A/N: So here is the end! There is a small epilogue to bring things full circle, but this will end of the main plot. Shigure's book is finished and all that remains to say is that Mayu and Tori are undeniably bound together. It has been fun, and I hope you've enjoyed it. But this won't be the end of the tales that surround this couple. Their story will be in the background in the next however, but they will be there, and I will return to their story soon. So, stay tuned! As always Hatori is in black, Mayu isn't, and Shigure is in his own box.

Also I still don't own Fruits Basket and the characters therein

Mayu Is Unraveled (Lemon)

Tori gallantly brought me home and kissed me good night.

I looked at him shyly and said,

"I could use a hand getting out of this thing."

"Are you inviting me in?"

"Do you have your phone?"

"Nope, I have the night completely off."

I drew him into my bedroom, and he began the lengthy process of unraveling me. He seemed to know where all the pieces began and ended, and he was deft at untying the tiny knots in the silken threads that bound the layers together. As I was divested of each layer, I felt less and less confused about my situation. Tori was here with me. He was standing in my bedroom. I loved the feeling of his smooth hands on my body. I loved him. I couldn't see myself with anyone else. But then it occurred to me that he was quite well versed in taking a woman's kimono off. So, I playfully said,

"You've taken one of these off before. I wouldn't know how to get out, let alone into it."

His green eyes smiled at me, knowing that I was probing for knowledge about his past, but rather than give me a tidbit he said,

"I've taken Aya home drunk several times. As you well know he isn't opposed to wearing a woman's kimono. And if you're asking if I've divested a woman of her kimono before, I would ask you if you've ever seen a man in his hada-juban?"

"Alright that's fair. I'm sorry. That was impertinent. And I don't think so now that you mention it."

He had finally finished unwrapping me and I stood before him in my hada-juban. He undid his own wrappings and said,

"Well, here you go."

He stood there before me in the plain white undershirt. The outlines of his beautiful body were sketched onto the plain cotton. He drew me in and said,

"Mayu, while I have a past, I am here now, in flesh and mind, no reservations whatsoever. And while I treasure my past, it is the past. I can tell you what we shared was an experience I will treasure, an experience I would dearly love to repeat if you are willing. I hope you feel the same."

At that moment, I knew for a fact that I had shed my past. All residual feelings for Shigure flew out the window.

"I do."

We tangled together, exploring our bodies through the white robes.

Soon Tori asked in a ragged voice,

"Do you have…."

"In the bedside drawer. I plan on seeing my doctor soon."

"Good."

He took our final layers off and guided me to the bed and took a condom out of the drawer.

I was fully healed. And while I enjoyed having her above me, the feeling of being fully intertwined with her was beyond description. My strength had returned after spending much time rebuilding my physique after my poisoning, so she seemed very pleased when I entered her from above. Going slowly at first, I soon found Mayu loved it fast and hard. She screamed my name as she came. We remained together for a while as the waves ebbed.

She then relaxed against me and said,

"Well, I'm not exactly sure what happened between Shigure, you and I all those years ago, and I don't know how Shigure pulled off that light show tonight but if it all led here, I think I'll be fine putting it all under just one of those things and move on. I have the right Sohma."

"I'll second that."

He smiled at me and looked down at my tattoo.

"You, know, I didn't even really notice you had a tattoo. I thought it might be a snake, but I see now you have an dragon tattoo, which I find very interesting."
"Well, I think you had your mind on other things. Do you like it?

He traced the spiraling body of the dragon, and said,

"Well, I'm all for it of course, but I'm just curious as to how you came to get that particular tattoo."

"Well for the longest time, I couldn't remember why. But ever since things have started coming back to me, I've been trying to remember, and it finally came to me. One night, when you and Kana were…..busy, I went to hang out with Shigure. Somehow, we got onto the topic of tattoos. He told me that you loved dragons and had always said you'd like to get a tattoo of one. I don't think you ever did, did you?"

"No, I don't have a tattoo. And I'm not likely to get one. And I'd never get a dragon tattoo. But I love yours."

"Well anyway, Shigure kept on talking about how much you liked dragon tattoos. Every time we met he'd mention them. I was pretty besotted with you at the time, which is not very different to how I feel now, so, I went and I got one, to be a bit closer to you even if I couldn't be with you."

I paused asked,

"Did he see us together back then?"
"No, I have a feeling that was Shigure being Shigure. That's the sort of thing he did in his younger days. I think he was trying to see if he could get you to get a tattoo."

"I'm not sure about that. I've also started remembering that night in his studio more. He was so different".

"And that's the puzzle with Gure, sometimes you could' tell if he was just being Gure or if that Magic 8 Ball in his head was telling you something of substance. I for one would be happy if he lost his mystical powers. He used to terrorize us as children, especially Aya as he was more likely to fall for his tricks. He once predicted that if Aya didn't dye his hair pink it would fall out. And you can only imagine how hard it was to get the dye out. I made Shigure pay for that. I think that might have been where Aya's attachment to me came from."

I curled up next to him and asked quietly,
Your power is gone right?
"Well unlike Shigure, I really can't test that. I'm going to take it as read that it is."

"Do you worry that you might have it stored up somewhere like Gure's was?"

"Not really, I have to actively use it. If it's still up there it will sit there until expelled and I'm certainly not going to do that."

I found his answer less than comforting as I was still terrified by the fact that whole days disappeared from my mind. But as Tori's idle tracing of the dragon turned into a more concerted effort on his part to assure me that times had changed, I let the past go and joined Tori in the present."

As we were both exhausted from the dancing and our lovemaking, I pulled her in tight and we fell asleep. When I woke that morning, I had the pleasure of watching Mayu sleep. I rose, pulled my nagajuban around myself and began the process of getting breakfast ready. I heard footsteps behind me and felt her arms around me. Turning around, I said

"Morning love."

I pulled her in close and began to kiss her. But the omelets were soon ready.

"Go back to bed so I can bring you breakfast in bed."

She skipped off to her bedroom. And, after finding a tray I balanced the omelets and two cups of tea and made my way to her. She looked up at me and said,

"I could get used to this."

"Well, I'm afraid it might be a bit hit or miss for a while as my hours will be crazy. But a position is opening at the medical school so I'm applying. That would give me regular hours like yours."

"Oooh, a professor and a doctor. My parents are going to love you."

I smiled at her.

"But before that happens, I was hoping that you and I can get away. I haven't been truly away from my family. I could use a break. Plus, it would be difficult to call me in from a tropical island."

"I am all for that."

I pushed the tray away and I pulled her down. Then her phone rang.

"Let it go to voice mail."

We did, but they called again on the land line.

"Ugh, if this is Shigure asking how last night was, I'll clobber him."

She rolled her eyes and answered managing not to snap at the caller.

And then she said

"Oh hi mom."

My parents had returned from their cruise early and wanted to get together for lunch. I said,

"Hmmm, I'm not sure what I have on my schedule but lunch would be fun,"

thus, asking Tori if he wanted to come along without alerting my parents that he lay beside me as it was a bit early for guests who didn't stay the night to be at my house without some explaination. He smiled and nodded.

"Sure, that would be nice. Can I bring someone?"

"Oh, did you and Shigure get back together?"

"No, I'm dating his cousin Hatori."

"The doctor! This is good news!"

"We'll meet you for noon. Are we going out or to the house?"

"To the house, that way we'll have more time to chat. I'll order in."

I hung up and Tori smiled at me.

"Well, I'm going to have to take the walk of shame and get ready to meet your parents."

"You look good in traditional dress; you should wear the kimono."

"Not trying to turn me into Gure are you?"

I bopped him with a pillow and said,

"Perhaps if I bop you with a pillow you'll transform into a dog."

He easily tackled me and caged me with his body. He made a noise in the back of his throat that sounded like the rumbling of a large creature. It wasn't quite doggish. If I had to pinpoint it, it was something closer to the grumbling noises some of the dinosaurs made in Jurassic Park.

So I said,

"I'm joking!"

Things got heated but he stopped, panting, and said,

"When is your appointment?"

"Next week."

"If I were a less ethical doctor, I'd write you a prescription myself. But you should have a checkup. I'm due for one myself."

He then moved to grab a condom and we made love again, savoring the moments together. We took a quick shower, which is not to say that his hands were only used to scrub me clean. I only wished he could have slipped inside me as I so wanted to feel what it was like to have our slippery bodies come together under the hot water. He clearly thought the same and said,

"Soon."

I dressed while he wrapped himself in his under robe and warm winter coat. We returned to Tori's borrowed apartment. I sat on the couch and waited for him to emerge in his customary suit and tie. Someone knocked at the door and, thinking Gure forgot his keys, I walked to the door and opened it. Gure's editor stood there. She looked crestfallen when she saw me. She said, in a tearful voice,

"I knew he was with someone. The book just smacks of his love for someone."

She looked at me closer and said,

"And you're the girl on the cover. Figures."

Oh no, you're mistaken….Well I am the girl on the cover…but…

She began running to the door. At this moment Tori walked in, still wearing his nagajuban saying.

"Mayu would you…"

She turned when she heard him walk in and ran to him saying,

"Shigure!" But when she got closer and realized her mistake as Tori was taller than Shigure and had green eyes, she said,

"Wait, you're not Shigure!"

"No, I'm his cousin Hatori Sohma. Sorry for the confusion. He let me stay here while I look a place of my own. I'll be moving soon."

"So where is he?"

"Well, if he isn't here and he isn't at his house, he's likely at his studio."

"Where's that?"

We gave her the directions and wished her luck.

When she left, he said

"I feel like I'm trapped in a Shakespearean play."

"A Comedy of Errors?"

"Exactly."

"Oh, what did you need?"

"I seem to have gotten this knot stuck. I tied it tightly so it wouldn't open, leading to unfortunate accidents in the lobby of the building. Would you mind?"

I undid the stubborn knot. He then proceeded to trade traditional for Western. He looked much more like himself, which I found comforting. While I had shed any stray feelings I had for Shigure, I still found him very attractive. So having Tori look like Tori refocused my mind on my own handsome man. He took my hand, and we went off to tell my parents the happy news that I finally snagged a Sohma.

Shigure Interlude

The next morning, I rose early and returned to my studio. Taking the quick sketch I did of Mayu in her kimono, I pulled out a watercolor pad and turned it into a painting. As I finished the painting my buzzer went off. Hitting the intercom, I asked "Hello who is it?

"It's me,"

"Ah Mit-chan! You're right on time."

I let her up.

She walked in, looking around.

"You should fire your interior decorator."

"Ah yes, well it had been a while since I was inspired to paint."

"Yes, I met your muse."

"Really, well, that was a short-term gig. She and I were a long time ago and we've moved on."

"Oh, that's not a happy ending. Speaking of, do you have another ending? I'd really like to run the book with a clear-cut ending. Our readers would like to know who their favorite characters end up with."

"I do actually, and I have another cover to go with it."

"Shigure! Why do you do this to me!"

"You'll understand when you read it."

"Read it to me?"

"Alright."

I sat her down in Mayu's ornate chair and asked,

"Well, where did I leave off?"

"The princess walked off leaving the Dragon wizard and the Dog Headed Knight twiddling their thumbs."

I noted a bit of a barb in her voice. I was guessing that she met Haa-san as well as Mayu, had assumed things, and was still smarting from the unjoyful meeting. It wouldn't be the first time and it wouldn't be the last time we were mistaken for each other.

"Alright, this is how the story ends. And if you got to know the wizard and princess, you'd know this is how it would have gone in real life."

The princess had been enjoying the warm weather, but she finally began to miss her friends. So, in honor of the lovely weather, she planned a dance to celebrate the return of the sun. She had her snake tailor sew a beautiful kimono with yellow koi with black spots dancing all over it. This of course stood for the true love she hoped to find.

She spent the entire night dancing with all the eligible suitors in the land. But no one was right. She began to wonder if there was someone who was meant for her. And then her eyes fell once again on her faithful Dog Headed Knight. And while he told her he was not the one for her she insisted. At first, she felt the sparks from long ago but, the warmth between them soon faded, leaving them both cold. She pulled away quickly, but the cold continued to spread through her. Looking worried, the Dog Headed Knight said,

"We need to find the Dragon Wizard. He'll likely be able to find a way to warm you. He IS a Dragon after all. If all else fails, he could set something on fire for you. That would keep you warm."

"Where is he?"

"Well, he didn't come because he didn't think he had a chance with you."

So, the princess showed up at his door. The Dragon Wizard looked at her questioningly, asking why she wasn't at her dance.

"Well, I've danced with everyone else but not you. So, I'd like to do that now."

"I'm not the right one for you, I took the sun from you. I caused the coldness."

"This is another day. The sun is shining, and the koi are dancing. Please? Just one dance? We won't hurt anything by dancing. It could be just a dance between friends."

So, the Dragon Wizard took her in his arms and began to dance. She felt the warmth rise in her as he held her tight and moved with her through the fields of flowers that grew in front of his house. The Dragon Wizard smiled and said,

"I wish you could see what I do."

"Well, she can," said the Dog Headed Knight, "if she concentrates very hard."

So, the princess closed her eyes and soon she saw their red ribbons of fate rise and tangle together, binding them together for eternity. He kissed her, a kiss that filled her with such warmth that any residual ice in her soul melted.

The two were married soon after and they lived happily ever after.

Mit-chan smiled, saying,

"I like that ending, Gure. But what happens to the Dog Headed Knight?"

"Oh well he realized that this was their story and moved out of their way. Perhaps I'll write a sequel telling his story."

"The Dog Headed Knight is my favorite character you know. I would have loved to see him find love."

"Really?" I asked.

"Yes, he was a loyal friend to the wizard and princess."

I said to myself,

"Well In this version he was."

I then showed her the redraw of the cover.

"Well, if you're going to ask for a redraw of the cover anyway, why don't you do a drawing of the three of you."

"If they don't object, I'll do it."

"I'd like to take you out to celebrate, I know that we'll have to wait to throw an official launch party, but I'd love to have a drink with you."

I went out with her that night. We talked for hours, and through our conversation a new idea for a serial was born. In her excitement, she kissed me. We sat looking at each other, and I said,

"Mit-chan….."

"I'm sorry, you're not over her, are you?"

"No. Not really."

And I wasn't. There was a time I would have simply reacted. But it just wasn't the time. I got her home and promised I'd be in touch when everything was ready. And then an idea struck. She took in my plan and was happy to help me bring it into fruition.

Meeting the Parents

My parents were over the moon. They spent the entire lunch talking with Hatori about his work, his family, his favorite books his favorite restaurants. I couldn't get a word in edgewise. We both choked on our wine when my parents asked after Shigure, saying that they always liked him and that he was a good boy.

I said, "Shigure is well. We can thank him for re-introducing us. Hatori and I knew each other in college but we lost touch"

Hatori added, under his breath, "In this aspect, he is good."

The day was pleasant and Mayu's parents were thrilled. Things were looking up and I was happy.

The future seemed very bright.

A thought entered my head as I drove Mayu home.

"Mayu," I asked, "do you like the apartment I'm staying in?"

"Yes! It's simply beautiful."

"That's what I thought. It's also close to the hospital. I'm going to ask Shigure's editor if I could rent it from them."

We both could feel the next question forming on my lips, but I left it unasked. It had only been a few weeks and mine was a traditional family. However, I fully intended on asking her to go away with me. We both needed some time to ourselves as we had just been put under the microscope as the first adult Sohma couple to break the curse. Shigure called when I was driving. As I was in a charitable mood, I pressed the phone answering button on the car.

"Hey Gure, what's up?"

"Could you do me another favor?"

"What's that?"

"Would you come to my studio? And bring your kimonos from New Years?

"Why? What do you have planned?"

"And get Aya?"

"What's going on?"

"It's a surprise."

"I generally don't like your surprises, Gure. What do you have in mind."

Just please, humor me.

As I thoroughly enjoyed the effects of his last requests, I decided to indeed humor him.

Mayu asked playfully,

"Are you as good at putting kimonos on as you are at taking them off?"

I smiled archly, and said,

"I've also helped Aya into his kimono when his helper was out."

It wasn't as fun putting her into it as taking it off, but I still enjoyed it. I even let Mayu help me back into mine when we got to my apartment. Aya readily came without questioning what was going on.

We arrived and found the studio completely transformed.

The dust and spiderwebs were cleared, rich draperies hung in the windows, a gorgeous meal sat on the table, the area where I had posed for him had been covered with a white backdrop, and an ornate chair stood before a tripod.

"Gure," I asked, "Did you get visited by fairies?"

"Yes, my publishing company hired maids and a caterer."

"So, what's this all about."

"Well, as you know I wrote a book."

"Yes."

"And I made edits to it and included characters based on you all."

"Really," Aya said, "You put me in your book? Oh Gure, I didn't know you cared!"

Tori said,

"What happens to me?"

"You fall in love with the princess and live happily ever after."

"Alright. I'll take that. So, what can we do?"

"So, Mit-chan thought it would be nice if we were all represented on the cover. And as it would take too long to sketch all of us at once I've got my camera."

He looked so excited, so I decided to play along.

"Where do you want us?"

"Mayu in the center. Hatori stand behind her and hold her hand. Aya lay down in front and I'll stand next to Hatori."

He set the timer, ran into place and the camera preserved the memory. After that he took pictures of us individually and in pairs explaining he planned on including a book of images to go with the text. We then took a break and snacked on the feast. At one point in the day, I sat down on the chair and pulled Mayu onto my lap. She relaxed on my shoulder and looked up at me smiling. We saw a flash and turned.

Shigure said, "Sorry, but you were being photogenic."

Mit-chan stopped by and thanked us. I asked what was going to happen to Gure's apartment now that the book was nearly finished. She replied,

"Our lease is almost up. We don't have any other authors on a deadline, so we'll likely let it go."

"Could I possibly take over the lease?"

"Absolutely! I'll give you that information."

I smiled at Mayu. Soon enough we would have a place to call home. If only on an occasional basis at the beginning.

Shigure interlude

As I looked through the images I had captured during the photoshoot, I found several that were suitable for the book. When I stopped on the photo of Tori and Mayu I couldn't help but be caught with a flood of emotion. I hadn't seen that much love in Tori's eyes for a long time. I printed it out and put it aside to give to them. I didn't have to be able to read their fates to see what the future had in store for them. It was plainly written on their faces.

A/N: Fin! (Or almost!) Just a bit more housekeeping to do, so to speak, to bring this all to a neatly wrapped package. As always R and R and I remain, Acta!