Yuki held onto the ladder as Hana-chan climbed up to place a few balloons and streamers over the doorway. Momiji handed the balloons to her, his radiant smile beaming as bright as ever.

Hatsuharu, wearing an apron and surgical mask, watched over the boiling pot of crabs with mild apprehension. Kagura and Kisa were helping Tohru put the finishing touches on her sweet rice cake. Hiro stood in the corner, watching them with mild amusement.

"Aren't you going to help, Hiro?" Shigure said, carrying an armful of presents. Tohru wanted the day to be extra special because Mizuki, an orphan since birth, had never had a birthday party.

"Why should I? Everyone else is doing fine without me." Hiro said with a smirk.

"Oh, Shigure, this is a FABULOUS party. I knew at once when you called that this would be the celebration to end all celebrations…what exactly is it that we're celebrating?" Ayame tossed his silvery hair across his shoulders.

"Coming through!" Uo-chan yelled as she and Ritsu ran down the steps carrying a handful of games.

"So where is this great girl? Isn't it rude to be late for your own birthday party?" Hiro asked. Tohru gave him a small smile.

"Kyo is on his way to fetch her." She said.

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Mizuki walked beside Kyo in a rather uncomfortable silence. He wasn't the most pleasant of people, she understood.

"Are you gonna hurry up, or what?" He asked. Mizuki frowned.

"Are you like this all the time?" She answered. Kyo's face turned red. They continued walking.

A solid rain began to fall, causing Kyo to take off running.

"Hey! You're not just leaving me behind, are you?" Mizuki asked. Rain, when it wasn't freezing cold, had always comforted her. The gentle pelts cascading through her long hair…it felt wonderful.

"I hate rain." He mumbled. He patiently stood under the awning of a nearby shop. Mizuki quickened her pace, coming to stand beside Kyo.

"We can wait here until it stops." He said. He leaned against the shop's window, closing his eyes.

Mizuki's eyes widened as she felt her heart thump. He was incredibly cute in repose. She shook her head, remembering that he had feelings for Tohru. Uo had mentioned as much.

"So…why don't you tell Tohru how you feel?" She said, staring out into the rain. Kyo tensed up.

"That's none of your business." He glared at her. Mizuki shrugged.

"Just trying to help." She said. Kyo gave a jagged sigh.

"If that damn rat wasn't always around, maybe I would," he blurted out, "but don't go blabbing that to just anyone."

"Look, the rain's letting up." She exclaimed. She held out her open hand and felt no drops of water. She ran down the slick pavement happily.

"I mean it. Don't say a word to anyone!" He shouted after her. Mizuki gave him a coy grin, continuing to run down the street.

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"Okay, everyone be absolutely quiet!" Shigure said, turning down the lights. Hiro gave a snort of laughter. Ritsu elbowed him in the ribs.

After a few minutes of being as quiet as possible, they heard a shuffling of feet outside the door. And the echo of angry voices.

"You think I care what a dumb girl like you says?"

"Spare me, you orange on a toothpick!"

The door opened and Mizuki stumbled in with Kyo at her heels.

"What's wrong?" Tohru asked, forgetting the element of surprise.

"I hate him!" "I hate her!"

"Surprise?" Ayame murmured, taking a sip of tea. He shared a worried glance with Hatori. An unsure chorus of 'surprise' followed.

"Kyo, why are you being mean to Mizuki?" Momiji asked. Kyo's face was bright red. Mizuki pursed her lips, trying to enjoy the fact that Tohru had been kind enough to throw a party for her.

"Thanks. I feel so touched." She said with a smile.

"You should. It was no picnic to put together." Hiro muttered. Kagura glowered at him.

"Why does she get the party? She doesn't deserve it!" Kyo yelled. Yuki gave him an angry shove. Mizuki turned around at the last second and caught him, sending the two of them sprawling to the floor.

The entire room was deathly silent. All of the Sohmas held their breath as they waited for Kyo to change into a cat. But he never did.

"Hold on a measly second." Kyo muttered, rising to his feet. He held out his hand to help Mizuki up as well but she ignored it.

"So how about we get this party started with some of Tohru's famous curried crab?" Uo- chan said. Hana-chan nodded.

"What a fabulous idea, girls. You know, you two should be models at my shop." Ayame said, leading a crowd into the dining room.

Kyo gave Mizuki a deep glance. But before he could say a word, Mizuki left the room to enjoy the festivities with her friends.

"Why didn't I transform?" Kyo whispered. Hatori and Yuki stood beside him in confusion.

"Perhaps she too is a member of the zodiac. It would stand to reason."

"What???" Yuki and Kyo's jaws dropped open.