Crimson Threads


Here's the next chapter! I'm typing it now, because I have it fresh in my mind!

:DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to Fruits Basket, but I do own Mike, Ari, and Mayra.


Making the Deal
"Hatori, I need to see Akito."

"Mike, what are you doing here?" Hatori asked.

"I'm here to talk to Akito. I want to change the deal." Mike stated.

"Does Ari know you're doing this?" Hatori asked.

"Right now, I'm guessing she's sleeping, so no. Just let me in and let me talk to him." Mike asked.

Hatori sighed. He led the way to Akito's room, and left Mike in there alone. Akito was at the window, gazing at the gray sky. "Akito, I have come to talk to you."

Akito got up. "You really do intend to follow through with this deal, don't you?" He chuckled. "How naive that girl is. And you would do anything for her, wouldn't you?"

"Quiet Akito. I'm here to make a different deal." Mike kneeled by Akito. "If I visit you everyday, will you not harm Ari?"

Akito laughed. This boy is amusing. My plan will work if he really is dedicated to this pathetic girl. "What makes you think I would do that?"

"Just tell me if you'll do it or not."

"On one condition. I will tell you my deepest secret, and if you fail to keep it, Ari will receive your punishment." Akito said.

"Deal," Mike got up. "So what's your secret?"

Akito chuckled. He loosened his robe, to reveal a chest wrapped in bandages. Mike didn't understand. Akito said it plainly, "I'm a woman. Is that so hard to believe?"

Mike gasped. This isn't right. If Akito is a woman, then why did he hurt Ari so much?

Akito laughed at the confusion on Mike's face. "I was raised as a boy by my mother. That way, I would have more power over the Zodiac. I know you're wondering why I'm telling you. Do you want to know why?"

Mike, still in shock, nodded.

Akito walked over to Mike. "Because, I plan to take Ari away from you. I plan to make you mine." Then, Akito caught Mike in a passionate kiss. Mike was against the wall. He tried squirming his way out, but Akito had him right where she wanted him.


Ari ran into the Sohma estate. She tried to recall her memory where Akito's room was. She darted through the Main house, and found Akito's room. She slammed the door open, only to find Mike and Akito lost in a kiss. Ari gasped. No, no, this can't be. Mike and Akito? Is Mike gay? What's going on? Am I dreaming all this? Ari was lost in confusion. Akito saw Ari dash in, and broke the kiss.

"Oh, Ari, are you ready to show me how I should be?" Akito smirked.

Mike saw Ari. The expression on her face killed him. Hurt and confusion was written all over face. How could he let this happen? He tried to explain it all to Ari, but she ran out.

"Look at what you did, Mike. You broke her heart." Akito slipped her hand into his. "Don't worry. You don't need the pathetic rat. I'm still here."

Mike slapped Akito. Before Akito could get back up, Mike jumped out the window, in search of Ari.


Ari ran as fast as she could. She ran into the woods. She didn't care that the branches were scratching her face. She didn't care that the thorns were ripping her sweats. All she could think of was what she saw. After running for ten minutes straight, she slowed down to a walk. She came across a small garden. Is this Yuki's secret base? She walked over and sat by the garden. Maybe I shouldn't have come here. I feel so left out. Everyone has felt accepted except me. Why am I here again. Maybe I should run away. Ari shook her head. She couldn't do that. Her reason for coming to Japan was to become accepted. She couldn't quit now. Ari lay down on the grass. She thought of the day's events. Eventually, she fell asleep.
Mike ran back to Shigure's. He dashed in, and pulled Shigure into the woods, so no one could hear them. Mike held Shigure against a tree. "Did you know about Akito?"

"What?" Shigure was scared. Mike looked like he was about to murder someone.

"Akito. He's a woman. You already knew that, didn't you?"

"Yes. I've known that for a while, did she tell you?"

"Yes," Mike let go of Shigure. "She said she wanted to take Ari away. She wants me. Then... then... she kissed me. And Ari saw..." Mike hit a nearby tree. "Now she's gone. I don't know where she is."

"What? You mean Ari ran away?" Shigure asked.

Mike sat down against the tree he had hit. He nodded. "She must think I'm a homosexual now. This isn't how I want her to think of me."

"Well, maybe not."

Mike looked up at Shigure. "I mean," Shigure said, "if she really is the Fruits Basket fan she claims to be, she'll know that Akito's a girl. But-"

"You mean she might know that Akito's a woman?" Mike jumped up.

"But, the book with that hasn't been released in America yet. Unless she's a 'spoiler hunter,' she won't know."

Mike sighed. He wished he hadn't gone to Akito's. He wished that none of this had ever happened.

"Shigure's right. I am a spoiler hunter."

Mike looked up, and saw a muddy, scratched up Ari, staggering over to the two. Mike jumped up, and hugged her. Ari smiled. "Don't worry. I just remembered the spoiler after I ran away. I ran to Yuki's secret base. I'm sorry I worried you."

Mike let go, and turned away. Ari was confused. One moment, he's squeezing me to death, and then he won't even look at me. "Mike? Are you okay?" Ari asked.

Mike sighed. He walked back to the house. Ari looked at Shigure, who was looking at Mike. "Shigure? Why's Mike mad?"

Shigure sadly looked at the little girl. She really was naive. She was totally oblivious to Mike's feelings. "I don't know, Ari. I just don't know," Shigure lied.


Hahaha... Ari really oblivious, isn't she? Like me... sometimes...

See ya next time!

Sarah-chan