#what is mogeta by the way?

[roxi-chan]

OK, can we all please take a moment to acknowledge the DEDICATION these two boys have towards their ladies? Like, putting up with the most idiotic movie ever made because it's the girls' favourite?

[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.")

[tohruhondaismydaughter]

Just had some headcanons about Machi pop into my head that I wanted to share with yall. So we know this poor girl struggles with "perfect"/neat things right? Well I was thinking about some healthy coping mechanisms she could develop to replace the whole 'breaking property/living in a dump' thing & here's what I got so far -

1. She always tries to wear odd socks (unless she's invited somewhere nice)

2. Ayame & Mine help her find cool asymmetrical stuff to wear, how to make clashing colours/patterns work for her & teach her how to sew up her old clothes in a more "punk rock" way (after Yuki & Kakeru explain some of her issues with perfection)

3. Tohru gently points out that she dosn't have to tie her laces the same way on both shoes if she dosn't want to

4. Haru & Rin (awkwardly on her part) teach her the power of acessorising (ie. wearing only one earing, putting on an uneven amount of bracelets/rings/necklaces, adding paper clips of different sizes & colours to your clothing & Machi later ends up adding stuff like buttons to her outfits/belongings as well which Haru & Rin are tottally surppotive of despite thier difference in style) & hair/makeup which (thanks to Yuki's advice) they make sure to keep slightly messy (Kimi laughed at it at first until Momiji made her feel bad after he told her that Machi had gone to the bathroon & wiped off all the make up & undid the hair style so Kimi bought her some limited edition Mogeta merch, after asking for Yuki's advice, in apolgey & started referring to Machi's new hair/makeup style as "punk chic" whenever anyone tried to mock Machi about her new look)

5. her & Momiji go on a crazy tie dying adventure (much to Hatori's grumbling & Mayu's amusement)

6. Kormaki gets her into collecting second hand fridge magnets which she then later uses in her work (my version of post-serise Machi is an artist) once the magnetism finally wears off

7. Kagura teaches her how to fix up old plushies (Machi likes creating Mogeta inspired characters) & gives Machi all her old cat ones to work on (Machi descides not to ask why Yuki's cousin was seemingly once obssesd with orange cats because she looks rather embrassed & a little sad when she hands over her collection)

8. Kyo reluctantly teaches her how to cook a few simple dishes (Tohru comes over as well & Yuki insists her food is better but Machi prefers Kyo's simple style of presentation so it's eventually descided that Kyo & her will do the cooking & Tohru & Yuki will deal with the cleaning which Yuki agrees to becuse cleaning is still difficult for Machi but Kyo says it's actually because no matter how much Tohru tried to train him rat boy knows he would never be able to do anything in the kitchen but burn water)

9. Kakeru teaches her the skills of 'excessive badge & sticker decorating' as well as giving eachother fake tattoos (Kisa congratulates Hiro on not saying anything rude to Yuki's girlfriend about her appreance after they first meet her)

10. Cuts her hair short (she delibretly makes it very choppy) once she enters university, where the rules are less strict about your apprence (at least it is if your at art college), & she also regulary wears diffrent coloured wigs (her favourites being a dark red one & a rainbow one) whenever she wants to temporarily change her appearance (beacuse she didn't want to commit to just one look, still wanted to have the ability to quickly "become invisable" again & she heard from Kimi that exsseive hair die-ing could permantly destroy her hair & scalp) it takes her until she's 30 to try out shaving all her hair off (she worried she'd look sick/crazy or not feminine enough) & everyone's really surppotive (though Kimi dose cry a bit, Rin & Haru aren't there when her hair is being shaved & Kyo is a slightly confused as he'd always thought women liked having longer hair then guys) especially Ritsu (who's growing out thier hair again) & they all throw her a big party (Haru & Rin are there for the party bit just not the hair removal bit because it brought up some bad memories) where Kakeru films it & posts it (with Machi's permission) & they give her cut off hair to a charity chosen by all thier followers (despite her disbelief Machi has manged to gain a small group of loyal fans from all her art stuff & her apprences on her loved ones social media), Kakeru also later uploads a video where they help Machi rainbow dye her buzz cut, (she later explores many diffrent types of buzz cut patterns such as flowers & geometric shapes but, at Kimi's insistence, gets them done by a professional)

11. She recycles & D.Y.I's like crazy (Momiji started singing Do Re Mi from The Sound Of Music after she told him that her new dress was actually made from curtains & Yuki cried when she gave him a little rat plushie made from felt, after he came clean to her about the curse)

12. She almost never wears an apron while working on her art because she likes getting messy

13. When her & Yuki go out to eat she loves things like fondoe (both the chocolate & cheese kind), eat N mess & is genreually just a fan of finger food & it becomes a tradition between her & Yuki (& later Mutsuki) to go on a stroll through the park after thier meal & (if it's autumn) look for piles of leaves to jump in (Machi & Yuki also like playing a game where they try to look for the weirdest looking leaf to give eachother & whoever wins gets to pick what they'll eat for dinner that evening & the looser has to cook it, Mutsuki is the "impartial" judge)

14. Machi is amazing at scrapbooking & collarge making (Tohru is more of a dream journal kind of girl)

15. When it's Summer her, Yuki & Mutsuki go down to the beach to see who can find the weirdest looking rocks (the less impressive ones often get used in Machi's art work, the coolest ones Mutsuki gets to keep & any that are too perfect get tossed back in the ocean & Mutsuki likes to score the splashes they make on how big/loud they are)

16. She loves helping Yuki out with gardening for lots of reasons (it's therapeutic & she loves seeing Yuki happy) but she can't deny it's also just fun getting muddy

17. Machi, thanks to Kakeru, devolpes a love of paint ball (but instead of using guns they just throw the paint at eachother like in 10 Things I Hate About You because apparently the gun pellets actually hurt) & will bring it up as an activity idea to her loved ones any chanse she gets

18. Decorates as much of her flat (& later her home with Yuki & Mutsuki) with Mogeta merchandise, random things she collects & her own art work as a big fuck you to her bitch "you have 0 personality/hobbies or talents" of a mother

19. Kisa (happily) & Hiro (reluctantly) introduce Machi to the magic of glitter

20. Machi & Rin eventually become proper friends due to bonding over being abounded by their asshole parents & one of the things they like to do together is work on thier seprete art peices while listening to music (Machi dosn't do any of her "aggressive" art, like plate smashing, around Rin though thanks to Yuki & Haru warnings)

21. When stuff gets to be too much & none of thier other coping strategies are working (like watching Mogeta stoned- which Kisa, Tohru & Momiji do not partake in) Machi & Haru bond by going to rage rooms together to destroy shit & scream (Haru obviously dosn't want Rin around for any of that though so Momiji, Tohru, Kagura or Hana will often take the opportunity to hang out with her, one time Yuki offered & it wasn't bad but it was definitely awkward as they had never really hung out without Haru before & Haru teases her for ages afterwards about her ending up liking Yuki once she actually spent some time with him which, like the precious tsundere she is, Rin will forever deny)

22. (I actually made a whole seprete post about this ages ago but now it seems to have vanished so in case other Machi fans are unable to find it l'll add it here) on the days that it's supposed to snow but dosn't Yuki takes her (& later Mutsuki) skating so she can enjoy scratching up the perfectly smooth ice (they would have gone on double dates with Tohru & Kyo if Tohru wasn't freaked out at the idea of having blades on her shoes & Kyo hadn't claimed to "not trust" ice, he's dislike comes from all the times Kagura had forced him to ice skate with her on the lake near Kazuma's place in the winter when they were kids, so they would instead go with Haru & Momiji - they had thought about going with Haru x Rin & Kakeru x Kormaki once but he proudly revealed that he'd been banned from thier local ice rink years ago for trying "perfectly safe" Olympic level stunts in he's attempt to recreate one of he's favriote episodes of Power Rangers, much to he's fiancee's anger, & Machi reminded Yuki that though Haru & Kakeru were fine with eachother Rin isn't reall able to stand Kakeru for longer than 5 minuites)

[blackestar11]

As a whole, the Fruits Basket remake is phenomenal, beautiful and emotional. HOWEVER, here are my thoughts on the third season and everything coming to a close:

!!!!!! ..:: SPOILERS ::.. !!!!!!

I have read the manga from front to back and back to front, multiple times. It is one of my favorite series period. Just want to disclaim this is my personal opinion on this series. I am not giving any of the animators or writers shit they are probably just doing what they are told by the studio.

Initial thoughts on Third Season:

1. They skipped A LOT of manga content. A lot of the anime towards the end of the third season is pretty lack luster, extremely rushed and the weight of a lot of the story is lost without some of the back stories.

2. Yuki and Kyos connections to Kyoko Hondas death. They explored kyos because he is a main character. Ok. Great. Yuki on the other hand. He befriends Kakeru and Machi. Kakeru’s girlfriend’s dad was in the car that hit Kyoko. Kakeru’s side of the story and dealing with grief and his position on Tohru vs Yuki’s friendship with Tohru and Kakeru just adds another depth to Yuki and Tohru’s relationship. Also i wanted to see Machi punch a pack of meat into kakeru’s face.

3. The entire week that kyo and tohru were apart and Tohru thinking kyo rejected her and uotani and hanajima not letting him see her. And he gets his shit together and talked to his dad and wanted to live on his own no matter what. Him deciding to not live the future he was planned to and to live the way he wants. Tohru having to grieve her relationship with Kyo bc of rejection and her time of healing. It makes their reunion so much more triumphant and satisfying when they communicate their feelings and realize they both want the same things. And i wish they had animated the entire group giving kyo shit about tohru and reminding him that he fucked up baha. Also yuki and machi have some bonding moments during this time and its cute.

4. Yuki and Machi. I kinda hate how they switched up the gift thing. Its funny and very true to character for machi to get him fertilizer and for yuki to get her mogeta bc he noticed what she likes. They both know each other to that point of those very personal gifts. And also this happened a few days later as well. Another weighted story that kinda got glazed over too.

5. ALSO THE ENTIRE STORY OF THE FIRST BANQUET WAS EXTREMELY RUSHED AND THE GODS SEIYUU DIDNT SAY SHIT TILL THE END. *end of rant*

6. Honestly. The entire Katsuya and Kyoko story. I UNDERSTAND THAT OBVIOUSLY ITS KINDA NOT APPROPRIATE NOW. but. Again. Lost layers of the story and tohru’s past/upbringing. The family life she had and how katsuya rescued her. Her being terrified of having a kid and not wanting to be liker her parents. Her getting over her grief of katsuya and becoming a single mother. The weight and difference a change in attitude can be. Tohrus past. The connection she has with her grandfather and why that is so special.

Overall the last few episodes just seem extremely rushed, pushed together and thrown out like they missed some deadlines and the pacing just seems kinda off.

Season one and two were stellar. I feel like they should have had atleast a few more episodes between 8-12 to not make it seem so rush.

Ok. Im done. Just my thoughts. Otherwise i have enjoyed this entire series. Im so glad they rebooted it and it brought me back to the manga again. Looking forward to mondays will be missed. We can only hope they can do a short OVA for Fruits Basket Another.

[eurydicees]

at the whisper of a violin

summary: momiji gives one last violin performance, just for the two of them, in which he bares his soul. a story in which tohru doesn’t understand, until she does. 

prompt: momiru for @eroshiyda ! i hope you enjoy <3 

pairings: momiji sohma/tohru honda

words: 1495

warnings: none

note: here is a spotify link to the violin piece, “none but the lonely heart” by tchaikovsky, that i listened to on a loop while writing this :) 

“Tohru!” 

Tohru turns away from the stove, catching just the sound of Momiji’s voice as he pauses at the front door to tug off his shoes. It takes only a moment before he comes into the kitchen, a bright smile on his face. 

Tohru grins at him. “Hello—” 

“Before I chicken out,” Momiji cuts in, “I promised that I would give you a private concert.” 

Tohru blinks. “Oh, Momiji, you didn’t really have to—” 

“I wanted to!” Momiji interrupts again. The excitement is bleeding into nervousness which bleeds into his voice, into the slight shake of his hands, into the grin at his lips. He hoists the violin case in his hands up, just showing that he has it. “Come on, take a break from cooking. You work too hard, Tohru.” 

Tohru glances between him and the vegetables that she had been cutting on the counter. Slices of carrots and scallions are resting in piles at the cutting board, the knife still in her hands. The miso soup in progress is simmering on the stove. “I suppose this can wait a few minutes.” 

“Great!” Momiji grins, grabbing her hand. 

He pulls her out of the kitchen and towards the table, Tohru following him with a yelp. She sits down at the table, legs folded underneath her. Momiji stands across the table from her— he sets down the violin case and pulls out the violin. 

“I got all prepared earlier,” he says, putting the violin to his shoulder. “I didn’t want to have to warm up while you were watching.” 

Tohru smiles at him, something warm coming to her cheeks. He’s more considerate than people give him credit for, she thinks. There’s something about the brightness of his smile and the energy that’s constantly running through his veins and coming out in bursts of laughter and movement that makes him seem childish, that makes him seem like he’s less than he is. Seeing him here, holding the violin, in his element, Tohru thinks that maybe she’s beginning to see through all of that. 

“What are you going to play?” she asks, rubbing her palms against her knees. 

She’s sweating from standing over the heat of the stove, and she can feel a kind of nervousness rising up in his throat. She can’t place why it comes, but Tohru has always had a good sense for people, and she can’t shake the feeling that Momiji is saying something with this performance that he can’t say out loud. 

Last time that they had talked, Momiji had said that he was going to quit playing violin, but he had promised her a concert, just between the two of them. Tohru is, with a sudden and acute awareness, terrified that this is going to be the last time that he plays violin. She doesn’t know what to do with that, with this gift— if she’s the last person to hear him play, play for real, that means he’s given up on his dream of a concert just for his family. 

She can’t let that happen. 

For the hundredth time that week, Tohru promises herself that she’s going to find a way to break the curse. This isn’t going to be Momiji’s last concert. His mother hasn’t heard him play, not yet. 

“Wish Upon A Star,” Momiji says, smiling, “just like you asked for. I’ve been practicing all week.” 

“You learned it so quickly,” Tohru says, more of a breath than a sentence. 

He shrugs, the violin hitting his chin. “I wanted to do this for you. As a thank you.” 

“A thank you for what?” she asks, frowning. 

“For being my friend,” he says, a soft smile on his face. It’s sad, though, and she can’t quite figure out why. “Are you ready?” 

Tohru nods wordlessly, and Momiji begins to play. 

She doesn’t know that she’s crying until she feels the tears drip from her cheeks to her clasped hands. She didn’t know, before this, how much music can move a person. How much it can say. 

Even in such a simple song, Tohru can hear the talent that rests in Momiji’s fingertips, she can feel the longing in the notes— the wishing for something that you can never have, the aching desire to hold it in your hands and the coldness in your palms where you know it will never lay. She can hear every emotion that she’s ever felt poured into each note.

Momiji closes his eyes while he plays, swaying back and forth slightly, his hands moving deftly across the instrument— fingers pressing down at the strings, wrist at a sharp angle, the bow of the violin falling across the strings as if it were the wind brushing through the trees. He gets lost in the music, lost in each dip and trill. 

Tohru watches with wide eyes, feeling the tears falling from her face as Momiji brings the song to its climax. He picks up speed, the bow moving quickly, his fingers flying across the strings until she can’t differentiate between ring and pinky. She watches him as he stands there, his stance strong, rooted into the ground with a kind of force that she doesn’t understand— like he’s scared that the music will give him wings and let him fly above the house and up to the sun. Like he’s afraid of the flight of sound. 

The music spills out from the violin in a kind of heartbreak, in a kind of longing, in a kind of wanting. There are no words for this, Tohru thinks. There is only sheet music. There is only song. 

She can’t put all of her thoughts together as she listens, can't string together a coherent sentence. She loses herself to the music. She lets herself fall into it, swimming among the notes, letting all of the feeling spill out of her chest and into the violin. She feels the tears falling faster, and she loses her breath as Momiji curls out one last note. 

It’s filled to the brim with longing and wanting and words that can never be said out loud.

The two of them let that last note hang in the air for a moment, let it disappear into the wind. Momiji keeps his eyes closed for that second, just drinking in the sudden silence. 

When Tohru finally brings herself to clap, Momiji opens his eyes. He turns to her with a sad smile. 

“You’re crying,” he says softly. 

Tohru wipes at her cheeks with her shirt sleeve, trying to clean herself of all sadness. She feels drained, in a way, like the song had taken everything out of her. “It was beautiful.” 

“Thank you,” he murmurs. He places the violin carefully in the case again, exhaling slowly. “I can’t continue my lessons anymore, but I’m glad I got to perform for you.” 

Tohru swallows. “Thank you, Momiji.” 

“Anytime, Tohru,” he says quietly. He chews at his lip for a moment before sitting down across from her. He busies himself with loosening the violin bow, with setting it away, with carefully strapping the violin into its case, with everything he can do but look at her. “Do you understand?” 

“What do you mean?” 

“What I’m saying.” Momiji takes a breath. “Tohru, do you know that I love you?” 

Tohru stares at him. Her cheeks are still wet. There’s a new kind of longing in the air, a new kind of song. “What?” 

Momiji doesn’t look at her, just closes the violin case and takes a breath. “You don’t have to say anything. But I’m glad you liked the song.” 

“I loved it,” Tohru says softly. 

Momiji stands up. He’s gotten taller; when did that happen? When did his eyes get so sad? “I’ll see you later, okay?” 

Tohru nods as Momiji takes his violin case and starts to leave the room. Just as he passes her, she grabs his wrist, her arm hitting the violin case. She winces at the bump, but doesn’t cry out. She just stares at the space where he had been standing, holding onto him. Momiji stills. 

“I loved it,” Tohru repeats, and Momiji makes a startled noise. “Do you understand?” 

Momiji is quiet, and Tohru takes a breath. She says, “Will you play for me again, eventually?” 

“Whatever you want,” Momiji says, his voice choked. “I’ll play whatever you want.” 

Tohru lets go of his wrist, standing up. She looks at him, searching his eyes for something, for some kind of question, some kind of answer. Carefully, she brushes a curl of hair away from his eyes. “There’s a new Mogeta movie in theatres.” 

“I’m free tomorrow,” Momiji breathes, voice catching on a new brightness, a new music. 

His eyes meet hers, and she smiles at him. She can still hear the song in her head, she can still feel the tears drying at her cheeks, she can still taste the sound of the violin in his words. “I’ll see you then.”

[mizzraynelly]

It’s been one month since Furuba the Final ended, and there’s interesting sentence from the site above regarding “The Story of Kyoko and Katsuya”, which will be animated and released in 2022:

My translation:

Last week, in episode 12, it was announced that Yoshimasa Hosoya had been chosen to voice the character of Tohru's father, Katsuya Honda, and according to the person in charge of the project, there’s a lot of feedbacks they received from fans, who said, “I want to hear more of Katsuya's voice!” and “I'm waiting for more episodes with Kyoko and Katsuya!”, and explained that they had decided to make an anime about the parents' past. Also, the cast and other details of the first stage adaptation in 13 years will be announced later.

So yeah, it’s not supposed to be included in the Final along with Kakeru/Komaki’s connection with Tohru, Ayame/Yuki’s bonding moment, the progress of Yuki/Kyo’s relationship, Yuchi’s moments and Mogeta, Kyoru’s moments before and after they’re dating, Tohru/Rin bonding moment, flashforward of Kurisa (yeah, those are supposed to be in the Final, not to mention butchering the development of the main trio, Akito, Shigure, Rin). However, Japanese fans demanded it to be animated and the anime team decided to make it.

While I’m excited for Kyoko’s backstory to be animated, I wouldn’t call Furuba reboot as a whole “a full anime adaptation” like they promised in the caption before it’s aired: 全編アニメ化/zenpen anime-ka (the entire story is animated) because of the way they handled the Final. There are still many scenes not animated from the later part of the story, it’s like they only put which scene would be animated and cut things here and there, ignoring the consistency compared to previous seasons.

I’ll laugh if they adapt it exactly like ch 90-93 and Kyo still narrates it. It’s possible that his narration will be completely erased, which is a shame. Kyo’s inner thoughts in these chapters are so important because he actually pretended he forgot everything about Kyoko’s accident all this time as shown in this page:

Unlike in the anime when he suddenly remembered it by just looking at the hat. Way to degrade his development, and it’s not the only one. 🤦‍♀️

As for the rest of the scenes from the manga not animated? I really doubt they’ll make an OVA for them because they’re tied closely to the narrative, unless they decided to redo the entire Final season (or at least starting from ep 5) and this time include most cut scenes and make it consistent and not rushing things.

Just want to say: You deserved for it the anime team, never underestimate the power of the main audiences, which is fans from Japan, both long time and new fans. 😛

And it’s not like I don’t like the reboot, I’m grateful for them to make Furuba until the end, but it’s not like what they promised from the beginning that they wanted to animate the entire story, emphasizing the ‘entire’ word. In the end the reboot is just completed, it’s not fully adapted.

Say what you want about the reboot, the manga is still a definitive version.

—————

Edit: Fixed the translation as I read the newest interviews presenting the fact that movie Prelude had been decided while they’re still working on TV series. I apologize about the change and will post the said interviews soon.

Note: The original post had been made before the contents of the movie were revealed.

[red-elric]

Akito for the character ask >:3

👀👀👀👀👀👀

favorite thing about them: i think what draws me to her is her INTENSITY. she feels so much about everything and the way she puts it into words and actions is always a little heartbreaking, even when she's being cruel

least favorite thing about them: um she's badly hurt a lot of characters that i like!!! which im not THRILLED about lmfao

favorite line: "it's frightening that there's no guarantee that i'll ever be loved" this line hit me like a TRUCK when i was twelve and didnt know how to make friends and it still hits today!! :(

OTP: i used to be really into akigure, and i still dont hate it, but i dont think it's a surprise that rn my akki otp is akitohru lmfao..... if it wasnt so obvious that kyoru is the better choice for tohru you'd see me fighting a lot more for it lmao

brOTP: hanajima!!! i really love the little scenes we got with them towards the end and i hope they stay friends :) could also see them as romantic but idk there's not a lot there (says the person who wrote 10k for momiji and kimi, who never met in canon......)

nOTP: kurekito. more for kureno's sake than akki's tbh, despite my love for her and my misgivings about him, but yeah i really dont think much good comes out of their relationship. i also think it's bs for shigure to blame kureno for indulging her and stifling her growth bc akki was defo defo defo abusive towards him despite the curse being broken lmfao but whatever

random headcanon: we know she watches mogeta..... out of everyone in the cast, i think she's most likely to get deep into fandom tumblr KDJDJDHDHD and it starts w mogeta. like idk i think she has the personality for it and i also find it hilarious to imagine ppl on tumblr calling her problematic and THAT being the thing to put the fear of god in her about being mean to ppl ahsjdhhskajshdjjdhdhdh

unpopular opinion: i........ really dont like transmasc akki hcs. transfem i can definitely see and like a lot, but as a transmasc person myself her actions and words dont seem like those of a transmasc person; she seems to genuinely feel better when she starts performing femininity and i also think her story is more meaningful if she's a woman!! but that's just me hahaha

song that makes me think of them: ummm lets do 'carrying cathy' by ben folds! tragedy that could have been her life :,)

favorite picture of them: i love love love this one, and also every panel of the akitohru handshake scenes (part one and two)

[fruitsbasketcase]

The way Yuki approached being in love. (Manga Spoilers)

So I have been thinking about the different ways Yuki and Kyo acted once realizing they were in love with someone. Kyo realized that he loved Tohru, but chose to keep his distance because of everything that happened in the past with her mother. Not to mention he was going to be locked up for the rest of his life, so why bother trying to be with her. Then you have Yuki, who when he realized he was in love with Machi, went for it. He started flirting with her, joking with her and doing little things to lessen her Anxiety. 

You could argue that Yuki has things that would have held him back from being with Machi as well. The curse for instance. Machi has a bad habit of trying to fight Yuki, and he just holds her back. It doesn’t look like the thought of possibly turning into a rat even crosses his mind. All he can think of is how unreasonable this girl in front of him is. Eventually he even tries to tell her about the curse, moments before it breaks. So he was going to address that hurdle on his own!

I think the reason Yuki isn’t afraid to go after what he wants (Machi,) is because he has had to sit there for almost a whole year and watch Kyo and Tohru tip toe around each other when it is clear as day to everyone but them, that they are in love with each other. Yuki didn’t want to be like that. 

He saw that Mogeta plush that Machi liked, and he bought it without a second thought even though it was expensive. When Machi said she bought him something too, it made Yuki realize that there was finally someone in the world outside of the sohma’s and Tohru that truly saw him and wanted to know him. I think the moment Yuki knew he liked Machi was the moment she told those girls that Yuki isn’t a prince at all, that he is lonely. From that point on he lights up every time he talks to Machi. 

My point is, Yuki and Machi is a beautiful relationship and if you think it is just shoehorned in and happens too quickly, that is only because, again, Yuki had to sit there and watch kyo and tohru pine over each other for a whole year. Yuki ain’t about that life fam. 

[yuusa]

𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝟐𝟑

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 𝟐𝟒𝟗𝟒

𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝟐𝟑:

You released a cute sneeze before clearing your nose with a tissue. Although you spent the entire day with Yuki yesterday, you were still feeling a bit sick. Hopefully, you didn't actually give him your sickness either. You both returned to school and were able to finish your committee and homework papers at your house, but you still had to return back to work. Shimada suggested that you rest for another day since you're merely a high school student, she never struck you as the type of person to worry about your health. You decided that it would still be better to return to work though. 

You squeezed some hand sanitizer on your skin as the next customer came through the door. Your eyes widened as you recognized Akito's figure, he pulled parts of his hair back as he approached the counter. He was still wearing extremely bland clothes, something that you noticed was a common feature about him. 

"A-Akito-san, I didn't know you knew about this cafe. . ." You stared at him in shock as you shifted your weight from side to side. This was a very awkward encounter, especially when you haven't seen him in your routine ever since he visited the school. It was almost as if he was trying to distance himself from you. 

You didn't know how you felt about Akito during school, you still felt a bit unsure of what to say to him. You were too caught up in your own world that you failed to realize you hadn't interacted with the dark-haired male at all. You were conflicted about whether or not you should ask him about his relationship with Yuki. You didn't exactly want to be on bad terms with him, especially when he did so much for you at the start of your meeting. 

". . . Hm, a close friend of mine suggested this place to me." He smiled, pointing at one of the drinks on the menu, "I'll have (f/b) with not too much sugar in it." 

"O-Oh, of course. Would you like to have that to go or are you drinking there?" You asked, holding up a marker if he were to order his drink to go. You learned from Shimada that there were customers who wanted their names written on their cups when they order to go so they wouldn't get mix up drinks. 

"I'll be drinking here, thank you." You nodded to his order and handed the order to the kitchen window. You grabbed the wooden tray and walked around the counter.

"Then, follow me this way." Akito smiled behind your figure, admiring your work uniform and the way your apron fitted your body. It was much more attractive than the clothes he was forced to wear at home. 

You opened your hand to gesture at an open table with an empty seat in front, "we don't exactly have single-person seats, I hope this is fine with you Akito-san." 

He only shook his head and waved his hand to dismiss your comment, "I'm not exactly going to be alone, I was hoping you would sit with me." 

You pondered over the professionalism of your job, this was most likely the second time you were invited out during your shift. Although you thought it would be rude behavior for you to simply enjoy a break with someone else, it seems as if Shimada was pushing for you to open up to other people. This wasn't very professional, but you couldn't deny a customer's wishes. You sighed under your breath, holding onto the wooden tray close to your chest as Akito sat down on the seat. 

'Just for a few minutes,' You thought, pulling the other chair for you to sit down in front of him. He leaned his chin against the palm of his hand as he continued to smile at you.

"How has Yuki been doing in school?" He asked, fiddling with one of the sugar packets that were provided in the container on the side of the table. 

"E-Erm. . . He's doing fine." You didn't know if you were supposed to mention the fact that the two of you skipped out yesterday in order to stay home. After all, this was Akito, the head of the Sohma family, you were sure that he wouldn't take Yuki's absence of school too lightly considering the fact that he was supposed to be a model student. 

"That's nice to hear, how about you? Have you been doing?" Akito spun around the packet of sugar around his fingers, feeling the material of the thin paper rub against his skin. 

"I've made a new friend," You said, smiling down as you held onto the tray, "we watched a Mogeta movie together." 

You thought that this might have been the safest information to talk about that wasn't too far away from the truth. You didn't want to involve Yuki in your conversations with Akito, especially after the events that happened that are still fresh in your mind. It might be dangerous for the two of them to meet again, you decided that the best course of action is to interact with the two of them separately. Although they came from the same family, you believe that Yuki only visits Akito during New Years'. It was merely a hunch, but you wanted to believe in something. 

Akito crushed the sugar packet in his hands but retained his smiling face. 'Who the hell is the other bitch?' He cursed, feeling his anger boil within him like a teakettle but he quickly turned off the stove to his frustrations. To say that he was annoyed was an understatement, he was furious inside at the fact that you would watch a movie with someone else that wasn't him, to smile as if you had just found a better friend, not to mention you watched a Mogeta movie with them. The same movie that he went with you on your first date. This new friend of yours may have sparked a flame within Akito that he didn't previously know he had. 

You heard the bell of the counter ring and you quickly excused yourself to pick up Akito's drink. As you turned around to place the drinks onto your wooden tray, Akito's smile dropped to a frown. It was frustrating to him that there was someone else who was trying to meddle in his relationship with you, especially when he went out of his way to try and interact with you. He should look more into your schedule in order to find out who is trying too hard to get close to you. Akito would be extremely angry at the thought of someone else seducing you. Perhaps it was the troubles of being God to mere animals that made his life harder when it came to talking to you. 

You were much different compared to everyone else. You held resentment towards those who have wronged you, you hate them more than anything. There was the feeling of your inner walls being scratched against, something hidden underneath you that you desperately wanted to erase. You knew what it felt having a mother like his. 

It was painful and frustrating. 

But. . . He wasn't going to lose sight of you that easily. 

He watched as you returned with his drink, placing it down in front of him and bowing down in politeness. This gesture of respect made his heart swell and his ego burst, there was something about this small action that made him feel much better on the inside. You quietly sat back down onto your seat, awkwardly fiddling with the apron of your work uniform. Akito's smile returned, he lifted up the cup to his lips, admiring the smell of the (f/b) that was supposedly your favorite.

He wonders if you have gotten closer to Yuki. He heard from Shigure that he has been staying at your house more often. Although he knew Shigure was starting to develop a bit of a grudge against you for your existence to Akito, he knew better than to go against the head of the Sohma family wishes. He stared at your phone that was slightly poking out from your pocket, the eagle charm dangling in the air as if it was mid-flight. 

It might be easier to convince you to stay by his side if it meant putting Yuki on the line. For you, to see everyone's smile was something you were trying to accomplish. You wanted to see them all smile, especially the lonely, timid, sobbing Rat that was crumbling underneath the expectations of others. 

You would break if it meant he’ll smile. 

That was what he was hoping for. You’d be a timid bird locked away for his own enjoyment to see and talk to. 

As he took a sip of the drink, you peered up to look at him, "Akito-san. . . I wanted to ask you a question." 

He set down the teacup back onto the saucer, raising his eyebrow in interest, "and what question would you like to ask me?" 

"I wanted to know why you would go out of your way to meet me like this," Akito stared at you in silence, coaxing you to continue, ". . . I'm just thinking that you must be busy with your own duties."

"You are my precious friend, (L/n)-san." He leaned forward, intertwining his hands and placing his chin on his knuckles, "I like talking to you of course. I may not be able to fulfill the role of a friend to you due to my busy schedule, but I would love to meet up with you more often." 

"I see. . . What exactly do you even see in me?" You asked, watching as Akito's smile continued to widen. 

". . . I see myself in you," Akito slipped his finger through the handle of the cup, swirling the drink slightly, "we're similar (L/n)-san." 

"In what way. . . ?" You felt your hand clench into a fist underneath the table, "we only met a couple of times." 

"I know you've been holding yourself back," Your eyes widened as your blood felt cold, "you think that everyone else wouldn't understand the real you."

That isn't true, it couldn't be. 

"You're a lot better than everyone else aren't you? You're much stronger than everyone else in terms of raw ability, and yet you don't show it at all. Are you holding back? You don't need to hide those urges you feel inside," Akito continued, your body froze still in your chair as you were forced to continue listening to him, "because it's normal isn't it? You'll feel a lot better if you let it all out." 

". . . What are you talking about?" 

"Isn't it obvious? You hate your own family. . . You want to hurt them, don't you? You want to see them suffer just as much as you did.” He concluded, his words stabbing into your heart with every single syllable that comes out, "you're scared that your hatred would spread amongst others, right?"

You instinctively raised your hand, your irritation of the situation getting to your head, as you almost brought it towards his face but froze midway. Yuki seemed to have flinched as he saw your hand but you dropped it to your side, lifeless. The dullness and emotionless look of your eyes were shown through the dimly lit corner. 

'I. . . Don’t want this.’ You thought, your spine getting shivers as your memories began to flood back into you like a tidal wave. You felt as if you were drowning in this situation, the lack of oxygen and weight of your world on your shoulders crushing you into nothingness. 

"I understand how you feel (L/n)-san. You feel so angry on the inside, but you’re bottling it all up. But don’t worry, everyone else is mere comfort. We are the same after all, but you're special." Akito smiled, drinking at his tea while you stared back at him in shock, "you must really care for everyone else, my precious Eagle." 

'Stop.' You internally screamed. This isn't what you want. You tightened your fists, your nerves, and fingers growing numb at the pressure. Your nails digging into your skin and piercing through the surface while you trembled. You felt no tears pricking at the corners of your eyes, your body feeling as if it had been dunked under freezing cold waters, numb and cold to the touch as Akito stared at you with peaked interests. 

If this isn't what you want. . . Then why do you feel so scared right now? 

You slammed your hands on the table, stopping him from continuing any further, the saucer for the bottom of his cup bouncing at the impact, ". . . That's. . . That's not true. I'm not better than anyone else. . ." 

"Why are you denying it?" He asked, nearly finished with his drink, "the more you bottle up all this anger. . . You know that it'll explode in the worst possible way."

"But. . . I won't let you go down that path." Akito stood up from his chair, staring down at your quivering form that was frozen at the table, horrified at how easily he was able to read through you, "if you ever need someone for your anger, I will always be there to provide you with what you need." 

He needed to push you to the very edge if it means he could see your pitiful expression. 

". . . What are you providing. . . ?" You asked fearfully, trying to comprehend the situation thrown in front of you like cold water. Akito walked closer to you, reaching out to hold onto your cheek delicately as he leaned forward into your ear. 

"Toys." He slid his hand down and away from your skin, leaving the cafe without a single goodbye. You were unsure if you ever wanted to hear him say it either, you didn't know if you wanted to hear more of his voice. 

At the table, he left a large sum of money which was worth more than he paid for. There was a slightly crumpled white sheet of paper within the stack. You picked up the cash and held it in your hand, pulling out the white slip that was underneath the dollars and unfolding it. 

'Do not be afraid to ask me for anything you need to release your anger' written specifically by Akito based on his name on the bottom corner of the paper, the black ink bleeding into the parchment as your finger smudged against it. The ink staining your finger with darkness, your (s/c) skin contrasting the sinister color.

You wanted to disappear. 

[ae0nx]

FRUITS BASKET S2 EPISODE 23 RECAP (’Cinderella-ish’ part 2/2)!

I’m back! Again. 😅 Tumblr’s editing bay for posts is driving me up the wall rn but never mind that! Ahhh, this episode had me rolling, howling in laughter, as I’d hoped! I’m so glad it delivered.

Let’s goooooo!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

... *sigh* anime...

Haha! I love Hiro in this episode - there were many moments, like this one, that he gave me major ‘Haruhi from OHSHC’ vibes! (This whole episode felt very Ouran, in general) But, as I said a few recaps back, I’m really happy that Hiro recognises that acting like an ass isn’t smart and is trying to work on his temperament and is careful about the way he words stuff. Like, he’s actually trying! Of course, mostly for Kisa but it’s still nice ☺️

I want a short spin off series about the Adventures of Hiro and Megumi. 😂 It’d be fun! It’d be like a mini ‘Sherlock and Watson’ except they’re both Sherlock 😅

So painfully high school! 😂 Anyway, let the fashion show COMMENCE!

No points for the Yuki fanclub girl. I kid, she gets 3 stars at least. The matching earrings and necklace is cute. TOHRU! Classic to her personal style while adding some flair with the knotted design and ruched arms and the corset! Of course, in pink. I really like it! I’d wear it. 4 STARS

Lol, poor narrator. He’s just trying to hold the show together, man!

Ah! Yuki! He’s giving me major Yue from Cardcaptor Sakura vibes here (which is personally funny cos I always compare Ayame to Yue)... But anyways, it’s very him, it compliments his personal style as well as adding a lot of glamour and Aya-ness to it. I love it but the addition of the broom feels kinda random and sticks out... Sorry, but that drops the outfit to a 4 STARS

UO HAS THE BEST OUTFIT IN THIS PLAY. I’M SORRY BUT AYAME REALLY SAID ‘I DID IT FOR THE GIRLS AND THE GAYS THAT’S IT’. 5 STARS.

Kyo’s outfit is great too. Both him and Uo really look great in the thigh high boots! Thigh high boots are an automatic 3 stars for me personally! But, the jacket, the royal cloak that is worn like a ‘cowl’, even the ponytail are all great! Although, I do prefer the more ‘relaxed’ version of the outfit later on after the show as I feel that’s more so akin to Kyo’s style. 4 and a 1/2 STARS.

PSHHHHHHH! 😂

Not Kyoru Season 1 😂

So, I’m a bit torn. On one hand, this dress is gorgeous, definitely complimentary to Hana’s own style and I love how the glass slippers contrast against the dress (personally, I would’ve added a small, thin, silver, necklace to compliment it even more but that’s just me). But on the other hand... I’ve seen better and more dramatic Hana outfits from Hana’s own wardrobe so I was kind of expecting a bit more (e.g. her outfit at Kyoko’s grave!!! <3). But, as I still like it I’ll give it 3 and a half stars.

I just thought this frame looked cool hahaa. I just love Hana and Kyo moments, in general.

Oh wow, Hanajima. READ HIM!!

oH???

Ah, you beautiful idiots. <3

Lol, “ONE MIIILLLLLLLLIOOOONNN YEARS DUNGEON”. 😂 ...Oh wait.

Yuki automatically gets Best Boi this episode just for this alone. I’m loving and identifying with him more and more with every passing episode <3

I literally started screaming haha I know it’s weird cos age gap but ...honestly, Hana? Same <3

SC-REAM-ING 🤣 I’m so sorry, Kyo ahahha

First off, GODDAMMIT KYO 😖! Second off, I really love Dameon Clarke’s performance as Kazuma in general but I really loved his all-knowing way of saying ‘I see’. 

I realise I have been kind of short with Kyo lately and I’m still making my mind up whether it’s deservedly lol but this moment specifically really made me realise how important it is that Kyo has someone like Kazuma in his life aka a present parent. Nearly all the adults in the Soma estate treat Kyo like an adult or a creature so it’s nice that Kazuma is there to treat him not only as a child but as his child. He understands that Kyo is young so he’s going to mess up and get frustrated and say the wrong thing and deny his feelings and not realise he’s only just hurting himself and his love interest, and yet Kazuma stays so patient and willing to trust that Kyo will learn and grow. 

I guess, I should learn from that lol

Kisa and Tohru injecting cuteness into the episode!!!

MOGETA! Hiro’s reaction is adorable! <3 😂

Aww, he’s trying!!! 🥺 It’s interesting how we’re seeing more parallels between Hiro and Rin and Kisa and Haru. It’s almost like a dark potential foreshadowing for the relationship between Kisa and Hiro. But, I really hope the whole ‘Kisa thinking Hiro has a crush on Rin’ thing doesn’t play out to be annoying. Although, I doubt it would cos the writing is always great in this story.

Kakeru automatically giving in to Yuki is always great <3 haha

Ugh, we live for accurate reads <3 👏🏾 I can’t wait to see how Yuki and Machi develop!

I love a mutual awkward moment! And how easily it was just instantly smoothed over by their easy conversation and Kyo automatically carrying Tohru’s food for her... it’s great :)

These stupid hoes... 🥰🤡

-------------------------------------------------------------

Again, sorry if this might have more errors than usual. Tumblr’s post editing page was messing with me and just made the process of creating these recaps longer. But, never mind that! This whole episode felt very Ouran, maybe because of the amount of dramedy or the weird school play, but I really liked that aspect of the episode. I love when a story knows to lighten things up a little, which makes me very nervous for what the last two episodes of season 2 will leave me with haha

I will be back with my last recap of season 2′s final two episodes and hopefully from then I’ll be back on track :)

See you soon!!!

[amozon28]

so one of the sad things about Machi is that because her mother was so controlling and obsessed with Machi being perfect that she wasnt able to ever express herself or learn what her likes and dislikes are. she doesnt even know something simple like what her favorite color is. so here are a few headcanons i have about things machi learns that she loves and take interests in featuring yuki lol

- she likes pressing plants/leaves/flowers. she initially did it to the leaf Yuki gave her to preserve his gift but she finds that she really likes it. yuki often encourages her to take trimmings from his garden to press into her books, and he even starts planting flowers just for her

- she really likes nail/hair/skin products. she initially got into them as a way to relax and do “self care”, something she read online to help de-stress. but after a while she finds that shes just likes doing her nails because its fun. she likes putting funky popping colors on her nails depending on her mood or trying out different perfumes etc.

- we already know she really likes Mogeta, so several months into dating Yuki surprises her by taking her out to a Mogeta convention. she has so much fun and although Yuki doesnt understand her love for it, he gladly listens to her  just info dumping to him about all the cool stuff shes seeing. its the most animated and chatty hes ever seen her, and they make it a yearly tradition to go there.

- machi has very little experience with fashion and easily gets overwhelmed by all the option and just sticks to her usual plain clothing, she doesnt know how to experiment without being uncomfortable. its actually surprisingly Mine that helps her with this. what starts out as being kidnapped to go shopping against her will, turn into a very fun experience. Mine helps Machi try knew things and can see what makes her uncomfortable and what she actually likes, and she tailors the shopping experience around what Machi actually wants and even helps her learn how she knows she likes something, since thats something Machi internally struggles with and something Mine is a bit of an expert in

-kind of a continuation of the last one, she finds that she really likes, baggy soft sweaters, off the shoulder shirts, wearing stylish hats, and prefers skirts to pants, often paired with sneakers (something her mother would have never allowed)

- at some point while in university she takes up photography. most photography is about catching “the perfect moment” however she loves capturing the “imperfect moment”. someone mid-trip, someone laughing so hard theyre on the ground, a mom struggling with her kids, someone falling asleep in public.

[mrsmarymorstan]

Little thing I want to appreciate about Haru’s Room!

His little work station for making jewellery, I don’t know what those books are but I bet they’re all related to cutting and forming metal etc.

There’s also a continuity error with the set up but what-evs. 

We also have the design department’s idea of what Cool Rock Posters look like which is ALWAYS entertaining. 

I feel like there’s a message her about typography being important since the way the H is chopped in half makes it look like it’s advertising a “Lard Rock Festival” And I know that a Lard Festival does sound like the sort of thing that would exist in the Westcountry... I don’t think that’s the sort of poster they’d use to advertise it with... though I CAN see Haru attending a Lard Festival for the lols. It’s made of Pig, after all, not Cow. 

Then there’s also his ridiculous Clock as well.

It’s so ugly I hate it so much but it definitely looks like someone’s idea of what a Hip Cool Young Person would want on their walls. I mean, I don’t really kow what teenagers are into these days, let alone Japanese ones. Maybe they DO like clocks like this??? Answers on a postcard please!

And lastly.... there’s this! Haru has really embraced his creator’s passions and is playing the original Final Fantasy -- I mean errr... Last Legend.... game! 

He also played for Five Hours which feels very Takaya AND named his characters after and and his two friends. And since Takaya-sensei has been making all her character’s outfits in Animal Crossing... this also seems on pa. Though I can’t tell who is who... is Kyo the magical wielder in the pink dress? Or is that Yuki? 

There was also a bunch of random magazines and mangas scattered about the place which was nice to see too, but I was obviously most excited for Mogeta!!! I REALLY hope we get a Mogeta Manga produced as a Promo!!! I’d import that shit. 

[cinderella-ish]

Kyo and Momiji: interlude (part 3 of 5)

So, here are just some cute scenes from late S1/early S2 that also inform us of the nature of their relationship.

First, these gems from the Hiro episode.

Momiji immediately figures out what's going on when Hiro starts castigating Kisa for bringing the Mogeta DVD to Tohru instead of watching it with him. When Kisa expresses confusion, Momiji cheerfully says, "Hiro's being unreasonable!"

Soon after, we get this delightful moment:

Kyo: What the heck is going on? Momiji: You're so dense, Kyo. Kyo: Huh? Momiji: Hiro was jealous of Tohru. He's trying his best, but he's still a sixth grader. He's awkward about his feelings.

(cut to Kisa and Hiro talking, then back to our faves)

Tohru: Ah, so I was his romantic rival! Momiji: That's rough for you, Tohru! Kyo: Huh?

And later, when Tohru sentences Hiro to "hug penalty," Kyo's response is adorably telling.

Kyo: Seriously? How is that a punishment? Momiji: *giggles*

I mean, just look at Momiji's face when he calls Kyo dense! But also, it's extremely telling that Kyo trusts Momiji enough to ask him what's going on.

I think this interaction highlights the difference between their people skills. Kyo is good at getting a read on people; he can tell when someone's upset, when someone is genuinely happy, etc... but he may not always be able to verbalize what's at the core of their feelings. He immediately knows Hiro has done something to upset Tohru, but he can't make the leap to understanding it has anything to do with Kisa. I wonder how much of this was a survival/coping mechanism he picked up because of his status as the cat. He would need to be good at getting a quick read on people, especially his biological father, for his own safety.

Momiji, on the other hand, is very good at understanding the underlying things that drive people (knowing that Tohru values her mother when he wants to convince Tohru to go to the onsen, for example, or knowing that Hatori is really just trying to protect Tohru in Spring Comes, or- in this very scene- knowing that Hiro cares about Kisa more than anything), but either can't always tell when people are down and need to talk to someone, or just doesn't like giving space to negative emotions. I suspect this is because of his own traumatic childhood; he needed a narrative way to understand what his parents did, to empathize with them so he wouldn't hate them. He had time to reflect on and understand their perspective, even if it still hurts him.

Momiji uses his ability to understand people's driving forces to manipulate them (not necessarily a bad thing - he manipulates Hiro into apologizing to Tohru and returning her pocketbook by bringing Kisa into the situation, for example). Kyo uses his ability to read people in the moment to make sure his loved ones are safe and happy.

Something else I find interesting here is that the interaction between Kisa and Hiro is a bit of a microcosm of Kyo and Tohru's relationship, right down to Momiji's role as interpreter and catalyst. Momiji's the one who brings Kisa into the situation

Just a cute li'l brotherly moment between them in the episode where Tohru gets sick.

Here, Kyo, Tohru, Arisa, and Saki are planning for their Kyoto trip, and Kyo is being a grouch about having to spend time with Yuki. Momiji scolds him for focusing on that instead of the fact that he gets to spend time with Tohru (something we've seen Momiji scold Kyo for before).

Momiji: Kyo, you dumbo! You already get to go with Tohru! Don't be so selfish! Kyo: Oi. Momiji: I wish I could go with Tohru! I want to eat deer crackers with her! Arisa: Can't eat 'em. Momiji: Kyo, you don't wanna? You don't wanna do stuff with Tohru? Kyo: Idio- 'Course I- Saki: 'Course you-? Arisa: 'Course you-? Momiji: 'Course you-? Kyo: Yeah! This is exactly how you all mess with me! Arisa: It's out of love, I tell ya!

And this scene, after Mayu pours the bucket of water on Kyo and Haru, where Kyo scolds Tohru (again, one way he shows affection), Momiji translates for him/verbalizes Kyo's affection for Tohru again, and Kyo gets embarrassed (cuuuute).

Kyo: And you. Stay away from Haru if he turns dark. Tohru: Huh? Kyo: You can't be trusted not to get hurt. Tohru: O-oh, but that would be rude to Hatsuharu-san... Kyo: He's the one who's rude! Tohru: B-but that's- Kyo: Sheesh, you don't get it at all. Momiji: "I couldn't stand that happening!" is what Kyo wants to say, I'm sure. Tohru: Eh? Kyo: Momiji! Get outta here! Leave! Stop blabbing abou-

It's worth noting that Kyo's scolding Tohru because she could have gotten hurt, and he cuts himself off when he catches sight of his beads and is reminded that he once hurt Tohru, too. Tohru getting hurt is the worst possible outcome of any situation for him.

Just another cute brotherly moment complete with a big brother noogie from Kyo.

The scene where Momiji takes them to the haunted house is also a great little moment showcasing the different ways they show they love Tohru.

Momiji: Here! This is it! Wow, it looks like so much fun! Yuki and Kyo (internally): This... has gotta be... Momiji: So exciting! Let's go! Kyo: Hold your horses, kid! Yuki: Why don't we ask everybody if they want to enter first? Like Honda-san. Haru: She's speechless. Kyo: That means no. Let's go home. Momiji: Aw, Tohru, you can't? You're scared? Tohru: N-no! Well, if you ask if I'm scared, I would have to say I am! But they say that if you clear your mind of worldly thoughts, even fire doesn't feel hot! I can't keep avoiding it! Kyo: Actually, it's fine to avoid it. Tohru: I'm going to enter and show you I can! Go me!

Again, Momiji wants to do fun things with Tohru, while Kyo wants to protect her.

Inside the haunted house is hilarious, too. Yuki and Kyo are both exasperated by the other three, and both of them scold Tohru for closing her eyes or trying to laugh her way through (like Momiji). Kyo teases her, too, which is always delightful. When she falls, Kyo and Yuki both offer their hands, then immediately start fighting. Momiji takes her hand and scolds the two of them.

Momiji: Don't ignore a girl as you fight! It's a no-no! Kyo: Shut up, brat! Hurry and go! Yuki: He's right, though.

Momiji is again telling Kyo to worry less about his hatred for Yuki and more about his love for Tohru, which seems to be a recurring theme. Hmmmm....

Anyway, part 4 will be the beach arc! Hope you enjoyed reading!

Momiji and Kyo: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 4 | Part 5

[charislcarousel]

Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 23 thoughts

IT IS TIME

I cannot BELIEVE I GET TO SEE THIS

In ALL MY YEARS- IT’S MY FAVORITE CHAPTER

SORTA CINDERELLA!!!

Aww Hiro be jellyyyy

Oh my gosh Megumi😂

It’s STARTING

Tohru looks BEAUTIFUL in her costume!!

I love this narrator. He’s spitting out the real story, but that’s NOT what’s happening onstage 😂

Yes! The sisters’ love! (And Saki’s love of meat but we’re not gonna talk about-)

The audience is APALLED- this is HILARIOUS

The way Yuki DESCENDS

“An angel!”

“Burn down the ballroom”

Audience: 👁👄👁

The WAY SHE TOOK CREDIT FOR THE DRESSES OH MY GOSH

Saki’s parents are here! They are so proud!

It’s UO! That means- gasp! That line! That certain important line is coming!!

“This is why you’re still a virgin.” I cannot BELIEVE-

(Neither can Hiro😂)

“I SAID I DIDNT WANT TO-”

“O-Oh ok...”

“Wai-”

“The prince refused.”

“HE. REFUSED.”

I LOVE the narrator

I love how Kyo keeps calling out the narrator in his head for all the crap

The way Saki’s mom is the only one clapping oh my gosh that is too precious

She seriously left her chopsticks in the slipper

“COME SEE ME, DAMMIT!” There it is! Oh my gosh, there it is!

“He realized he wanted to see her again.”

“I literally never said a word about that.”

“Cinderella is actually he-”

“DONT SAY IT”

Oh no no no this is hitting way too close to home for Kyo and Tohru and the confinement

And her outburst.... ohhhh boy

I had my mouth covered the whole time this is so gooooood

THE WAY YUKI RISES ON THE STAGE

THE WAY KYO JUMPS

“My loyal servant. You’re finally here.”

Takei just fangirling over Yuki is a whole mood

Oh man YES Kyo, show off that BOD

Ooh ooh ooh SHISHOU HAS ARRIVED

SAKI MAKES HER MOVE

KYO PREVENTS MARRIAGE

Awwww his little kitty head he looks like a little boy next to his dad awwwww

“Wait. Who told Shishou about today...?”

“I wonder who.”

“YeAh, I WOnDeR.”

Kyo! Please don’t deny your gut! She CARES. SHE LIKES YOU

Aww Kisa and Hiro are so enamored with Mogeta that is so cute

Even Momiji ships Uo and Kureno

Hiro having little freak outs is the cutest and my favorite thing he deserves more screen time

Haru! Bad boy! Do not tease Hiro or even suggest a crush on Rin! Kisa will take it literally!!

No SHE DID

Oh my Nao is TRIGGERED😂

Yuki’s voice when Machi say he’s an airhead is the funniest

My my my I believe he’s falling in love that one is

“PRINCESS❤️”

I don’t know if anyone else thinks the same, but I love the way Kyo says Tohru’s name. It’s so casual, so natural, so full of love that I have to rewind every time and listen again. Especially in this episode when he called out to her at the end.

NO. THE PINING. IT IS TOO MUCH. YOU BOTH LIKE EACH OTHER EVERYONE KNOWS IT JUST ACCEPT IT COME ON

[friedwizardwhispers]

Do you have any headcanons for the Fruits Basket couples? :3

Hi, thanks for the asks <3

I’m sorry it tooks more than a day to answer that and there will be spoilers:

Kyoru; 

I headcanon that they talked a lot more about Kyoko and Kyo’s relationship after and also probably a lot more about Kyo’s backstory in general. I think Tohru definitely met Kyo’s sperm donor at some point and it probably went as badly as you would expect.

I think Kyo and Tohru are very physical with each other, especially after the curse, as in holding hands constanty and hugging each other.

They definitely cook together a lot and later on (with Hajime and his siblings) it just become a family tradition.

At some point, Tohru actually saw Shishou and Kyo fight in the dojo (instead of in the middle of the street) and she loved it.

Yuchi:

Well I think they have a vegetable garden and they all take care of it as a family (and later on with Mutsuki)

I think Yuki tried again with his parents (especially his mom) and they got to the point where they are able to have a conversation.It’s never going to be great  but they were invited to the Yuchi wedding (Did they go ? I don’t really know,).On the other hand, I think Machi probalby cut tie with her parents (and both way are entirely valid).

Theirs house is always a mess but I think they made an effort when Mutsuki came along (it’s still not that great).

The relation long distance they have at the end of the manga when Yuki leave for college lasted only a year because Machi got into the same university and they lived together from that moment on.

Also When Machi met Tohru for the first time, they bonded over Mogeta (because a lot of people seems to forget that Tohru watched the movie and cried,watched the television show with Kisa and Hiro and is actually a casual watcher of Mogeta)

Akigure:

Akito went to therapy at some point (and they might have gone to couple therapy too)

They waited so long to have Shiki because Akito was afraid she might hurt the child like she did the zodiac and had silmilar fears to Kyoko when she had Tohru.

Shigure is planning to destroys the old-timers and Ren for what they did to Shiki and Akito (and we are all rooting for him) but he does have some times to write some books, Mitchan is probably less stressed because Akito is probably the only one who can make Shigure do his work on time.

Akito, in a funny twist of fate, is the reasonable one in the relationship.

Hatsuharu x RIn (does this ship have a name?)

Tohru was Rin’s maid of honor and Yuki was best man.

Haru was the one who showed Rin video games but it’s Rin who, after that, named her kids after Kingdom Heart characters because she loved the game so much.

That’s not an headcanon about the couple but more about RIn, I don’t think she ever forgave Akito but I also think if she knew what Ren and the other did to Shiki she would be one of the first to be furious about it.

[cat-x-riceball]

I love all the fruits basket pairings. I want to give my thoughts on every couple and how well they compliment each other. There's obviously going to be manga spoilers.

Let's start with my favourite couple. I do like all of them, though. These are not my rankings.

Kyo & Tohru: They are just meant to be. As everyone frequently says, Tohru is good for anyone. Because Tohru is just wife material - she knows cooking, likes household chores, isn't selfish and self-centered, cherishes and genuinely cares about the people around her, and extremely loyal to the one person she loves. Whereas, Kyo is the one most suited to her. While everyone, including Kyo, got help from Tohru, Kyo was the one who was by her side whenever she needed someone the most. He helped her get over the facts with her dad and made her realize that her dad wasn't the villain. Despite knowing he would turn into a cat, he hugged her, wrapped up in blankets. Oh boy, that was hot. Not only that, they both emotionally support each other. Their characters might be different but they have a lot similarities, and persons like them would probably get along really well in real life. They do domestic work together. They are both morning persons. They both can cook. They are good listeners. They get flustered a lot and are shy. Oh, my gosh! I really need to stop ranting. I will keep on going about Kyoru. So guys, all in all, Kyoru is a perfect couple.

Haru & Rin: The iconic gothic couple. Gosh, their dressing style is fab. I read somewhere in the extra of the author of furuba that Hatsuharu picked up these kind of fashion sense from Rin, before that he used to dress up like Kyo - like wear hoodies, t-shirts and sneakers. That's how much Rin influenced him. On the other hand, Rin started liking accessories made by Haru. I love their influence on each other. Plus, Rin and Haru would do anything for each other. Haru is a natural kind and gentle person, except when he goes Black. Whereas, Rin has a very sharp tongue, but still cares about Haru the most. Rin is probably the best to keep Haru in check since he is a space cadet, god knows what he thinks all the time. On the contrary, Haru is the best to be by Rin's side. As everyone Rin had in her life thought of her as a burden, Haru genuinely cares about her and is stubborn to not her go - that is the exact thing Rin needed. Not to mention, Haru is the type to donate everything to others and Rin is the type to not share anything. Therefore, they balance each other out perfectly.

Yuki & Machi: A messy, sweet couple. They are both so unhygienic, it's hilarious. They compliment each other perfectly. One has a sassy mouth, and another has a sharp tongue. God bless their child! Their understanding is very cool, too. Machi is one of those very few people who saw through Yuki - his loneliness and insecurities. We can see in chapter 136 that Machi is someone who gets insecure with her boyfriend but doesn't try to show it, which is very normal. I mean, if my boyfriend was that good-looking and charming, I probably would handcuff him with myself. On the other hand, the way Yuki expresses his love for Machi is so adorable. When he broke that perfect box of chalk for Machi, I was triumphed with delight. Not to mention, Mogeta is a bridge between their love. I love these two together.

Hiro & Kisa: Young love is beautiful - as long as Akito doesn't interfere. Hiro is a complete jerk, no arguments about that. But I love his personality completely flips when Kisa is there. I laughed my head off in the scene where Momiji texted Hiro for coming to the summer getaway and Hiro was bad-mouthing it, but as soon as Kisa said she wanted to go, he agreed almost immediately. Kisa is a sweet angel; she needs someone like Hiro who would fulfill her needs without getting bothered about it. As we have seen, Hiro is very caring for those he loves - his little sister, mom and Rin. Although, Hiro and Kisa might have some fights occasionally since Hiro has a trash mouth, he crosses the line sometimes. But in the end, they both will apologize for the mistakes and solve it.

Hatori & Mayu: Spring comes when snow melts. Kana is definitely someone who Hatori will never forget, neither will he replace her with Mayu. Mayu has created her own special place in his heart, she warmed his frozen heart once again in her own way. At first, I just wanted someone to love Hatori, no matter who it was - because that guy deserves all the love in the world. But Mayu is perfect for him. She can deal with almost any situation given that she is a high school teacher. Plus, she can understand people well as she deals with problematic children all the time - Kyo, Momiji and Haru. She definitely will understand Hatori and is qualified to be by his side. What to say about Hatori? He's already perfect. I'm glad that Mayu's unrequitable love become true and Hatori's empty heart was once again occupied.

Kureno & Arisa: Age is just a number. I admit their age gap is kinda weird, but its pretty common in the place I live in. I don't really mind as long as there is true love. They fell in love quiet earlier than others, it was fast-paced. It was a mutual love at first sight. Who doesn't love that? If I were to find any similarities between these two, I find nothing too spectacular - they are both dedicated people. Arisa is kinda rowdy, not feminine. On the other hand, Kureno is calm, quiet and the type to go along with anything. Arisa doesn't put up with anything, and Kureno put up with Akito - the worse person to be with. I think their relationship would go really well because Kureno has handled Akito's temper-tantrums for years, so he definitely can deal with Arisa. Also, Arisa would go well with him since he is basically a Tohru to her. They have their dynamics, but in the end, love wins.

Ritsu & Mitchan: When you add two negatives, it becomes positive. Both of them were pretty down towards themselves and were prone to commit suicide. But now having each other in their lives, I'm pretty sure, the thought of dying rarely crosses their minds. As Tohru said, the world doesn't need anybody, it's the people who need each other. They both give reasons to each other to live, that's why they are well-suited. Ritsu and Mitchan are both chaotic, it's ridiculous to watch their panicked reaction in sync. They are pretty shy as well. It's pretty cute. We didn't get to see much of them in the manga and anime so far, I hope we learn how their relationship went. I'm sure they will grow to be more confident.

Shigure & Akito: Jealousy is both love and hate at the same time - that's the exact case with these two. They both hated each other for jealousy because they loved each other - also called complicated relationship problem. I think the method Shigure used to get Akito back was pretty harsh and vengeful, but it serves Akito right for treating the other zodiacs so horribly like they were toys. The thing that bothers me most is - Shigure loved Akito even before seeing her. Its pretty messed up if you ask me. But I'm glad, at the end of the series, they both solved their issues and became dedicated to each other, instead of playing around. But Shigure, you seriously need to stop flirting with other females, otherwise I won't be surprised if Akito divorces you or pushes you off the second floor.

Ayame & Mine: The nonsensical duo. Someone who can handle Ayame is god-tier, trust me. As we all know, Ayame lives in his own little, fantasy world. I'm very curious to know - how did someone like Ayame fell in love? How did he even notice Mine when all he looks at is himself? We will never know. But as long as there is someone out there who can love him, it's all fine. Mine is pretty level-headed and just as crazy as him. She can go along with his crazy, nonsensical ideas. Plus, they are both into creating things. What could be better than having the same interests as your partner? You will never lack a topic to talk about. And it seems Ayame is pretty understanding of Mine. Not to mention, when Ayame told Mine that he was born into this world to love her, I screamed with tears rolling down my eyes - that chapter was emotional as fuck, alright? All in all, I love these crazy duo.

Kazuma & Hanajima: I can't imagine this ship sailing. I love them both individually. I do not ship them. I can't picture Hana-chan as Kyo's mother when Kyo is probably older than her - although it would be hilarious to see them as mother-son duo. If you connect the dots, Tohru would be her daughter-in-law. Hanajima would be triumphed about that. We still don't know how Shisho feels about it. He probably would never marry, considering that might hurt Kyo's fragile heart or so he thinks. But who knows? I love them both as individuals. Hana-chan is gothic fab, and Kazuma is the best fucking dad in the whole series. But if the author wants them together, I won't actually hate it. It's okay, I suppose. As you all know, age is just a number and jail is just a room.

That's it for all the ships. Have I missed any? Do tell me.

I feel bad for Momiji and Kagura. We didn't get to know about their respective partners in the original manga. That's what happens when you fall in love with the main two protagonist 🤦🏻‍♀️

I don't really care much about Kagura because I know she will found someone suitable - I do pity that guy. He would get beaten to death everyday like Kyo.

Momiji needs to find someone who will appreciate his angelic heart and treasure him. I hope he finds someone even better than Tohru - someone better than Tohru might be impossible as she is one of a kind - at least, someone who loves him truly.