Best things in life come in threes

Title: Best things in life come in threes

Fandom: Fruits Basket

Pairings: Yuki x Haru and Haru x Yuki x Kyo

Warnings: (mostly in further chapters) Language, Yaoi, solo, m/m, m/m/m, anal, oral, rim, can't think of anything else let me know if there is.

Disclaimer: Fruits basket isn't mine, if it was this sort of thing would happen all the time!

Thanks: Thanks to Ddraigcoch especially and to all my RPG buddies (even though most of them shouldn't be on here!) for the inspiration for this fic! Sadly our fruits basket rpg has mostly died, so rip! This is in memory of that good time.

Notes: This an updated version of the original chapter.

Summary:Set a few years on from the anime/ manga, hormones have really started kicking in and leads to an interesting predicament. And why best things really do come in threes!


He hated coming here. Hated it. He had left for a reason, but now and again there was something to bring him back. It seemed no matter how hard he tried, he was always pulled back, he could never escape. He didn’t look at the buildings as he walked past them, trying to avoid facing reality. He kept his head down, looking somewhere just beyond his feet. He hoped, more than anything that he could just go in get it done and leave again. No hassle. He realised that his college tie was too tight around his throat. Damn college uniforms, he thought he would have got rid of uniforms when he had left school but sadly for him, no. He ran his fingers between his neck and the offending item in a vain attempt to loosen it. The weather was still warm for the time of year but he felt hotter than he should have been. He put it down to where he was. It always made him nervous.

“Yuki!” His name seemed to echo around him. He looked up, purple eyes wide, to see a blond boy running up to him.

“Hello Momiji.” He gave the rabbit a faint smile.

“Hi Yuki. What are you doing here?” The rabbit was full of energy as usual. Yuki sighed.

“Hatori. I’ve got an appointment.” His chest check-up. He hated having asthma.

“Come on I’ll take you.” Momiji held his hand out and Yuki took it. The rabbit led the rat through the rest of the Sohma buildings.

“I’m glad you kept your appointment this time, Yuki.” Hatori held the stethoscope to Yuki’s chest. The rat remained silent. “They are important. You’re ok this time, but that does not mean you should skip your appointments.” He put the equipment away and wrote down some notes. “I’ll give you a lift back to Shigure’s.” The dragon stated calmly looking at Yuki with his visible eye. Yuki nodded and started putting his shirt back on. He realised, looking in the mirror across from him, he had filled out slightly while he had been at college. He had kept his slightly feminine prettiness but his cheekbones had become more defined. His form had become more muscular, athletic rather than slim. He supposed it came from his martial arts training. He noted that he needed a haircut again. His bangs were starting to get too long. The last thing he needed was for his brother Ayame to think he was growing his hair out. He certainly did not need hair as long as his brother or he probably would look like a girl.

The brother’s relationship had improved slightly over the years, with a little help from Tohru. It was still a strained association however. There was just something about Ayame that grated on Yuki. Looking at Hatori he wondered how the dragon put up with the snake, and they had been through school together.

“Can I come?” Momiji’s blond head popped around the door.

“Momiji. You know that you shouldn’t listen into doctor patient conversations. I’ve told you enough times.” The doctor quietly scolded his charge.

“I wasn’t. I just heard you’re going to Shigure’s. It means I can see Tohru again. Please, can I?” Hatori’s face remained calm despite the rabbit’s whining.

“Very well. Just behave yourself.”

“Yay, we’re going to see Tohru!” Momiji started skipping around the room. Despite the fact that Momiji was now at college, he still acted young. Everyone thought he was adorable. He had changed a lot in looks too. Unfortunately he had kept his angelic appearance so had most people wrapped around his little finger. He had stopped dressing like a girl, however, a fact that most of the younger Sohmas were thankful for, especially Kyo. The whining, on the other hand, had not changed, neither had his adoration for Tohru. Yuki and Hatori watched the crazy blond, neither looking that impressed.

When Kyo left college he headed straight to the dojo. It was his favourite place. Somewhere he could relax. As he approached he knew today he was not going to be able to relax. Hatsuharu was practicing kicks outside. The cat had second thoughts about carrying on but he was stopped before he could escape.

“Yo Kyo!” Kyo growled in his throat. Haru was continuing his kicks. The cat walked up. “Great, you’re here. Why is it I’ve either got put up with the damn rat or you?” He drawled, none to happy.

“Just lucky I guess.” The cow continued his kicks. Kyo scowled.

“Hey, it’s lucky I haven’t kicked your ass!” He stared at the cow who seemed to be ignoring him completely. There was a slight pause in the kicks,

“Yeah, like you could.” Kyo gaped at the cow before his anger took over.

“Bring it on then!” Haru stopped and looked at his cousin, before replying,

“Not now Kyo, you should train, get rid of some of that pent up anger, instead of taking it out on me.” He walked over to his pile of things and picked up a water bottle. Kyo stood with his mouth open. Haru obviously wasn’t going to be riled at the moment. He watched as the cow took a drink the growled again. He turned and went to walk into the dojo.

“Now you’ve finished being a cat fish, he’s not there. He went out, that’s why I’m practicing out here.” Haru called calmly. The cat’s shoulders rose angrily. “What’s got your hackles up anyway?” Kyo turned and hissed at the cow. “Ahh, I see, Yuki’s not around, is he?” All the anger drained out of him all of a sudden. He slumped down on the step.

“Don’t talk about the damn rat.” Haru sat down next to Kyo.

“Why not, we used to talk about him all the time when we were little.” He offered the water bottle. He took the bottle and had a drink,

“But we’re not kids anymore, Haru… things change.” Haru looked at him thoughtfully.

“Like what?” Kyo shrugged. What could he say?

"Just that damn Yuki... he... I...I don't know." he finished lamely. How could he say he envied the rat? "He's everything and I'm... I'm nothing." he put his head in his hands. "Forget I said anything." Haru looked sad at this statement.

“You’re not nothing, Kyo. Yuki isn’t everything. He has faults too. Would you believe me if I told you, he envies you. You can talk to people. He can’t, he is more like a beautiful statue. Something to be looked at and talked about but never touched. It makes him feel very isolated.” Kyo blinked,

“You don’t think I’m nothing?” He fiddled with his bracelet unconsciously. Haru just smiled.

“Don’t worry yourself for now. You’ll just get frustrated.”

“I can’t help it.” Haru took the bottle back to take a quick drink then dropped it back in the cat’s lap. “I haven’t got any release for it.” Haru scratched the back of his head. He smiled almost wickedly,

“Perhaps you need a girlfriend?” Kyo began to roll the bottle then froze.

“Girlfriend? What do I need a girlfriend for? Girls suck. They're just annoying and they get in the way. I don't need to have any stupid girl clinging to me." He started turning the bottle again. Haru shrugged,

“Boyfriend then?” Kyo did a double take. He flushed bright red, almost a colour that clashed with his hair.

“I…I… No…I don’t need…” Haru smiled, he had obviously hit a bit of a nerve. He thought he would change tact though.

“What’s this all about Kyo, normally you just want to fight?” The cat shrugged. It was true; he did try to pick fights with Haru. Perhaps it was because the cow always seemed to hit the nail on the head. Fighting was his way of protecting his ego. But this time, somehow, for some reason, he wanted to talk to Haru. It probably helped that he wasn't black. Today, Kyo just needed to talk. He gave the ox a lopsided smirk to hide his nervousness. Haru smirked back at him for a moment. Then he tilted his head to the side curiously, his dark eyes gleamed with suspicion.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" The cat looked at Haru square in the eyes. What was he thinking? Kyo wasn't sure if he liked that look. It put him a little on edge.

"No real reason." Haru replied, without breaking the eye contact. "I was only thinking about why you might be stuttering." Kyo’s eyes widened.

"S... stuttering. I... I wasn't stuttering." He swallowed hard. Something was really unnerving him. He couldn't break eye contact with the cow however.

"You're doing it again." Haru pointed out trying to be annoyingly helpful, a smile twitching at the side of his mouth. He was finding Kyo’s uneasiness highly amusing. "Was it what I said about boyfriends?" Kyo's mouth hung open. What the hell was wrong with him? He had never acted like this around Haru. He tried to say something but made a sort of gargle sound instead. "Is that a yes?" Haru asked, concealing his amusement with a little difficulty. Kyo shut his mouth finally. But he couldn't help blushing again. Haru had completely reduced him to silence and he was almost certain that Haru was enjoying his predicament immensely. He realized that Haru was still waiting for an answer. A new wave of anger engulfed him. He suddenly stood up.

"I don't know ok! I don't get girls and to be honest I don't get guys either, I'm just confused!" He wasn't shouting at Haru he was shouting at himself. Haru didn’t believe this statement for a moment.

“I wouldn’t say that. I think you understand Yuki, more than you would ever let on.” This made Kyo pause. Something flashed in the cat’s eyes and Haru noted it wasn’t hatred but he couldn’t put his finger on what it was. Did Kyo think more of the rat than he had thought? That would be an interesting prospect. He picked up the rest of his stuff. “Time to go.” Kyo looked a little startled then a little nervous.

“Um, why don’t you come back to Shigure’s, Tohru’s cooking dinner again tonight?” It was the cow’s turn to pause. He looked at the cat, he seemed to be sincere.

“Yeah, sure.” Kyo nodded then led the way to the dog’s house.


Yuki was not a happy rat. He was standing in the kitchen with Tohru and Momiji. In the drive over from Hatori’s, the rabbit had been driving him nuts. He had been fidgeting and shouting happily and then started poking him because he didn’t look happy enough about seeing Tohru. Hatori had ignored them. They arrived to find that Shigure had been descended upon. Ayame had turned up as had Ritsu, Hiro and Kisa. Shigure had then offered for Hatori and Momiji to stay for dinner. Tohru was ecstatic about doing a dinner party and Momiji offered to help. Shigure and Ayame were blatantly flirting with each other. When the three had walked in Shigure had practically leapt on Hatori asking him questions and Ayame started plaguing Yuki. Hiro was being Hiro and Ritsu was apologising for everything as usual. Yuki was just about to thank whatever gods existed that the cat wasn’t there when said cat strolled in. Yuki saw one quick glimpse of orange hair and made a dash for the kitchen. He was getting a headache. He leant against the wall and closed his eyes. Tohru and Momiji were too busy cooking to realise the rat was there. Yuki was silently thankful for it.

Kyo had walked in and seen the mass of relatives and carried on to the kitchen. He had walked into the kitchen, vaguely interested in what was happening for dinner, saw that Yuki was there and had walked straight back out again. He debated about going back into the other room, thought against it and walked outside and into the woods. He was feeling a little worked up from the conversation with Haru and decided he needed some peace and quiet.

Haru watched as the cat walked into the kitchen and straight out again. There was only one person in the whole world that could make Kyo do that. Haru smiled. He took the cat’s route, acknowledging his relatives as he went past. He had been right; Yuki was in the kitchen, looking gorgeous as usual. ‘When didn’t he look gorgeous?’ the cow realised. He noticed the slight frown on Yuki’s face, he wondered what had happened to make Yuki look like that, he knew Ayame was here but that wasn’t enough to make Yuki like this normally. There was something else. He sidled up to the rat and placed his hand on the rat’s shoulder. Yuki slowly opened his eyes; dragging himself from the pit of despair he had let himself fall into, to see Haru standing in front of him with concern in his eyes.

“Hello Haru. Not sure if you came at a good time, the house has been taken over. The whole place has gone crazy.” ‘I think I’ve gone crazy, help me Haru’. It was a silent plea that he didn’t realise shone in his large eyes.

“I can see that.” Haru answered to what Yuki had said but had noted the helpless look. “What’s wrong Yuki; this isn’t just Ayame is it?” He slid his arm across the rat’s shoulders. Yuki looked away from the cow, trying not to blush from the proximity. Haru had always been a touchy feely person; he had just never noticed it as much until now. But at least Haru would listen to him.

“I’m just having a bad day, that’s all. Hard day at college, appointment with Hatori, the stupid older brother. Just everything at once. I’m getting a headache.” His head thudded and he moaned slightly. Haru looked over to Tohru and Momiji.

“Yo, you two, have we got some time before dinner?” Tohru looked around startled that both Haru and Yuki were in the kitchen and she hadn’t noticed.

“Yes, yes of course, plenty, take your time.” She smiled sweetly then carried on cooking. Haru turned back to Yuki.

“You need fresh air, come on.” Haru led him outside. Yuki let himself be guided. As soon as they were outside Yuki took deep breaths of the fresh air. He hadn’t realised how stuffy it had been and it had been making him dizzy. Haru led him further away from the house. He figured the further away they got, the easier it would be for the rat.

They finally stopped walking when the house was well out of sight. Yuki was still breathing deeply. Haru turned to him and held on to his arms.

“Feeling better?” Yuki looked into Haru’s dark eyes. He nodded,

“Thanks for helping me. I’m sorry Haru, I was completely over reacting. I need to learn how to calm myself down… Please help me Haru, stop me going crazy.” He pleaded with his eyes. Those large purple eyes drew the cow in; the rat was so close, too close. ‘You’re not the only one going crazy, Yuki’ Haru thought. Haru couldn’t help himself. Slowly, so not to startle the older boy, Haru slowly leant in and planted a kiss on Yuki’s lips. He smiled when he pulled away.

“I’ll try my best.” He gently stroked down one of Yuki’s cheekbones. Yuki’s eyes had widened considerably at the kiss and a rose colour tinted his cheeks. It had completely emptied his mind. He was completely shocked but not enough to move away.

"Haru I..." ‘I don't know what to say, I don't know what to do, I want you to do that again?’ His mind flicked through a number of possibilities. He raised his hand and gently touched Haru's cheek, imitating the cow's move. Before he thought of anything else, he moved forward and kissed Haru back. The cow was a little startled at first when his kiss was returned, but went with it. He slid his arm around the rat’s waist and pulled him closer. Yuki shivered slightly and moaned as he leant against Haru. He found his hand that had stroked the cow’s cheek slid round and embedded itself in the black and white hair. The other hand rested against Haru’s firm chest. He distantly noted his headache had disappeared but had been replaced with an ache of a different kind.

Haru couldn’t believe Yuki was letting him do this. He thought the rat would react but not in this way. Not that he wasn’t grateful of course. Ever since he had gotten to know Yuki, he had held a certain infatuation for him. But he never realised just how good kissing Yuki would be. He could loose himself with those soft lips and strong hands that were holding him. He ran his tongue along the rat’s lips, begging entrance to the warm mouth. Yuki sighed but opened his mouth willingly to the cow’s questing tongue. The rat’s mind began to wander into thoughts that made him blush, Haru loosing his top for instance… and then the rest of his clothes. Yuki moaned again and pressed himself harder against Haru. The cow took full advantage of the invitation and set exploring the rat’s mouth. His hands slid down to Yuki’s back, feeling the muscles that lay hidden underneath the college shirt. Yuki's tongue twined with Haru's, trying to give as good as he got. His skin tingled where Haru's hands wandered. All he was conscious of was the boy holding him, kissing him, touching him. God, Haru could drive him mad like this. He thought he was going crazy before...but this...this was...He could only moan again at the cow’s wandering touch and clung to him. Clung to the only piece of reality he could feel. He felt the rest of the world spiralling away from him.

No matter how good a kiss is, it has to come to an end at some point. Haru gently broke away from Yuki, knowing this was the best kiss he had ever had. He rested his head against Yuki’s, eyes closed and panting heavily, but still holding him close. Yuki felt a pang of disappointment as Haru pulled his lips away, but quickly realised he hadn’t been breathing as his chest heaved for air. He slowly opened his lust-filled eyes to see Haru still close to him, still holding him. The cow’s cheeks were flushed and his eyes remained closed. Yuki realised that Haru was panting as heavily as he was. He noted how beautiful Haru looked now, at this point, how his hair looked slightly more ruffled than usual from his hand, the way his cheeks had flushed. It made him smile. It felt so right, this moment, here in Haru’s arms, he was loath to let go. He closed his eyes again and revelled in Haru’s touch, with a gentle smile upon his lips.

Kyo had stormed off into the woods. It was one of his favourite places to hide when he wasn’t up on the roof. Too many people knew he would be there these days and he really wanted to be alone. He had wandered aimlessly at first then had found a tree, climbed up and settled among its leaves. He had stared up above stilling his mind until voices had broken through his peace. He hissed angrily as they got nearer. He sat up to see who was coming. He nearly fell out of the tree when he realised it was Yuki and Haru. Damn rat and stupid cow! Of all people. For a moment he thought they had come to find him but he very quickly realised that they didn’t know he was there. It gained his interest as to why they had come out here. He carefully watched the two below him. He felt a slight pang of jealousy to see the cow with the rat. He shook his head, why the hell was he jealous of Haru? He noticed Yuki looked a little rough; the rat must have had a hard day. He wished he could help. Kyo frowned then shook his head once more. He must have lost his mind. It must have happened when he had talked to Haru… yes that must have been it, but what were they doing now? He looked down again as Haru held Yuki and kissed him. Kyo’s jaw dropped open. Did he just imagine that? Then he saw Yuki kiss the cow back. Kyo nearly fell from the tree. He wanted to pull his eyes away but found he couldn’t. He watched as to the two boys kissed and held each other. Two feelings washed over Kyo. First was a stronger feeling of jealousy. Yuki was HIS! He shook his head again. Yuki had never been his, he only ever argued with the rat… to hide his true emotions. The second feeling took him by even more surprise. Kyo found he was really, really horny! The longer he watched, the worse it got. There was no denying that watching Yuki and Haru kiss was seriously turning him on. He would have growled slightly but he forced himself to remain silent. When they finally parted he found they weren’t the only ones who had been holding their breath. Kyo slowly began breathing again.

Haru was happy that Yuki wasn’t going to move away from him. He gave a lazy smile. He nuzzled the rat’s nose softly with his own.

“We should head back.” He said softly not to disturb the moment too much. He enjoyed holding Yuki to him and didn’t really want to relinquish it. It seemed Yuki didn’t want to either,

“I know… it’s just… I don’t want to let go.” He snuggled into the cow more just to make his point. He rested his head against Haru’s shoulder. He never would have realised that Haru was so comfortable to lean against. A sigh escaped him. Haru held him tighter at the sound. He agreed with Yuki’s statement wholeheartedly.

“Neither do I… but we will be missed.” Haru placed his hand beneath Yuki’s chin and raised the rat’s head so he could gaze into the purple pools.

“Does this mean we’re boyfriends then?” Yuki asked innocently. Haru smiled and nodded. He paused a moment before lowering his mouth to his. Yuki was quite happy to kiss Haru back, but held himself in check before the kiss turned into anything like the last one. If it did he was sure he would turn into a puddle on the floor. He already felt like warm putty in Haru’s arms, or like a limp noodle. The idea of noodles made him realise how hungry he was. He had hardly eaten all day. When Haru broke the kiss Yuki looked up at him, “Thank you… thank you for making me happy.” He gave the cow a quick kiss before moving away from the warm embrace. It made him feel almost lost. He held out his hand to the taller boy. Haru smiled and took it. They began to walk back to the house.



“Oh there you are!” Tohru walked out of the kitchen as they approached. “Dinner is just ready. Everyone else is at the table.” She smiled happily. She was always happy these days. She had finished school with the others and had passed all her tests. In fact, she had passed them so well she had gone to college with the others to study Japanese literature. She enjoyed reading, she had told them. For the time being Kyo was also off the hook. He should have been locked up after graduating but for some reason Akito had allowed him to go to college. This had also made the rice ball very happy.

“Thank you Miss Honda.” Yuki smiled back. He couldn’t help it, he was very happy too.

“Oh Yuki, um have you seen Kyo anywhere? He hasn’t shown up yet.” Yuki was about to shake his head when a voice called out behind him.

“I’m here; you don’t have to send out a search party or anything.” He casually strolled up. He had come down from the tree as soon as Yuki and Haru were out of sight. Tohru just beamed at him.

It was a squeeze to get everyone around Shigure’s table but they just managed it.

“I hope everything is ok.” Tohru told the family.

“It’s alright I suppose, but it is bland. I would have put more flavour in. Just because we’re younger than you doesn’t mean we don’t like flavour. If I had cooked I’m sure it would have been much better.” A voice drawled from one side. Tohru looked panicked.

“Hiro, don’t say that about Sissy. I think it’s wonderful.” Kisa beamed at Tohru.

“Do you still have to call her that?” Hiro turned to the tiger. Kisa smiled at him. The sheep could only smile back. He still had a soft spot for her.

“I think Tohru did a great job.” Momiji beamed. Tohru blushed at the rabbit’s comment. Shigure added to this.

“Yes, our little Tohru is a great cook. Oh to think we will have to loose her some day to some young man, my heart will break when that day comes.” He held his hand over his heart dramatically.

“Oh but ‘gure it will be so romantic. He will sweep her off her feet and carry her into the sunset. And I will design the wedding dress of course.” Ayame continued with the thought. The pair sighed together happily. Hatori gave them a cold look.

“Stop it you two. That’s enough.” He had seen Tohru blushing madly. Ritsu was quietly listening in to what Ayame had said and had sighed happily with them. He was just as romantic and Aya was his idol. Only three of the company remained silent. Haru and Yuki kept exchanging sneaky glances at each other, subtly so that the others wouldn’t notice. However a certain feline had seen the passing looks and was silently fuming. Why couldn’t he get looks like that? His mind wandered back to the scene he had witnessed before. The way those two had kissed each other. He felt himself getting turned on again. Damn it! He put his chopsticks down and rose to leave.

“Are you alright Kyo, you’ve hardly touched your food?” Tohru sounded slightly worried.

“I’m alright. Just not that hungry.” He shrugged and left the room.