Fruits Basket One-Shots

Ayame: 6th Month into Reform

She hated being out in public. Yet here she was, sitting in a bar with two very drunk men and a slightly hammered doctor. She only came because Shigure kept hammering on and on about how she needed to get out more. It was already exhausting enough with him drunk, the snake being hammered as well just worsened the headache.

Hatori at least was the sensible one, drinking only lightly and making sure his other two friends weren't dying of their own stupidity. Sounds simple, right? Not when it came to her boyfriend and his "side lover." She wasn't even supposed to be at a bar. She couldn't even drink if she wanted to. Stupid Shigure. She could still hear Hatori's lecture to him as he gave instructions to her now even stricter diets and vitamins.

Stupid Shigure for knocking her up at this time.

She loved him with all of her being, sometimes she even wanted to kill him because of it. She even loved him when he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to his chest. She loved him when he lifted her face to look into his dark and mischievous gaze. She didn't love it however when he turned and was sick all over Hatori's boots. It was amusing, sure, but it was also disgusting how intoxicated he was. He was just laughing as if what he did was the greatest thing in the world.

Now here she was, minutes later and standing outside while Hatori cleaned up her boyfriend in the bathrooms. Weirdly enough, Ayame was quiet and just stood there with his hands behind his back and humming peacefully.

"How's Yuki..?" the former god managed to speak finally in a gentle tone that surprised the snake. He seemed to jump back before clearing his throat.

"Well for one, my beloved brother finally lost his v-card~!" He purred in delight as he flamboyantly waved a hand around. "Can you believe that? My dear Yuki getting the girl!"

She did not need to know this but at the same time, she was glad that her rat had moved on. He was happy with his girlfriend and it made her smile a bit. He wasn't chained to her anymore. "I didn't need to know about the first part but I'm glad he's happy.." she subconsciously had run a hand over the spot where her baby was growing.

"Yes.. it's quite the contrast to his former torment. He smiles a lot now and it makes my big brotherly heart tingle. I only wish that our bond were to strengthen. I wish to be there for my brother unlike I was before." She could see it, the sadness and fondness that the snake held in his eyes.

"I think it's... admirable that you are trying to fix things between the two of you. I can see that he takes some of your qualities." She spoke softly, making the former snake tilt his head in curiosity. "You two like to create things. You make clothes, Yuki grows plants. You both crave that feeling of being needed. That feeling that comes when you finish something that you created. It's like a small high. One you can be proud of.."

He smiled softly before letting out a soft chuckle. "Now I see why Mine likes you so much. You have a way with words, your voice only makes it sound calmer and true." Akito stood there listening as a small blush crept onto her pale face. "Plus! Your hair and figure are perfect for a day of dolling up! I've always wanted to do that, dress you up in the loveliest of ways that our dear Shigure could never even imagine."

He just went on and on as she thought about the idea over in her head. "Okay.. let's do it." The snake let out a surprised yet excited cackle. Oh he couldn't wait. Mine would also enjoy the time spent with her new friend. He liked this new Akito, she was nice and relaxed. Much different from the god they were all tethered to. He was glad.