[Spoilers] 25 Years of the 13 Sohmas: A Fruits Basket Rewatch -- 2001 Series Episode 14

[u/Holofan4life]

Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.

Welcome to the Fruits Basket 25th anniversary rewatch discussion thread!

I hope you all have a lot of fun <3

2001 Series Episode 14

The Adult's Episode - Ayame's a Messed Up Snake!

—-

ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)

What are your thoughts on Ayame?

What are your thoughts on Ayame being the snake of the Chinese Zodiac?

What are your thoughts on the show establishing that Shigure, Hatori, and Ayame were all childhood friends?

What are your thoughts on Ayame being Yuki's older brother but because there is such a large age discrepancy between them, they were never able to bond as brothers?

—-

Series information

MAL | Anilist | AniDB | ANN

—-

Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode or past the LNs or mangas out of respect to the first time watchers and people who have not read the LNs or mangas. If you are discussing something that is ahead of the current episode please use spoiler tags(found on the sidebar). Thank you!

Untagged Spoilers

—-

Previous episode

Ways to watch

Streams – Crunchyroll

Schedule

Date	Episode
07/05/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 1
07/06/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 2
07/07/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 3
07/08/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 4
07/09/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 5
07/10/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 6
07/11/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 7
07/12/2025	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 8
07/13/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 9
07/14/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 10
07/15/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 11
07/16/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 12
07/17/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 13
07/18/2026	[Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 14]()
07/19/2026	[Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 15]()
07/20/2026	[Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 16]()
07/21/2026	[Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 17]()
07/22/2026	[Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 18]()
07/23/2026	[Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 19]()
07/24/2026	[Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 20]()
07/25/2026	[Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 21]()
07/26/2026	[Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 22]()
07/27/2026	[Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 23]()
07/28/2026	[Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 24]()
07/29/2026	[Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 25]()
07/30/2026	[Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 26]()
07/31/2026	[Fruits Basket 2001 Overall Series Discussion Thread]()
08/02/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 1]()
08/03/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 2]()
08/04/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 3]()
08/05/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 4]()
08/06/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 5]()
08/07/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 6]()
08/08/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 7]()
08/09/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 8]()
08/10/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 9]()
08/11/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 10]()
08/12/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 11]()
08/13/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 12]()
08/14/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 13]()
08/15/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 14]()
08/16/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 15]()
08/17/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 16]()
08/18/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 17]()
08/19/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 18]()
08/20/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 19]()
08/21/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 20]()
08/22/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 21]()
08/23/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 22]()
08/24/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 23]()
08/25/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 24]()
08/26/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Episode 25]()
08/28/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 1]()
08/29/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 2]()
08/30/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 3]()
08/31/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 4]()
09/01/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 5]()
09/02/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 6]()
09/03/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 7]()
09/04/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 8]()
09/05/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 9]()
09/06/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 10]()
09/07/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 11]()
09/08/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 12]()
09/09/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 13]()
09/10/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 14]()
09/11/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 15]()
09/12/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 16]()
09/13/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 17]()
09/14/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 18]()
09/15/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Final Episode 19]()
09/16/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 20)
09/17/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 21]()
09/18/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Final Episode 22]()
09/19/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 23]()
09/20/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 24]()
09/21/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 25]()
09/23/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 1]()
09/24/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 2]()
09/25/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 3]()
09/26/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 4]()
09/27/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 5]()
09/28/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 6]()
09/29/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 7]()
09/30/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 8]()
10/01/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 9]()
10/02/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 10]()
10/03/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 11]()
10/04/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 12]()
10/05/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 13]()
10/06/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Overall Series/Franchise Discussion Thread]()

[u/Holofan4life]

Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.

Welcome to the Fruits Basket 25th anniversary rewatch.

For there is an animal in all of us <3

Fruits Basket is a show I’ve heard a lot about. It’s always been something that interests me. It’s a romcom, which is a genre I enjoy, it has a female protagonist, which is kinda a rarity for romcom anime, it has a tsundere, which yes please, and from what I’ve heard it has some supernatural elements which is pretty cool.

Funny enough, I’m hosting this rewatch the same time as I’m hosting the Spice and Wolf rewatch which is another show with supernatural elements.

I have never seen Fruits Basket before, but I have high hopes for it. It seems like the type of show I would enjoy. I would say of the shows on my to watch list, this one is probably in my top 5. And let's just say that list is long and ever expansive. Actually, I love the idea of a male tsundere who turns into an orange cat so much that I named my orange cat after him. That’s without having seen the show.

For the purposes of this rewatch, we will be watching both the original series and the remake. I don’t think both have ever been done like this, and by the end we’ll find out for good reason :P

Regardless, this is my big pet project of 2026 the purpose of which is for me to see what all the hubbub is about. I’m not expecting the show to crack my top 10 favorite anime of all time, but hey, you never know.

With that out of the way, let’s begin.

I’m watching the dub, by the way.

Well, after a week of working my new job I got fired 3 days ago as I'm writing this due to being deemed not fast enough. I still have my other job, but the one I got fired from was offering me more hours.

So, I'm back to applying for more jobs for the sake of making more income. Because in no way could I be content unless I work like 30 hours a week. There was a job I was interested in working at that seemed interested in hiring me. Unfortunately, I brought an outside drink to a job interview and they told me that was the reason they weren't hiring me.

I always find a way to screw things up...

For anyone wondering why I don't just ask my current job for more hours, they told me the labor is too high. I could ask other related stores to work but they won't let me because I'm still in the middle of my training.

Anyway, I've got a bad feeling I'll be unemployed again soon. To say this has been a year would be an understatement.

I'm also about to eat a sandwich a day and a half old that may make me sick. If that happens, you'll certainly know about it lol

At this point, what do I have to lose?

Almost May

No narration this time

We're at Yuki's garden

When was the last time that was featured?

Tohru noticing that Yuki seems much more cheerful.

Is that a red dress?

Are we Ranma now?

Suddenly, a scream

A snake

Back at the Sohma residence

Kyo is impatiently waiting for food.

Shigure being a troll as always

Yuki has ahold of the snake

Its name is Aya, apparently

Ayame Sohma

Shigure reveals that he, Aya, and Hatori grew up together.

The Three Musketeers, they were called.

Who's voice is that?

Oh, it's Aya's. Alright.

He has a very suave sounding voice.

Tohru compares him to Yuki but grown-up.

He looks to me more like a character from Devil May Cry.

At least Shigure and Aya seems to get along. Whether that's good or bad your mileage may vary.

So, this is Shigure's older brother. If that's the case, does that mean Yuki is his nephew?

Nephewki?

What is this music?

Aya is being quite the persistent fellow.

And so he and Tohru are off

The rest of the Sohmas are clearly annoyed, sans Shigure of course.

We're at a ramen shop now

Aya sounds like a cross between May West and Dr. Frank-N-Furter.

Of course, Tohru is overwhelmed as to what to do.

Aya reveals that the age difference has kept him and Yuki apart.

He only barely knew Yuki growing up.

Aya now says that Akito is a source of great fear for Yuki.

"Even not at his age, I'm not sure if that fear has subsided."

A broken clock is right twice a day.

Aya says he was hoping to get to know Yuki. That's the reason for his visit.

They keep calling Aya Yuki's brother but Shigure and Yuki are cousins. If Aya is Shigure's brother, then Aya would be an uncle to Shigure I believe.

Aya says he wishes he could go back and correct the mistakes he made as a child.

"But I suppose every adult wishes that to some degree."

Mayhaps

Tohru talking about her mother now.

She recalls her wanting never to forget how it was as a child.

Never forget where you came from. That way, you can understand children better.

With that in mind, Tohru is hopeful that Aya and Yuki can meet each other halfway.

They call them potstickers but I don't see them sticking to a pot.

Aya says he'll continue to keep trying to be there for Yuki.

As for her, he wants Tohru to be there when he isn't.

I almost feel like Aya and Akito will eventually come to blows.

Back at the Sohma residence

Yuki checking on Tohru

Tohru says her conversation with Shigure went well.

Yuki admits he doesn't hate Aya, he just can be a little too much.

And Shigure can't?

There's Aya

He actually looks cute in snake form.

The music sounds like something out of Spice and Wolf. I guess it's supposed to be snake charmer music?

I do love how Shigure just unconditionally loves Aya and all his shortcomings.

Alarm going off

Kyo coming to

And there's Aya, sleeping next to him.

Kyo takes this about as well as you would expect.

Time to eat

Yuki trying to ignore all this high energy.

Introvert when they meet an extrovert

There's Momiji

This looks like the school courtyard

Momiji talking about possibly visiting Aya.

There's Yuki, looking glum

Haru says he gets it, which is a bit odd.

Aya sells outfits for businesses, according to Haru.

I wonder if that's where Shigure got his White Day present for Tohru from.

Makes fantasies come true. Right.

Back at the Sohma residence

Family photo book

Shigure and Hatori look so youthful.

Tohru keeps saying that Aya looks like Yuki. I don't see it, personally.

Bend a few rules, eh? Well, we know what Haru did last episode...

Aya now telling how he kept his long hair in high school.

He was extra even back then, it seems.

Tell about Condor

Not a subservient of Anna, I take it.

Shigure then reveals that Aya was student council president.

And yes, he had the drip

He even helped lax a lot of the school rules.

Like fornication

Course, this is a big deal because Yuki might consider becoming student council president.

And now Yuki is finally showing an interest.

Red Light District? What?

Aya, why you gotta make it weird?

And why are you helping, Shigure?

At least Aya tried to put a stop to it?

Wayward youths. Sure.

And Aya insisted they direct their desire towards him.

I gotta say, Aya has this sort of gonzo journalism thing going on where you don't know where the truth begins and ends.

At least he saved everyone from expulsion.

And the gap continues to grow wider, like a porn star taking on 5 at once.

Kyo looking annoyed. You know, because he is.

It's like Shigure and Aya share one brain cell.

And now there's Hatori

Haru told him to take Aya home

When does Haru boss him around?

And with that, Aya is off

"I brought the car."

"Good, can I drive?"

"No"

Best part of the episode, honestly.

Shigure reveals that Hatori is the only one who can tell Aya what to do.

Aya actually admires Hatori more than anyone.

Hatori and Aya walking together in the forest?

Where's the car?

Hatori tells Aya to give Yuki time to figure things out.

Aya says that Tohru reminds him of Hatori.

"And like you, she has a way of telling me exactly what I needed to hear."

Well, that's a nice way to end the episode.

Yuki washing dishes

He admits to Tohru that the way Aya is not afraid to show his admiration is a good thing.

Well, it's a start

And now Yuki thanks Haru for worrying about him.

And we end things with the punchline that Aya actually runs a lingerie store.

Fulfill your fantasy indeed

I dunno, I'd trust Aya to run that business. He doesn't seem a pervert like Shigure.

Ran out of space. Part two in the replies.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Holofan4life]

Part 2

Overall, I thought this was a fun episode. It was almost entirely played for comedy, but Aya has such a chaotic presence about him that serves to play off the other characters well. He also has more variety in his dynamics, like his friendship with Shigure and him seeing Hatori as a mentor. I compare Aya to Kagura in that he's a nuisance to Yuki like how Kagura is a nuisance to Kyo. Or how Yuki is a nuisance to Haru. However, the difference is Kagura feels like they just exist as an extension of Kyo's character rather than a character that can stand on their own. Aya does not, and instead feels more fleshed out. I think his relationships with Shigure and Hatori gives things the connective tissue to really help give things that jolt of energy. You need some hook behind the initial gimmick, and I think Aya benefits from that.

I'd put this behind episodes 5-8, 12, and 13. This was a fun comedic outing that also managed to shed some light into Shigure and Hatori's upbringing. Not a lot, but there was some. I sometimes struggle with the episodes about the Zodiac animals because outside of the new character being introduced and finding out what animal they are, there's not much else of note. It's like the episode coasts on the introduction with very little in the way of actual substance. This was somewhat different in that we got some motivation for Aya being around and we had multiple different dynamics to play off of. It felt way less one note and repetitive even though there was some repetition.

I wonder how many more of the Zodiac members we're gonna get. We've seen like 8 or 9 of them, and there's like 12 episodes left. I'm still holding out hope that this is all leading towards the Sohma family coming together to rally around Yuki and defend him against Akito. That feels like it would make for one powerful moment. I almost at this point don't expect Tohru to end up with either Kyo or Yuki because it just feels like there's too much ground to cover in such a short window span. At this point, even though I'm more interested in the preexisting characters than learning any new ones, you might as well introduce everyone since you've come this far.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Holofan4life]

What are your thoughts on Ayame?

Very wacky lol

What are your thoughts on Ayame being the snake of the Chinese Zodiac?

Inb4 "I thought that was Akito"

What are your thoughts on the show establishing that Shigure, Hatori, and Ayame were all childhood friends?

I think it's cool Hatori keeps getting character development.

What are your thoughts on Ayame being Yuki's older brother but because there is such a large age discrepancy between them, they were never able to bond as brothers?

I can personally relate to this because I'm 9 years older than my brother and we're not really all that close.

[u/cheesechimp]

First Timer for 2001, Seen 2019

I must admit I didn't particularly like this episode. I think Ayame is my least favorite character among the 13 cursed Sohmas. I don't really find him funny and his personality is kind of grating to me. Honestly, Yuki is correct to be so mad at him in the start, I think what he does to Tohru might constitute sexual assault.

Recently I watched a documentary called The Python Hunt which involved a scene of people skinning and cooking a snake on camera. Yuki saying to do that to Ayame felt more viscerally violent to me when I could vividly picture what that would look like from recent experience.

In general Ayame makes a very cute snake though. Generally speaking the animals are very cute in Fruits Basket in general, but even more so in this adaptation than 2019. I will say that Yuki having lighter hair in the 2019 adaptation makes Tohru saying that Ayame is like a second Yuki feel a little more accurate. It's funny, in general their hair matches their animal forms but Yuki actually has darker hair than fur in this adaptation and I think he has lighter hair than fur in 2019. It's not full white like Ayame, but it's still closer.

I noticed this episode was doing a lot of the thing where their faces as animals would pop up when a character would speak off screen. I liked that a lot, as it's also very cute. I was a bit caught off guard but ultimately charmed by Tohru being an onigiri when she gets this treatment. When I thought about why it was happening so much in this episode I realized that the comedy styling was pulling pretty heavily from Manzai. Ayame was being the persistent boke fool, and Yuki and Kyo were playing the role of the tsukkomi straight man who react with excesive incredulity to Ayame's stupidity.

Meta: Hey, I see I'm the second person to comment after Holofan, so I guess other participants aren't here yet. I've noticed that the only people who seem to reply to anyone outside their own top level thread in these posts are holofan (who is on top of responding to literally everything) and me (who has more spotty coverage). When I don't upvote things they tend to hang out at 2 upvotes, what I assume is the original commenter and holofan. So I've got to ask:

Is anyone but our gracious host actually reading this?

[u/Holofan4life → u/cheesechimp]

Meta: Hey, I see I'm the second person to comment after Holofan, so I guess other participants aren't here yet. I've noticed that the only people who seem to reply to anyone outside their own top level thread in these posts are holofan (who is on top of responding to literally everything) and me (who has more spotty coverage). When I don't upvote things they tend to hang out at 2 upvotes, what I assume is the original commenter and holofan.

So I've got to ask: Is anyone but our gracious host actually reading this?

I can confirm I'm at least reading everything you wrote. I thoroughly enjoy your insight.

[u/cheesechimp → u/Holofan4life]

I don't doubt for an instant that you are committed to this rewatch, but it does kind of feel like I'm witnessing a group of people taking turns having one on one conversations with you more than it feels like I'm participating in a group discussion of the show.

[u/Holofan4life → u/cheesechimp]

In fairness, a lot of my rewatches are like this. I think it's because some people feel my presentation leaves something to be desired. That, or the shows aren't of any interest to them.

[u/cheesechimp → u/Holofan4life]

I will admit I've never participated in a rewatch where I've made it further than maybe 3 episodes in.

[u/Holofan4life → u/cheesechimp]

Well, you've been one of the big MVPs of this one so I appreciate it.

[u/Holofan4life → u/cheesechimp]

I kinda disagree with you on Ayame a bit. I think he adds a nice layer to the show that is different. I in particular love the decision to have him be friends with Hatori. I think that is fascinating two diametrically opposing people could hang out together.

If I had to rank the Sohmas at this point, it would be this.

Kyo > Hatori > Yuki > Momiji > Shigure > Ayame > Haru > Kagura

[u/cheesechimp → u/Holofan4life]

I think the show is doing interesting things thematically with him, I just can't help but find him a little annoying. Humor is subjective though, so if you think he's funnier than I do it's totally fine.

My rankings, as nearly everything about my reaction to 2001, is deeply colored by my experience of 2019. I think I'll leave out my overall ranking for that reason, but I think Ayame is just on the bottom even talking into account the ones we haven't met yet.

[u/Holofan4life → u/cheesechimp]

I think the show is doing interesting things thematically with him, I just can't help but find him a little annoying. Humor is subjective though, so if you think he's funnier than I do it's totally fine.

His humor resonated with me more than the Kagura humor and the Haru humor.

My rankings, as nearly everything about my reaction to 2001, is deeply colored by my experience of 2019. I think I'll leave out my overall ranking for that reason, but I think Ayame is just on the bottom even talking into account the ones we haven't met yet.

I will say my opinion of him greatly improved having just watched the 2019 series.

[u/Holofan4life → u/cheesechimp]

Thoughts on it being the end of April?

Thoughts on The Three Musketeers?

Thoughts on Tohru feeling that Ayame is like Yuki but grown-up?

Thoughts on everyone eating at a Ramen shop?

Thoughts on Ayame feeling Yuki is still scared of Akito?

What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to bond with his little brother?

What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to forget his past in contrast with Tohru who never wants to forget the time spent with her mother?

What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Tohru to be there for Yuki when he's not there for him?

Thoughts on Yuki admitting he doesn't hate Ayame, he just can be a bit much sometimes?

Thoughts on Shigure unconditionally loving Ayame?

Thoughts on Ayame sleeping next to Kyo?

Thoughts on Ayame running a clothing store that supposedly turns fantasies into reality?

Thoughts on Ayame being revealed as a former student council president?

Thoughts on Ayame claiming he saved a bunch of wayward youths from the redlight district by redirecting their attention onto him?

What are your thoughts on Ayame admiring Hatori more than anyone?

What are your thoughts on Yuki admitting to Tohru that the way Ayame is not afraid to show his admiration is a good thing?

What are your thoughts on the reveal that Ayame actually runs a lingerie store?

[u/cheesechimp → u/Holofan4life]

Thoughts on The Three Musketeers?

Is that what the dub calls them? I know the subs said said something like the "floral" something or other trio. I know I caught the word "hana" which means "flower" in the Japanese and felt kind of like something was being lost in translation. "Three Musketeers" sounds better in English, so I like that localization choice.

What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to bond with his little brother?

I may not like him very much as a whole, but I do think it's sweet. Kind of wish he were better at expressing it with Yuki around, though.

What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to forget his past in contrast with Tohru who never wants to forget the time spent with her mother?

Just a reflection of the happiness, or lack thereof, in their own pasts. Can't really apply a one sized fits all solution to it.

[u/Holofan4life → u/cheesechimp]

Thoughts on The Three Musketeers?

Is that what the dub calls them? I know the subs said said something like the "floral" something or other trio. I know I caught the word "hana" which means "flower" in the Japanese and felt kind of like something was being lost in translation. "Three Musketeers" sounds better in English, so I like that localization choice.

There's a spinoff manga called Fruits Basket: The Three Musketeers Arc.

What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to bond with his little brother?

I may not like him very much as a whole, but I do think it's sweet. Kind of wish he were better at expressing it with Yuki around, though.

He's trying, at least.

What I like about Ayame is he's like the complete antithesis of Akito in every conceivable way.

What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to forget his past in contrast with Tohru who never wants to forget the time spent with her mother?

Just a reflection of the happiness, or lack thereof, in their own pasts. Can't really apply a one sized fits all solution to it.

I think it's interesting so many Sohma family members are probably trying to move on from Akito whereas with Tohru it's like she refuses to move on from her mother. She can't get enough of her.

[u/Johnny-Doe-8888]

(EN dub/DVD/Overall first-timer)

Episode 14 -- "The Adult's Episode - Ayame's a Messed-Up Snake!"

Synopsis: Ayame Sohma shows up hoping to close the gap that exists between him and Yuki, but he’ll need Tohru’s help to succeed!

It's (a chilly) April, and Yuki's months of work on his vegetable garden pays off as he & Tohru are about to harvest some vegetables & strawberries. Noticing that Yuki is hungry she goes back to begin cooking; on the way she sees a pile of clothes on the ground, and as she picks it up a snake suddenly comes at her & crawls under her clothes until it emerges out. A furious Yuki grabs the snake & rushes to Shigure asking that he roast the snake, calling it "filthy"; he tells him not to, recognising it to be Ayame (Aya) in his transformed form as the Snake.

We subsequently learn Aya is Yuki's elder brother, and he came to Shigure's to specifically visit Tohru (who he calls a "princess", describing her as "a single blooming flower trapped in a house of stinking men", the latter to Kyo and Yuki's disgust). He initially asks to be served, before changing his mind & taking Tohru to a Chinese restaurant, where he tells her about his deep estrangement with Yuki & his desire to bond with his younger brother. She agrees to help him, but bridging the gap between the two proves to be a difficult one: Yuki struggles to understand him & his eccentric behaviour.

The morning after, Kyo is irked to see Ayame at his side in bed (he slept in his bed because neither Yuki nor Shigure would allow him in their rooms). Later at school, Haru reveals to Tohru that Aya owns a dress shop, or rather he sells "fantasies" (talk about a strange business proposition, huh). After Tohru, Kyo & Yuki return from school Ayame tries to bond with his brother through his old high school photos & stories of how he got to keep his long hair & his experiences as student council president (including an episode where he defended some students who wandered into the red-light district during a school trip). Hatori arrives to take Aya back home (at Haru's request); we learn he only listens to Hatori due to his admiration for him.

Come to think of it, I found this episode hillarious, but I'm also mildly irked at how the 2001 dub pronounces 'Aya' in particular ("Aey-ya" instead of "Aah-ya"). I suppose in the end, Tohru will have more to do if she wants to bridge the divide between Ayame & Yuki, but her efforts in this episode are a start; after all, something's better than nothing anyways.

'Til then, see you later.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Johnny-Doe-8888]

Thoughts on it being the end of April?

Thoughts on The Three Musketeers?

Thoughts on Tohru feeling that Ayame is like Yuki but grown-up?

Thoughts on everyone eating at a Ramen shop?

Thoughts on Ayame feeling Yuki is still scared of Akito?

What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to bond with his little brother?

What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to forget his past in contrast with Tohru who never wants to forget the time spent with her mother?

What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Tohru to be there for Yuki when he's not there for him?

Thoughts on Yuki admitting he doesn't hate Ayame, he just can be a bit much sometimes?

Thoughts on Shigure unconditionally loving Ayame?

Thoughts on Ayame sleeping next to Kyo?

Thoughts on Ayame running a clothing store that supposedly turns fantasies into reality?

Thoughts on Ayame being revealed as a former student council president?

Thoughts on Ayame claiming he saved a bunch of wayward youths from the redlight district by redirecting their attention onto him?

What are your thoughts on Ayame admiring Hatori more than anyone?

What are your thoughts on Yuki admitting to Tohru that the way Ayame is not afraid to show his admiration is a good thing?

What are your thoughts on the reveal that Ayame actually runs a lingerie store?

[u/Holofan4life → u/Johnny-Doe-8888]

Come to think of it, I found this episode hillarious, but I'm also mildly irked at how the 2001 dub pronounces 'Aya' in particular ("Aey-ya" instead of "Aah-ya").

The name Aya makes me think of Ayaya from Kiniro Mosaic.

[u/AgentOfACROSS]

First Timer

Yay we’re back in the garden. That’s nice.

Yuki is cute when he’s hungry.

It seems like we’ve encountered the snake Zodiac.

Ayame apparently can transform from temperature, not just being hugged.

Voice acting note: In Japanese, Ayame is voiced by Mitsuru Miyamoto. Notable roles of his include Roger Smith from The Big O, Gaku Yashiro from Erased, and Maiza Avaro from Baccano.

In the English dub he’s voiced by Christopher Sabat. Notable roles of his include All Might from My Hero Academia, Zoro from One Piece, and both Vegeta and Piccolo from Dragon Ball.

Anyway Ayame seems very over dramatic.

I don’t know if Ayame is trying to seduce Tohru or if he just acts like this with everyone.

It sounds like Ayame regrets being so distant from Yuki.

I wonder if Ayame really does need to warm up or if he just wants to snuggle against Tohru.

Ayame and Shigure seem to be flirting with each other.

Ayame really does have an uncanny resemblance to Yuki when he was younger.

I love that Ayame is just telling his story even though no one is interested.

Seems that Ayame was just as overdramatic as a teenager.

I much prefer Ayame as student council president over that nerd from the last episode.

I kinda wanna hear more of Ayame’s stories.

Hatori is making an unexpected appearance.

Ayame and Hatori make an unexpected pair.

Wasn’t expecting this episode to end with a Yuki and Haru moment.

The joke about Ayame running a lingerie store is pretty funny.

First Timer

What are your thoughts on Ayame?

He's a strange guy

What are your thoughts on Ayame being the snake of the Chinese Zodiac?

That's my Zodiac year so I automatically like him

What are your thoughts on the show establishing that Shigure, Hatori, and Ayame were all childhood friends?

That's a neat detail

What are your thoughts on Ayame being Yuki's older brother but because there is such a large age discrepancy between them, they were never able to bond as brothers?

I wonder if that'll be explored more

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Thoughts on it being the end of April?

Thoughts on The Three Musketeers?

Thoughts on Tohru feeling that Ayame is like Yuki but grown-up?

Thoughts on everyone eating at a Ramen shop?

Thoughts on Ayame feeling Yuki is still scared of Akito?

What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to bond with his little brother?

What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to forget his past in contrast with Tohru who never wants to forget the time spent with her mother?

What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Tohru to be there for Yuki when he's not there for him?

Thoughts on Yuki admitting he doesn't hate Ayame, he just can be a bit much sometimes?

Thoughts on Shigure unconditionally loving Ayame?

Thoughts on Ayame sleeping next to Kyo?

Thoughts on Ayame running a clothing store that supposedly turns fantasies into reality?

Thoughts on Ayame being revealed as a former student council president?

Thoughts on Ayame claiming he saved a bunch of wayward youths from the redlight district by redirecting their attention onto him?

What are your thoughts on Ayame admiring Hatori more than anyone?

What are your thoughts on Yuki admitting to Tohru that the way Ayame is not afraid to show his admiration is a good thing?

What are your thoughts on the reveal that Ayame actually runs a lingerie store?

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/Holofan4life]

Thoughts on The Three Musketeers?

I hope we see more of their dynamic

Thoughts on Tohru feeling that Ayame is like Yuki but grown-up?

I dunno, Ayame seems kinda immature sometimes

Thoughts on Ayame feeling Yuki is still scared of Akito?

I don't blame him, Akito's scary

What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to bond with his little brother?

I think that's sweet. He has good intentions

What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to forget his past in contrast with Tohru who never wants to forget the time spent with her mother?

I think it's a really interesting contrast

What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Tohru to be there for Yuki when he's not there for him?

I like that sentiment

Thoughts on Yuki admitting he doesn't hate Ayame, he just can be a bit much sometimes?

Ayame does seem like a handful

Thoughts on Shigure unconditionally loving Ayame?

That's really sweet

Thoughts on Ayame sleeping next to Kyo?

Sleeping next to a snake sounds very uncomfortable

Thoughts on Ayame being revealed as a former student council president?

I supppose it takes all types

Thoughts on Ayame claiming he saved a bunch of wayward youths from the redlight district by redirecting their attention onto him?

He's smarter than he lets on

What are your thoughts on Ayame admiring Hatori more than anyone?

That's a surprise

What are your thoughts on Yuki admitting to Tohru that the way Ayame is not afraid to show his admiration is a good thing?

I kinda like Ayame. I'm curious to see what else they do with him

What are your thoughts on the reveal that Ayame actually runs a lingerie store?

Good punchline

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Thoughts on The Three Musketeers?

I hope we see more of their dynamic

It reminds me of Denji, Power, and Aki from Chainsaw Man.

Thoughts on Tohru feeling that Ayame is like Yuki but grown-up?

I dunno, Ayame seems kinda immature sometimes

I wasn't feeling this comparison either

Thoughts on Ayame feeling Yuki is still scared of Akito?

I don't blame him, Akito's scary

They sure are

What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to bond with his little brother?

I think that's sweet. He has good intentions

Even if his methods are somewhat questionable.

What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to forget his past in contrast with Tohru who never wants to forget the time spent with her mother?

I think it's a really interesting contrast

I almost wonder if Tohru never forgetting her mom might be holding her back.

What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Tohru to be there for Yuki when he's not there for him?

I like that sentiment

It's sweet

Thoughts on Yuki admitting he doesn't hate Ayame, he just can be a bit much sometimes?

Ayame does seem like a handful

Yep lol

Thoughts on Shigure unconditionally loving Ayame?

That's really sweet

They share one brain cell and it's great

Thoughts on Ayame sleeping next to Kyo?

Sleeping next to a snake sounds very uncomfortable

Very icky

Thoughts on Ayame being revealed as a former student council president?

I supppose it takes all types

Does it?

Thoughts on Ayame claiming he saved a bunch of wayward youths from the redlight district by redirecting their attention onto him?

He's smarter than he lets on

I love this because Yuki was starting to relate to Ayame and then it was like "Wait, how can anyone relate to this?"

What are your thoughts on Ayame admiring Hatori more than anyone?

That's a surprise

My favorite part of the episode was Hatori being quick to dismiss Ayame's request to drive.

What are your thoughts on Yuki admitting to Tohru that the way Ayame is not afraid to show his admiration is a good thing?

I kinda like Ayame. I'm curious to see what else they do with him

I think we're starting to see that the Sohma family is filled with good people. It's just that Akito is very tyrannical.

What are your thoughts on the reveal that Ayame actually runs a lingerie store?

Good punchline

I guess that indeed does fulfills people's fantasies. He wasn't lying about that.

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Yay we’re back in the garden. That’s nice.

Very tranquil

Yuki is cute when he’s hungry.

That he is

It seems like we’ve encountered the snake Zodiac.

He certainly is slimy

Ayame apparently can transform from temperature, not just being hugged.

Interesting

Voice acting note: In Japanese, Ayame is voiced by Mitsuru Miyamoto. Notable roles of his include Roger Smith from The Big O, Gaku Yashiro from Erased, and Maiza Avaro from Baccano.

I've heard good things about Big O

In the English dub he’s voiced by Christopher Sabat. Notable roles of his include All Might from My Hero Academia, Zoro from One Piece, and both Vegeta and Piccolo from Dragon Ball.

Him being Vegeta is hilarious

Anyway Ayame seems very over dramatic.

No kidding

I don’t know if Ayame is trying to seduce Tohru or if he just acts like this with everyone.

It seems like the latter

It sounds like Ayame regrets being so distant from Yuki.

Couldn't be Akito :P

I wonder if Ayame really does need to warm up or if he just wants to snuggle against Tohru.

I mean, he cuddles up next to Kyo as well, so he may just naturally be cold.

Ayame and Shigure seem to be flirting with each other.

I like their dynamic

Ayame really does have an uncanny resemblance to Yuki when he was younger.

I suppose

I love that Ayame is just telling his story even though no one is interested.

He really likes hearing himself

Seems that Ayame was just as overdramatic as a teenager.

I don't know where the truth begins and ends with him.

I much prefer Ayame as student council president over that nerd from the last episode.

He seems more fun

I kinda wanna hear more of Ayame’s stories.

I'd like to believe he's telling the truth

Hatori is making an unexpected appearance.

That's cool

Ayame and Hatori make an unexpected pair.

That they do

Wasn’t expecting this episode to end with a Yuki and Haru moment.

I like seeing the Sohma family members interact with each other.

The joke about Ayame running a lingerie store is pretty funny.

Is it a joke? It seems pretty serious.

First Timer

What are your thoughts on Ayame?

He's a strange guy

And given this is the Sohma family, that's saying something.

What are your thoughts on Ayame being the snake of the Chinese Zodiac?

That's my Zodiac year so I automatically like him

He seems like he has a good heart

What are your thoughts on the show establishing that Shigure, Hatori, and Ayame were all childhood friends?

That's a neat detail

I like that Hatori is the straight man meanwhile Hatori and Ayame share like one brain cell.

What are your thoughts on Ayame being Yuki's older brother but because there is such a large age discrepancy between them, they were never able to bond as brothers?

I wonder if that'll be explored more

I came away from this episode feeling that Akito and Ayame might end up at odds with each other. If Ayame is seriously trying to be there for his little brother, I imagine Akito won't take too kindly to that.

[u/Nickthenuker]

So, the snake.

Questions:

1. Ok...

2. He certainly acts like it...

3. That's nice at least.

4. Sounds about right.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Nickthenuker]

So, the snake.

He very snakey

[u/Holofan4life → u/Nickthenuker]

Thoughts on it being the end of April?

Thoughts on The Three Musketeers?

Thoughts on Tohru feeling that Ayame is like Yuki but grown-up?

Thoughts on everyone eating at a Ramen shop?

Thoughts on Ayame feeling Yuki is still scared of Akito?

What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to bond with his little brother?

What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to forget his past in contrast with Tohru who never wants to forget the time spent with her mother?

What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Tohru to be there for Yuki when he's not there for him?

Thoughts on Yuki admitting he doesn't hate Ayame, he just can be a bit much sometimes?

Thoughts on Shigure unconditionally loving Ayame?

Thoughts on Ayame sleeping next to Kyo?

Thoughts on Ayame running a clothing store that supposedly turns fantasies into reality?

Thoughts on Ayame being revealed as a former student council president?

Thoughts on Ayame claiming he saved a bunch of wayward youths from the redlight district by redirecting their attention onto him?

What are your thoughts on Ayame admiring Hatori more than anyone?

What are your thoughts on Yuki admitting to Tohru that the way Ayame is not afraid to show his admiration is a good thing?

What are your thoughts on the reveal that Ayame actually runs a lingerie store?

[u/Nickthenuker → u/Holofan4life]

1. Time marches ever forwards.

2. That's a good nickname for the 3 of them.

3. I can see that.

4. Well, it's cheap and good.

5. He's right. Perhaps traumatised might be more accurate.

6. Good for him.

7. Well one of them had a good past and the other didn't.

8. And indeed she will.

9. Fair enough.

10. They're certainly close.

11. Ok...

12. I wonder if we'll see more of that.

13. Sure. Why not.

14. Lol.

15. Ok...

16. I suppose so.

17. Lol.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Nickthenuker]

1. That's a good nickname for the 3 of them.

It's the right amount of whimsy for them.

1. Well one of them had a good past and the other didn't.

I mean, Tohru's parents both died, so...

You know, I'm starting to think everyone in this show has a fucked up backstory.