#furuba fanfiction

[triptychgrip]

Fanfic Rec: What if we'd seen Akito in therapy, post-curse break?

For the second time in just a week, Fruits Basket fanfic has utterly ruined me, in the very best way. For the Fruits Basket Monday prompt 'What If', I wanted to share a rec for the amazing story 'I can barely breathe' by @renywrites, which is a masterful 15K story that details the messiness and loneliness marking Akito's journey of atonement and healing after the zodiac curse break.

Note: in this fic, Akito uses they/them pronouns, which is what I'll be using as well, out of respect for the author's vision

Akito is obviously a very, very polarizing character in the fandom, and I'll be honest that they are not someone that I usually seek out reading material for. But as I detailed in my post on the dangers of individualizing systemic abuse, healing for the Sohmas doesn't begin and end with Akito, because they, too, are a victim in the multi-generational cycle of trauma that has plagued the Sohma family. Given the vastness of this cycle and the many people that enabled it to continue over time, I've always wished we could have seen more content in the manga (and more explicitly in Fruits Basket Another) that touches directly on what the challenges would have been when the various members of the Sohma family have to pick up the pieces of their lives after the curse breaks.

'I can barely breathe' does this so poignantly by focusing on Akito and Shigure, in particular. Below is an excerpt of one of my favorite parts, from chapter 2. I hope you'll give it a chance!

----

Akito starts to panic once the sun begins to set. They’d gone through their entire “toolbox”, as Itsuki would call it. They’d done every distraction in the book to take their mind off of it, and after all of that, they still hadn’t heard anything.

They consider calling Hatori to see if he’d heard anything, but if Shigure truly was mad at them and they pulled strings through Hatori to get him home, he'd be furious. Besides, Hatori would definitely chew him out for blocking them.

But the later it gets, the more Akito’s worry turns to anxiety, and anxiety turns to panic. They start to think about what he’d said the night before. Had he really gone home with a stranger?

The thought alone makes them ill, makes their heart race and palms sweat. He’d slept with their mother to get back at them, once upon a time. That thought doesn’t help any, and their imagination runs wild.

Akito lays in bed, mind racing through all the possibilities. What if he had gone home with a girl? What if he preferred that over coming home to Akito? And if that was the case, was she something better?

(Of course. Everyone was better than Akito.)

Was she pretty? Akito thinks of long, silky hair, and curves that could never be mistaken for a man’s body. They curl tighter into themself, burying their face in the pillow, hiding from the thought of Shigure undressing said curves.

(Their mother looked like a proper woman. Shigure had once said, in a fit of cruelty, that their mother looked like everything Akito could never be. Beautiful, tall, curvy. Akito had always wondered if he wished they looked different. If he wished they could be beautiful, too.)

Once the thoughts start they don’t stop. Soon Akito is stuck in a whirlpool, convinced that he had left for good, that they were now truly all alone. The bed becomes too confining, and they find themself on the bathroom floor, fighting to breathe, the tile cold against their skin.

They wanted it to stop. They didn’t want to feel this way anymore! Itsuki had said it would get better, but when? When would they feel better? When would they be good enough? When would their efforts to be a better person pay off?

Yuki had been right. Shigure deserved so much better. Everyone did, really. Akito tangles a hand in their hair, holding hard and hiccupping. They weren’t god anymore. They weren’t anything anymore. When had they become so small? Had they ever been big in the first place?

[anonomouswriter-blr]

Kyo Sohma X Reader: Protective [fruits basket]

You love your school friends, but one has always been a little more protective than the others.

      Even though I’ve been at school since the beginning of the academic year, I’m still not adjusted well with the students. Some students still treat me with disrespect and no remorse. I’m happy to at least have supportive friends like Tohru, her friends, and the Sohma’s; especially Kyo.

For whatever reason, he’s been very protective of me as of late — as weird as it is to put it that way. Truth be told, it does get on my nerves sometimes. His support is appreciated and all, but I can also take care of myself. Though none of this is to say I want him to change. I wouldn’t change my friends at all.

It’s currently the morning of the school day. I’m putting away my shoes in my locker when Kyo, Tohru, and Yuki walk up to meet me. Yuki gives me a wave, partnered  with a "Good Morning" and Tohru says a quick hello in passing. The two of them head to class, though Kyo hangs behind with me.

     "So, Kyo, How's your morning been so far?" I ask him. He scratches the back of his head.

     "Annoying. Yucky Yuki's already ticked me off," he says.

     "Oh, is that a new record? I’m sure he’s done worse sooner," I say sarcastically.

     "Haha," he feigns an unenthusiastic laugh. "What about you? No one's tried to mess with you yet, have they?"

     "Kyo, I can handle myself. Besides, no one gets violent. Just a couple of crude words,"

     "I want to make sure you're safe,"

     "I know, Kyo. Thanks,"I say, resting my hand against his shoulder. "C'mon. Let's get to class,”

The two of us start our trek to class. I noticed Kyo trying to hold my things for me, and while I appreciate the gesture, I tell him I can take care of things myself. We arrive at the room well before homeroom starts and claim seats with Tohru, Uo, Hana, and Yuki. Of course when the teacher actually gets here we’ll have to move to our assigned seats for the whole day, but for now some light chit-chat should be fine.

“Hey, you guys. Where's Yuki?” I ask, noticing his absence.

“He had some prince business to attend to. He’ll show up later,” Uo explains.

“I hope he’s doing alright,” Tohru says.

“Me too. He didn’t seem to want the student council position to begin with, much less to be the president. I hope he knows if he’s struggling he can come to us. That goes for all of you, as well,” I say.

“He’ll be fine. He was practically born for the role,” Kyo says, rolling his eyes. This, of course, earns him a quick jab to the ribs, courtesy of myself. Our chatting continues as the class waits for things to begin. For some reason, I thought it would be a great idea to drink a huge can of an unhealthy, sugar-filled beverage first thing in the morning, and I start to regret it as I feel a strong need to pee.

“So close to class? Excuse me guys, I’m going to use the restroom quickly,”

*

Yuki walks into the room just as class is about to begin, but sees you are nowhere in sight.

“Good morning everyone. Where’s Y/n? Didn’t she come to class?” Yuki asks before finding his seat.

“Now that you say that, it has been a while since she went to use the bathroom,” Hana notes. “Do you think she’s alright?”

“Orange top! Go check on Y/n!” Uo demands.

“Hah?? Don’t you tell me what to do!”

“It’s okay, I’ll do it,” Tohru suggests, but Kyo rises from his seat before she can.

“Sit down. I was going to check on her anyway,” Kyo says. As he goes to leave the room, the teacher stops him.

“Haven’t we been over this? Quit trying to skip my class,”

“I’m not trying to skip nothin’! I’m going to check on Y/n. She went to the bathroom a while ago and she’s not back yet. I’m doing your job here,”

“Just go. Don’t cause trouble,” the teacher excuses him and Kyo heads off.

*

The bell rings and I know I’m late for class. But it’s not completely my fault. Two students, a boy and a girl, had stopped me on my way back from the restroom. I don’t know their names, but they’ve stopped me before. They’re not really my biggest fans. I stand there against the wall as they ask and say to me things no one should ask or say, cruel words I would rather abstain from repeating. But it doesn’t really affect me. I stand there with no reaction as they berate me. Turn the other cheek, you know? 

“Hey!” The interjecting voice is immediately recognizable to me. Kyo. His eyes are narrow as he walks up to the two students and I. “How about you shut your mouths? The both of you,” Kyo offers.

“Kyo, it’s alright, I got it,”

“No, I think these idiots need to learn who they’re talking to,”

“Kyo I said I got it alright? Getting aggressive isn’t going to change their perspective so let’s just head back,” you say. He grabs my hand, passing the two students a dirty look as he drags us away from the scene and back to class.

*

The bell rings, concluding the school day and letting the students out. To be truthful, I’ve been avoiding Kyo a bit. I’m not mad, just a bit annoyed. It’s great having such a considerate friend, no one has ever looked out for me the way he does, but when he steps in for me it looks like I can’t handle myself. I open my shoe locker, pulling out my things to leave. When I close the locker door, Kyo is leaning against the ones next to it, looking down at the floor.

“I’m sorry,” he says. I cross my arms and lean against the lockers myself.

“About what?”

“I know you don’t like it when I get really protective of you,”

“Yeah, what were you even doing out there?”

“You hadn’t come back yet and we were starting to get worried. I was starting to get worried,”

“You’re a good friend for staying by me, and I appreciate what you do for me, wanting me safe and happy, but I can fight my own battles. You can stick up for me, but you don’t need to act responsible for me,”

“I know. I’m trying to not get annoyed by them, it’s just…” Kyo trails off, debating his next words, “I don't like when people make fun of the person I like"

“What?”

“Gosh, ya need me to spell it out for ya?” I stare at him for a moment before realizing.

"You… like me? More than a friend?”

"Well duh. Why wouldn’t I?” I shrug.

“I don’t know. It’s not like you flirt with me. I don’t remember you telling me or asking me out,”

“You seriously never noticed?”

“Didn’t have a clue,”

“Well, then you must be really dumb because I made it really obvious,”

“Hey!” I say, nudging his arm. “I guess like you too… dumb dumb,”

Kyo smiles. He stands up straight, extending his hand to me. “Want me to walk you home?”

“Sure,” I say after rolling my eyes. I take his hand and we walk off the premises together. I guess I should pay more attention to things.

[cinderella-ish]

Fic Recs: My Favorite Kyoru Fics

Pre-Relationship

Burn Me, by me T | Flash Fiction | Angst If Tohru had to pick one word to describe how Kyo makes her feel, it would be heat.

Completely Hopeless, by me T | Short Story | hurt/comfort Tohru swoons on the way home from school after failing one of her midterms. How does Kyo get her home safe?

Dreams of Paradise, by Sky_Cloudtide T | WIP | AU & angst The Sohma family's lives are forever changed after summer vacation. Unable to live with the guilt, Kyo and Yuki look to the past, to find a way to fix the treasure they have lost.

fantasize. E | Short Story | smut Kyo’s mind runs rampant after seeing Tohru in a bikini for the first time.

forbidden fruit, by ArtificialFlavorz E | Short Story | pining & smut He watches, jaw set, as Tohru scribbles some numbers across the paper, twirling a piece of her hair around her finger absentmindedly, and tries not to picture how it would look wrapped around his hand, her neck arched backwards in pleasure. He decides he cannot blame Adam for the bite that expelled him from Eden.

Grasp, by sparklyfaerie M | Short Story | pining & smut As it turns out, living with a girl is dangerous.

i'll come closer to you (if you come over), by littlerosette T | Short Story | pining Tohru goes for a swim. Kyo's unlucky enough to catch her.

is it me that you see when you fall asleep? by sunflowerstarfruit G | Short Story | hurt/comfort & pining “I-“ Kyo started, a little shakily, before he cut himself off, pressed a fist to his chest and curled the other in the thin blanket on his bed. He swallowed, clenched his jaw, then tried again. “It was a nightmare,” he admitted, the words coming forced and raspy, raking a hand back through his hair. “About you,” he added in a hoarse whisper.

Lifeline, by me T | Short Story | angst Tohru sat on the floor of her room, clutching her knees to her chest. It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay... She clung to the words like a lifeline, desperately seeking to reassure herself that she wouldn’t lose her mother again.

Lonely Future, by me G | Flash Fiction | angst Kyo Sohma didn't believe in soulmates.

Love Me Not, by me T | Flash Fiction | angst Tohru finds Kyo on the roof. Kyo convinces himself it doesn't mean anything.

must be love on the brain, by littlerosette T | Tohru/Kyo | pining Tohru has a secret admirer. Everyone reacts to it accordingly. Except Kyo.

My Hands on You is Just a Fantasy, by unscheduledmakeouts E | Short Story | pining & smut He likes exercising, it helps clear his mind. When it’s just him and the trail, high-tempo music pumping in his earbuds, he feels free. The steady rhythm of his feet hitting the dirt grounds him, reminds him that he’s strong and focused and capable. When he gets back home, Tohru is on her knees.

Pink Ribbons, by alytsum G | Flash Fiction | angst Kyo reflects as he is plagued by the color pink.

Roots In My Dreamland, by lucybeee T | Short Story | hurt/comfort But when reality confronted her in her sleep, it was hard to run away. There was no way to hide. She was at her subconscious’s mercy until she was released and allowed to wake up as a panting, sweaty mess.

Taking on Your Curse, by modzy78 T | Novelette | angst & drama Tohru didn't realize she actually made a New Year wish when she was talking to Kyo. And that some wishes do come true.

Year of the Cat, by Praemonitor M | Novelette | pining Contrary to popular belief, Tohru Honda was not naïve.

Getting Together

Adult Intervention, by Modzy78 T | Short Story | drama & romance It's obvious Kyo likes Tohru, but he hasn't visited her in the hospital. Can anyone help him get his act together?

Against All Gods, by Athena_theunicorn M | WIP | angst, dark, & drama Tohru Honda woke up in a hospital bed. Kyo Sohma woke up in a desolate cottage. Akito Sohma woke up on a crumbling throne. What would have happened if Akito locked Kyo up, despite Tohru's best efforts? He did lose the bet, after all...

A Mandatory Attraction, by cithara0211 E | WIP | AU & smut Government Quarantine is in effect! For 14 days, Tohru only has two things on her mind: her art and her hot new neighbor, Kyo. And Kyo has only one goal: finally making Tohru his

Cursing the cursed, by modzy78 T | Novelette | drama Arisa, Saki, and Megumi discover the answer to a question they didn't know existed. Can you curse someone who's already cursed?

Escaping the future, by Modzy78 T | Novel | angst, drama & fluff It's time to graduate, and Kyo's still cursed. Tohru doesn't want Kyo to be confined. How far is she willing to go to save him from his future?

ichigo ichie, by me T | WIP | crossover & drama Last Update: July 2024 | Ch. 1/15 | under 5000 words Fruits Basket x Ouran High School / Your Name AU

If You Ever Forget That You Love Me, by villianizuku G | WIP | drama & romance After three months of thinking she was dead Yuki stumbles upon Tohru in an old neighborhood only to find out that she has lost every memory she had. Tohru is wiling to risk everything to find the people she used to love and get her past self back.

inertia, by miss_coverly E | Novel | angst & smut a Kyoru friends with benefits AU

I think about you all the time, by lucybee M | WIP | drama & romance Kyo hasn't heard from her again since. And that's right. It's the way things are supposed to be. A post-canon AU in which Kyo never redeemed himself after the confession scene.

The Last One Cursed, by cithara0211 M | WIP | drama, romance & smut The life of a college musician is a rough one. Add in a partially broken curse and an unexpected attraction to his new roommate, and this new semester back in Japan might be more than Kyo could have ever expected to find for himself.

Learn How to Knock, by BringBackMaes14 E | Short Story | smut Tohru lives in a house with three guys, and she's hardcore crushing on Kyo. She uses what little privacy she can get to "take care" of herself, but it's not unusual for one of the boys to burst in when she needs them least. Or perhaps, most.

Left Wanting, by Shewrites13 T | WIP | drama, hurt/comfort & romance Tohru Honda is newly graduated but not sure what she wants to do in life. She gets a job working for the infamous Sohma family as a maid, but when Tohru unexpectedly gets reassigned to a member of the Inner Family, she accidentally uncovers the very dark secret the Inner Family has been hiding from the world.

The Night We Met, by pettyimperfections T | Novella | angst & romance Kyo never got the chance to chase after Tohru and tell her how desperately he wanted to be with her. Instead, they became strangers. They went their separate ways. Tohru with no memory of her time with the Sohmas. Years later, Kyo and Tohru's paths once again become unexpectedly intertwined.

Of Lost Cats and Half-Shadows, by me T | also Megumi/Yuji (JJK) | WIP | crossover, drama & romance Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara enroll at Kaibara High School to investigate the Zodiac curse and free the souls it binds. Kyo is immediately suspicious of the three new students and rejects their attempts at friendship. Will they be able to break this ancient curse before Kyo is locked up forever?

The One Who Stays, by me T | WIP | drama & romance What if Yuki hadn’t run after Kyo? Tohru confesses her love. Kyo confesses his sins. Yuki sees it all. And then Akito arrives.

Ripples, by proseprincess NR | WIP | drama & romance *Note: this is a two-part series. The first work is complete! What happens when one decision leads to unintended consequences?

The Way Back, by 8_characters_or_less T | Novel | angst, drama, hurt/comfort, & romance After three years locked away in the Cat's Room the curse has finally broken. But three years is a long time and the damage that's been done won't easily be repaired. If there's anything worth fighting for, it's love. Only time will tell if that will be enough.

What's a White Lie Between Friends (& My Family)? by AnxietyAvocado G | Novella | romance Tohru's cousin is getting married, and she's been invited to be part of the wedding. She can't show up alone, so Kyo decides he's going with her. But when her family assumes they're dating, things are going to get very awkward very quickly.

Developing Relationship

Always Only You, by cithara0211 E | WIP | AU & smut Finally back after being gone from nearly three years, Kyo enters his senior year ready to fix the mistakes he made that one summer. And upon seeing Kyo again, Tohru promised herself she would stop running from her feelings. Are they prepared for the crazy new desire eating at them?

Eating Out With Your Wife, and Other Spousal Pleasures, by inheritanceofgeek E | Short Story | humor & smut Kyo and Tohru have been married for six months and their relationship has never been stronger or more fulfilling. Yet their previous ignorance to sex means that some things just never occur to them... Luckily for Kyo, his new Dojo just happens to have a happily married lesbian woman visiting who is more than happy to pass on some advice on the subject.

End of the Banquet, by AveSolace M | WIP | drama All the geopolitical tension in East Asia has come to a head. China has invaded Taiwan, and Japan is immediately drawn into the conflict. The Sohmas' lives are thrown into chaos, even as the Zodiac curse remains unbroken.

Everspring, by f3tid E | WIP | smut Truthfully, the season and the weather are inconsequential. When they are together, it is always Spring.

Fanning the Flame; Waking the Animal, by TripleTyrant E | Short Story | smut Kyo is incredibly gentle, and Tohru wonders what she'll have to do to spark the fire she knows is in his heart.

Heaven, by vylias E | Short Story | smut Tohru swallowed before slowly sliding herself off of Kyo’s lap and down onto the floor in front of the couch. Nestling herself in between his legs, she held his eyes as he watched her start to reach for his belt. Then she saw his breath catch and realization dawn on his face.

Hold On, by Danyu T | Novella | angst, drama, & romance Kyou has accepted his fate as the cat. Relationships change and the bond between he and Tohru is cemented forever. But he leaves something behind, something precious enough to give everyone the strength to hold on.

ignite it, by littlerosette E | Short Story | smut Things get heavy between Kyo and Tohru in a storage closet.

i like my body when it is with your, by littlerosette E | Novelette | pining & smut A girl, a boy, and the evolution of desire.

i really (really really) like you, by alpacas T | Short Story | fluff “Do you think they’ve done it yet?” Haru asks.

Living with Mom's Boyfriend, by Geoduck T | Flash Fiction | Humor When he opened the door, he hadn't expected to catch the stupid cat with his pants down. 

Melting, by vylias E | Short Story | smut But as Kyo pressed his lips against hers, Tohru could tell that this time felt different. This one was somehow filled with more urgency and fire than all the previous kisses that they had shared.

Memories of the Cat, by Modzy78 T | WIP | drama & hurt/comfort Kyo wants to distance himself from being the Cat. But he has one thing to deal with first.

On Top of the World, by me G | Flash Fiction | fluff Tohru has a surprise planned for her date with Kyo.

Orgasm Struggles, by fishcalledwanda E | Short Story | smut Tohru has never had an orgasm before. Kyo explores several ways to increase her pleasure, but eventually, it is Hanajima who comes to the rescue.

remedies for when you're feeling weak, by chicanerywrites E | Novelette | smut It struck Kyo, in that very moment, that Tohru wasn’t blissfully unaware at all. The look in her eyes was permission and trust and maybe a little bit of want and so, with that fleeting thought, his lips covered her fingers too.

Sweet Disposition, by truthwallflower E | WIP | pining & smut Tohru wants Kyo and Kyo wants Tohru. Too bad neither of them know how to go about it. A story of how Kyo overestimates Tohru's naivety and of Tohru remembering Kyo being disappointed in her. Even relationships that have faced millennia-long curses aren't impervious to misunderstandings.

This Air is Blessed, by KyoDoodles E | WIP | humor & smut A series of short, sweet and steamy post-canon fics about Kyo and Tohru’s life together.

We Have the Rest of Our Lives, by me T | Short Story | fluff & hurt/comfort Kyo helps Tohru change her bandages after she's released from the hospital.

Established Relationship

Baby's First Birthday, by me G | Flash Fiction | mild hurt/comfort | Background Machi/Yuki Tohru can't seem to get her camcorder to work.

Fearing the future, by modzy78 T | Novelette | angst & slice of life Kyo faces his biggest challenge, and it terrifies him. How will he face his future?

Hold Me, by me T | Flash Fiction | hurt/comfort A year after the curse breaks, Kyo still gets nightmares.

Like a Bolt Out Of the Blue, by me G | WIP | fluff, hurt/comfort & pining (Hajime/Mutsuki) At their annual family beach trip, Hajime wrestles with some big feelings.

Like Father, Like Son, by me T | Short story | fluff When Tohru and Kyo can't find their two young sons one morning, they turn up in an unexpected-- and very cute!-- place.

Nightmares, by Modzy78 T | Short Story | angst & hurt/comfort Tohru Honda can't remember a time she didn't have nightmares. But this one is unlike any she's had before.

Part of the Fruits Basket, by Athena_theunicorn G | Short Story | angst & hurt/comfort A collection of five Fruits Basket one-shots

Second Visit, by Geoduck T | Short Story | hurt/comfort Kyo and Tohru visit the office of a medical professional. After they leave, they talk about it.

So Lucky, by me T | Flash Fiction | hurt/comfort Kyo always wanted to protect her. She was so incredibly precious to him. He never wanted to let anything bad happen to her. But, as he quickly learned, protecting Tohru was a lot easier said than done.

undertow, by hungryhungryhanachan E | WIP | dark, drama, & tragedy Tohru has always smiled through her pain. Why would this be any different?

Welcome Home, by me G | Flash Fiction | fluff Tohru anxiously awaits Kyo's return from a training trip.

Wish, by me G | Short Story | fluff Tohru and Kyo take their three children to their small town's Tanabata festival.

Here's a link to my bookmarks tagged with Tohru/Kyo!

[xo-arcie]

fateful encounter

paring: Ayame Sohma x Kazuma Sohma summary: Kazuma meets someone during the parent-teacher conference that changes everything. warnings: no warnings, just gay pining word count: 2.1k+ author’s note: This is the kind of thing that lives rent free in my head and I thought I would share it. I plan on doing a Fruits Basket au about the two of them, but I have other things I need to finish. Also, I always draw Ayame blushing like a slut and thought I would show Kazuma's reaction (below). Repost from ao3, art by me! 💜

Love cannot be forced, love cannot be coaxed and teased. It comes out of the heaven, unmasked and unsought. -Pearl S. Buck

The day was waning away with the last of the students, and their parents, filtering out of the classrooms after they finished their scheduled parent-teacher conference. Kazuma, always patient, always amiable, stepped forward with his son in tow only to be halted by a storm that barreled through the hallway.

Kazuma remained at Kyo’s side, hugging a little closer to the wall to allow the mother of Yuki Sohma to push past with a sneer carved on her sharp features, the clack of her heels echoing off the linoleum. Yuki was following after her, the remorseful gray of his eyes downcast, a slouched petitance with his steps as if he was weighed down by her rude actions, though Kazuma would never hold the young man accountable for them. 

“The actions of others are never about you,” he had told Kyo years ago when he first brought the boy home. “They are only acting for themselves, never for you.”

He wondered if anyone had ever told this to Yuki. 

The mother and son entered the classroom, taking their time slot, and the door slid shut behind them, leaving Kazuma and Kyo alone to wait once again. He looked down at Kyo and was surprised by the empathy that was twisting into the scowl his son always carried–the red on his nose and cheeks clashing with the mess of his hair. Kyo was vibrating with a struggled composure, his eyes trained through the window slit on the door while every muscle ticked in his features, listening in on the rise and fall of that woman’s voice. 

She was muffled, but her arrogance still cut through, speaking over the teacher and drowning out her son. 

Kazuma followed Kyo’s line of sight to see Yuki seated at his mother’s side, wilting away with each word. The boy was stricken silent, pale and beaten, far too world-weary for someone his age. 

It pulled at his heartstrings. 

“Do you know that boy?” Kazuma asked. 

His question was soft, just a tentative touch to understand the emotions that were playing across Kyo’s face. Kazuma knew who Yuki Sohma was–everyone at the estate knew who Yuki Sohma was–but he also knew of the rivalry between his son and the rat. It was something deep seeded when he found Kyo, a foundation from centuries passed, something that festered a hatred that burned as red as his hair. 

Which was why his son’s sudden rigid posture caught him off guard. He saw how Kyo steeled his jaw and clenched his fists as he watched Yuki, but Kaziuma knew that his visceral response was a different kind of aggravation that unknowingly unearthed itself. 

To anyone else it would just seem like the continued animosity between the cat and the rat, but Kazuma knew his son, knew his kind heart beneath the fusion of guilt and rage. He could decipher the empathy that was lining Kyo’s furrowed brow, bleeding from his crimson eyes and pouring over Yuki. 

This kindness showed more often since his friendship with the girl named Tohru began, a frequency to a freshly compassion that always thrummed beneath. It was a look that called to Kazuma, alighting his savior complex, but instead he paused, wanting to understand the reaction unfolding in front of his eyes. 

He was curious to see if his son truly wished to help the boy. 

So Kazuma waited.

“He clearly does not want her to speak for him, and she does not care about anything he has to say.” Kyo was quiet, careful to knit his words together with his dawning realization, a newfound perspective on his lifelong adversary. “Yuki seems so…” 

Wounded. But Kazuma did not say this out loud; he never wanted to persuade an original thought from his son, but always allowed Kyo to come to his own conclusion and then support whatever he decided on. 

“I see now that he is not as fortunate as me,” Kyo finished, looking up at him. 

Kazuma was not expecting that train of thought and it struck him with a warmth that pooled into his chest, swelling his heart against his ribs. It confirmed the compassion he always knew existed within his son, something blossoming with Tohru, something vibrant albeit fleeting. 

But still, it returned, and it always lingered a little bit longer each time. 

Kazuma said nothing in response, but shifted closer to wrap his arm around Kyo’s shoulders, pulling him for a hug against his side. His son begrudgingly leaned into it, his embarrassment burning bright from the public display of affection despite the hallway being empty save for them. 

“Perhaps Yuki could use some help,” Kazuma offered, tucking his chin down; Kyo nodded in return, his eyes avoiding. 

He smiled as he let go of Kyo with the good intention to step forward, to go help Yuki, only to be halted yet again but this time by the grandiose entrance of a man with silver hair. 

Kazuma felt rooted, captivated by the almost ethereal beauty that the man possessed. His hair was pulled back and flowed with his steps, a determination and a grace with his gate, and the subtle sway of his slender hips that pulled Kazuma’s gaze. The man was lithe and lean, dressed in rich, burgundy fabrics that complemented his figure, his ivory complexion that was flawless and glowing, his exquisite features surely carved from marble. 

His proximity pulled the air from Kazuma’s chest as he breezed past without sparing him a look–it even had Kyo averting his eyes. A floral scent followed after from the bouquet of roses he carried, his delicate fingers wrapped around the bundled stems. 

Kazuma watched as he pulled open the door with flourish, his voice lyrical as he announced himself. 

“Greetings, all! I have finally arrived!” 

The door slid closed behind him and Kazuma mourned the barrier between. He felt in a daze from the vision, propped against the wall by the silence and emptiness the man left behind, settling over like a fog. His abstract gaze fell back to Kyo to see the familiar scowl burrowing back on his features, his eyes boring through the floor at his feet. Kazuma remained quiet, wordless, enraptured; he shifted his weight, daring to peer through the same window to try and catch another glimpse of the silver haired beauty.  

He saw that the man had forced himself between Yuki and his mother–a knight serving, bold and defending. He was squared off towards her, guarding the young man from her hateful stare with a taunting curl to his lips. 

It left Kazuma flustered. 

For as long as Kazuma remembered, romance was never something that came easily for him. He had a sweetheart while he was attending school, someone who just followed after him aimlessly and who always pressed for something more; when he did not reciprocate, they rightly moved onto someone else who would. 

It did not fare better as an adult, but Kazuma still accepted whatever set-up was managed, often encouraged by Kyo. He did not care for the meet-ups, as too often they seemed daunted, almost annoyed with the topic of his son.  

It rarely, if ever, reached a second date. 

Kazuma never minded this, though. Despite his amorous shortcomings, he was still a romantic at heart, and it was encouraged by the books that Shigure would often drop off. It gave a rose tint to his life and beyond those pages, when he noticed the slow burn between his son and Tohru, he tried to tactfully approach the subject.

Kyo scoffed at him, demanding that he keep his focus on finding someone to finally settle down with. 

“‘Love cannot be forced, love cannot be coaxed and teased,’” Kazuma began a quote which had Kyo groaning, rolling his eyes. “‘It comes out of the heaven, unmasked and unsought.’”

Kyo tsked. “What do you even mean by that?” 

“You will understand that when you are older,” he teased. 

In truth, the idea of dating, muchless to fall in love, was something that Kazuma no longer bothered himself with, but that was before this very moment when he watched the moon incarnate waltz in starlight through the school hallways with the subtle sway of his hips. 

Even with the door drawn shit, Kazuma still felt the pull of the man’s proximity through the classroom walls, and it was vibrating his bones beneath, entangling, enrapturing, pulling him out along with the tides.

Kyo noticed the immediate change. “Are you all right?” The concern in his son’s voice broke through his thoughts and Kazuma straightened himself, the blood pouring into his face. “You look…flushed.” 

In truth, his throat felt dry, clawing for the words to reply, but fortunately the door opened once again. This time it was Yuki’s mother rushing from the room, her fury red on her face and her hands shaking to smooth away the wrinkles from her blazer and skirt with her frantic steps to get away. 

Yuki was quick to follow after her, propelled by some epiphany ablaze, something that now held his shoulders higher than before. 

Kyo watched after him for a moment before he looked back up at Kazuma, his worry anew. “You can follow after him and make sure he is all right, if you want,” Kazuma suggested, though he knew that his son was not asking for permission, but for reassurance of what was plainly written on his face. 

Kyo nodded and followed after, but kept a mindful distance, leaving Kazuma alone again in the hallway. Only then did he dare to look through the now open door, his heart pounding. 

Kazuma saw the teacher who seemed drained, but sat up straight once she noticed his gaze, peering through the roses she was gifted. “Oh! I’m so sorry to keep you waiting! We can begin if you’re ready–” she pushed to stand and the silver haired man followed, turning to see who she was speaking to. 

Kazuma fell back into the trance from before, the stars swirling and blurring around him. He swallowed, his blood coursing, and he felt pinned in the doorway by the molten golden eyes that poured over him. 

“Oh my!” the silver haired man’s musical tone began, a touch of pink to his cheeks. “Did my dastardly mother’s inconsideration cause a delay in your scheduled time with this wondrous educator?” –the teacher muted her groan, burying her face back into the bouquet– “I would apologize on that woman’s behalf, but I know that she will surely repeat her ghastly behavior!” 

There was a passion with each syllable that left Kazuma entranced, pulsing with his heartbeat. “It’s all right,” he gave a sheepish smile, his cheeks staining red from the rhythmic bruising of his heart against his chest. He forced himself to look back at the teacher. “We can begin when Kyo comes back.” 

The man brightened with the name, his eyelashes fluttering with an impish smile. “Oh, oh, are you the father of Kyokichi?” 

Kazuma chuckled at the pet name, knowing already how Kyo would hate it. “Yes I am. My name is Kazuma.” 

“What a pleasure it is to meet you finally!” The man pressed closer with the same flowery scent, subtle and sweeping away the air around them. Kazuma felt his head buzzing, relishing in the sight of the pink dust on the man’s cheeks. He looked down to see his hand was offered. “I am Yuki’s brother, Ayame.” 

His touch was a welcomed contrast to the warmth and calluses of Kazuma’s palms, delicate and soft and cool, something that set his nerves alight. The simple gesture shattered whatever contentment he believed to have before meeting Ayame, splintering his insides and rushing to the surface, pushing sharp against his skin. 

Kazuma never wanted to let go of him; he wanted to cradle Ayame’s hand and run his fingertips along the lines that carved into his palm, to interlace his fingers and see how they would fit within his own. 

And Kazuma realized he found something he had not even realized had been missing. 

He surfaced from that thought, jolting back to attention. Ayame had not pulled away but was watching him carefully, coyly from beneath his long silver lashes. 

Relief washed over, hope widening Kazuma’s smile, white against his crimson features. “The pleasure is truly mine, Ayame-sama.”

Ayame’s laughter was just as lovely, just as melodic, trilling up the length of Kazuma’s spine. “None of that! You may call me Aya-chan, if you would prefer. Since your son and my brother are beginning their affinity for one another, I feel we are destined to become,” –his lips ticked upwards in the corner of his mouth– “closer acquaintances.” 

There was nothing Kazuma wanted more. 

arcie's navigation

[novelist-becca]

I love reading post-fb fics where after the curse breaks, Kyo and Tohru walk back home, and they already have some domestic comforting moments, taking in the fact they can actually hug each other now 😭

[eurydicees]

look in the mirror, you look more like me than i do (fruits basket genfic, 10807 words)

If it were really up to Kyo alone, the Curse would stay hidden away in memory, far from where his children can touch it. But then Yuki tells Mutsuki everything, and Kyo is forced to think a little harder about whether or not he wants to tell Hajime about his past. (Just Kyo and Tohru and Hajime and a secret that doesn't rest easy. And love, too, above all else.)

sure, people have already written about kyo telling hajime about the curse, but i haven't. so obviously that had to change. notably, i have not read the sequel so please take everything about hajime with a grain of salt. and yes this is going to be part of a series of fruits basket fics. don't worry about it. i'm clearly going through stuff.

[fruitsbasketmondays]

Fruits Basket Mondays Summer 2024 Masterlist

Shout-out to everyone who participated this summer:

AveSolace (AO3)

@cinderella-ish / AO3 / Masterpost

@gaycinema / AO3

@lostbutterflyutau / AO3

@tjmaxbutnotthestore

@triptychgrip / AO3

There were 22 fanfics, 5 pieces of fannish meta, 3 recs of earlier fanfics, and 2 pieces of fanart, totaling 32 works made for Fruits Basket Mondays!

If you have a masterpost of your contributions, tag us and we'll link it here!

(If you catch a mistake, please let us know!)

Works made without our prompts:

Fic Recs Under 1000 Words, by cinderella-ish

Morning Conversations, by lostbutterflyutau

Completely Hopeless, by cinderella-ish

Reflections, by lostbutterflyutau

scene from Ch. 110, by tjmaxbutnotthestore

ichigo ichie, by cinderella-ish

Fruits Basket x Disney's Cinderella, by tjmaxbutnotthestore

That's Like the Pot Calling the Kettle Ayame, by triptychgrip

Like Father, Like Son, by cinderella-ish

Siblings by Chance; Friends by Choice, by lostbutterflyutau

reaching across years, by ohmygodwhy

Where We Left It, by cinderella-ish

She's the Albatross... She is here to destroy you, by lostbutterflyutau

I was tame, I was gentle, 'til the Sohma life made me mean, by lostbutterflyutau

Adulting: What did everyone do after the curse broke? by cinderella-ish

The One Who Stays, by cinderella-ish

Fanfic Rec: What if we'd seen Akito in therapy post-curse? rec by triptychgrip

Why Machi and Yuki just make sense together, by cinderella-ish

Who's your favorite ship? by cinderella-ish

Dialogues and Dreams, by lostbutterflyutau

In a Pickle, by cinderella-ish

The First Step, by lostbutterflyutau

Fourth Trimester, by AveSolace

Over (Un)Easy, by cinderella-ish

The Whereabouts of Loneliness, by lostbutterflyutau

Of Lost Cats and Half-Shadows, by cinderella-ish

Fanfic Rec: a sweet and funny Hiroshi and Yusuke fic, rec by cinderella-ish

lessons in lingerie, by lostbutterflyutau

something good can work, by ohmygodwhy

Along a Pitch Black Path, by cinderella-ish

like a bolt out of the blue, by cinderella-ish

an inch away (from more than just friends), by gaycinema

[arcielee]

Ayame pouted. “It’s such a shame, really. You would have had the prettiest hair if you would have just taken care of it.” 

He was standing over Kazuma, his fingers combing through the freshly trimmed edges of his dark hair while his other hand held the silver scissors.

Kazuma only hummed at first, turning another page of Shigure’s latest book. “I think the real shame is that I did not meet you sooner so you could show me this self-care regulation,” he countered in a teasing tone, a crinkle to the corners of his eyes with his smile that often swept Ayame from his feet. “But I have you now, and this will always grow back.” 

It rattled Ayame still. Kazuma had a way with his actions, with how he spoke that would often cracked through the coquette mask he wore. But today, he decided to tease him back, bending at his narrow waist until his chin almost pressed into Kazuma’s shoulder, his lips almost tickling his ear. “I think we should cut it even shorter so we can see that sexy jawline,” he whispered, his teeth nipping. 

Kazuma's smile spread in response, but he never faltered, his motion fluid, smooth like silk. His thumb bookmarked his page while his other hand wrapped around Ayame’s elbow, the heat of his palm pooling through his sleeve. He turned his head, pulling him closer to capture his lips, his kiss the embodiment of everything Ayame loved about this man: gentle, always careful, and so very warm. 

It had a dizzying effect, and Ayame felt the blood rushing to his head. 

Kazuma pulled away, his smile still in place, his dark eyes washing over to relish the red that now stained Ayame’s cheeks. “Whatever you think is best,” his voice was low, another chaste kiss to his lips. “I trust you.” 

Ayame already knew this, but he would never grow tired of hearing it.

This is for my beloved @chattylurker 💜 Thank you for indulging me and being my muse (and dear friend)

[festivalofthe12]

all eyes and ears and fingers and thumbs, 6.9k, Yuki/Kakeru. Kakeru learns about the curse, more or less. This is about what happens next. Or, the meta-mortifying ordeal of being known that you are known.

I finished my fic! \o/ As I state in the author's notes, there may be.. some or many canonical inaccuracies, due to the highly sleeper agent manner with which I came back to this fandom!!

However, I imbued with it all my long years of loving and projecting on to Yuki Sohma, so I really hope that it will be able to mean something to some of you guys as well! <3

[lostbutterflyutau]

Reflections

Note: This "missing scene," like all my Furuba fics, takes place in my headcanon in which all canon events still occur, but my OC is part of the story and things change a bit after the OG ending. Because I still consider it free real estate.

I'll explain various plot elements as needed. For this one, all you really need to know is that my OC plays a major role and it might help to read about her (HERE).

Also, this is my first time in a while writing for this fandom and participating in a fandom event, so hoping it goes alright.

(Didn't have time to give it to my beta before posting, so I apologise for any silly mistakes).

**** Prompt: Missing Scene

Timeline: Chapter 132/Season 3, Episode 12 (Before the Meeting) **** “You have really long eyelashes,” Shima complimented, gently brushing mascara over them.  

“Is that a good thing?” Akito asked, doing her best to keep still even as she spoke.

Shima already had to re-apply her eyeliner twice due to her not being used to the feeling and accidentally smearing it. But Akito couldn’t help it. She’d never had makeup put on her before. It was strange, just like her ensemble. And everything else that had happened in the past few weeks.

Even just a few months ago, she would have never thought of being friends with people like Tohru and Shima. In fact, Shima’s hair still irritated her at times, which she seemed to pick up on given how it was tied back now, or maybe that was just to keep it out of her face. Akito wasn’t sure, but also knew that it didn’t matter. She was just grateful for the help from both her new friend and the maids that had helped her dress.

“It is. They’re pretty.” Shima sat back, put the wand in the tube. “Now you just need some lipstick.”  

Akito didn’t respond, only watched as Shima turned to the small bag sitting at her side and pulled three tubes from it. She wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to such words being directed at her and wanted to protest, but she knew it was fruitless. Shima wasn’t one to backpedal on her words. She and Shigure had that in common. Besides, there were much more important things at hand.

While she didn’t say anything, Shima could tell from the look on Akito’s face that she felt awkward, which was more than understandable. Dressing up this way – hell, just being a girl in general –  was still a foreign concept to her. And, on top of that, she was about to go and reveal that fact – and more – to her former Zodiac.

Unfortunately, it was one of those rare occurrences where she was at a loss for what to say. As much as she hated admitting it, anything having to do with the inner circle was outside her understanding. Always had been. She’d been foolish enough to think she understood once, but recent events proved that she never really had. It was something she was still coming around to even as she decided to look ahead instead of behind her. So many things had happened and today was going to be the official start of a new path for all of them, including Akito.

“Definitely this one,” She decided, twisting open one of the tubes.

“What is that?” Akito asked, looking over the applicator in Shima’s hand. Though she knew very little about makeup, it still didn’t look like any lipstick she’d seen before.

“Liquid lipstick,” Shima explained, gently slid her hand underneath Akito’s chin and tipped her head up.

She applied the colour delicately, smiled at the finished result before putting the makeup aside and pulling out the headband holding Akito’s hair back, watching as her fringe fell into place. She then swept up the flowers and pins, moved over to the side to complete the final touch.

For a moment, neither spoke, unsure of what to say. Navigating this friendship was new for both of them, and Akito wasn’t sure what she could or couldn’t say or if Shima would even understand the weight on her heart. The one that she wasn’t sure she was even allowed to have after everything. But, on the other end, there was any one else she could talk to aside from Tohru, but she wasn’t here. Shima was. And being the sister of one previously possessed, she’d lived with the cloud of the curse much longer, albeit in a different way.

Finally, she took in a breath, decided to take her chance.  

“Shima?”

“Hm?” Shima murmured. It was the most she could muster with the pins in her mouth.

“Do you think this is even worth it?

Shima didn’t answer. Not right away. Instead, she kept her focus on the task at hand, contemplating her response as her hands worked. Despite having a vague idea of what Akito was asking, she still decided to ask as she pulled the final pin out of her mouth,

“Depends. What exactly is ‘it?’”

Akito flicked her eyes down to her hands, fiddled with the end of one of her sleeves. “This whole thing, I suppose. They have to know what happened. And after everything, would they even listen to what I have to say?”

Cautiously, Shima reached over, placed a hand over hers. “I think they will. Especially after you come in like this. Remind me. What did Gure say when he gave this to you?”

Keeping her eyes down, Akito recalled, “He said it was both a parting and a welcome gift. That I was leaving behind the person everyone wanted me to be and becoming a new me. Whoever that is.”  

Shima smiled. She knew the answer. Had it stuck in her head since Akito told her a few days prior. But she needed her to say it, hoping that if she did, she would start to believe his words.

“In other words, it’s an external representation of the internal.”

 At that, Akito finally looked up, her expression telling Shima that while she probably got the gist of what she meant, she still didn’t appreciate her use of writer speak.

“They can’t see the change in your heart,” Shima explained. “At least not yet. But by doing this, you can show them that you’re taking the first big step to becoming your authentic self.”

“But even with the ‘external,’ will they believe me?”

“I can’t speak for them, but I like to think that they would. Even if it takes time.” She shifted then, and despite knowing it was a risk, moved to wrap her arms around the smaller woman.

“And if it helps, I believe you.”  

Though it wasn’t the first time and far less shocking than the time Arisa Uotani had hugged her, Akito still wasn’t sure what to make of her affection. Reassuring, but not pitiful, just like her words. Shima knew she didn’t need anyone’s pity. Not anymore. So, as she reached up and gently squeezed Shima’s arm, Akito chose to believe she only wanted to let her know she was there. That there was one more person in her corner.

“Akito?” Another voice interrupted as the door slid open, the maid first blinking at the unusual sight before shaking it off and continuing as Shima returned to her previous position.  “Are you ready?”  

Akito sighed to herself. There was no turning back now. It didn’t matter if she was ready. The time had come to take the first step into a life that was truly her own and begin her atonement. Whether anyone would accept it or not, especially without the pull of the curse, was another question, but one she had to face.

It had never been a matter of whether she could do this. It was something she had to do. For them. And to a lesser degree, herself. And even after today, there would still be a long road ahead. One without the eternity she had been previously promised. A world full of strangers.  

“Hey.”

A faint whisper caught her attention and it, along with a gentle touch, brought her back to reality. She turned, saw in Shima’s eyes nothing but warmth and support – underserved, she thought, but earnest.

“You got this.”   

It was such a small, simple declaration, but something about it eased the tension stirring up inside her, making way for a wave of relief she hadn’t felt before now. While it didn’t shake off all her nerves, the thought that maybe the world wasn’t completely full of strangers and that she had a few people – including Shima – on her side was enough to make her finally stand.

Releasing another deep sigh, Akito took a step forward, the movement as firm as her reply.

“Ready as I’ll ever be."

[triptychgrip]

A Showdown of 'Extraness': my Yuri!!! on Ice x Fruits Basket Crossover

Cutting it close, but I made it in the nick of time for Fruits Basket Mondays!

My attempt to envision what might happen if my favorite anime characters were to meet practically wrote itself, but I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised, given that they are the two most extra people in the world: costume designer Ayame Sohma from Fruits Basket (Furuba) and figure skater/coach Viktor Nikiforov from Yuri!!! on Ice. You can now read the story here, which features, among other things:

-An instantly star-struck Yuuri who is dazzled by Ayame's appearance

-Pouty/jealous Viktor who wants to make sure his husband's eyes stay on him (and is even tempted to go against his doctors' advice not to jump quads in this endeavor)

-Yuki Sohma and Yuri Plisetsky, whose blood pressure readings might otherwise indicate they're dead, such is their exasperation with Viktor and Ayame's combined auras

-Mine and Ayame being moved to tears by Yuuri's explanation of his Yuuri on Ice routine

-Haru casually admitting to Yuri that Yuki is his first love

-and protective Yuki, defending his brother's extraness due to a misunderstanding

Ayame, Viktor, Yuuri, Mine, Yuki, and Yuri's meeting is made possible thanks to the meddling of Okukawa Minako, who has been a loyal client of Ayame and Mine's costume design business for many years, and suggests that the Katsuki-Nikiforovs utilize their expertise for an upcoming ice show.

Below is an excerpt that I hope piques your interest!

---------

“Indeed, the very opposite of a battle will be happening today!” Ayame cried out, his eyes beginning to glint with a sort of crazed fervor.

Axel, Lutz, and Loop just stared, for once rendered entirely speechless.

It was hard to tell if it was Ayame’s words or his general aura that had had such an impact on the triplets.

“Yuuri-kun! It’s Vik-chan’s equally extra twin!” Yuuko burst out, turning wide, enraptured eyes onto her childhood best friend.

The range of reactions this elicited truly ran the gamut.

Most pronounced was Viktor’s betrayed hiss of “What do you mean, ‘equally’?! You once called me the most extra person alive!”.

Then there was Ayame and Loop’s delighted clapping, as well as Mine and Axel’s expressions of earnest fascination.

But it was Yuki’s petrified reaction that immediately solidified Yuri’s sense of kinship with the young man, who was silently mouthing “equally?” over and over, with a visage of pure terror.

He knew the feeling all too well.

With Yuuri and Viktor having left Russia in the spring of 2019, he didn’t see them nearly as often as he used to when they’d trained alongside one another in St. Petersburg. As such, any period of prolonged exposure to the extremely over-the-top ‘Skate Spouses’ had to be handled with unwavering resolve.

He’d long accepted it as his cross to bear, and realized that he and Yuki were likely the only ones with a chance of preventing this business meeting from turning into a multi-hour ordeal. Long-winded monologues about the wonders of artistic collaboration and potential duels for Yuuri’s attention were likely the least of their worries.

“I think I’m beginning to understand why Minako was so eager for this meeting to occur,” Yuri cut in, dryly. “Let’s get to the ice. We only have a half-hour before public skate opens.”

With this, he indicated for the triplets to get a move-on, and started to push Yuuri and Viktor forwards (which interrupted the former’s intent examination of the exact dimensions of Ayame’s ridiculously long handkerchief).

As they began to move in an awkward shuffle, Viktor turned to his spouse, whispering urgently.

“Yuranya, I was just thinking: how about I switch up the choreography a bit for my part in ‘Yuuri on Ice’? Even just one quad wouldn’t do any harm, don’t you think? That ending triple flip could be swapped out–”

“ABSOLUTELY NOT!” Yuri bellowed, that blood pressure spike finally taking effect.

Poor Yuuko tripped over Ayame’s handkerchief in alarm, but at this point, the “train” of his rage had already left the station, barrelling right through the departure doors.

“Do I need to remind you of what your doctors said last week, YOU IDIOT?!?” he continued in a roar, hardly daring to believe Viktor’s foolishness. “You must be out of YOUR GODDAMN MIND– ” (“Yura! Language!”) “ –if you think I plan on spending the rest of the day in the emergency room, ALL BECAUSE YOU LET YOUR INSECURITY OVER SOME ATTRACTIVE STRANGER (“So you admit it! You do think he’s attractive!”) “ –land you FLAT ON YOUR ASS in the middle of the rink WITH A BUSTED KNEE!”

[anonomouswriter-blr]

Make Akito Sohma X Female Reader (a fruits basket one-shot)

This is a story I wrote a long time ago, so it's not my current writing style, but I figured I'd post it here anyway because why not?

Story starts under the cut.

You knocked on the door to Akito’s room.

“Akito~San?” You asked sliding open the shōji door.

“Haven’t I told you to wait for my approval before opening my door?” they said bitterly. Akito didn't bother to look at you, he just kept lying down at his window.

“I apologize, I just-”

“What?” he snapped, whipping his head in your direction.

“It’s Valentine's day!”

“So what? You want me to allow you to leave me? You want to make sure that on this happy day, you stay as far away from me as possible, so that you may be with the ones you love most? So I can’t ruin this most joyous day?”

“What? No! That’s not it. Why would you think that? No, I have something for you,”

“Something… for me?”

You grinned at him. “Of course! I was only able to afford one thing… and it had to be homemade but… I hope you will enjoy it!”

You handed him a red square-like box with small pink hearts on it. Akito’s eyes widened.

‘Did Y/n really make chocolates… for… me?’ Akito thought to himself. He picked one up and examined it. It was shaped as 2 hearts, one overlapping the other.

“Sorry,” you scratched your neck nervously, “I guess I should have asked if you liked chocolates. Or, even ask Hiroti~San if you’re even allowed to have chocolates…”

Akito placed the chocolate back in its spot and looked up at you, eyes full of wonder.

“A..Akito?” you were getting a bit concerned. He reached out and grabbed your wrist to yank you down. “Yeek!”

“Sit.” He demanded. He stared at the chocolate box in anticipation. “You made the box… which one should I eat first?”

“Um, well, I personally like these ones,” you said, picking up the peanut butter caramel chocolate. Akito took It between his fingers. “The caramels really sticky so I'd brush hard afterward.”

Akito looked at the chocolate for a while longer, then brought it to his lips to take a bite. As his teeth sunk past the chocolate layer and into the peanut butter caramel, he closed his eyes and took in the flavour. As he chewed the delicious sweet, he hummed in delight. You stared at him, rubbing your hands (like the villains in cartoon movies) in anticipation. Finally, you asked him. “D-do you like it?”

He finished the rest of the candy and looked at you. He then did something you wouldn’t expect. He gave you a gentle smile, “I love it,”

You blushed. ‘Adorable…’

“Which should I taste next?”

“Mmmm, that one,” you pointed. He picked it up and bit off some of it. Then he turned to you. As he chewed his piece, he was staring at you with the other piece of chocolate held up. Then you got what he meant. “M-me?”

He nodded. You slightly reached for it but he pulled it back a little and shook his head. You were confused at first, but then he prodded it towards your mouth somewhat. You pointed to your mouth and raised your eyebrows- not completely knowing if you understood- but then he nodded; so you opened your mouth.

He gently placed the chocolate on your tongue. You closed your mouth and chewed. He smiled sweetly at you and you smiled back in return. When you finished you said:

“Happy Valentine’s day, Akito~san,”

     “Happy Valentine's day… F/n~san”

[cinderella-ish]

My evolving thoughts on who Yuki should've ended up with, and fanfic's role in changing my mind

So, I want to talk about Yuki Sohma.

Yuki is the member of the main trio in Fruits Basket with whom I most identify. I have little in common with both Tohru and Kyo, and it took me several watches and read-throughs to start to understand their characters/arcs. (I love them, don't get me wrong! I just didn't fully appreciate the depth of their characters/arcs until maybe my third time through the series.)

Yuki, on the other hand, not only had many external qualities in common with me, but the way he grew mirrored some of the ways I changed in early adulthood. His arc felt true to my life, and so he was my favorite character from my first exposure to Fruits Basket.

When I started reading fanfic, I initially limited myself to canon compliant or limited canon-divergence fics, but eventually, I dipped my toes into some alternate pairings. Interestingly, while I truly can't see Tohru with anyone but Kyo, and I can only see Kyo with someone other than Tohru in very specific circumstances, Yuki seems to work with almost everyone he gets paired with. I mean, Yuki and Machi are my OTP, yet I have probably read (and bookmarked) every Yuki/Kakeru fic on Ao3, and some of the most beautiful fanfic I've ever read is Yuki/Kyo.

This confused me at first. Deeply. If Yuchi is my OTP, why do I devour every Yukeru and Yukyo fic?

Well, I think that's because Yuki's arc is, among other things, one where he rejects compulsory romance. This is made explicit in the Cinderella-ish story (why yes this is my favorite part of Fruits Basket, why do you ask?), where he quite literally rejects the role of the prince - the role that's been put onto him by others through the series. I think his arc would have been complete without him ending up with Machi, but there are things about their relationship that make his ending so much more satisfying. In stories where he ends up with Kakeru or Kyo, Machi almost always appears as an important friend for him. I think, for him, having strong bonds outside the Sohmas that he forged on his own was the point, rather than ending up in a relationship.

Anyway, with that out of the way, here are my thoughts on the five most common Yuki pairings on Ao3!

Yuki/Machi

Yes. I love them. 1000/10.

Okay, so the one criticism I have of Yuki/Machi is that Yuki is strongly gay-coded throughout the series, and it would've been awesome to see that play out in the way it was set up. I think that's a huge part of why I connected with Yuki - his arc definitely reminded me of my own experience coming to terms with my own queerness. For more on this, see this exceptional post by @yunsoh

But there are so many moments between them that make me swoon. The chalk scene, first and foremost. I used that scene to talk to my partner about how to support me when my OCD or ADHD is bad. Then there's scene where Yuki figures out why Machi destroys things, then asks to make footprints in the snow together (and tells her he's proud of her! and sees how hard she's worked!). The way he bought her Mogeta memorabilia or figured out she likes red or understood her intent when she chased him around the school to give him a flower and just ended up getting angry at him. The way he understood she bought Tohru a bath set because it's what she would want, just because Kakeru made a similar remark. The way he lit up when he saw Machi's trashed apartment - "the sea of despair."

And the way Machi understood and empathized with Yuki. The way he lit up and started laughing when she called him an airhead. The way she said it took someone like him to notice someone like her. The way she opened up to him and always sought him out. The way Kakeru shipped them. The way he knew she would miss him if he were to disappear, and the way being a support to her was something he needed for himself. The way she accepted him as he actually was, and not the way he thought he was supposed to be. The way she broke the door down with a chair when Yuki was trapped in the storage room. The way he teased her!

They've both been put in seemingly desirable positions within their families, yet those positions are responsible for so much of their pain and trauma. They get each other at a deep level. There's a mutuality to their relationship that Yuki desperately needed. I love them so much!

PS: if you also love Yuki/Machi, come find me on Ao3! I'll be posting some Yuchi content later this week!

Yuki/Kakeru

They have a fantastic and fun dynamic, and they are always touching each other. Kakeru is Yuki's confidant and someone who makes Yuki feel safe in being himself, flaws and all. They help each other grow - Yuki helps Kakeru be more empathetic, and Kakeru helps Yuki become more comfortable with himself. I think this pairing would have also been a satisfying end for Yuki, full stop. I love them, and I will read all your Yukeru fics, please and thank you. (Also, lots of Yukeru writers are just really good writers, so there are some gorgeous works for them.)

Yuki/Kyo

So, I didn't get why this ship was so popular at first, but then I was reminded that Yuki's first thought when he met Kyo was "pretty!" They both secretly admired each other, they're written as foils for each other, and there's a reason enemies to lovers is so popular (and it's called sexual tension).

There's a Yuki/Kyo fic that I'd credit with showing me what fanfic can really do - especially in the ways it expanded the universe, found its own way of handling the curse, and developed the relationship between the two boys in a way that also grew their characters. That fic is The Pursuit of Repeating History by @mistergrass

I do think that Yuki ending up with someone outside the Sohmas is more satisfying for his character arc than someone from the Sohma clan, but his relationship with Kyo is such a key part of his arc that this could be satisfying in its own right.

Yuki/Haru

I absolutely love the relationship these two have in canon. I love how Haru looks out for Yuki, and I love how he drives Yuki a bit crazy. I love how Haru tells Yuki the things he needs to hear, like that it's okay for him to focus on himself for a while, and I love how Yuki braves the Sohma estate to check on Haru. I also love the way Haru can read Yuki like a book.

Haru's words to Yuki about finding someone who will appreciate his fragility and kindness are always so touching. Haru is almost a mentor to Yuki, in a way, or a fairy godmother. (Or a long lost sister?) The fact that he was the one who got Yuki out of isolation at the hands of Akito, or that he was the one person who would check on him just speaks to the strength of his loyalty to Yuki.

I take Haru's statement of "Yuki was my first love" seriously, because he tells Yuki he is serious when Yuki warns him people will take him seriously when he says that. I know there's an argument to be made that Haru is just being his weird self, but that gives me and they were roommates vibes.

Unfortunately, most of the Yuki/Haru fics are dubcon with Dark Haru, which is not something I enjoy reading. What I'd really love to read is an AU where they're together in high school or later, or something that explores Haru's early feelings for Yuki, or just something that explores interesting sides of their characters that are brought out when they're together.

I don't think this would be a terribly satisfying end for Yuki, but I do really love their dynamic.

Yuki/Tohru

Okay, so, full disclosure: I was #teamyuki when I first watched Fruits Basket. Yet now, they're the only pairing on this list that I don't like. Why? Well, as I said above, Yuki's arc is much about rejecting this specific compulsory romance.

Compulsory how? Well, from the beginning, the series seems like it's setting up a love triangle, but kind of tells us (more and more explicitly as the series goes on) that things are not what they seem.

I think the series does a phenomenal job of making the reader/viewer complicit in placing this compulsory romance onto Yuki. A brief aside, making the reader/viewer complicit in the thing a story is criticizing is one of the most effective ways to criticize something, IMO, because it doesn't let the reader/viewer off the hook. We don't get to say, "Look at them, they're so foolish!" We're forced to examine our own expectations and acknowledge that we were made a fool of, too.

I totally got tingles at the spa scene (pictured above), even though upon rewatch, it's obvious how much of an act it is on Yuki's part, and how uncomfortable it makes Tohru. In fact, many of their most "romantic" moments, where the shojo bubbles appear and everything, are when Tohru is acting in an explicitly motherly way to Yuki, and he awkwardly tries to flirt because he's either misinterpreting his feelings or in denial about them.

I also thought his line, "that isn't what I want!" when he tells Kakeru about his true feelings for Tohru is one of the most powerful moments in the series. It's the moment he's finally letting go of being the Princely character and choosing to be himself, for himself, because he deserves to be known and accepted - something he'd never fully believed until that moment.

I think part of why I was initially #teamyuki was because I came to Fruits Basket through the anime first, where much of the development of his relationship with Machi was cut. Also, as I said above, I didn't really get the characters of Kyo and Tohru right away, and I think that prevented me from seeing the power of their romance. The True Form arc was a key moment that I truly didn't understand until several viewings/readings later.

So, all of that is why I don't care for this pairing. I get why people do, but I do feel it undermines Yuki's agency and his character arc. It's a pairing that makes me sad when I see it, as if this character I love has taken a step backward.

(Incidentally, I've been wanting to write a fic where the True Form arc plays out differently and Yuki takes longer to realize the nature of his feelings for Tohru. I truly wonder how he would've come to that understanding without witnessing her running after Kyo. Would he have tried dating her? Would it have been a total disaster?)

Other pairings and larger relationship structures

Out of the other pairings I found, the only one I'm genuinely curious about is Yuki with Saki Hanajima. I'll have to go read those fics. They are each the "cold" half of a "hot/cold" duo (the "hot" halves being Kyo and Arisa, who are basically the same person). I'm very curious what led people to pair them in the handful of fics about them!

(Interestingly, I think it's possible to read Saki and Arisa both as having a bit of sexual tension with Kyo, but not with Yuki.)

The others include Akito, Ayame, Hatori, and Shigure - all pairings that would have a noncon/dubcon element due to Yuki's age, and that's before you get into the specific traumas that these characters have inflicted on Yuki, or the inherent power dynamics between them, or the close familial relationship with Ayame, etc...

The trio relationships are all intriguing and full of possibility. Yuki/Tohru/Kyo? Obviously. Yuki/Kakeru/Kimi? Potential for lots of wackiness. Yuki/Kyo/Haru? Could be the next Mabudachi trio.

(No shade to anyone who enjoys fics with the pairings or tropes I don't like! This blogger believes in "don't like, don't read.")

[mercurialanthology]

timeline help

Hello fellow Furuba enjoyers, I'm currently in the midst of writing a ridiculously intricate fanfiction and I'm curious about the canon Furuba timeline and how to accurately incorporate it into my fanfiction. Any and all help is appreciated! Obviously, spoilers ahead.

So, I am wanting this story to take place after Shigure gets kicked from the estate by Akito, but before Shigure takes Yuki in. I've tried to sit and figure out how much time is between these two instances, but I'm not quite sure. There is a multitude of events I want to happen in this timeframe, but obviously if Yuki comes to Shigure's place shortly after getting kicked out, this will have to change the timeline of events. So overall here, I'm just curious about how much time takes place between Akito kicking Shigure out before Shigure starts to harbor Yuki. A few months? A year? A couple of years?

Secondly, Mayu and Shigure date for a brief period of time, and at this same time Hatori and Kana are together. As far as I understand, both of these relationships are happening while Shigure is still at the estate. Please correct me if I'm wrong!

And this may not matter as much, but I'm wanting to write in a New Year's event into my story. Evidently we know when Furuba first starts, it's not long into the story when New Year's happens; year of the rabbit. This is after Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo are living with Shigure. This issue circles back to my first confusion about the timeline with Yuki and Shigure, as depending on when Yuki comes to Shigure's place will determine if it's plausible to have a New Year's event within the story. This would evidently be the year (maybe two or three, again depending on timeline) prior to the rabbit.

Please feel free to comment or direct message, and thank you in advance. I appreciate it, feel free to ask any clarifying questions!

[mistergrass]

hmm

[positivitypeeps]

"Why doesn't the baby have a name?"

Tohru raised her eyebrows in surprise at the sudden question, though a gentle smile grew on her face as she explained, "Well, we don't know if they're a boy or girl yet, and Daddy and I want to wait until they're out of my belly and we meet them before we give them a name."

"Was I out of your belly when you named me?"

"You were."

"Why did you name me Hajime?"

Names can have power. In a way, a child's name is the first gift their parents give to them. When four-year-old Hajime gets curious about what they're going to call his baby sibling, Tohru tells him the fun story of how he got his own name.