#fruits basket fanfiction

Thanks for the ask, anon, this was something i would like to talk about before so i am glad you did :)).

There are things that definitely should’ve changed/never happenned in Fruits Basket. Also there are things that could’ve been better and the things i personally would like to change so here we go.

I think we should’ve seen more insight of Tohru. After all, she is the main character. I wish she take the control of her own story and become the narative of it, instead of hearing everything from other characters. We also should explore the side of her that she saw dirty, that she would do anything to feel secure because i think showing characters capable of being dark makes them more real and human. It should’ve happenned with Tohru too. This side of her should’ve been more explored.

Tohru should’ve treated more realistic, not everyone realize her pain and kindness and they shouldnt keep narrate her as if she is angel, its unrealistic. Because not everyone can love everyone, no matter how good you act, most people wont realize it and its okay. So basically that ‘main character’ and ‘shoujo’ power shouldnt happen. She is just a normal girl and she should’ve been treated that way. Tohru’s unhealthy behaours such as toxic positivity and people pleasure should’ve been adressed and she should learn to deal with her feelings better. That she stop smilling always and let her feelings be free.

And i think her parallels with Akito should be one of the biggest focus in story than romance.

Before continue, i would like to erase or at least adress every toxic and exist ideas in story. Just imagine that they all gone. Its a story about invidual’s importance than sacrificing their happiness for everyone, that its both important. Just imagine that they all adressed one by one and characters find the right ways. Because being ‘good’ person doesnt make you less toxic or justifiable. Its about challenging yourself every day so characters also should face consequences of their actions, not just one character.

Tohru’s besties Hana and Uo are still protective of her cause she make them worry but they are not overprotective or at least, later they should realize that they made Tohru more fragile by constantly trying to protect her.

The rivalry between Kyo and Yuki was more dramatic and brutal than comedy relief. Because the tension between them would be more than just comedy and simple fight.

I think Momiji is really cute little boy (kinda reminds me of Misha from Vnc). Foolish traveler story doesnt exist, he just mentions that Tohru’s kindness is not her being stupid to others and he wants them to realize her because in this story, not everyone realize her. He relates Tohru about this cause others dont realize him either in a way.

He is very fond of her and projects her mother issues on her, thats why he feels jeolous of Kyo, he doesnt want to loose his mother figure. He never view her as romantic interest. + Momiji doesnt really change when he become teenager like that.

Kana didnt loose her mind cause of what Akito said because thats ridicilous. Who would care random teenager’s words and loose their minds? Some maids blame on Kana for it, all the pressure around Kana made her give up and lead her to blame herself. Which is the side of story not many zodiac members know about.

Akito didnt try to kill Rin twice, the reason is its simply unnecessary. One time was enough for the plot. And it didnt happen with pushing from the window. (and its also pointless to get Rin hurt pyshically so its unnecessary). When Akito learnt Rin was going out with Haru, she put her to cat house and cut her hair. She put her there as punishment, later she let her go by thinking she understood her lesson. Its obviously traumatized Rin. Later, we met Rin with short hair at the first time. Later in story, we find out why her hair become like that even though it was shown as long in Haru and other zodiac members’s memories.

Kyo rejects Kagura and talk about how much uncomfortable he felt around her, that he doesnt love her cause she never give him a break, that she doesnt respect him as person, calling her out for her abuse. + Arisa never beats Kyo but just tease him as joke.

Ritsu was shown with his boy clothes when he was introcuded. He was seen as shy boy and at the end of story, he was shown in girl clothes as growth cause thats what who he really wants to be, that its okay to be himself, that he can enjoy with what he likes.

Haru had a love triangle type of relationship betwen Yuki and Rin and it actually adressed, instead of treating it as joke.

Rin and Haru never slept but they just kissed each others when they started going out. And actually they were more than just lovers, they were besties who supported each others. Also Rin never saw her body as something she can offer to others.

Ayame had a thing for Hatori and he is just besties with Mine.

Not every zodiac members like each others and they dont do that banquet meeting anymore cause they dont need it, they are free. Story also should’ve adressed other character’s flaws too, not just certain ones. And it shouldnt been treated as comedy relief.

Rin also gets friends outside of Tohru at school and after Tohru and Kyo talk, Rin and Kagura understand each others more and gets closed, like sisters.

And when Haru learnt that what Akito did, thats when he got mad. Also other zodiac members learn it later and feeling bad for not realizing sooner. Not just them, it even make Tohru uncomfortable so her lack of empathy towards Akito increase too.

Kureno always saw Akito as cute younger sister or even like his own daughter so naturally, he never had romantic or sexual desire for her. He witnessed her suffering and he decided that he had to protect her, even it means ignoring other people’s suffering. Because to him, his younger sister’s happiness was more important than anything. He also felt responsible for her.

And Kureno and Uo didnt have some kind of love story. Arisa had one sided crush/interest cause he was looking like male version of Tohru but Kureno never see her that way. Tohru wanted to see him cause she thought he needed to be saved too. The reason why Kureno decided to talk with Tohru because he saw her positive effect on zodiac members and decide to talk about his and Akito’s side of story. At the end, Kureno had a last talk with Akito at hospital. They talked about their feelings and suffering. And Kureno decided to leave for a while. They both wished happiness for each others.

Shigure, just like Kureno never really had romantic or sexual feelings for Akito but he was obsessive with her. At first, it was shown as he was obsessed with Akito, this is why he got jeolous of his secretive relationship with Kureno. He didnt sleep with Ren but he helped her in some authority cases, this is why Akito told him to leave from here. Then Shigure to decide to use zodiacs for his goal and after some time pass in story, we learn that what he was truly obsessive about was the connection between god and zodiac members.

Because of his neglective family and his position as zodiac in Sohma Place made him search a reason to live. He thought that he could achieve it by being the ‘special one’ for god so he used everyone for the sake of it. He is still the same jerk. But at the end, after the curse, he felt empty. At the end, he realized that what truly gave meaning to his life was his connection with zodiac members, not the ‘bond’ but it was too late because he used them as tool and in the end, most of them left him too. After all, actions have consequences. He also gets punched.

Katsuya was a few years older than Kyoko, they were in same high school. Katsuya’s father realized that Kyoko needed help so he let her live in their house to become family which lead Katsuya and Kyoko’s falling in love with each others. Then years later, they get married and have Tohru.

Akito never really fall in love with anyone, she was just really confused with her relationship with parents, maids and zodiac. She was acting flirty unconciously cause of Ren. She unciously imitate her mother’s seductive behavours sometimes.

Hana never had any interest on Kyo’s father even as joke but she casually tease him about Tohru. But when she randomly saw Akito at school, she found her hot without knowing who she is.

Kyo never witness Kyoko’s death. We dont need two death story to make it tragic. Its also cliche. Kyo met with Kyoko when he ws young but he never saw her death. When he found out that Tohru was her daughter and she id dead, she felt regret without ever telling her to goodbye.

(Honestly, maybe it would’ve been better if Tohru didnt end up with Kyo, instead they are just very close friends/they just became like that in the end).

I also think there should be another character besides Tohru who can be actually parental figure for zodiac members. Tohru’s taking mother role at young age is unhealthy and it would be very limited so there should be one more character besides her to help them. Maybe Kazuma can be one or another person who can fulfill that role.

Rin should’ve meet with Akito after Akito’s change and Rin lash out and scream about her pain and how she will not forgive Akito. I think they both need this talking at least. Akito also cries too by hearing, it lead her to understand the suffering her actions caused to others. Akito’s crying made Rin surprised. She doesnt forgive her there but now, she understands her change and why others are open minded about Akito. And they both just leave.

Story was longer than it actually was. We saw about the Sohma place people more and Tohru met with them and it actualy broke her, even lead her to act angry sometimes. And actually seeing parents like that made her feel so sad and frustrated.

Also story focus on more actual villains of story, abusive parents and how much it hurts their children. This part of story should’ve been adressed more. And their children should realize this too, that they also dont have to forgive them and they can have life without them too.

We should get more side of Akito. Since she was a character who will eventualy get redemption and the real curse is not just zodiac’s, its also her side, it is important. We get backstory of how she was groomed since her young age, as the lead of that place, as god, as ‘special one’ and how maids take advantage of her. Even after her encounter with Tohru, we get see her struggling and suffering more. Story doesnt end there.

After reaching out to Akito, Tohru request Akito to end the curse and Akito says she doesnt know how. Eventually they all become free, when they let go including Akito herself. It happens later.

At the hospital scene, when Akito asks ‘Why they they help me? Why are they kind to me? Why are you kind to me?’ to Momiji and he answers with ‘Well, you needed help so….isnt it only natural?’ with a smile on his face.

We see how sohma people start blaming on Akito for not being ‘proper’ leader. Even Ren tried to kill her. Which eventually made zodiac members realized that curse wasnt just on them, it also hers too as ‘god’. Because of Ren attempting to kill Akito, they realize that Akito cant stay here cause she cant even protect herself cause of guilt. She stays in mental hospital, gets help and Tohru and Hanajima often visits her. Later, Akito having a normal life with her friends at outside.

Since Tohru meets with Akito a lot, Kyo and Akito see each others a lot, they even become actually friends. Sometimes Kyo tease her by calling her god and her change. It also kinda make Akito embrass about it and smile. After all, cat and god was supposed to be close but Akito and Kyo only become friends after they stopped being cat and god so it was funny too.

Tohru and we audience learn more about the old zodiacs and how much brutal it was even in past. Past gods were even more cruel since it was old times. Tohru doesnt just stay in house and coincidently meeting with zodiacs, she also takes action to look for them and learn more about the curse and of course, she is really curious of them too.

Everyone eventually get to learn actual curse of story.

And maybe this is just me but i would like this story to happenned in fantasy world, idk i think it would be more interesting. With a little more magic, more drama and action, it would be really amazing, i think.

Well, i could write more and more but you get the point. This is my version of it. Its a lot more fun. I imagine something like this, its a lot better, i think. There might be things i forgot to say but for now thats it.

thetravelerkureno:

Akito-Kyo parallels. I made post about those parallels in here before too ^^. (Also, i think, Kyo’s arc is mini and completed version of Akito’s arc in story. Yep.). Yeah. Hey, just an AU where Akira and Kyo’s mother finally decides to abandon/divorce with their toxic husband/wife and remarried with each others so Akito and Kyo are raised as siblings :^3. Man, i love them, especially Akito. My precious broship.

the sacred simplicity of you at my side - animation_nerd - Fruits Basket [Archive of Our Own]

finally finished this!! my love letter to the sheet scene❤️

I read this fic probably like, ten years ago, but it recently popped into mind and now I have to find it!

The fic is a plotless sex one-shot where Haru and Tohru get on a bus and then get off at the library (insert innuendo).  It’s nothing super special, but I really want to find it!

working on the next chapter of my fruits basket fanfiction and damn, I’m like fighting back tears because some stuff just really hits home.

I honestly feel bad putting characters through some stuff but like…. sorry not sorry, the story must go on.

Marley might not spend all her free time on ballet anymore but she keeps her body ready XD thanks @loonylein​ for your work

Latest Chapter from book 2 of my fruits basket fan fiction, Stir It Up,  is up. Halfway through the beach trip and there seems to be a surprise around every corner. Plus, someone loses a game and suffers a punishment XD

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23404363/chapters/67629019

Or if you wanna read from the beginning, start with ‘No Woman, No Cry’

https://archiveofourown.org/works/19881226/chapters/47087119

I know I’ve been kind of MIA. Just been caught up in a lot but I do want to get back to posting one shots and short stories now and then. I’ve had this sitting around, practically finished since early Summer. Just got distracted and kind of forgot about it… whoops XD

This is just a little something I thought would be cute :) hope you enjoy

Summary: Kakeru decided that he needs to be a good wingman and his best plan? Lie to the girl that Yuki keeps staring at about a bake sale that’s in need of cookies.

Also a huge thank you to @bubblegumnnebula​ for reaching out to me with such kind words of encouragement and reading this one over before I posted <3

Rating: Teen

Words: 5,000+

.

.

.

The first week of the new school year and soft pink petals fell like snow in the courtyard. First-year student Sohma Yuki was finally able to find some space from groups of giggling girls as he carried his lunch in one hand, looking for a spot. 

“That’s not much of a lunch.” A matter-of-fact voice spoke out, and it made Yuki slightly jump as he looked over and saw a cute girl looking at the single rice ball he had bought for the convenience store last night. 

“Oh. Um. I guess I never really learned how to make myself lunch.” Yuki admitted, slightly embarrassed, but the girl just smiled, and Yuki felt his heart skip a beat. 

“Well I’ve got lots! Come on.” The girl took him by the hand and started heading to a tree were a few other students were hanging out. 

“By the way. I’m (l/n) (f/n). From class 1-B. Nice to meet you.” 

“Sohma Yuki. It’s nice to meet you too.” 

“Where is Nabe-Kun?” Another student asked as he raised a brow at Yuki, who clearly wasn’t ‘Nabe-Kun.’ 

“He stole my pudding cup and ran off! But look, a fellow first year!” (y/n) cheered as if she made some great discovery. 

It was a group of people he had never seen, but he looked over at the girl who had all but pulled him over was smiling at him. She wasn’t blushing and giggling like all the other girls. 

(l/n) (y/n) was just treating him like he was just another student, welcoming him into her group of friends like it was the simplest thing in the world. 

He still felt anxious about the new school and worried about by mistake exposing the curse in a school full of girls. But there seemed to be kind people who only wanted to sit and enjoy the sunshine and good company. Even with all of Yuki’s fears about the new experience, he looked over at the girl who had befriended, and she was happily chatting away with her friend before turning back to him. 

She was just smiling at him, offering him a tart pastry from her yellow bento and saying that he was free to take whatever he wanted. A smile as warm the sun, and Yuki felt his heartbeat quicken as he joined the small group and took part in their lunch.  

Yuki brought the desert to his mouth and timidly bit into it. He was with a burst of flavour and quickly devoured the treat that was a hundred times better than anything that could be bought in a store. 

The boy was looking forward to spending more time at school, with people who were kind and shared their lunches. Perhaps even make friends with people with warm smiles. 

. 

. 

 * year and a half later*

“Have a good weekend!” A cheery voice called out to a few girls who were on their way out. 

“You too (y/n)-chan!”  

2nd-year student (l/n) (y/n) waved to the girls before checking her phone. Something made her giggle to herself before pressing a few buttons and slipping the phone into her school bag. 

“What are you looking at, Yun-Yun?” Vice student council president Kakeru Manabe asked as he tried to follow the popular boy’s eye line. 

“Huh, oh um, nothing.” 

Kakeru looked over to where the school’s Prince had been looking, and there stood a fellow classmate. (L/n) (Y/n) from Kakeru’s class slipped on her shoes while putting away her school slippers. 

“YO! (l/n)-Chan!” The energetic boy yelled out to the girl who looked over at the boys. 

“What are-” Yuki tried to stop his VP, but he’d already skipped over to the girl and started up a conversation, throwing his arm casually over her shoulder, and they seemed to be close. Yuki battled with himself on whether to walk over and smack the boy upside his head. 

Kakeru said something which made the girl laugh sweetly, and Yuki couldn’t help but glare. 

What are they talking about? 

The Vice President looked back over at Yuki and waved him over, and the grey-haired boy suddenly felt very nervous. Yuki let out a sigh and walked over, hoping that no one would notice his sweaty palms. 

“This is our president, Sohma Yun-Yun.” This earned Kakeru a cold glare from Yuki, but his eyes widened when he heard the girl’s light giggling.  

“Ah, we’ve actually met before. But nice to see you, Sohma-San. I’m from 2-A’s class with Nabe-Kun (l/n) (y/n).” She bowed, and Yuki mimicked, trying to fight back the urge to deck the Vice President for dragging him into this. 

“Prez and I were just talking about a fundraiser for the cultural festival, and we thought maybe a bake sale.” 

“Wait No-” Yuki was about to correct him, but Kakeru brought him into a headlock and covered his mouth. 

“AND I know that your parents have the best bakery in town, and I thought maybe you could whip up some treats. With the Prez and my help, of course!” Kakeru proposed a broad grin on his face. 

“Sure, I would love to help. I’m working today and tomorrow, but I’m free Sunday if you guys want to come bake. Ah, speaking of work, I’m late. I gotta go, later!” The girl was off, waving to the boys as she speed-walked away before disappearing around the corner. 

Yuki was finally able to break free and brought a fist to the top of Kareku’s head. 

“Why would you do something like that?” Yuki scolded him, but he just gave him a cheesy grin before raising his arms and resting them behind his head. 

“Aww don’t be like that, Yun-Yun, I just thought I would help move things along. You’re always looking at (l/n)-chan.” Kakeru wiggled his eyebrows, and Yuki felt his face go hot. 

“I do NOT!” 

“You do” 

“NOT.” 

“Do too.” 

“DO NOT! Enough I’m outta here.” Yuki angrily put away his school slippers and marched off. 

“Don’t forget about Sunday! I’ll text you her address.” The energetic vice president waved vigorously at the blushing Yuki, who tried to block him out as he marched home. 

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- 

The Prince stood in front of a baby blue and white two-story building. It looked like something out of a small European town, a wooded sign in the shape of a bird reading - ‘blue whisk bakery.’ The display window was full of baked goods, from loaves of bread to glazed donuts. 

Just looking at the delicious display made his mouth water. 

“Need something?” A tall man who looked to be in his early twenties, a large crate in one arm, glared down at Yuki, and suddenly, he felt like he was the size of a mouse. 

“I’m… I’m here to see (L/n)-San?” Yuki told him, a little nervous with the way he was looking at him. 

“I’m (L/Y). What do you want?” Yuki was now able to see the slight resemblance between this man and the girl from his school. It was subtle, but it was there. 

The colour of their eyes…. but (y/n) ’s are more…welcoming

“(L/N) (Y/N).” Yuki corrected, feeling smaller and smaller the longer he stood there. 

“She’s not here. Go Away.” 

“Nii-san!” A voice broke through, causing the two boys looked over, and there stood (l/n) (y/n), hands on her hips wearing a baby blue apron with daisies over her simple t-shirt and jeans, her hair up in a ponytail. 

Cute… 

“I don’t remember saying you could have a boyfriend?” The older boy scolded, but the slightly annoyed girl just rolled her eyes. 

“Okay, first of all. Where do you get off telling me that I can’t have a boyfriend? Secondly, He’s not my boyfriend. He’s the student council president, and he’s here to do baking. Remember? I talked about it at dinner last night?” (y/n) explained to him as she put her hands on her hips and tapped her foot.  

The tall man then scoffed and turned away, muttering something incoherent. 

“Fine, whatever. Figured he’s not your boyfriend, he’s almost prettier than you are.” The brother smirked as he kicked her behind the knee lightly, just enough to make her stumble.  

“Just go make your deliveries already, or I’m gonna tell Mom that you’ve been hiding a pet tarantula in your room.” (y/n) threatened, sticking her tongue out at the tall man. Yuki had to slightly turn his head to try and hide a laugh. 

“Alright, alright. I’m out.” the man scoffed before adjusting the crate in his arm before putting it in the back of the bike and driving off. 

“Sorry about him, he’s kind of annoying, but he’s my brother.” The girl apologized as she smiled at Yuki and invited him in. 

Before the two could step in, Yuki’s phone went off, and he excused himself to check it. 

A text from Kakeru -  

‘Can’t make it, sorry! Enjoy your date Yun-Yun. Oh and don’t worry (l/n)-Chan isn’t one of your fangirls XD’-  

“Is something wrong?” (y/n) asked as she noticed that Yuki had stopped dead in his tracks. 

“Kakeru-San can’t make it.” Yuki said through gritted teeth. 

“Oh, is he okay?” She brought her phone to check her texts and seemed to roll her eyes at something. 

He won’t be when I’m done with him 

“He’s fine.” 

“We can do this another day if you want?” (y/n) offered, worrying that maybe it would be uncomfortable with just the two of them. 

“No!” Yuki yelled out a lot louder than he meant to as he reached out and (y/n) widened her eyes a bit. 

“.. I mean.. Um. I wouldn’t want to put you out anymore. We should get on with it.” Yuki quickly rushed out awkwardly. 

“Okay?” (y/n) seemed unsure, and Yuki cursed himself for his poor word choice; his nerves felt like they were all over the place. 

Stepping into the cute bakery, his senses were met with the smell of freshly baked goods. 

“Oh is this the boy?” The woman from behind the counter had just finished helping a customer and turned to the two teens. 

“Sohma-San this is my mother, (mother’s name). Mom, this is Sohma Yuki, my school’s student president.” (y/n) made the introductions while her Mother fixed something on (y/n) ’s apron, fussing as he supposed good mothers did. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you (l/n)-San, thank you for having me in your shop.” Yuki was sure to be polite and bowed to the kind-looking woman who certainly shared many similarities with her daughter. 

“Hello sweetheart, nice to meet you. So exciting that you asked our honey bun for help with a bake sale. She’s been so excited, she was basically vibrating when she told us.” Her Mother teased as she gave the two teens a knowing smile. (y/n) only smiled back, a slight blush on her cheeks. 

“We’ll be in the back. Come get me if you need a hand with anything.” (y/n) told her 

“No need, enjoy yourselves.” 

“Oh, and Yuki-Kun. These cheese and jalapeño scones are delicious. She made them fresh this morning.” The woman grabbed one from under the counter and put it in a small bag before handing it to Yuki. 

“(l/n)-San I couldn’t possibl-” 

“Please, it’s on the house.” she winked; Yuki bowed his head and tucked the baked good in his bag before continuing to the back of the store. 

(y/n) was running around, grabbing containers and placing them at a station in the corner. The back of the bakery was bustling with a few other people working, baking, mixing ingredients and checking the oven for their baked goods. 

It smelt amazing, Yuki felt like he could practically taste the air if he just stuck out his tongue. 

“So what would you like to make?” (y/n) asked as she washed her hands at the sink and gestured for Yuki to do the same. 

“Umm.” 

Yuki wasn’t actually very familiar with sweets and (y/n) had might as been speaking another language because after cookies and cakes, what else was there? 

“We could do cupcakes or cookies? Cream puffs? Eclairs? Macarons? Macaroons? Or maybe even strudel? Oh, how about tarts!?” 

Yuki noticed she sounded a little more excited about the final suggestion. 

“Tarts?” 

“I’m in charge of the pastry shells, so we already have a lot in stock. We would just have to make a filling. Maybe a lemon meringue tart, they’re pretty easy to sell.” 

“……..” 

“You’re not very familiar with sweets, are you?” The girl noticed the clearly bewildered look on the Yuki’s face and worried that she had overwhelmed him. 

Yuki just shyly shook his head, feeling like a fish out of water. 

“I’ll be right back.” 

(y/n) returned with a plate of various cookies cut in half and a few different tarts. 

“I figure we should have a little variety, and cookies would be simple enough to make alongside the tarts.” 

“Now, here is a small tart sample, and then these are a few cookies types.” She gestured for Yuki to try them, and he polity thanked her for the desserts. 

“The chocolate chip is a classic, but the oatmeal raisin sells well along with the molasses sugar, or we have delicious peanut butter cookies, and then there is the bird-nest, and we have sugar cookies with blueberry glaze. Those are a specialty.” (y/n) spoke with such enthusiasm that Yuki could hardly pay attention to anything but enjoy the beautiful smile on her face or the excited look in her eyes as she explained each cookie. 

“But my favourite is the macadamia nut cookie with white chocolate chips.” 

(y/n) was about to hand the cookie to Yuki, but it was snatched right out of her hands. 

“Thank’s for the cookies.” 

“We’ll take those too.” 

“WAIT, we were using those!” Yuki’s schoolmate raged, fire in her eyes as she looked at the cookie thieves. 

The identical-looking boys just stuck their tongue out at (y/n) before running off. 

“Sorry, my brothers are a bit of a pain.” She laughed while shaking her head. 

“How many brothers do you have?” The grey-haired boy was still in shock over how quick the two boys came and went. 

“Five.” 

“Five?!” Yuki’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head as his jaw dropped, and this caused (y/n) to giggle. She had seen the infamous Prince around the school but never imagined him, such as an expression. 

She liked it. 

On the other hand, Yuki was still having trouble imagining having 5 brothers, he only had one brother, and he was a handful, sounded like some sort of nightmare. 

“Yep, and I’m the youngest, my parents REALLY wanted a girl.” She laughed while rubbing the back of her head, a small blush on her cheeks. 

The two got back to trying to decide what they would bake, but the answer seemed obvious to Yuki. 

“Let’s do your favourites.” 

“Are you sure?” She asked, but it was hard to hide her grin, excited to share her recipe with the boy. Yuki nodded, and she rushed to grab him a plain blue apron for him to throw over and even tied it for him as she rambled on about what she had to grab from the pantry. 

The counter was soon filled with various sheet and mixing bowls, and lots of different ingredients. Yuki could only recognize one or two. The flour and sugar. 

 (y/n) learned that Yuki is very much useless in the kitchen, but she helped him with everything. Patiently teaching him to properly whisk ingredients and roll out dough.  

The brother that been out on deliveries was back and was now working in the kitchen, he made sure to keep his eyes on Yuki, and the boy could feel his stare. Looking over his shoulder as (y/n) was busying and measuring something out, he caught the brother’s eyes as he took two large trays down with perfect balance. Even spinning them one-handed as he was trying to assert dominance over the workplace. 

It was slightly impressive to see a big guy so delicate with the baked goods; Yuki would give him that. 

“Soo, how long have you been baking?” 

“Probably since the moment I could stand up on a chair and reach the counter.” Yuki watched her soften as she thought back on the happy memories. He could just picture it, her as a little girl excitedly helping her mom make cookies in the kitchen, laughing and making a mess. 

“You seem to really enjoy it.” Yuki’s small smile made (y/n) ’s heart race. 

“I do. I always feel happy when I’m in the kitchen, like everything in the world is right. I get to create something that many people can enjoy, and I get to experiment with things to make something new every now and then.” 

“Sorry, I must sound so silly.” 

“It’s not. It’s… I think I understand, actually.” 

While Yuki wasn’t a cook or a baker, he was a gardener. It was something he did that made him happy, something that needed him, and he felt he could make the world maybe just a little greener. 

The two we’re placing their finished creations on the cooling rack when the bakery’s back door was pushed open, and a booming voice filled the work kitchen. 

“We’re home!” 

“Hey Pops!! (y/n) has a boy in the kitchen!” The twins piped up and (y/n) let out a sign while muttering that she was never gonna do anything nice for the twins ever again. 

“WHAT?!” Yuki heard heavy footsteps rushing through the room, and a part of him felt the need to run. 

Yuki was now looking up at two tall men, one was clearly (y/n) ’s father, and the other just seemed like a younger, male version of her Mother. 

Another one of her brothers? 

“And you are?” The tall man stared down at Yuki as if sizing him as he crossed his arms. 

“Dad! I told you-” 

“Sohma Yuki, I’m the student council president at our school.” Yuki subconsciously put on polite prince act, hoping it would be enough to get him by. 

“And you’re here because?” 

“….” This man’s stare was something else, and Yuki wished Kakeru was here to help. Or at least there to suffer with him at the mercy of the tall, intimidating man. 

“Dad, I told you! There’s a bake sale.” 

“And they couldn’t do it themselves?” The man didn’t take his eyes off Yuki, and the teenager had to gulp a bit. 

“Dad!” (y/n) whined, embarrassed over her father’s attitude, and that’s when an angel must have been listening to Yuki’s prayer because a saviour appeared. 

“Okay dear, that’s enough out of you. How about you go get started on closing up, and I’ll get started on dinner.” (y/n) ’s Mother came to the rescue as she dragged off her husband and what had to be another one of (y/n) ’s brothers. 

The Mother sent a wink Yuki’s way, and he covered his face, exhausted by everything. 

“I’m so sorry. They’re just… well protective, I guess.” (y/n) sighed as she continued topping the lemon tarts with the meringue. 

“I should tell you the truth..” Yuki decided to come clean. 

“huh?” 

“There is no bake sale.” 

“What?! Then… why?” (y/n) looked at him, and Yuki really wished there was a bake sale, so he didn’t have to come clean right now. 

“Kakeru-San was trying to help me, I guess..” Yuki admitted, and it made (y/n) freeze in her actions and turn to face him. 

“Help you with what?” (y/n) truly had no idea what he was getting at. She was honestly surprised that Yuki, the most handsome boy in school, even knew who she was. The brief meeting in the first week of school was most likely forgotten by the popular boy. 

Why would Yuki need help from her friend Kakeru with anything concerning her? 

“…. what happened?” Yuki asked. 

“What do you mean?” 

Yuki had been racking his brain, wondering what had made (y/n) stay away. He had seen her around the school; she had a warm laugh and always seemed to be a kind and friendly person. 

He couldn’t help but notice that she would smile at him when he passed her by, but it wasn’t like the other girls. She wouldn’t blush and get all fluttery and call him prince Yuki or anything, just smile like a passing hello and then return to her friends. 

“Did I do something to offend you, maybe?” Yuki asked, and (y/n) let out a sigh, and Yuki decided to push forward, knowing he probably wouldn’t have another chance. 

“No that’s” Yuki had stepped too forward and somehow pushed the bowl of the whipped meringue into the air, and it flew before landing. 

Right on top of Yuki’s head. 

I want the ground to swallow me up 

Yuki stood there with the silver bowl on top of his head, the white froth of the meringue and a gentle hand lifted the edge, peeking under while trying not to giggle. 

“I imagined none of your fangirls have ever seen you this side of you. I feel a little bad for them.” (y/n) giggled cutely as she lifted off the bowl and handed him a towel. 

Yuki looked over at her and the soft look on her face, her cheeks’ gentle flush, and warm, inviting eyes. Yuki felt his heart race as she reached out and wiped away some of the sweet froth from his face with a wet cloth. It was done so tenderly, and he found himself wanting to lean into her touch. 

“Back at the beginning of first year. You invited me to eat lunch with you but then..” 

“Oh….. well… um.” 

“You’re… fangirls made it pretty clear that I was to stay away.” (y/n) remembered that day like it was yesterday. She had been cornered the day after she had lunch with Yuki. One of the girls was even in his class and insisted that she had bothered Yuki with her presence. 

It had hurt. 

Because she was interested in getting to know the quiet boy with the small convenience store lunch. Yuki had been a little awkward at lunch, but there was something aloof and awkward about him, something that made (y/n) want to know more. But there was never a chance to talk to him, and the Prince Yuki Fan Club was more like an army then it was a fan club. 

So, she stuck to just giving him friendly smiles whenever they would pass each other in the hallway, which she doubted he noticed. 

“And then you never seemed to… always feel so far away. I figured that you just didn’t want to be friends-” (y/n) was cut off by Yuki, who had reached forward and grabbed her hand and (y/n) felt a jolt of electricity from the skin on skin contact. Both looked a little taken back, but Yuki continued on, wanting to be heard. 

“I really wanted to spend… More lunches together.” Yuki admitted, and it felt like some sort of mysterious weight had been lifted from (y/n) ’s shoulders. 

“Really?” 

“I’ll get the bath ready.” 

“And… maybe you wouldn’t mind staying for dinner? I know my family is a bit much, but my mom is a great cook.” 

“I’d love to stay.” 

. 

. 

. 

Yuki was now wearing some of (y/n) ’s brothers’ clothes, the second oldest who was away for college. He was studying business and was supposed to be graduating come the spring. He even came in for video chat for a bit while the Mother fussed over how he was eating and if she needed to go pay him a visit to restock his fridge. 

This was a close family, and Yuki felt like it was something that he wanted so bad that it almost hurt. 

Yuki was properly introduced to all of (y/n) ’s five older brothers, and while a few poked fun at (y/n) for having a boy over, it seemed she wasn’t afraid to sick her father on them. A glare from him was enough to shut them up. 

Yuki couldn’t help but notice that throughout dinner (y/n) would give the best things on her plate, which led to the brother who had come in with her father earlier, cutting his portion in half and sneaking it onto her plate. It was a sleight of hand, but he caught it. 

Conversations flowed with ease; Yuki had worried that he would feel like an odd man out, but somehow the family made room for him. 

The food was delicious, and the company was warm, and they made him feel like he had been simply part of their family for years. He could see where (y/n) seemed to get her cheerfulness and confidence; how else would one survive in a family with 5 older brothers. 

There was a bit of a break between dinner and dessert which (y/n) had made, and there was time for some sort of game that Yuki had never played, but (y/n) ’s father was actually quite patient in telling him the rules of ‘Cheat.’ 

Turns out the best player in the house was the Mother who came in for one last round and wiped the floor. The woman had a powerful poker face, which was surprising coming from the seemingly innocent woman. 

The strawberry shortcake that (y/n) made was the best thing that Yuki had ever eaten, and he even got dragged into an arm-wrestling contest for the final piece. He lost, but the other brother just laughed and split the last piece in two while saying ‘no hard feelings, pretty boy.’ 

Maybe it should have bothered him, but it also felt like he could fit in, just a little. 

A spot for him in that large warm family. Where the siblings looked out for one another, where the parents fussed over their kids’ eating habits, where everyone laughed together as they shared a meal. 

“Thank you for having me.” Yuki bowed to the family, and the Mother gushed over how polite he was while the father said he was welcome to come back. 

Y/n walked him to the door downstairs. 

The two teens stood on the sidewalk; the display window of the family baker way now empty. A ‘Closed’ sign hanging off the door. It had gotten so late, but Yuki had barely noticed as the time really had flown by. 

“Here, the cookies we made together and a few tarts to share with your family.” (y/n) handed him a nice blue bag paper bag that had some weight to it. They had certainly made a lot of goodies. Okay, (y/n) had done most of the work, but she would insist that they had shared the work. 

“I’m sorry about lying to you… about the bake sale” While Yuki hadn’t been the one to tell her about the bake sale, he had still gone along with it. 

“Don’t be, I know how Nabe-Kun can be. I’ve known him since middle school, should have known. I hope you had fun, though. I’m sorry about my family. They can be… a little much.” (y/n) loved her family but they had undoubtedly given Yuki a hard time it seemed, she worried that they had scared him away.

“Your family is very kind. I enjoyed getting to know them.” (y/n) let out a sigh of relief and gave Yuki a smile that could have lit up the darkest nights. 

“But I was really happy…. that you wanted to bake with me… And that you spent time with my family and me, Sohma-San.” 

“Please… call me Yuki… And It… It made me happy too.” Yuki admitted, and he wondered if only he had been braver, then maybe they could have been making cookies and having dinners together a long time ago. 

“See you at school tomorrow?” 

“Let’s have lunch.” She smiled, and Yuki couldn’t help but stare at cupid’s bow of her lips. 

“oooooh are they gonna kiss?” The twins called from the upstairs window, and the teens both erupted into red. 

His heart was hammering in his chest, still not believing he had been so close that maybe if he just leaned down a little, they would have connected. 

And soon, the entire family was popping their heads out the windows of their second-story apartment and peeping on the two teens. 

“Aww he’s so cute, honey bear, you better catch him before someone else digs in.” (y/n) ’s Mother teased, and she called out to her family to please stop. 

“Wait, no! No one’s touching my baby sister!” The 1st most protective brother called out, waving his fist at Yuki. 

“Wait I’m not-!” Yuki shook his hands and stepped away from (y/n) as if to give her space, but this started a whole new argument with the brother. 

“Are you saying she’s not good enough!” 

“NO! I-” 

“Then, What?! Do you not like her!? I OUTTA-” The older brother was practically hanging out the window with the middle brother holding the back of his shirt to make sure he didn’t actually fall. 

“I DO LIKE HER!” Yuki snapped under all the pressure as he clenched his fists. 

Silence…. dead silence, except for maybe the sound of his heart beating so fast that it wanted to jump out his chest and get out of there. 

“I like you too.” (y/n) broke the silence, and everyone watching from the balcony above laughed and started goading the two teenagers on. 

“Just kiss already!” The twins called out, laughing as they taunted, and Yuki could hear the parents scolding them and trying to get all their kids to leave their only daughter in peace. 

Both of the teens were bright red, but Yuki’s chest somehow felt so light. This family was certainly… loud and a little out there. But there was nothing but love and joy to be felt all around. (y/n) smiled up at him, her cheeks still dusted with pink, but her eyes kept looking up at him and then averting to the ground shyly. 

Adorable

Yuki wasn’t sure what came over him. He certainly didn’t want the large audience of her family’s hooting and hollering, but how could he resist when she was finally within reach? 

The teen leaned down, careful to keep the distance between them, even using his hand as some sort of force to hold her back and slowly, gently met her lips with his. 

As he expected, she tasted so sweet, but with a slight tang, a tartness from the strawberries they had been eating earlier. 

He wanted to lean down again, but an angry voice brought him back to earth. 

“Thats IT!!! I’M GONNA KILL HIM!!” 

“You better run.” (y/n) advised, unable to hide her giant smile and her pink cheeks, even in the dim lighting. 

“Lunch tomorrow?” Yuki asked, feeling confident that they would no longer just share brief smiles in the school hallways. 

“It’s a date.” And she leaned up and placed a quick kiss to Yuki’s cheek before he ran off before (y/n) ’s brother could lay his hands on him. 

As he walked home, Yuki felt like he walked on clouds and never looked so forward to school. Yuki could barely wait for the lunch hour where he could look upon that bright smile and perhaps even sneak a sweet kiss. 

His phone beeped, and Yuki checked the phone to see another text from Kakeru. 

- How did it go, Yun-Yun????????? I GOTS TO KNOW?!?!?!- 

Yuki never thought he would find himself doing this, but he was in such a good that he figured it would be fine. 

 - Thank you - 

Yuki also made a note NOT to share any of the tarts or the cookies he and (y/n) had made together. 

…. 

Okay, maybe just one, but that’s it. 

. 

. 

.