I do not own "Fruits Basket", it's characters or plot – nor have I any basis in the Zodiac legend. This is pure fiction. Though I've finished the series, this takes place 2 years after when the show ended. *enjoy*

** Visitation **

It was spring and the news spread through the Sohma house as quickly as the change of season.

"He was never well, it's a wonder he lived this long."

"Now he can be at peace – he'll have the most beautiful burial."

These kind regards were hushed and more for outward appearances. Truthfully, there was an immense sense of relief and joy felt by most of the family. No one really felt remorse over the loss.

"I'm glad he's dead." Kyo said, stuffing a clump of rice into his mouth. The wind hummed through the house. Shigure took a sip of his tea, not looking at anyone.

"Kyo, I'm sure you have the sense to not say that at the burial later, but just in case you're your usual bull-headed self – don't say that around anyone else, okay?" His normal sarcasm had been weak at best the last few days. Tohru guessed he was thinking about the loss, and felt sad for his struggle. She poured him more tea.

Kyo gave Shigure a ten-second death glare while downing his rice ball – but he didn't say any more. Tohru gave a silent sigh of relief that Kyo was choosing to listen and not fight Shigure on this.

"What time is the ceremony?" Tohru asked, shifting a sushi roll around.

"It starts at five for the thirteen of us, but you can meet us there – with the rest of the general staff – around seven thirty."

Kyo gave her a sidelong glance. "I'll go with you."

"Kyo . . ."

"I've never been invited before, why should this be different?" He scoffed at Shigure. He stormed out. They could hear him stomp up the stairs and sit on the roof – his usual perch.

Shigure rubbed his temples, "You'd think just once . . ."

"I think this is hard for him too – in a different way. I think this is just how he'll cope."

Shigure gave her a weak smile, "you can always see the best in people. Maybe you're too patient." He gave her an innocent wink. His small smile faded. "I should get ready."

As promised, the ceremony had been beautiful. The entire Sohma household was there, solemn and regal. The burial site had been decorated with elaborate banners, beautiful floral arrangements, and hundreds of origami shapes – representing all thirteen zodiac animals.

Tohru stood next to Kyo, hand in hand. He was looking off towards the sunset – which gave the occasion an orange cast, adding to the beauty of the ceremony. She knew better than to think he was as bored as he acted to be. Like it or not this funeral was a huge ordeal – that would change his life, and the life of everyone involved with the Sohmas.

She smiles in spite of herself, thinking of how stubborn he was sometimes. Just another endearing quality of his.

They had kept themselves separated from the group a ways – watching the funeral from a hill – far enough away to not be bothered (or to bother) but close enough to be respectful and to listen. Kyo had spent most of the ceremony picking at a hole in his pants and scoffing at the kind things being said about the deceased. He had taken to watching the sunset towards the end, and hadn't stopped for a good fifteen minutes. When people started to leave, Tohru tugged at his sleeve. He looked at her, smiling a little.

"Ready?" He asked.

"Only if you are! I don't want to stop you from grieving or saying good bye." He gave her a skeptical look but kept his mouth shut – as per Shigure's request. Kyo glanced toward the monument and froze.

"What the fuck is he doing here." He growled, tightening his hold on Tohru's hand.

Tohru looked around, trying to see anyone out of place. To her, it just looked like the Sohma's – a group of good looking, poised people with odd hair.

Kyo let go of Tohru's hand and started down the hill, calling back over his shoulder, "Stay here."

Tohru watched him weave through the crowd – which tried to part away from him the best they could. He was making a b-line towards a man with light purple/silver hair. He didn't look familiar, but he did look like a Sohma. Tohru suspected he was a zodiac member – after all, she hadn't met them all.

They talked for a moment, neither relaxed. There had been no friendly guesture, and judging by how others around them avoided them, Tohru suspected these two had a reputation for battle. The young man looked to be her age. He was tall and carried himself well. There was a look of nobility about him.

After a moment Kyo stormed back up the hill toward her. She stood waiting for him to stop and explain but he walked right past, grabbing her hand as he did so. She yanked herself into step with him – trying to keep up.

Curiosity overtook her, "Who was that?"

"I'm glad he's dead," Kyo said, as if he hadn't heard her. "But even in death Akito still finds a way to fuck up my life."