her father, but the situation was critical. She lied about the apartment. She didn’t have one. Truth to be told, she never searched for an apartment in her life. The sheer thought scared her. Since she has said she wants independence, her parents agreed on a small sum of allowance, and to pay for the apartment. Unfortunately, in the rush, she declined the apartment, being left with only that small allowance.
“This won’t cover one apartment. I may have to live with someone else.”
“Nee-san, that is not such a bad thing, you know. I mean, plenty of people have roommates, you know.”
Rin’s younger sister, Sakura, was trying to calm the girl down, smiling awkwardly. She couldn’t hide her own nervousness, unfortunately, which made Rin more agitated and bringing her to the verge of panic.
Rin would have to live with a complete stranger.
This made Rin shudder. It was unimaginable to her that she lives in an apartment with someone else. Being an heir to Tohsaka family, she was pampered and allowed everything. Her own room was very big, and she could sometimes go through whole house without encountering a living soul. Granted, her father was mostly in the study room or overseeing business and her mother in the garden. Her sister spent much time at the Emiya residence, having closer relationship, with Rin’s classmate, Shirou. The maids were trained to be invisible and silent, but there at the snap of the fingers.
She was looking to four years of pure hell, unless she admitted defeat.
“I’d rather die than admit he was right”, she thought, punching a pillow.
Sakura chuckled a bit. “Nee-san, that is a bit dramatic, don’t you think? Also, it’s not like you’ll be alone, right?”
“Well, that is true, there’s bound to be at least someone who goes to same place as me…” Rin mused for a bit.
Sakura looked at the clock. It was two in the morning. She stood up and patted Rin on the shoulder, with an awkward smile still on her face.
“Maybe you should sleep for now. It will all be better in the morning.”
Rin slumped onto the bed, after biding good night to her sister. Hoping Sakura is right, she closed her eyes under the bed sheet.
* * *
“This does not look better. Tell me, Mitsuzuri-san, how does this sound that good to you?” Rin said, banging her head on the table so hard the cup in front of her bounced slightly.
That morning, Rin decided to call up her best friend, Ayako Mitsuzuri, in hopes to find a way to solve this situation. The girls formed a very unusual friendship during their third year of high school. Tomboyish at first glance, Ayako Mitsuzuri would often surprise people around her with the gracefulness that came from her spending years engrossed in kendo practice and then archery in high school. The competitive spirit of both girls was the foundation for the friendship between the two most popular girls in the school back then. Unfortunately for Rin, her friend was a lot looser, and just delighted at the prospect of Rin living with a roommate.
“Oh come on, Tohsaka! It is always fun living with someone else, especially in college. Who knows, maybe you find a hot roommate.” Ayako said in sing-song voice.
“Ha-ha.”
“Well, if it makes your life easier, we’re going to the same college. I got accepted, too.”
“Oh you did!” Rin shouted. “Then, will you-“
“No can do, sorry. I found the apartment already and everything is settled. You were too late.”
“Spoilsport.” Rin put her forehead on the table, sighing deeply. After watching her for couple of moments, Ayako decided to bring her friend out of the abyss she threw herself into.
“You know, I think I may help you.” Mitsuzuri put one hand up, seeing how Rin raised her head so fast. “Now, before you ask, they told me to not really spread this around too much, but a friend of a friend of a friend, said their friend needs a roommate. They are decent, well-mannered, and I am pretty sure you’d get along with them.”
Rin pondered the situation. This was surprisingly tempting to take. Mitsuzuri continued.
“With money you are left with, you can easily afford to live in this place. It’s ten minutes by foot from the university, and the place is huge! Check out the pics!”
Rin cast a look at her friend’s phone. As the girl said, this apartment was enormous. It was a one story house, with a big hallway, even bigger living room, two bedrooms both with king sized beds, kitchen and dining room in one and a huge terrace outside. A big garden had a table set and a large swing set. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.
“What’s the catch?”
“There is none.” Mitsuzuri grinned, failing to appear innocent.
Rin continued to stare at Ayako.
“Then, if there’s no catch, why don’t you live there?”
“Fine, I’ll tell you!” Mitsuzuri sounded pretty dejected. It was clear she wanted this apartment. “The person living there declined me. They said they want a person who can cook. You know how bad I am at cooking! Help me learn how to cook in a week!”
“Who is this person, anyway?”
“Honestly, I have no idea. I never met them in my life. Whole interaction went through my friend—don’t bother, I won’t tell you who that is. Anyway, I know so little about them, but I got assured they are totally okay.”
“I’ll think about it” Rin said, taking the little note on which the phone number was written. “If I don’t’ find another apartment in the meantime, I will contact them, okay?”
“That’s fine by me. It seems they are in a hurry to find a roommate, too.” Mitsuzuri said, finishing her ice cream. “Okay, now I got to go. I promised Sakura I’ll go with her to visit the archery club.” She sighed loudly. “I’m leaving in two days. I am so going to miss this place.”
“Oh, you’re leaving so soon.” Rin sighed. “Well, have a nice trip then, and tell Sakura we’re having big dinner today at home, so she should come home.”
“Yes, yes. Anyway, see you at the entrance ceremony, if not earlier!”
As Mitsuzuri left, Rin continued to drink her tea in peace. She stared at the paper her friend left her.
“A total mystery, huh…”
* * *
The moment Mitsuzuri turned around the block she took her phone out and dialed a number.
“Hey, it’s Ayako! How have you been doing? Oh, good! Listen, you won’t believe this, but I think I found someone who’s willing to live with your friend.”
Really? That’s awesome!
“I know. Trust me, she’ll accept it!”`
Oh, by the way, who is it?
“It’s our cute little Rin-chan!”
You have got to be kidding me.
“Nope, not at all. She said she got into trouble with her parents and is looking for a place to live.”
Well, I’ll tell my friend he’s to be expecting his new roommate in a week. Wait, you told her he’s a guy, right?
“I may or may have not have left that information out.”
Ayako-san, what if she declines now?
“Trust me, she won’t. She practically fell in love with the king sized bed on first sight.”
Well, I hope you’re right. Anyway, I got to go now and tell the good news. Thanks a lot for all your help.
“Ah, it was no problem. It’s the least I can do. If I can’t then the only worthy person of that apartment is our princess, Tohsaka Rin.”
Heh, that is certainly true.
* * *
After one very tiring, unsuccessful search, Tohsaka Rin was sitting on her bed. Every number she called ended up with no results. It frustrated her to no end. Everyone was so rude and offering high prices for very small apartments and she just had it enough.
“This is all Mitsuzuri-san’s fault!” She said rubbing her eyes.
Ever since she saw that apartment, she has raised her already high standards. Every apartment had something that put her off – small beds, small kitchen, too far from the college. Everything was falling apart.
She glanced at the number on the paper. It’s been three days; maybe it’s time to come to terms with the fact she failed, and just call this number. The phone rang at least 5 times, and finally someone picked up.
“Hello?” a soft, female voice spoke from the other side of the line.
Suddenly changing her mind, Tohsaka hung up. Everything about this apartment was very suspicious to her. Why was it so cheap? The owner was mysterious and didn’t want to reveal themselves. This was all sounding like a good horror movie to her. Yet, the pictures she saw showed that it was very nice place, and there is no chance Mitsuzuri would direct her to a dangerous person. They did love to set pranks to each other but those were always mostly harmless. She got up and took her coat; a nice walk will do.
Sitting in the park Rin was silently drinking water from a bottle. It really cleared her head. Calling that number would mean Mitsuzuri won, and Rin wanted that the least. She heard someone approaching so she turned her head in the direction of the footsteps.
“Yo, Tohsaka, what are you doing here?”
“Oh, Emiya-kun, what a surprise.” She said in her usual greeting tone. Emiya Shirou was one of the few friends, apart from Mitsuzuri, who hung out with her without being intimidated by the Tohsaka name. She liked him very much, but his insistency to help everyone in need, and easygoing attitude sometimes made her wonder if he is actually an idiot when it comes to social skills.
“Nothing, to be honest, I was just going for a walk” Shirou shrugged.
“Same here. Come, sit with me” Rin patted the bench she was sitting on.
She always enjoyed Shirou’s company. He often helped her whenever she was stuck. They had a very unusual friendship. At school, they would act as they didn’t know each other, but that was only because there never was an opportunity to hang around. Both had their circle of friends and were actually very content at keeping it that way. Outside school was a different matter. She helped him with his homework, and his father was very approving of her. They’d often cook together and each taught the other new culinary skills every week.
“So, what seems to be bothering you, Tohsaka?”
“Figures. You always knew when something was wrong with me. You are really perceptive, Emiya-kun.” She chuckled. “Makes me wonder why you never see important things.”
“I spend a lot of time with you and Sakura. I know when you put up a wall.”
“Well, that is true. Anyway, this is a personal matter, and I don’t think you can help me, Emiya-kun. But I am grateful for you being worried about me.” She smiled at him. It suddenly struck her how much she will miss him when she goes away.
They were silent for couple of minutes.
“I will miss you, Tohsaka. It’s not going to be the same when you leave.”
“Yeah,” she sighed. “Remember when we all got into that argument who cooks the best?”
“Oh yeah, Sakura can be so competitive; and you too.” Shirou grinned.
“Yeah. Your father totally cheated though.”
“Heh, true. Saying my cooking is the best just because I’m his son…”
“And then changing it to Sakura, because she was on the verge of crying”
“What can you do, he wants everyone to be happy.” Shirou shrugged. “That old man is incredibly weak when it comes to girly tears.”
They both laughed and then went silent once again. Shirou stood up.
“You know, for the record, I thought you cooked a better meal.”
“Huh?”
“And whatever is bothering you, I think you just need to gather the courage and face the problem head on. Be the stubborn Tohsaka that I know you are.” He then changed his expression to a serious one, as if imitating her father. “The heir of the Tohsaka family must know no fear and accept everything with grace.”
Rin giggled and then punched him in the arm.
“My father would kill you if he saw that impression.”
“Yes I know, and I need to ask you not to tell him about it, you know? Well, anyway, I hope I see you some time again. It was fun spending these two years with you.”
“Same.” She smiled at him and offered him her hand. He looked a bit surprised but then smiled too, and shook her hand.
When Shirou left, Rin stood up and went home. He was right; she should just swallow her pride gracefully and make the call.
Someone on the other side of the line finally picked up. It was the same female voice.
“Hello?”
“Ah yes, this is Tohsaka Rin, I am calling about the apartment-“
“Oh, that is wonderful. But the person living here said that I should just give you the number and you can text them, if that is alright?”
“What, so I can’t even speak with them?” Rin asked, surprised.
“Well, they are kind of busy, you know. Being outside whole day and working late in the evening. Text messaging is fine; you wouldn’t want to disturb them too much now?”
“Yes it’s fine, of course.” She stuttered, utterly confused. Just how peculiar are they? What did you get me into, Mitsuzuri?
* * *
“There are 5 towels in the bag, and I also told Gertrude to pack you your favorite sweater, and that hideous scarf you like so much.” Aoi was barely trying to suppress her tears as she hugged her daughter goodbye.
“That scarf was a gift from Emiya-kun.” Rin berated her mother. That was a an odd thing about her mother – she liked Emiya Shirou, but never got over that scarf. It was like a hideous abomination to her and she always pretended to faint whenever Rin wore it. Unfortunately for Aoi, Rin was very fond of it, especially since she could wrap it at least three times around her neck.
“Yes, I know, but… Anyway,” she lowered her voice just so Rin could hear her, “I also told her to pack Mr Pip, too.”
“Mom, I haven’t played with it for ten years now.” Rin felt her cheeks heat in embarrassment but tightened her arms around her. “Thank you.” She whispered.
Rin turned to her father now, as Aoi moved away, wiping tears with a kerchief. Tokiomi looked at her.
“Rin.”
“Father.”
He took both of her hands and she felt something cold and heavy in them. “Good luck,” he said turning around and disappearing into the house.
Finally, Rin reached her sister, who was smiling proudly. Rin felt her chest tighten once again, as she saw her younger sister being so happy for her. She knew Sakura will miss her just as much as Rin will miss her, and yet she always pressed on, not letting anyone know what is really happening inside of her.
“Sakura, take care of Emiya-kun for me, okay?” Rin said, hugging her sister. “And study hard, and make me proud. Continue the tradition of Tohsaka family in the school.”
“Of course, Nee-san. I will make life living hell for the student council president.” Sakura smiled.
Rin laughed. “No, not that much. Poor Issei, he really went through hell…”
The sisters parted, and while they were both smiling, a hint of sadness was glinting in their eyes.
As Rin sat in the car that would drive her to the train station, she looked at the item in her hand. It was a big, red pendant in the shape of the heart, dangling on a chain. She never saw it before, which surprised her, because she recognized this was her father’s work, and she knew all of his gems. Or, at least she thought she knew.
“I guess that’s your way of showing feelings, huh.” She said, smiling fondly at the pendant, before putting it in her pocket.
* * *
Rin exited the train. Her travelling bag looked ridiculously heavy, but she picked it up with ease. Even though she was spoiled, she always thought that she should be physically strong and not depend on others. That looked unusual to her parents, but she was so persistent, they ultimately paid her for cooking classes, self-defense classes, piano classes, and many, many more. At this point, though, Rin totally wished there was a class on human communication.
She got in touch with her future roommate and they decided that today, of all days, she’s going to visit the apartment and see it in person. The person wasn’t that talkative and usually said things like “okay” and “works for me”. They must be really busy, she thought as she looked at the map to see where she should go.
When she reached the place she looked away from the map. The small wooden gate and a narrow path through the garden gave a feeling of coziness. She smiled and pressed the ring button, which didn’t work. Well, it’s not like I was actually expecting anything else. Sighing, she entered through the gate and reached the door.
She knocked. No answer. She tried again, but again, no answer.
“Can it be I mixed the time?” she wondered.
As she was preparing to knock once more, the door abruptly opened. Her face met with a black, wrinkled shirt and it took her couple of moments to realize that it was actually a person standing in front of her. Slightly shaking her head to pull herself together, she raised her gaze to look at their face. The man was looking above her, or more like squinting. Bags under his eyes and the disheveled white hair were a clear sign that she woke him up. Did he even notice me? She wanted to call out to him, but he closed his eyes. It was a bit amusing to watch him, so disoriented, try to grasp the situation. However, before she could react even a bit, he closed the door in her face.
“Ugh, this is so ridiculous, you’re so annoying!” Now furious, she knocked once again. The guy opened the door again, looking above her once again, and then he slowly lowered his gaze until noticing her.
“Oh, I should’ve looked a bit lower.” He said, clearly surprised.