(Chapter Seven: Choosing a Band)

Tohru quickly packed the basket with the lunch for the afternoon. Hatsuharu would be waiting for her at his dad's warehouse, where the band interviews were to take place. Yuki came into the kitchen and leaned against the door.

"You have everything Miss Honda?" he asked.

"I think so" she nodded with a smile, "Oh shoot. I think there is something I left upstairs. Would you put the basket by the door for me Yuki?"

"Sure" he agreed walking over to the counter and picking up the basket.

Tohru ran upstairs as he placed it by the front door. It was a very quiet morning. Shigure was once more downtown preparing his next novel, and Kyo was at the dojo with Kazuma. Tohru came downstairs with a stack of song sheets.

"I think that's everything" Tohru replied putting on her coat and wrapping her scarf around her, "Thank you Yuki" she said as he handed her the basket.

"You sure you don't want me to walk you there Miss Honda?" he asked.

"Actually if you don't mind, I would love the company."

"Of course" he reached over to the coat rack, "Let me just get my coat."

He placed it on and the two of them walked out the door, Yuki closing it behind them.

(Next Scene)

The wind blew kind of chilly as the two of them walked down the path. Tohru rubbed her hands together as Yuki carried the basket.

"So Miss Honda, I bet you've been wondering how Ritsu has been doing?"

"Well now that you mention it, I did want to tell you that he and Rebecca have been spending a lot of time together. Kandis told me."

"I know. Ritsu has been coming to the city a lot more than he originally intended to. In fact Machi's father says he's been seeing him at least three times a week now."

"That's wonderful. I'm so glad those two got together."

"Me too Miss Honda" Yuki grinned, "So how far are we going?"

"Oh we are going to Hatsuharu's fathers warehouse. It's a much bigger place to rehearse."

"I see. I think it's not too far from Sohma house. Of course I have only ever heard of it."

"It seems to me that the Sohmas own a lot of different companies."

"Yes" Yuki nodded, "As your grandfather put it, we are a business person type of family. All except for members of the Zodiac go into some kind of business or another. Oh look it's just around the corner," he pointed.

Sure enough the two of them came to a very open area where a large warehouse filled with moving trucks was located. Hatsuharu was standing on one of the sides next to a large sign that read:

Band Auditions:

Drums and Electric Guitar

This afternoon 12:00-3:00

Must have previous experience

Pay is negotiable!!

He waved Tohru and Yuki over with a smile. As they approached Yuki handed Tohru the basket.

"Good morning Hatsuharu" she replied with a grin, "I brought a basket of things for us to eat during the course of the afternoon."

"Aw gee thanks Tohru" he said embracing her quickly, "More than likely we are sure to get hungry. And what are you doing here Yuki? Are you sticking around?"

"Actually no" Yuki shook his head, "I am meeting someone this afternoon. Goodbye Miss Honda" he bowed his head, "I'll see you this evening."

"Okay" she nodded as she rummaged through the basket, "Oh no" she suddenly exclaimed.

"What's the matter Tohru?" Haru asked as Yuki stopped in his tracks.

"I forgot the rice-balls" she sighed, "And I specifically put them by the basket to put them in. I can't believe I forgot them."

"Well don't worry Miss Honda" Yuki replied, "I can run back home and get them. I've got some time."

"Oh that's very sweet of you Yuki" Tohru said, "But I wouldn't want to bother you. I tell you what, Kyo said he would stop by later. Would you ask him to bring them when he comes for me?"

"Consider it done" Yuki grinned and then walked away.

"Okay" Haru smiled taking the basket, "Let's put this over here" he placed it on a large crate, "I got my keyboard all set up. The sound system has been hooked up too. Dad has been really helpful."

"What should we do first?" Tohru asked.

"Well we got some time to kill before people start showing up, so let's practice on the song a little. After all, it's one more week till the birthday party."

"That short of time?" she said surprised, "Will the other players be ready by then?"

"I'm sure they will" Haru replied crossing his arms, "They have to have experience and we will practice at my house all week till we get it down. The other thing is I was talked into being the party's musical entertainment, so they will be paid for that as well."

"Do you have enough to pay them?" she asked a little worried.

"Don't you worry your pretty little head about that" he smiled, "Just let me handle it. Come on let's go practice."

"Okay" she nodded following him over to the keyboard with her song sheets.

(Next Chapter)

When Kyo arrived home he discovered that there was no one to be seen. He walked into the kitchen and grabbed the milk carton from out of the fridge. As he was gulping it down he noticed the small bag of riceballs on the counter and a note sitting beside it. He walked over, picked up the note and read it. It said:

Stupid Cat,

Miss Honda forgot this when she grabbed her basket this morning. Please take it down to her at the warehouse. She will be waiting for you.

Yuki

Kyo crumpled up the letter in disgust and threw it into the trashcan. Then he casually picked up the small bag, sighed, and headed back out the door.

(Next Scene)

As Kyo approached the warehouse he noticed a large group of guys with guitars and drums standing in line trying to see to the front of them. When he tried to walk around them he got shoved a little as they all pushed their way forward. As he finally reached the front of the line, he saw why. Three of the guys were talking with Tohru as they signed their name to a list. Tohru was smiling and Haru was talking with a couple of the other band members.

"Excuse me" Kyo said roughly as he came over to the front, "Hey" he smiled when he saw Tohru.

"Hey" she smiled back.

"Yo buddy, back off!I was the first in line" the tall boy in the front replied angrily.

Kyo turned to him and gave him a look that indicated for him to back off.

"I am not here for the band auditions" he said back, "I am here to drop something off for my girlfriend. So you back off."

The tall guy along with many others who kind of frowned moved away as he walked over to her with the small bag.

"Here's your riceballs" he replied kissing her on the cheek.

"Oh thank you Kyo" she said with a smile back, "We're just about to start. You can go if you want."

"No" he shook his head, "I think maybe" he looked at the guys behind him, "I'll stick around till you're done."

"Okay" she nodded as Haru came over, "It's okay for Kyo to stay isn't it Hatsuharu?" she asked.

"Oh yea sure" Haru nodded, "Just go take a seat over there Kyo" he replied pointing to the empty chairs to the side, "And gentlemen" he said to the crowd, "Let's begin."

Kyo with a scowl walked over to the chairs and sat down in one in the front row. The rest of the guys who were not playing at the moment sat in the remaining chairs, eyeing the surly eighteen year old the whole time.

For about two hours Tohru and Hatsuharu listened to all the talent in the city. As Kyo munched on one of her riceballs Haru came to the front and posted up a sheet.

"If your name is on the sheet, we ask that you please wait to the side and we will be with you momentarily. If you're not on the list, we do appreciate you coming out, and we just like to say that all of you" he looked at Tohru who nodded enthusiastically, "Have a lot of talent and we wish you the best. Thank you."

He walked over and sat down next to Tohru as a scramble of boys rushed to the list. Much to Haru's relief the ones who didn't make it left with a smile and a wink to Tohru. When they had all left three people remained. A tall skinny blond with piercings in his ears much like Hatsuharu was standing with his electric guitar still on his strap. The other boy who stood next to him was shorter and had medium length black hair that hung in his eyes. He also played the electric guitar. Finally the third player, who had drumsticks, was a young girl with short mahogany hair. Strangely enough she had been the only girl to audition. Haru and Tohru walked over and welcomed them.

"Thank you guys for coming today" Haru began, "My name as I said before is Hatsuharu Sohma. And this is my singing partner Tohru Honda."

"Hey" the blond replied, "I think I've seen you two before. Didn't you win the singing competition at the Spring Festival last year?"

"Yes" Haru nodded as Tohru smiled, "That was us. I have asked Tohru to sing a special song at the party we will be performing at. Now as the job entails, we will be playing the entire time so you will be well paid. The party is next Saturday so we will practice all next week. The paper I handed out to you thisafternoon has my cell phone number and home address if you have any further questions. So let's get started. You're Arinori Kigawa?" he shook the blonde guys hand.

"That's me."

"Very impressive. You'll definitely be lead guitar."

"Thank you.

"And you are" Haru continued shaking the black haired one's hand now, "Natsu Inaba."

"Yes" the boy nodded.

"We really liked your performance as well."

"Yes" Tohru nodded, "It was nicely done."

"Thank you" he grinned.

"And finally" Haru smiled as he approached the girl, "We were very impressed not only with your skill Miss Shimura, but also the fact that you were the only girl who showed up."

"It's Kaneko" she replied, "Miss Shimura is my mother."

"Well spoken" Haru grinned even more, "Okay. We will see you guys on Monday afternoon for the first rehearsal. Thank you and have a good afternoon."

They all nodded and grabbed their instruments. Haru stood by Tohru as they departed. Kyo came over a few moments later and placed his arm around Tohru.

"You know what Haru" Kyo replied, "With a group like that you could really start a band."

"I know" Haru nodded, "I sure could."

(Next Scene)

That evening Hatsuharu organized his song sheets in his box. His mother, Mariko came into the room with a cup of tea for him.

"Thanks mom" he smiled as he took a sip, "That hits the spot."

"Your father said that the rehearsals were a success today."

"Yea" he smiled, "They went really well. Hopefully it goes just as well with the party."

"Haru" his mom sighed, "I hope you're not giving yourself false hopes again."

"What do you mean mom?"

"I mean, I know why you are doing this. And while you have a good heart and everything, I just don't want you to be disappointed."

"But mom, I am never disappointed to the point where I overreact anymore. I mean when was the last time I went black and tore up your living room?"

"Well I have to admit it has been awhile, but I am worried about you my son. Just don't put all your hopes on this. Because you might not like the outcome. You know I only say these things because I love you."

"I know" he nodded, "But do you understand that I only try so hard because I love her too."

"Yes" she nodded as well as she stroked her fingers through his hair, "Like I said before, you got a good heart."

She stood up and left the room. Haru sat on the bench a little longer and then stood up himself and walked over to his keyboard, sitting down once more. He pressed his fingers on the keyboard and began to play.

(Verse One:)

Now that you're gone, just let me stay/

Here on my own with you in my dreams/

I lose myself and believe you're still here with me/

I can't go on like this/

I need you now/

(Chorus:)

Wasting away to nothing but me/

And you can't see me I'm too far/

I can't feel you/

There's only me/

There's nothing left but me/

(Verse Two:)

Suddenly broken I call your name/

Visions of you just drive me insane/

Falling deep into emptiness/

All alone, save me/

I can't go on like this/

I need you now/

(Chorus:)

Wasting away to nothing but me/

And you can't see me I'm too far/

I can't feel you/

There's only me/

There's nothing left but/

Wasting away to nothing but me/

And you can't see me I'm too far/

I can't feel you/

There's only me/

There's nothing left but me/

There's nothing left but me/

Nothing left but me/

As he finished playing his mother sighed and walked back into the kitchen, unsure of what she should do.

"I can't tell him," She thought, "I just can't tell him."

(Till Next Time)

Authors Note: I know! I know! I know! I am so late with this! But I will finish Book Twelve by tomorrow I promise! Hope you enjoyed it!

Note One: I do not really know who sings this song originally, but it is a woman. The song is called "Nothing left but me" and I really wanted to incorporate it into what Hatsuharu is feeling at the moment! Also I changed the chapter title because this one made more sense!!!

Next Chapter: Happy Birthday Rin!

The party has arrived!!!