Prompt | Something romantic

Song: Walking In The Snow
By: Brynn Elliott

Fruits Basket 2019 (Anime)

(Yes this is supposed to be fall themed, yes there is snow but I'm in Canada and there's snow here so that's my excuse)

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The wind stung his cheeks. The little flecks of ice and snow clung to his skin, freezing his face until it was numb. The rest of his body was bundled up tight, there was no way Tohru would ever let him go out without proper dress. She'd met Yuki at the door, her eyes bright but concerned as she fretted over him

"You don't want to get sick!" She chided as she pulled a lavender beanie over his ears. Kyo had snickered but it wasn't long before he got the same treatment. There was significantly more wiggling and complaining from the ginger-haired boy. Yuki had watched from the side, his lips tilting up in amusement as he'd buttoned up his coat. It was a dark grey with a high collar and large buttons. The fit was very slimming and framed his shoulders nicely before a little past his knees. When Momiji had seen it he'd announced it looked like the kind of coat a detective would wear. Yuki hadn't minded the comparison. It was far more interesting than being a "stuffy rich boy" as his friend Manabe had teased.

At last, they'd finished getting ready. It'd taken much longer than Yuki had anticipated but he probably should've planned for it. With Kyo's complaining and Tohru's forgetfulness, they were bound to have a few setbacks. But they'd finally gotten out the door and were traipsing calmly down the road. It was a pleasant winter morning. While the air was cold it wasn't frigid and the sun provided a nice warm glow to the day. It was peaceful and quiet, as all perfect winters should be. Still, he couldn't help but feel a little bit of restlessness. He anxiously glanced at his phone, where he'd sent a quick apology text. Machi hadn't immediately replied, probably in the middle of getting ready herself, but Yuki couldn't help but worry that he had been keeping her waiting.

"Relax," Kyo grumbled when he caught Yuki staring intently at his screen once more. "We're not that late. Besides, it's your own fault. Why do you take so much time waking up?"

The other boy was going to give him a scathing retort on how long his morning routine took when Tohru turned to stare at him, her eyes wide.

"I'm so sorry!" She burst out, as was a tendency of hers- blurting apologies with so much sincerity it made Yuki a little uncomfortable. "It's my fault we're late! I hope Machi isn't upset! I can explain it all to her myself when we get there!"

Yuki shook his head. "It's quite alright. We were all running behind. Besides, Machi won't be bothered by us being a few minutes late."

Unfortunately, his words could not get through when Tohru's mind was already set. She clenched her fist and raised her head determinedly. "I will apologize to her!" The girl announced. Kyo and Yuki both let out a sigh. "And buy her some cocoa to make up for it!"

Both of the boys opened their mouths to assure her that no Tohru did not need to be concerned Machi didn't need hot chocolate as payment but Tohru was already running down the street, her feet slipping dangerously on the ice in her haste.

"HEY!" Kyo shouted, taking off after her with just as much carelessness. "YOU'RE GOING TO FALL AND HURT YOURSELF!" Ironically that had caused him to trip.

Yuki watched on and rolled his eyes. "Stupid cat." Despite his gripes, the boy tucked his chin further into his scarf and reluctantly sped up his pace. After all, he didn't want Kyo to get there before him. 

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When they'd made it to Machi's apartment she'd immediately thrown the door open. The suddenness had caused Tohru to jump back with a yelp and Kyo to curse in surprise. Yuki simply smiled at her and extended a hand.

"Are you ready?"

Machi nodded quickly in response, ducking to the side to grab some gloves. After recovering from her scare Tohru swiftly ducked into a bow and let out a tearful, "I'm sorry!" Machi, who was not yet used to Tohru Honda's ways looked taken back and she sent a panicked look to Yuki.

"Tohru is feeling apologetic that we were late," Yuki explained. His girlfriend nodded slowly, still looking confused.

"Just tell her that it's not a big deal and we can move on." Kyo grouched, looking off to the side.

"It's... okay, Honda," Machi said carefully. Tohru jerked back into a stand, droplets forming in the corners of her eyes.

"But it's not! You were kind enough to let us tag along on your date with Yuki! And now all I've done is cut into your time in the snow!" Tohru shook her head and swiped at the tears.

"We'll have to go to the park!" She announced. "That way I can get you something at the coffee stand!"

Kyo gently nudged his girlfriend so Machi could step out. She turned to lock her door before slipping the keys into her pocket and heading out of the building. "You don't need to get me anything," Machi told the brunette softly.

"I want to! Besides, I'd been wanting some hot chocolate anyways!" Tohru positively beamed. "It'll be so much fun!"

"Uh..." Machi glanced back at Yuki once more. He smiled encouragingly back. Tohru tended to charm anyone she met but he forgot that sometimes she was a little overwhelming. Especially for a shy girl unused to kindness like Machi. Despite his girlfriend's obvious reservations, Machi simply nodded to Tohru and followed her politely.

Tohru knows how much Machi means to me, Yuki thought as he watched the pair. Tohru was talking very enthusiastically about hot chocolate. While her tone was still friendly Yuki could read the tiny bit of anxiety at the end of her words. That's why she's trying so hard to get to know her.

He turned his attention to Machi. The girl gave quiet, stiff responses but she was making an effort to be engaged. But Machi also knows how much Tohru means to me as well.

In that moment, in the coolness of winter, as he watched the light sparkle on the snow around them and felt the lick of Mother Nature with each cool wind, Yuki couldn't help but feel so lucky to have both of the girls in his life. However, they fit in his heart.

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"Look at all the snow!" Tohru cheered gleefully. She ran straight into the large piles of fluffy coldness. It was early enough in the morning that not many had walked through. So the thick layer of snow was still intact. Tohru hopped through it, the powder was piled quite high. It reached around her lower thigh and stuck to her boots like glue. She did more of a stumble and a wobble than a walk as she tried to make her way toward the coffee stand.

Kyo gave an exaggerated huff but he went to go help her. His longer stride allowed him to travel much faster. Yuki suppressed a snicker when Tohru tripped and fell into him. The ginger's cheeks pinked a little and he was quick to scold her. Yuki was sure the boy would attribute the flush to the cold rather than being flustered.

"They are very sweet together." Machi voiced beside him. Yuki glanced down at her with a gentle smile, his fingers instinctively moving to link with hers.

"Do you like it?" Yuki whispered, he bent close to her ear. "All the pristine snow is being trampled by Tohru and my clumsy cousin."

Machi laughed a little. The sound was soft and more of a quick breath but it was music to Yuki's ears. "I love it." She met his gaze. "Thank you for this."

Yuki drew away, his lips still curved up. He never knew the true warmth of a genuine smile until he met Tohru and Machi. "That makes me happy."

The girl glanced to the side. Kyo and Tohru were a good ways away. They almost made it to the path. The person in charge of the coffee stand waved at them awkwardly as Tohru giggled away. Yuki was about to suggest they join them when Machi grabbed the collar of his coat and pulled him back down. He stared at her in surprise, eyes questioning, until she slowly moved closer. He realized what she was doing at the last minute, right as her lips pressed sweetly to his in a chaste kiss.

"You make me happy," Machi murmured honestly.

Yuki closed his eyes and soaked in the moment. Never before had he ever imagined ever getting so many blessings. Never had he ever thought he'd be able to have dates at the park, walks in the snow, or a girlfriend he could hold hands and kiss. Never had he ever thought that girlfriend would be someone so special.

His hands tightened around hers.

Never would he ever take that for granted.

NOTE****
My followers may know that I have recently been dipping my toes slowly into anime and have become quite taken with one called Fruits Basket. I've finished the 2019 adaption and am now reading the manga!

This anime is truly something special. It is one of my favourite shows I've ever watched, including western media, and one of the best. The characters are so well done, the story is so unique, and all the film details such as the way they told the story, the music, the shots, the animation, is super FREAKING AMAZING! There truly isn't anything quite like it.

Natsuki Takaya, you are a genius.

I highly recommend this show to anyone who enjoys characters focused stories and interesting perspectives on the world and psychology. It's a truly insightful anime and manga and it really opens my eyes to so many things.

If I were to summarize this show I'd say it's a story about a girl and how she influences and explores not only a curse, but the people who are tied to it and how they interact with each other.

Now, I think I've done enough gushing about this show. Another thing that some of you may know is that I'm on a bit of a break. My mental health was crumbling a lot more than usual and so I'd decided that a little bit of breathing room was needed. I'm not necessarily back but I'm taking it slow and allowing inspiration and creativity to make the decisions. Since Fruits Basket has become my latest obsession it was only fitting that I took advantage of how Flumptober allowed me to explore new fandoms.

I hope you're all doing well and if you're not I hope it improves.

LuckyBugBooks 🐞