Author's Note: Chapter 9! Woot! Only 2 more to go! weeee! I'm still thinking of what I am going to call the sequal story...

Tohru POV, songfic chapter. (text) -- images i want to put into your head.

†he Ça† Reaper

Chapter 9: The Aftermath: Tohru

I had wondered, all the possible reasons why Yuki did what he did. Even though several weeks had past, I was never told the reasons. I knew nothing except the fact that Yuki had demanded Kyou be expelled from Shigure's house. I was never one to catch on to things quickly. I doubt I ever would be. But somehow I can't shake the feeling that something, anything, was still there. Within our hearts, that will somehow, someday, bring us together again.

Kyou was a good friend of mine, he may have hot-tempered but... I fell for him from the start. Kyou was cursed by the cat, it was long ago that mom had told me the story of the Chinese zodiac...

A Long long time ago, God decided to invite all the animals to a Banquet, he sent word, for all of the animals to come to his house the following evening. "And Don't be late" He said. When the Mischievous rat heard the news, he decided to play a trick on his neighbor the cat. He told the cat, that "The Party was the day after tomorrow..". The very next day, all the animals lined up at the celebration, and the rat led the way, riding all the way there, on the back of the cow. Everyone had a wonderful time...

Except for the cat, who missed the whole thing.. Because of what the rat had done. I had always wondered if that was the reasons Kyou and Yuki never got along. The fact of the matter is.. That I never understood...

About 2 years ago, my mom died on May 1st. I had forgotten to tell her " Be safe" That morning. And then she died in a car accident. I don't know what had caused it. Well anyway...

I then moved in with my paternal grandfather! Things went well for a few weeks. Then we found out grandpa's family was going to move in with us. He went off to say with them at their old place. And I lived in a tent in the woods. Thats when I met Yuki, (smiling at me) and Shigure, (flirting after finding out I was year of the dog). They invited me to stay with them. until the remodeling was finished.

Then I met Kyou (crashing through the roof for the first time). He looked up at Yuki, his back to me as he said "Yo!". Then I found out the Sohma family secret. ( I tripped and fell on Kyou's back, then a peice of the roof fell on my head and I fell into Yuki and Shigure, they transforming). Yuki was the rat, Kyou was the cat, and Shigure was the dog.

Then little by little, I got to meet all the Sohmas!

Kagura ( Kagura running into the paperboy and transforming into a boar). Momiji.. ( Momiji jumping onto Yuki's shoulder) Hatori... ( Me handing Kana's photo to him on the porch) Hastuharu... ( Haru sitting and looking back at me as I am running down hill) Kisa (sleeping in my lap) Hiro (taking my bag) Ritsu (Tearing his back) Ayame.. ( opening the door wearing a white undergown) Akito ( standing outside the school looking at me) Kureno and Rin... ( from summer vacation)

And then I met Kazuma, Kyou's shishou. This was when things began to change. And this was where I discovered the darkest secret of all. Kazuma had pulled Kyou's bracelet off, and Kyou transformed into something I had never seen before. Of course I was afraid. But.. Deep inside... I could still hear.. Kyou's heart.. Crying. The rain clouds had despersed when he had turned back. And to my surprise, he hugged me. I had carried him back in my arms.

After that day, everything had changed. Changed so dramatically that I felt I couldn't focus on the present. For a time then he seemed to change himself. Smiling at me. But soon, before I could grasp the reasons... Things began to change.

I sighed, standing on Kyou's old balcony. Reminising about my memories. I tried to think about what Momiji had said... All memories are important... even though they may make you sad... some day... you'll be strong where you know they can't hurt you anymore... I try to hard now to remember that.

I heard footsteps behind me. And I looked back to see Yuki. He slowly approached as to not invade my personal space. Which I was glad he understood how I felt. " Miss Honda? Are you alright?" He asked. Even though we both knew very well that I wasn't. The response I gave him was a small shrug. He sighed and turned away. " Yuki-kun?" I said quietly, He looked back at me. " Hai?" He asked.

I didn't facehim, I didn't even stand straight. " Do you think.. That one day... Kyou-kun will come back?" I asked. He looked at me sadly. And answered with the only thing he could, the answer that he only knew to be true. " I... Don't know.." He said. I really didn't know, either.

I felt my eyes saddened more, though lately I had looked that way a lot. Ever since Kyou had left. " Miss Honda... I really don't know... I know its hard but don't let it bother you... He may never come back... And I'm sorry for that Tohru... I really am.." He told me sadly. I whirled looking at him. " How are you sorry! You told him to leave!" I yelled at him. I could feel the forming tears within my eyes.

He just sighed and looked away. I really didn't want to react that way. If my snappish anger mood had been before Kyou had left, it would have been uncalled for and entirely unreal for my demeanor, a shocker from everyone.. Even myself. But now, it was somehow unsurprising for this to change my moods. And somehow I wished, and I knew Yuki wished too, that my demeanor had never changed...

He sighed and left the room. I sighed and looked out at the horizon. Yuki walked out, leaving me alone on Kyou's old balcony. Strangest thing for me to still consider that room his. Even Yuki and Shigure still refered to this room as Kyou's room. Or Kyou's old room.

I sighed and leaned over the railing. I looked up at the sky. I wished that he was here. I then straigthened and walked off the balcony. I went downstairs to start making dinner. I was sure it was probably a good thing to do. To keep myself busy and I didn't want it to seem like I wasn't going to be there for Yuki or Shigure. I was about to get the equipment out when I heard a knock on the door.

I shrugged and walked out of the kitchen to the main hall. I opened the door slightly to see who it was. And to my surprise, it was my two best friends in the whole wide world!

I smiled big. " Hi Uo-chan! Hana-chan!" I said happily. Arisa waved at me. " Hi Tohru!" She said. Hana just smiled. " It's good to see you Tohru... We came to invite you somewhere.." She said calmly. I blinked. " Oh? To where?" I asked. Hana and Arisa looked at eachother and smiled, nodding. I didn't know what they were planning.

They then looked at me. " Tohru, have you ever heard of Karaoke?" Hana asked. I blinked. " Oh sure! Yuki-kun did karaoke a few weeks ago at a karaoke contest that I told him about!" I said. " Well... How would you like to come?" Hana asked. I nodded. " Really!' I beamed. I couldn't believe that they'd ask me this. Me? Karaoke? It made me happy to know that they were still thinking about me.

" Let's go and have you kick some ass with some song!" Arisa exclaimed wrapping an arm around my shoulders. I sighed. " I don't know... I mean... I am happy to know that you were thinking about me... but.." I slowed to a stop. Hana looked at me sadly. " We know... But let's go have some fun.." She said. I knew what they were trying to do. Trying to find a way to cheer me up. I loved them so much.

I then nodded. " O-okay..." I said. I saw smiles appear on their faces. And they each took on of my hands. I then looked back at the house. " Oh, but I should tell them where I am going!" I exclaimed before walking into the house to find Yuki and Shigure sitting in the living room. I smiled and put up a finger.

" Uo-chan and Hana-chan have decided that we do karaoke! I just wanted to let you know that I was going out!" I told them. They both looked at me sorta strangely. Well I was acting happy, which for these past few weeks, was a rarity. So I wasn't surprised at their shocked expressions. Yuki looked up at me.

" Honda-san?" He asked. I looked at him. " Hai?" I asked. He hesitated then put on a bright smile. Like on that way in the garden.

Flashback..

Yuki smiled at me hands behind his back. " Thanks for the warning.." He said.

End Flashback.

" I wanted to ask... is it okay if I come too?" He asked. I was surprised at him at first but then I thought. Then I nodded. " Of course!" I smiled. Shigure put on one of his fake sadness faces. I have come to get used to them... And they are quite adorable when you know his true intentions. Shigure really does know when someone needs to be cheered up.

" I wish I could go... but uh-" Shigure trailed off. Yuki looked at him blankly. " You forgot about a deadline, didn't you?" He asked calmly. I frowned. " It's a shame that you can't go..." I said. Then I made a look of confidence with my hand to my heart. " I will quickly prepare you a delicious dinner as payment!" I beamed. And I zoomed into the kitchen before he could reply.

I took out the equipment and food. I took out a knife and began cutting up some tofu and... leek. I sighed. Leeks... Leeks... The word echoed in the back of my mind. I stopped cutting and looked down at it sadly. Leeks. That was Kyou's least favorite food. And everytime I thought of them, or saw them, I would think of him.

I could feel my eyes watering. Kyou-kun... I thought sadly. I could still remember the day he left.

Flashback

I opened his door and he looked over at it blankly. " Kyou?" I asked as I looked in. I knew he could tell my eyes were red, Kyou and I could tell I had been crying nonstop all night and before I woke up.

" What?" He asked, blankly, pretending that he didn't care. I looked away before barely turning my head to him. " Are you leaving... soon?" I asked, hoping he wasn't. I knew that Kyou noted my efforts to keep myself from collasping into tears. We both knew I was trying to hide it... But I was trying my best so I knew he pretended not to notice. Not wanting my best efforts to go to waste.

He stood up with his single bag. " Yes..." He said before turning my direction and walking passed me out the doorway and into the hallway. I turned swiftly to grab his sleeve with my fragile hand. " Kyou..." I started. Kyou stopped and looked back at me. " Please... stay... even though you are leaving... please just stay... just one more day?" I asked, my hand trembling on his sleeve.

Kyou looked down. We both knew it was difficult for me. After everything... After everything that has happened. I looked at him. " Please? Just one more night! Please Kyou! stay!" I pleaded. I could just barely feel Kyou's blood boiled in anger at Yuki's decision to leave. He thrusted his arm from my hold. " No! Shut up! I don't care! I'm going! Leave me alone!" He yelled at me. I stepped back, whimpering. Kyou suddenly had a shocked look, realising what he had said.

I turned away and looked down, silently. Kyou looked at me sadly. He then reached out to put a hand on my shoulder. " Tohru-" He started softly, but I cut him off. " Go..." I said quietly. My voice strained. Kyou pulled his hand back from its spot in air. " Tohru..." He began again. " I'm sor-" He was cut off yet AGAIN. " GO!" I turned looking at him, with my tear-stained face. " GO! GET OUT IF HERE! IF THATS WHAT YOU WANT THEN GO! I JUST WANTED YOU TO STAY, EVEN FOR A LITTLE LONGER! I REALLY DID!" I yelled. Before running to my room and slamming the door shut.

End Flashback

When the memory stopped playing, almost like a video. I could feel hot wetness on my cheeks. I reached up and discovered that I was crying. I tried to stop the tears by scolding myself. No Tohru! Bad Tohru! Do not cry! Do... not... cry.. I thought. But I couldn't help myself. Couldn't stop myself. It was no use.

I felt a gentle hand come onto my shoulder. I turned abruptly to the source. I saw Hana standing there. Looking at me so sadly even though she had a slight calm demeanor. But it didn't hide her frown from me.

" Tohru... Why are you crying?" She asked sadly. I wouldn't answer. And I didn't want to answer. But neither did I want to worry her. I closed my eyes and looked down at the tiled floor. Almost losing myself in the tile design, when Hana brought me out of it. " It's because of him, isn't it..?" She asked again. I looked at her quickly. I couldn't help but nod and sob at the same time. Hanajima hugged me right after that.

" I am sorry, Tohru... You look so sad..." She said soothingly as she continued to hug me. Arisa followed in and hugged me too. " Want me to beat him up?" She asked. I laughed just a little before shaking my head no. They both looked at me sadly. I looked at them both, smiling sadly. " Thank you both so much for worrying about me... but really.. I'm okay... I know that things will be okay.. Mom always said there was a silver lining to everything... I just.. have to fine the silver lining to this one.." I told them. They smiled slightly.

Hana looked at Arisa and Arisa looked at Hana. " She's growing up!" They both said happily at the same time. I sweatdropped. I then shook my head and zoomed around the kitchen, making dinner. Hana and Uo helped me out. And before we knew it, dinner was on the table and we were all eating.

Shigure smiled at me. " Arigatou, Tohru! You really will make a great housewife someday!" He beamed. Hoping it would earn him a blow from Yuki. But Yuki did nothing. Shigure sighed sadly. " Nothing..? Not even a smack?" He asked. Uo rose a brow at him and Hana just stared blankly. " I'd be covered in bandages by now if Kyou were here-" He was cut off by Uo and Hana standing over him. Arisa cracking her knuckles and Hana's eyes lighted with electricity. " You don't.." Arisa said. " Want to finish that sentence.." Hana finished.

Shigure sat down and whimpered. And then smiled at me, Yuki, Arisa, and Uo. " Well why don't you four go ahead and do karaoke! I have some manuscripts to finish!" He said happily. Even though most of the people in the room probably knew that it was already finished and he just wanted to tease Miitchan, his editor, some more. Poor, poor woman.

Yuki knocked Shigure on the head as we all stood up and put our dishes into the sink. I quickly washed them and then we slipped on our shoes and went out the door. As we walked toward the town, Hanajima put my hair into 2 braids. Like how they would be most times I was here.

By the time the four of us got onto the sidewalk, it was a little afternoon. We walked down the sidewalks. But I slowed to a stop. They walked about 2 feet ahead of me before realising I had stopped. They looked back at me. But I didn't look at them. I slowly turned my head to my left. Across the street. I could see him. He was standing on his side. Looking straight at me. That's how it was for a moment.

Til Yuki grabbed my hand suddenely. I looked startled at him. I saw him glaring at Kyou. And Kyou then glared back at him. Yuki intensed his glare. " Come on, Honda-san... let's go..." He said. My eyes saddened at him. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Kyou tense at my change of facial features. I knew he didn't like me to be sad... But this was one of those times where he showed how much it bothered him.

Yuki started dragging me on by my arm. " Yuki- erm... hold on, please... erm!" I tried to make him stop. But he wouldn't let me. I knew he didn't want me around Kyou. At all. And Yuki would never let me out by myself anymore either. I didn't know why.

I looked back sadly to see Kyou watching as Yuki dragged me off. His eyes were saddened. Arisa and Hana looked at me. " Come on Tohru.. let's go..." Hanajima said calmly, yet sadly. Arisa cracked her knuckles. " Can I hurt him first?" She asked. I looked at her in a startled manner. " No, Uo-chan!" I panicked. Hana sighed. " No.." She said calmly. Yuki rolled his eyes. " That's my job, and my job only!" He said.

I looked back once more, the moment I did, he had turned away. And we rounded a corner I saw him slowly turning my direction and starting to walk. Was he going to follow? I didn't know... I didn't even know if I wanted to know if he was following me or not.

We walked into a large dome shaped building. " This is surely big.." I said, still half thinking about Kyou. Hana and Arisa looekd at me. " Yeah I know.." Arisa said. Hana nodded. Yuki walked a little farther. " I see... so this is the karaoke place?" He asked. Hana and Uo lit up. " Of course! It's Karaoke Hall!" Uo beamed. The moment after, I found myself being pulled to the stage by Uo and Hana. Yuki sweatdropping as he followed.

Uo grabbed the microphone. " Yo people! Didn't I tell ya I would bring her? This is it! This is my friend, Tohru Honda! Watch out ladies and gents, gangs and lames, riches, and bitches, boys and girls! She's gonna blow you away!" She yelled. I sweatdropped while blushing. So Uo had planned this? And as if she could read my mind, Hana looked at me. " Yes.. We planned it as a surprise." She said calmly. I looked at her and blushed.. smiling. " Oh Hana, Uo... thank you so much!" I said happily.

Uo and Hana pushed me onto the stage. I saw people cheering at me. I opened my mouth a moment and looked at my friends. They, including Yuki, were cheering me on too. I sighed whiel smiling slightly. I had to make the most of it. A tune came to my mind. I hummed it slightly before the words came to me. I smiled. And opened my mouth as the music started.

The music was sad, it brought memories to my vision and I opened my mouth.

I know there's something in the wake of your smile.
I get a notion from the look in your eyes, yea.
You've built a love but that love falls apart.
Your little piece of heaven turns too dark.

I thought about Kyou. The day he told me that he would be going to the hotsprings too. Smiling at me. But I could feel all my memories shattering hearing the words that he would be leaving and I couldn't make him stay.

Listen to your heart
when he's calling for you.
Listen to your heart
there's nothing else you can do.

It was advise I needed to take myself. I remembered watching, from my window, as he walked away.. I watched his back as he distance. The memory made me want to cry.

I don't know where you're going
and I don't know why,
but listen to your heart
before you tell him goodbye.

I sighed when the interlude came on. I felt tears but held them back. I then noticed an orangehead in the back. I looked back to see Kyou... Standing there. watching me sadly as the information from my song. The deeper message of it. He knew what I meant. And he knew who the message was for. Him and me. I began to start singing again.

Sometimes you wonder if this fight is worthwhile.
The precious moments are all lost in the tide, yea.
They're swept away and nothing is what is seems,
the feeling of belonging to your dreams.

I sang quietly, letting the words come naturally to me. It felt like a whole other person just took over me. And I realised. That person... Was my soul.

Listen to your heart
when he's calling for you.
Listen to your heart
there's nothing else you can do.

I could my heart pulling itself apart. I wanted to cry, the thought came coming, telling me to cry. But I didn't.

I don't know where you're going
and I don't know why,
but listen to your heart
before you tell him goodbye.

I could see, feel him watching me sadly. He knew why I was singing this. He knew it. And we both knew I was never able to..

And there are voices
that want to be heard.
So much to mention
but you can't find the words.

There were so many voices telling me things. So many words that I wanted to say to him, but never could.

The scent of magic,
the beauty that's been
when love was wilder than the wind.

The memories of me remembering the day we met. When I find out the Sohma family secret.
Listen to your heart
when he's calling for you.
Listen to your heart
there's nothing else you can do.

There was something I never got to tell him...

I don't know where you're going
and I don't know why,
but listen to your heart
before you tell him goodbye.

Something I wanted to badly to tell him...

Listen to your heart
when he's calling for you.
Listen to your heart
there's nothing else you can do.

Something I needed to tell him...

I don't know where you're going
and I don't know why,
but listen to your heart
before...

At the pause (That is suppose to be there). I thought about it. That thing that I wanted to tell him was.

you.. tell him goodbye...

I stopped speaking lowering the mic in my hand. As the ending interlude played. I looked across the room at him. Yuki, Arisa, and Hana followed my gaze to see whom I was looking at. I sadly looked Kyou right into the eyes. And then we both knew the answer...

Since that day...I had always.. wanted to tell him... goodbye.

And then there was applause.
Next I knew, a few minutes after we sat in the crowd. I saw Kyou get up on stage and grab the mic. And I heard the music start...

END

Author's Note: There we go! Chapter nine! Next chapter is a Kyou POV! And in his POV he gets to sing his song! n.n see ya then! n.n

Cya later...