Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Cursed Words, Cursed Lives ❯ Less than subtle interactions ( Chapter 4 )

A/N: Ah, yes, I suppose I should have put up a spoiler notice on the first chapter, given that I often forget most people haven’t read book 13 yet. Akito is a girl. It’s a canon fact. Get over it. (Don’t believe me? http://www.designchronicle.com/memento/archives/fruits_basket_ch97.html )

She’s also fucking Shigure. And has fucked Kureno. Welcome to Fruit’s Basket. This series is not to be marketed to small children.

Spoilers may go clear to chapter 116. Just for future reference. The above already covers basically anything I’m currently planning on having assumed, though.))

Tohru sat waiting in front of the café, sipping her tea. She was early, as she tended to be, but Isuzu had a habit of being perfectly on time, so she knew she wouldn’t have to wait long. Sure enough, the raven-haired woman came striding down the block, accompanied by her ever-present boyfriend. Hatsuharu was attached firmly to Isuzu’s hand, his face blank, making it seem like he was being led along by her, oblivious to his surroundings. That probably wasn’t far from the truth.

Tohru waved and stood to greet her older friend, who gave her a sort of one armed hug in return. She’d never been the type to hug anyone anyway, and as her other hand was still occupied, the situation was even more awkward. Tohru sat down after smiling at Hatsuharu in greeting. He merely ruffled her hair absentmindedly as he continued into the café, leaving the two girls alone for the moment.

“He seems even more out of it than usual,” Tohru admitted after the door had shut.

“He’s just tired,” Isuzu mumbled. “So, I’m assuming you wanted to talk about...?”

Tohru nodded, glancing at the Ox inside the shop. He was unaware of the girls’ continued quest to find a cure, primarily because they were careful to keep it that way. Rin had, by now, perfected the arts of doing things behind his back and of keeping him busy while they were talking. This weekend, he would be spending the time with Hiro and Kisa - but not before he spoiled his girlfriend by buying her lunch.

He reemerged from the café, carrying a soda in one hand and a bento in the other, a tea carefully balanced on the lid. He set down the latter in front of her, taking a sip from the former as he watched her for a moment. The two fell into a staring contest, which left most observers nervously looking away from the pair, as it seemed they were seconds away from either falling into a passionate embrace or attempting to murder one another. That was the intensity of their relationship; either one seemed equally likely to those who didn’t notice.

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Chapter 4: Less than subtle interactions

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It was only when Tohru giggled that they finally broke off the stare, Isuzu reluctantly taking a few bites of her food to appease Haru. He in turn looked to Tohru, puzzled by her laughter.

“I’m sorry,” she said, covering her mouth to quiet her giggles. “I just think it’s so sweet how you two have been together for so long and yet you can still get lost in each others’ eyes like that.”

There was another pause as the couple glanced at each other, Isuzu raising an eyebrow and Hatsuharu simply shrugging. Tohru’s naivety was amazing, though no one could be sure whether her unique perspective made her more adorable or brilliant.

The silence continued awkwardly until Rin finally elbowed her boyfriend, cuing him to leave. “Oh, right, girl time,” he said, giving Rin a quick kiss then starting to walk away. He quickly stopped and went in the other, muttering something to the effect of, “the kids,” and wandering off.

“So,” she said finally once he was out of sight, “What did you find out? It must be big if you had to see me today.”

Tohru shook her head a little, suddenly worried she’d blown things out of proportion. “I haven’t really found out anything yet... It’s more of a hunch than anything else.” She paused for a moment until the Horse nodded for her to continue, trying to put things together carefully. “I’ve been thinking... And, well... do you think Akito would know anything about how to break the curse?”

The icy gaze she received made Tohru glad that she hadn’t mentioned going to see Akito already. “Even if he knew something, I highly doubt he’d tell any of us. He’d more likely lie or even just kill anyone for asking him.”

For an instant, Tohru was confused and nearly corrected Isuzu, before remembering that she was one of the many who were unaware of Akito’s true gender. She wanted to tell her, but decided that now was obviously not the place and time, especially not when Isuzu was actually eating for a change. So instead, she simply nodded, sighing a little. “I guess that’s true. I just thought it couldn’t hurt to try, and we’re running low on other options.”

The Horse let out a sigh, stirring her tea and leaning on one elbow. “Yes, we are... But we’ll exhaust every other option before trying that one. And, if it comes to that, I’ll be the one to ask him.”

Tohru nodded once more, lowering her head afterwards. She felt, inside, as though she was lying to her friend, but she knew this was for the best.

After a moment of quiet, the girl took a sip of her tea and then put on her best smile, changing the subject.

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That night went exactly as the previous had: questions were asked and doors were slammed. The next was the same, as was the next, and the next...