(Chapter Eight: Happy Birthday Rin!)

It seemed like the week went by so fast. Between school and all the rehearsals at Hatsuharu's house Tohru had no time to think of herself, which she didn't really do anyway so it didn't matter. By the time Thursday had arrived the song was more than ready and Hatsuharu told her she could have off on Friday afternoon. At the moment she and Kyo were in their secret spot gazing at the clouds. She was lying on his lap while he had his hands behind his head and was lying on his back. A soft breeze blew which was the first sign that winter was nearing the end. It was now the beginning of February and the cold air had moved towards the north of the country.

"I can't believe it's almost spring time" Tohru commented.

"Yep. One more month and it will be March."

"And then we graduate."

"Mhm" Kyo nodded closing his eyes, trying to shut out the pain in his heart, "One more month."

"Kyo" she sat up, "Are you okay?"

"Yea" he said with a slight grin, "It's been kind of nice, not having Akito bother us."

"It has been very quiet."

"Yep" he nodded again, "It's been almost perfect."

"Are you going to go to the party tomorrow?"

"I don't know" he sighed, "I was kind of thinking about it. I mean I was invited but I know. I knowhow some people feel about me. Not that I care or anything. I'll go if you want me to" he added.

"You don't have to" she shook her head, "I was planning on singing the song, wishing Rin a Happy Birthday and then coming home."

"No" Kyo shook his head, "We should go. Akito won't be there. He never goes to birthday parties. Besides it will be kind of like me going to the Zodiac banquet. There's dancing and stuff."

"Really?"

"Yea. For big parties like this. Oh absolutely. The damn rat's going. I don't see why we shouldn't."

"Okay then" she nodded with a smile, "Let's go."

(Next Scene)

Meanwhile at Sohma house Momiji was helping Ayame and Rin's older brother Seiki to decorate the main hall. The whole party had been Seiki's idea as a way to reach out to his younger sister. Since she had moved in with Kagura and her mom he had tried many ways to reach her, but to no avail. Shigure came in along with Hiro with two boxes of streamers.

"Oh thank you Shigure" Seiki nodded appreciatively, "Just put the boxes over there."

"My pleasure Seiki" Shigure grinned.

"Hiro go give your cousin Momiji a hand," he told his son.

"Yes father" Hiro nodded with a bit of a scowl as he stood behind Momiji who was hanging some blue streamers and whistling to himself, "Why are you in such a good mood rabbit?" he asked.

"I just am" Momiji" replied promptly, "What about you Hiro? Why aren't you in a good mood? You're a new brother after all."

"I know that" Hiro nodded, "But I don't like to dwell on it" he handed him the next streamer, "He's only been around for a couple of weeks."

"Is your mom bringing him to the party?"

"More than likely yes" Hiro said, "Let's stop talking and get back to work."

"Whatever you say" Momiji grinned and went back to his task, continuing to whistle happily which irritated Hiro even more.

(Next Scene)

At Kagura's house Kagura was helping Rin find a good outfit for the party the next day. Rin was shaking her head as she rejected outfit after outfit.

"I don't understand why I have to go to this thing" she sulked as she flopped onto her bed.

"Because Rin, it is for you after all you silly" Kagura giggled, "And your brother Seiki and the others have worked so hard to make it so beautiful."

"Whatever" Rin sighed, "I don't feel much like partying or celebrating my birthday this year."

"But it's your sixteenth" Kagura said, "That is a very important birthday."

"Says who? I mean lots of people turn sixteen. I don't see what the big deal is."

Kagura sighed and walked to the door.

"I have to go help mom with dinner tonight so I will help you find an outfit later Rin" she replied, "See ya!"

"Uh huh" Rin stood up and crossed her arms as she looked at the outfits scattered on her bed, "This is pointless" she shook her head.

(Next Scene)

The next afternoon Kyo, Tohru, and Yuki walked to the main house. Shigure was already there helping as he had the previous day. When they arrived they saw Haru, Arinori, Natsu, and Kaneko setting up the instruments in a corner of the room. Kyo and Tohru walked over to say hello while Yuki walked over to the main house to pay his respects to Akito, since he would not be attending the party. Over on the side of the room, Hiro dressed in his best party attire was trying to fix the present's table. He frowned as he straightened his tie for the third time that day. Momiji came into the room with Kisa who walked over to Hiro. Momiji came over to talk with Kyo and Tohru. Soon the room began to fill up. Many guests had arrived, including Hiro's parents and his new baby brother. Rin's parents had also arrived and as Hatori entered the room Hatsuharu and the band began to play the music. Hiro walked out of the room and headed to Kagura's house to fetch Rin, as he had been previously asked to do.

(Next Scene)

Rin stood by her window staring at the large crowd that was headed for the main hall for her party. She sighed as someone knocked on her door. Kagura peered in with a smile.

"Rin. Hiro's here for you."

"Hiro?"

"Uh huh. He said that he is the one escorting you to the party."

Rin's eyes softened and she smiled a little.

"Tell him that I will be right out."

Kagura nodded and closed the door. Rin sighed and then walked over to the door herself careful to not scuff the pale purple dress that she was wearing. Hiro was waiting by the front door trying to flatten his hair. He smiled as she came in and bowed.

"What's with all the proper edicate nephew?" she practically giggled.

"I'm just showing respect" he retorted, "Here" he handed her a small flower, "I wanted to give this to you before you get all the other presents. Happy Birthday Aunt Rin."

"Thank you Hiro" she took the flower and placed it in her long beautiful hair, "It's perfect."

"Shall we?" he held out his arm.

"Okay" she sighed again but took his arm gently, "Let's get this over with."

And Hiro who nodded to show that he agreed with her led her out the door towards the main hall.

(Next Scene)

When Rin arrived the party officially began. Haru tried to concentrate on his playing, but it was difficult since she looked so amazing. Kyo managed to get a dance with Tohru at least twice. As the food was disappearing and the cake was being served, Hatsuharu winked at Tohru and she came over. He hit the mike a couple of times to get everyone's attention.

"Excuse me everyone," he said into the mike, "We would now like to do a song dedicated to the birthday girl. Suzu" he looked straight at her, "This is for you."

Rin held her breath a little embarrassed as Haru began to play the tune and the others followed along. She only prayed that she would not cry because of it.

(Till Next Time)

Authors Note: Guess what guys? For my lack of giving you these chapters last week, rather then leave you on a cliffhanger here; I am going to write the next chapter as well, since it is a short one! Enjoy!!!

Next Chapter: A Song to Remember

You'll see!!!!