Back at the Emiya Residence

A/N: If you've arrived here from the bonus content, welcome. We're at chapter 12 of the 73 chapter Rider route. I decided to link together all the chapters that builds up the romance between Shirou and Taiga. So if you're looking for that content, please follow the [Extra Content] links in brackets below. The main story continues without brackets.

You spend the rest of the evening training with Rider in the dojo until it's about time for Sakura to come over. It isn't so much training as it is getting your ass beat. Sakura comes home usually around the same time every day so it's easy to setup the illusion of normalcy. When Sakura walks in, you're already preparing dinner for everyone. Rider is sitting patiently in the dining room as you cook. "Senpai, I'm home." "Ah, welcome home Sakura. I didn't have many ingredients today so we have to cook pretty simply. We'll need to go shopping soon."

Sakura nods. "Mmm." She naturally steps foot into the kitchen to work silently alongside you. This is so commonplace that she knows exactly what you're preparing without need to ask. The sounds of chopping and cooking eminate from the kitchen as Taiga busts into the front door. "HI SHIROU! I WOULD HAVE BEEN HERE WITH SAKURA BUT I HAD A TEACHERS MEETING!!!" Taiga shouts. You swear, that woman has only one volume.

"Hey Taiga." You say casually, casting a glance at her fully formed figure. Taiga is by no means unattractive, but she pales in the beauty of Rider. She'd make a good wife to the right person. "We don't have a very good dinner tonight, I'm nearly out of ingredients. But I hope you enjoy it anyway." You say, preparing yourself for Taiga's wrath. "WHAAAATTT!? DON'T MAKE ME DRAG YOU TO THE MARKET RIGHT NOW MISTER. TOMORROW BETTER MAKE UP FOR IT OR ELSE!"

You cringe. "I don't need a Taiga Special Kendo Lesson, thanks." You shiver. Rider perks up. "Kendo? I love kendo, would you do me the honor of sparring some time? I could even help teach Shirou in your absence." Your muscles ache just thinking about more Kendo lessons. "Aren't you blind? I'd destroy you!" Taiga asks. "Yes, and many people think so. Their overconfidence is my advantage." Rider responds cooly. "I'll remember that during our match later."

You and Sakura bring the meal to the table. While not very heavy on the fish or meat, it has plentiful vegetables, salads, fruits, and grains. "Hey, take it easy Taiga. No need to let the Tiger of Fuyuki loose." "WHAT DID YOU SAY?? AFTER IM DONE BEATING RIDER, YOU'RE NEXT!"

You gulp. "Please, eat and take your fill as my apologies." Taiga gulps a piece of tofu into her mouth. "You're lucky you're such a good cook Shirou. Hmmph!" Taiga eats as her way of accepting your apology. The rest of the dinner goes by relatively smoothly as the group makes idle chit-chat about their day. Everyone finishes eating and Taiga jumps up from her seat. "Alright! Time to see who's better at Kendo! To the dojo! You too Shirou!"

You rub the back of your head and laugh nervously. "Heh, heh... Sorry, Sakura. Can you take care of the dishes tonight?" Sakura nods. "Mm." You head to the dojo with the two ladies as Sakura begins cleanup duties.