Disclaimer: Don't own Fruits Basket…obviously. The world through Akito's eyes, with lots of musical references, a pun from Romeo and Juliet, and a lyric from Phantom of the Opera. Title thought of with help from (a.k.a. by) my beta, Jon'sMyMaster.

.x. Without Strings .x.

Your sweet melody

So wrapped up in me

Measure you a measure

Toy with you for pleasure

Little more than a plaything

Puppet on broken strings

Shattered there, on the floor

Even so, close the door

You'll be joining me tonight

Everything will be all right

I control your heart, your mind

You'll understand all things in time

Still you linger, despite the pain

Come sing me another refrain

Give my heart another thrill

Time comes to a stand still

You begin to figure out

Don't believe it, feel doubt

I couldn't be your puppeteer

Think again, my naïve dear

You surrendered all your heart

Before I could even start

Now we're tangled, still unsure

All these hurts that we endure

Us humans, this folly race

Moving fast, above our pace

You surrendered all your heart

Before I could even start

You whispered in my ear

Stories of pain and fear

Never knowing you yourself

Could be placed upon a shelf

Out of mind, out of sight

Still unaware of your plight

You surrendered all your heart

Before I could even start

We continue this façade

Paper faces on parade

You surrendered all your heart

Before I could even start