Rika opened the door to see Aya and Shigure. They were both beaming like idiots, and came in as soon as the door was opened. The three of them giggled, ran around the house with toilet paper around their heads (I won't explain) and occasionally hung up a balloon or two. Hatori stayed in the kitchen, making sushi. (Bet you didn't know Hari could cook did ya?)
Finally, the rest of the guests started to arrive and Aya, Shii, and Rika took the toilet paper off their head.
The first official guest was Hatsuharu, holding out a wrapped gift with a huge pink bow on it. He handed it to Rika and she enthusiastically smiled and ripped off the wrapping paper. It was a new CD. She squeezed his shoulder since she couldn't hug him and thanked him. She ran over to her CD player and put it in. It was a screamer band that gave everyone but Rika and Haru a headache. Those two spent about fifteen minutes talking about the excellent bass before the others finally took the offensive CD out and put in something everyone could enjoy.
The next guests were Tohru, Kyo, and Yuki. Tohru was holding their hands and Kyo was holding their gift for Rika. They gave it to her and she opened up a box with a beautiful bracelet inside. She thanked them all and hugged Tohru. Then she put it on and wore it for the rest of the night.
Momiji came in with a huge smile on his face and bearing a huge box of chocolates. Rika did hug Momiji and he stayed a cute little rabbit for about ten minutes. He didn't mind though. He loved hugs from Rika.
The last, but certainly not least, guests were Hiro and Kisa. The other two Zodiac animals couldn't make it due to complications. Hiro was only there because Kisa wanted to be there. He really liked Rika too, but he only pretended to be able to tolerate her. Rika understood – thankfully – and didn't hold it against him.
The party was in full swing with lots of laughter and talking when Rika decided to finally make her announcement. Hatori stood a little bit behind her and stared around at everyone until they all quieted down.
"Everyone," she said, "I have an announcement to make. The reason I came to visit, was not only to see you all because I've missed all of you so much, but also for two other reasons. One of them was that Kazuma just told me something that changed my whole viewpoint on my mother. I have a sister. Her name is Tohru Honda." Everyone turned to stare at Tohru and she blushed heavily. Then Rika began talking again and once again all eyes were on hers. "I'm also going to have a baby with Hatori. I'm about four months pregnant now." Everyone cheered and everyone hugged one another. Except for Tohru and Rika of course, who could only hug each other while other members of the Zodiac jumped around and squeezed Rika's shoulder or hand. Shigure even went as far as to kiss her on the cheek. That was when Hatori decided to hold Rika's hand for a while.
The party ended soon, and everyone was going home. Tohru, Kyo, and Yuki were the last in Hatori's house. Kyo, Yuki, and Hatori left the room while Tohru and Rika talked.
"I'm so excited
about this baby Rika," said Tohru. Rika nodded, smiling
beautifully. "When will you know if it's a boy or a girl?"
"In
about two months, I should be able to know. I'm dying to know, I
just can't wait, but Hatori refuses to know. I don't know why.
He's terrified it will be a member of the zodiac you know. I see
him staring at my belly with such a worried look sometimes I want to
cry. I'm scared too, but don't tell anyone. I wouldn't want
anyone else to know I'm worried."
Tohru just hugged Rika again and said, "I'm sure the baby will be fine." Rika only nodded, still looking very worried and scared. "Does Hatori know you're so scared?"
"No. And don't tell him. He thinks I still don't know he's so worried. And I try not to think about the chances that he or she might be a member of the Zodiac. We all know Hatori can worry enough for the both of us."
"Well, it's getting kind of late and I still have to wash the dishes," said Tohru. The sisters hugged again, and then Tohru went and got Kyo and Yuki and the trio left the house. Rika sagged onto the couch, worry about the baby seizing her and making tears come to her eyes. What if the baby was a member of the Zodiac? It wasn't that she would mind so much about it herself. She had grown up around the members of the Zodiac and it was almost perfectly normal to her that people would turn into animals every once in a while. But what about the baby? She wanted her child to be able to grow up like any other normal child and not have to go through the torment and alienation the others went through. She didn't want her child to be scared that others would shun him or her because of what he or she was.
Hatori came out of the kitchen and saw Rika with her face buried in her hands, her shoulders shaking. He came over as quickly as he could and sat down beside her. She looked up at him and quickly wiped away the tears.
"Silly of me to get so emotional," she said. She tried to pass off her worried face for just being worn out from the party. Hatori pretended that was all it was. He knew Rika hated for other people to be worried about her, or to pity her.
"Maybe you should get some rest," he said gently.
She nodded and went into the bedroom to change into pajamas. They went to sleep soon after that.
