Author's note: This is the longest chapter in the story but so many things happen! It's also one of my favorite chapters! If you think so too, please submit a review!


Tohru: I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!

Tohru is beaming with excitement. Her smile is big and wide while her eyes are filled with stars! Kagura smiles as she carefully lays down the large white cake.

Kagura: Well, believe it!

Tohru and everybody lean in for a closer look at the extravagant cake. The cake is filled with exciting colors and characters! It has all the animals of the zodiac on it each with a different color, including the cat! The cake read in pink "Happy Birthday Tohru! From all your friends with love."

Tohru: Awww! I love the zodiac story! Oh? What's this?

Tohru saw that there was something written around the borders of the cake.

Tohru: (Reads out loud). From yours truly, my extraordinary and priceless talent has grace your cake and your days shall be filled with merry! The great and wonderful Ayame was here!

Tohru: AYAME! You made this cake?

Ayame: Of Course I did! I am an artist you know. Though my artistic talent is usually used on my infamous dresses, I am an artist no less! I have put your love of the zodiac on this here cake! No one else could have made such a dream as WONDERFUL as I have! Oh, DO NOT HOLD BACK YOUR FEELINGS OF GRATITUDE AND AMAZMENT! GO ON…!

Hatori: Don't go too excited there. You only decorated the cake. We all chipped in for it.

Uo: That guy is confidence in a dress…

Hana: Indeed…

Tohru: Ayame, it's wonderful! I couldn't imagine a perfect cake in any other world! I'm so happy that you included the cat in it!

Ayame: HAHA! My greatness has told me that you always wanted the cat to be in the zodiac because of your sympathetic nature!

Yuki: I believe that "greatness" is named Shigure…

Shigure: Why thank you, Yuki!

Yuki: (groans). That's not what I meant!

Haru: Perhaps…we can sing Happy Birthday to Tohru now?

Hana: Yes…let's…

Grandpa: I'll count us off! A one, two, and three!

Party Guests: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TOHRU……HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Tohru sat there blushing and just being grateful for everything. She really isn't used to all this attention they're giving her.

Hiro: Hey, birthday girl! If you have any sense in your brain, you would blow out the candles before all the wax melts! Unless you really are that senseless and would feed everyone wax instead of cake.

Tohru: Oh…ok!

Tohru takes a big whiff of air in, ready to blow out the candles! A hand whips right in front of her face before any blowing could continue.

Haru: Tohru, you must make a wish. Any blowing of birthday candles would not be complete without a birthday wish.

Tohru: Umm…ok! (Thinks to herself with a nervous face) Oh wow, everyone is staring at me and waiting for me to make a wish. All this attention is a bit hard to handle…How I can make a wish when I'm so happy right now. I really don't want anything. Oh! I know one!

Tohru takes another big whiff of air in. She closes her eyes and let out a huge breathe of air. Fortunately, all the candles went out and everyone clapped and cheered!

Momiji: So Tohru, would did you wish for?

Tohru: Only that we can remain friends forever and that moments like this can be shared again and again.

Everyone smiles and thinks to themselves that it was just like Tohru to wish of something so unselfish. Tohru smiles and begins to cut the cake while Kagura passes out the slices to everyone.

Kagura: OH! OH! PLEASE LET ME HAVE THE CAT, TOHRU!

Kyo: WHA? No way!

Kagura: OH! Please Kyoooo!

Kyo: Do you find enjoyment eating me! Besides I'm the ca…!

Uo: You're the what?

Kyo: NOTHING! Mind your own damn business…

Hana: I believe, Arisa, our friend here meant to say he was the cat…

The Zodiac Members & Tohru: (Thinks to themselves.) OH NO!

At that point, it seems the whole world stopped…

Uo: Oh…..! I SEE! You're admitting that you're nothing but a SCAREDY CAT! HAHAHA!

All the members of the zodiac and Tohru gave out a huge sigh of relief.

Kyo: ARGHHHH! I'LL GET YA FOR THAT!

Yuki: (Thinks to himself) .That stupid cat! He almost revealed all of us! If I can only drop him in a well somehow…

Everyone began to chow down on the delicious cake! (Kagura got the cat! Teeheheh!) The cake was white with green jelly like stuff with soft coconut in the middle!

Momiji: Now that everyone is done, we can open presents! I'll get them!

Momiji runs to the presents but a hand smacks itself to his head preventing him to successfully run to the presents.

Momiji: Awww! Kyo, let me go! (Runs in place with Kyo's hand on his head)

Kyo: Those presents are for Tohru! Not for you twerp!

Momiji: I won't open them! (Still running in place). You just want to lovingly hand them over to Tohru because you love her so much!

Kyo: THAT IS THE STUPIDEST SHIT I EVER HEARD!

Kagura: AHHH! KYO!

Kyo: AHHH! KAGURA!

While Kyo is being chased in the background by Kagura, Hatori steps up.

Hatori: How about we hand our own presents to Tohru?

Haru: Sounds like a good plan to me.

Momiji: I WANNA BE FIRST!

Kagura holds Kyo by his shirt and only lands two punches before she turns her head and plants a big smile on her face. She drops Kyo and runs over.

Kagura: OH PLEASE! I WANNA BE SECOND!

Tohru: OK!

Momiji: HERE YA GO, TOHRU!

Momiji hands Tohru a small gifted package with yellow sparkly wrapping paper. He stands there with his hands behind his back and waits for a reaction.

Tohru: You did a great job in wrapping it Momiji! I can't wait to see it!

Momiji: Uh-huh! I wrapped it all by myself!

Tohru : The paper is so pretty! I can't stand ripping it all apart after you carefully wrapped it.

Hiro: OH, COME ON! People buy you stuff and you can only think of the wrapping paper. Talk about being smart!

Momiji: Be Quiet, Hiro! I can help you unwrap it if you like Tohru!

Tohru: Oh ok!

Tohru is about to tear the corner but Momiji greedily tore the whole wrapping apart and the pieces laid in small pieces around her.

Momiji: There it's done!

Tohru looks at the item and a huge smile came upon her face!

Momiji: (Jumps excitingly up and down!) DO YOU LIKE IT? DO YOU LIKE IT?

Tohru: I LOVE IT!

Tohru pick ups the yellow hat with bunny-like ears on it to show everyone! Inside it was filled with candy such as lollipop.

Tohru: Now, I can wear this one while you can wear your other cute hats!

Momiji: Yup! Oh! I couldn't wrap the other present so you have to search for it!

Tohru: Umm..Search?

Momiji: Yeah! Try looking through the candy!

Tohru digs through the candy and finds a slip of paper with Momiji's handwriting on it.

Tohru: (Read out loud). You are invited, along with Momiji, Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure, to the Sohma owned country club! (Freaks out!)

Kyo: Not another damn trip!

Momiji: (looks worried). You don't like it, Tohru?

Tohru: No! NO! It's not that! You already treated me to a hotspring! I can't accept such a gift again! THIS IS TOO MUCH!

Momiji: Oh! Don't worry about money! I saved up my money that Papa gave me!

Shigure: Momiji, have you ever been to a country club?

Momiji: Not really, but Papa likes to go there though and he tells me there are lots to do!

Kyo: HAVE YOU CONSIDER ASKING US IF WE WANTED TO GO!

Uo: Wow, looks like we have a richy rich boy on our hands.

Hana: Yes…I hear many high classes love that place.

Tohru: I SIMPLY CAN'T! I CAN'T! THIS TOO MUCH TROUBLE MOMIJI!

Momiji: Please Tohru! Please go!

Haru: It is more hurtful for a person handing a gift to be rejected. You should just take it. Besides, Momiji has been saving up some money. I've seen him.

Momiji: See! I've been! (Holds out a bunny shaped coin purse!)

Tohru: In that case...I'll go!

Momiji: YAY! I can't wait to be a cowboy!

Yuki: Uh…that's not exactly what you do at a….never mind.

Kagura: ME NEXT! ME NEXT!

Kagura hands Tohru a decorated bag with red flowers on it with green tissue paper hanging out on the top. Tohru is relieved that she doesn't have to tear any pretty paper and removes the green tissue paper. She grabs a brown furry item out of the bag. Tohru eyes instantly light up. Tohru hugs her teddy bear backpack present with so much love.

Tohru: OH! THANK YOU, KAGURA!

Kagura comes up and gives Tohru a big hug!

Kyo: (Sighs) Girls and their mushiness….

Kagura: You're welcome!

Tohru: I always thought your kitty backpack was adorable! I can't believe you got me one!

Kagura: I thought you would like it!

A little shy Kisa comes up with such a big present it covers her completely. A little small cute voice comes behind the wrapped present.

Kisa: Sissy? This is for you. This is from me and Hiro. We picked it out and thought you would like it.

Tohru: AWWW! Thank you!

Hiro: Yeah, but don't get any ideas or anything. This doesn't mean anything so you don't have to go all lovey dovey like you did with Kagura. The only reason why I really show up was Kisa wanted to come so much.

Kisa: In other words, Hiro says your welcome.

Hiro: Am not!

Tohru: It's ok, Kisa.

Tohru looks at the present. It looks like something rather huge and soft was wrapped inside. The wrapping was not perfect and was wrinkled in some areas but it looked like someone really put a lot of time in it. Tohru smiles at the gift wrapped with some much time and patience.

Tohru: Did you wrap this all by yourself?

Kisa: (Smiles timidly). Uh-huh.

Tohru takes a deep breath and rips the top off. It revealed a big yellow face with pointy ears.

Tohru: AWW! A stuffed Mogeta doll!

Kisa: Uh-huh….We watched the anime tape together…Hiro, you and me did.

Tohru: Kisa! Come here!

Tohru and Kisa embrace warmly while Hiro lets out a long sigh.

Haru: If you don't mind Tohru, I would like to give you my present next.

Tohru: No, I don't mind at al!

Haru: Excuse me for a moment.

Haru stands up and walks into the house.

5 minutes later…

Kyo: Where is he? I hope he didn't fall asleep in the toilet or something. I really hope he didn't get lost again…

A door opens, and everyone turns. Haru comes out with one hand behind his back.

Haru: I'm sorry; I forgot where I put it…

Yuki: Figures…

Haru: Here…

A red tulip appears in front of Tohru's face. It had one bloomed tulip with two small buds on the side. It even had the roots still attached with clumps of dirt falling from it

Tohru: Oh…Haru! What a simple and sweet gift!

Yuki: Should I even ask why the roots are attached and dirt is falling from it?

Haru: Oh, you see, I had no idea what to give Tohru. I'm not the fancy type and don't shop that much in the first place. Then one day, I was walking by this house and saw this lovely garden. Once I saw this, I thought it was perfect. I didn't want to cut it because it would die in a week and I figured my relationship with Tohru is so much better than a tulip that dies in one week so….I yanked it…

Kyo: THAT'S CALLED A CRIME!

Haru: What? The man didn't mind. I was going to even bring his head as a gift but I figured a bloody severed head was just a bit too gory…

Yuki: So He did mind!

Tohru: HUH!

Hatori: A bit gory?

Shigure: How about a lot!

Kazuma: (Thinks to himself.) Maybe it was a mistake to teach him martial arts…

Momiji: Eww…Haru, you're so gross!

Uo: A head huh?

Hana: I've never saw a real severed head…That would have been most interesting.

Tohru: Umm... Thank you anyways, Haru! It's fine that you didn't give me a head. I'm not so sure what I would do with it.(Makes a nervous face).

Haru: You're welcome Tohru.

Kazuma began to search through his sleeve and bought out a little brown paper package tied with some hemp string.

Kazuma: I'm sorry I'm not as fancy as the others but I really do hope you like it.

Tohru smiles warmly.

Tohru: Of course it's alright. I'm just glad you decided to take time off from the dojo just to be here for me.

Tohru unties the string and open the package. She discovers a black belt and a small gold gold pin.

Tohru: Oh! Thank you, Kazuma! I'm sorry that I can't really throw a punch of a kick though. (Blushes.)

Kazuma: Hehe. I don't think you can either. Sometimes though, the battles in life cannot be fought with fists. I can teach anyone how to land a perfect kick but it truly takes a pure heart to teach one how to love one another. When it comes to the wellbeing of others, you are no doubt a black belt in that field. That small gold pin, I only give to my most gifted and achieved students. You are not my student Tohru, but you have achieved a lot in this household. I know that you have won many battles while here but you have much more to go…

At that last sentence, Shigure looks at Kazuma. Then all the zodiac members stare at Kazuma, for that last sentence meant a lot more than just a compliment.

Tohru: Oh! I doubt I did much around here, only laundry and cooking. But you are simply too kind! Thank you! (Bows gently.)

Ritsu: Is it ok if I go next, Tohru?

Shigure: No! I want to go.

Ritsu automatically holds his head and jumps in front of Shigure.

Ritsu: I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY! I DIDN'T MEAN TO STEAL YOUR TURN! I DIDN'T KNOW YOU WANTED TO! I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN! I SHOULD HAVE…

Shigure: Hehe! I'm kidding! I'm kidding!

Hatori: You really should grow up.

Tohru: Please Ritsu, I insist you go next.

Ritsu: Oh ok! (Reaches for present). WAIT! I need to ask if anyone want to go before me! IF YOU DO, PLEASE TELL ME! I DON'T WANT…

Party Guests: JUST GO!

Ritsu: AHH! OK!

Ritsu hands Tohru a neatly wrapped orange box and a separate bag. Tohru opens it to find a beautiful porcelain tea set with a landscape scene in blue. The bag contains some takoyaki.

Tohru: It's beautiful Ritsu! I love it!

Ritsu: Hehehe. I remember I made you dropped the tea cups and broke them when I first met you while you were trying to serve tea to me. I felt so bad that I destroyed Shigure's property and never forgave myself. Also, last time I almost didn't bring home takoyaki in time for Shigure because that cat wanted my bag. When I heard that your birthday was coming from a letter from Shigure I knew what to get!

Tohru: That's great! Though, it was really my fault that the tea cups were broken. So I'm really sorry if you felt bad for so long. (Bows).

Ritsu: No! No! It was my fault! I can't accept this apology! (Bows back.)

Tohru and Ritsu continue to apologize to each other and repeatedly bow to each other.

Hatori: As a doctor, I advise you two to stop bowing to each other before you both get a massive headache.

Yuki: You can both accept the fault and this problem would resolve.

Tohru: Yes, let's do that!

Ritsu: You're so kind, Tohru. My gratitude is all for you. (Bows).

Tohru: No, I'm so glad you came. (Bows back.)

Bows are once again repeatedly given

Uo: Yo….The doc said you can stop bowing.

Shigure: (Bounces up and down) OK! MY TURN! MY TURN!

Yuki: You're 27 years old, not 7…

Shigure hands Tohru a basket with a bow on the handle. The basket contained a book, Shigure's book of course called Sunshine and Elegance, and a couple of painted small rocks.

Tohru: Oh my gosh! The twelve zodiac rocks I first saw when I met you!

Shigure: Yep, but this time they're dried!

Kyo: It took them a year to dry?

Momiji: That must have been a lot of paint!

Shigure: Kyo, you're so bland! Anyways, the book in this here basket is my latest creation! It hasn't even come out in stores yet!

A picture of Shigure's editor pops up in his mind saying "IT WOULD HAVE BEEN OUT IN STORES BY NOW IF YOU HANDED IT IN TIME! WAIIL! (CRIES DRAMATICALLY)" Shigure smiles at the thought.

Shigure: Please! Please! Read an excerpt and tell me what you think!

Tohru: Ok! (Flips through pages.) How bout this one! (Clears her throat). "Her hair was as light as can be and seemed to be made of gold as it lays in the sunshine. She gracefully turned my way and ……." Hmm…interesting choice of words…

The whole room fell silent as a cricket chirps his song loudly.

Tohru: Thank you for your generous gift Shigure! You really didn't have to get me anything. You already took me in and provided me with a home.

Shigure: Oh! If I knew that, I wouldn't have gotten you anything. Hehe!

SLAM!

Shigure: Ouchies…..Yuki! Kyo! I kid! I kid!

Tohru: Wahh! ARE YOU OK?

Shigure: Heehee! I'm good! Hatori, I can tell the look on your face that you want to give Tohru her present now!

Hatori: Uh-huh, because I was just bouncing up and down in joy like you did…

Ayame: AH! HATORI! You must have gotten her the perfect gift! ENLIGHTEN US WITH YOUR DOCTORNESS!

Yuki: Idiot! Doctorness is not a word…

Hatori: I guess I have to give it sometime. Here.

Tohru retrieved this very professional looking wrapped box. It was neatly wrapped with white paper and a red bow perfectly in the middle. It wasn't a very big box but it was very heavy. Tohru regretfully tore the paper and opened the brown box. She took out the item that was sandwiched between two pieces of Styrofoam.

Tohru: A snow globe! It's so beautiful.

The snow globe had a very heavy and detailed base. It had depictions of flowers and birds. On the inside, it had a scene of a girl that seems to be dancing in a field of spring flowers. Tohru turned it over and crank the knob and it played a cute melody. She turned it over and the snow sprinkled over the dancing girl.

Hana: It is very pretty….pretty indeed.

Hatori: I knew your favorite season was spring so I wasn't sure how I was going to get spring for you and wrap it up. I figure this was the next best thing.

Tohru: Thank you Hatori. I really do love it!

Tohru stared at the globe. It seemed to have hypnotic powers over her. Tohru smiled and looked at it. The dancing girl in the globe, Tohru thought to herself, is Kana. The snow melting is because spring is here. Kana is the spring that Hatori, the snow, needs in his life. It's just nice to think of it that way.

Ayame: WONDERFUL HATORI! It was simply wonderful! You really know how to warm one's heart and soul…BUT! IT IS MY TURN TO FILL TOHRU WITH OVERWHELMING JOY WITH MY LOVELY PRESENT! Here is my present to you, princess…

Ayame holds out on his hand a satin fabric as wrapping. It was so soft, silky, and shiny. The designs on it were majestic looking snakes with flowers in the background. It was finished with a see through chiffon material as string tied around it into a droopy but elegant looking bow in the middle.

Tohru: Wow, it looks so fancy and beautiful!

Ayame: HAHAHA! ANYTHING FOR YOU! NO ONE ELSE CAN DO IT BETTER!

Tohru gently pulls on the chiffon string and the whole bow fell loose instantly. She unfolds the satin material to find an even better prize.

Tohru: HUH!

Uo: NO WAY!

YUKI & KYO: YOU SICK BASTARD!

The whole room froze in shock as Tohru holds a red lacey bra that was rather large that seemed for the flat chested kind.

Ayame: Hmm? Oh my goodness! How did that get in there! (Grabs it from Tohru).

Hatori: I'm hoping it's not for you…

Ayame: OF COURSE NOT! This came as a special request, from a man no other!

Yuki: (in total shock.) A…man…wanted…this…?

Ayame: AH, YES! IT IS MY LATEST WORK! You have no idea how it is to be a man of a larger size! The poor guy had a chest problem because of that. MEN OF LARGE STATURES NEED SUPPORT TO YA KNOW! HAHA!

Haru: Hmm…I never knew.

Ayame: I CALL IT…….A MAN-BRA!

Ayame stands up above everyone with streaming confidence as flashes of bright light beam from the red man-bra.

Hana: Interesting. How can I get this "man-bra?"

Ritsu: I would like to know too! Ayame, your work is so wonderful! I wish I can be like that.

Uo: Enough of the fat man-bra! Let's get to the present.

Tohru this time picked up the real present. Her eyes dazzled with delight!

Tohru: WOW! A KIMONO!

The kimono was rather beautiful. It had red cherry blossoms designs on it with a baby pink color for the background color and many accompanying sashes

Tohru: Thank you so much! I never had such a fancy gift before.

Ayame: Please! Don't be shy! Try it on!

Tohru wore it over her clothes to quickly show everybody an idea. She blushed throughout the whole process.

Uo: You should turn around, Tohru. Give everybody a nice preview.

Tohru turned around. In the back, there was a hot pink rose with a stem and three leaves on it embroidered in the back. The embroidery was done in such detail and seemed very delicate. Tohru was in awe when she saw it when it was taken off.

Tohru: Ayame, you're a genius! This is soo lovely!

Ayame: HAHA! A GENIUS I AM!

Kyo: I just think I saw his head get a bit bigger.

Uo: Funny…I just thought of this. Kyoko had a red butterfly embroidered on her gang jacket.

Hana: Yes. And now Tohru has a pink rose on her new kimono. It is funny how that works out.

Tohru: Thank you so much Ayame! This is the fanciest piece of clothing I ever own! Now, I have something decent to wear on New Years to visit the temple…

Ayame: DON'T CONTINUE! YOU DON'T HAVE TO FLATTER ME! WE ALL KNOW MY ARTISTIC ABILITIES ARE BEYOND COMPARE!

Grandpa: Tohru, it is getting pretty late for an old man like me. I want to give you my present.

Tohru smiles as she holds Grandpa's gift which is only in a large envelope. Tohru opens the envelope only to find money.

Tohru: GRANDPA! THIS IS TOO MUCH! YOU CAN'T DO THIS! YOU'RE SPOILING ME!

Grandpa: Tohru, don't disagree with me, you silly girl. I know you have a job but I hear that you've been putting a lot of hours lately from Uo and Hana. I want you to take it easy and enjoy life. You can't waste your whole life on work.

Tohru: Grandpa…

Grandpa: Now, don't you worry about me! I don't even lift a finger around the house since your aunt does all the cooking. Plus I'm a retired man. I get money for doing nothing! So you go ahead and take it easy. Now before you go thanking me, you have to find the other part of your gift.

Tohru goes through the money and finds a picture of a young man. He looks very handsome and had dark hair. He looks very young, around Tohru's age. Tohru became teary when she sees this photo.

Tohru: (Sniffles). Is…Is…this….?

Kagura: Aww…What is it, Tohru?

Momiji: What's wrong?

Grandpa: Yes, Tohru. That is a picture of your father. I was going through my things and found this old photo. I was surprised to see it. This was his school photo in high school. I thought you would like to keep it along with that one picture you always keep of Kyoko.

Tohru begins to cry and covers her face. Uo and Hana are alarm and rushes to her side.

Tohru: Grandpa…I appreciate your gift very much but I hate to disappoint you

Grandpa: Come child, you can't disappoint me. What is it?

Tohru: Mom's picture is missing and I can't find it. And it's my entire fault!

Grandpa: Is that all?

Tohru: Huh? (Uncovers her face.)

Grandpa: If I knew what Kyoko was like at all, I know that she wouldn't care. She wouldn't be disappointed in you for losing one thing. You are her most prized treasure. If anything would happen to you, then she would be really disappointed. Besides child, I forget if I brush my other teeth or not.

Tohru: Thank you, Grandpa. You're the greatest!

Uo: See its ok. Grandpa is right. Kyoko is so much more understanding than a lost picture.

Hana: I forget too, Tohru. I forget to do my homework sometimes.

Uo: I think you mean you forget everyday and you do it on purpose.

Yuki looks at the ground and keeps Grandpa's words in his mind while thinking of Kyoko. The feeling of longing fills his chaotic mind.

Uo: If everyone is done, Hana and I would like to give Tohru her gift.

Hana hands Tohru a heavy present.

Shigure: Wow! Did you give her the entire collection of encyclopedias?

Tohru gotten the hang of tearing open pretty wrapping paper and tore it open. The first thing she saw was a picture of her, Hana, and Uo smiling on the cover a very large scrapbook. She flips through the book. It was so neatly decorated and each page was filled with wonderful pictures and little decorations!

Tohru: There we are in junior high!

Tohru stopped at a page. Mom was in it with Hana, Uo, and her. Tohru thought about the old times and how happy they were. These memories made her feel warm inside though a pang of sadness was present. Though, she was very happy just to see the expressions on the faces on the photo.

Uo: Haha! There I am with the bruise I got when I got out of that gang!

Hana: Hmm..I haven't changed in 5 years except for my height. I wonder if I'll ever age…

Ayame: HAHA! SUCH INTERESTING GIRLS!

Momiji: Tohru! You were as tall as me now back then! That's so neat!

Yuki: Miss Honda, you're still as cute as you are back then.(Smiles).

Tohru blushes immensely and is extremely embarrassed.

Tohru: Oh…I don't know about that.

Ayame: OF COURSE YOU ARE! YOU ARE A FLOWER THAT GROWS BEAUTIFULLY EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE LIVING IN A HOUSE FULL OF FILTH WITH NO SUNSHINE!

Shigure: Ayame, you sound as if we keep her in a dungeon.

Hana: Do you like it Tohru?

Tohru: Of course! It's so much fun to see how time passed by right in these photos! These memories are so precious to me. Now whenever I feel sad or down, I can look at them and feel better. Even though no amount of money can bring back these happy memories, this is the next best thing. I want to thank you so much for spending so much time making this scrapbook. You must have spent a fortune on the decoration and this large book.

Uo: Tell me about it! I never knew how expensive scrap booking was. Those old ladies that do it must have a lot of time and money. It was like 9 dollars for a tube of glitter about the size of my thumb.

Hana: Oh, Tohru! Do not look bothered. Arisa and I decided we want something that you can keep worthwhile. Any price we would have paid for you. Plus Kyo's money was a large help too.

Tohru: Thank you! How am I going to repay you guys for all your troubles and help? I know we'll be best friends forever. You guys are the best friends anyone can ever have! (Embraces Hana and Uo).

Uo: Hey, Carrot-to…Where's Carrot-top?

Hana: Hmm… I thought I sensed fewer waves…

Uo: He better not skip out on the presents. I'll give the boy a good knocking.

Tohru: Oh, it's ok! He probably went inside to use the bathroom. I really don't mind.

Uo: Fine. How about you, Prince?

Yuki: Miss Honda, I really would love to give you your present but it is not done. I tried my best to get it done but I hope you can forgive me.

Tohru: Oh, no! It's fine! Your kindness to me is really enough.

Shigure: Hey Tohru. I've just thought of this. How come you never mentioned your birthday?

Tohru: Oh…

Tohru blushes and looks embarrassed as she tries to explain.

Tohru: Well….you see… I guess I got caught up at work and totally forgot all together. Plus I really didn't want to put you through all this trouble. You all have done so much for me, more than you ever know! I'm so lucky to have a mother who loved me so much and I'm blessed with friends like you. You all been so nice to me and took care of me. You took me in and helped me with homework. You make me laugh and feel warm inside. The list goes on. I don't think I have all the time in the world to explain how grateful I am…

Hiro: Then save it!

Ayame: OH! SUCH LOVELY WORDS TOHRU! THAT'S WHY WE ALL LOVE AND ADORE YOU SO MUCH! AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND WORDS TOWARDS ME!

Yuki: SHE WASN'T TALKING TO ONLY YOU!

Uo: Trust me, Tohru. You have done so much for all of us too. If it weren't for you, I would probably be out in the streets living a dead life or in jail on death row.

Shigure: Oh…Umm….That sounds so nice…

Hana: And I, Tohru. I wouldn't know what real friendship is at all if it weren't for you.

Grandpa: Not to mention, you are my favorite granddaughter.

Yuki: I believe that even though you believe that you owe us but in reality, we are in a large debt to you. I don't know what everyone's story is but I know this much. You healed each of us in a way.

Tohru sniffles and grateful tears stream down her cheeks

Tohru: Aww…you guys. I can't imagine a better birthday. Nothing will ever beat this. Thank you. I am truly blessed.


This is the end of chapter 5 but the story is not over yet! Where did Kyo go and what did Kyo and Yuki give Tohru? The last and final chapter 6 shall explain all. Please add reviews!