New Years

It was New Year's and the first time Tohru spent it away from her mom. They always spent it together. She couldn't help but feel a little sad that her mom wasn't here with her. However, she got to meet the rest of the zodiacs!

"What are you smiling about?" Akito asked. "Who knew you could be this excited about New Year's? Most of the zodiacs avoid it with a passion. Anyway, don't mess up." Akito left and then he turned back, "Really, don't mess up and get ready already!" Tohru couldn't tell if she was growing on Akito or not. Akito wasn't the guy who left his feelings out in the open. He lashed back out at people to hide his pain, just like Mom used to do in her gang years.

Tohru got dressed in formal clothes. She looked back and liked her appearance. Sure, it was still guys' clothes, but they were nicer than normal. They almost made her feel like a girl again. Tohru looked at the clock. She still had a couple of minutes before the banquet started. I know, I'll check on Hatori!

Tohru made her way to the clinic where Hatori was getting bandages ready in bundles. "Hey Hatori! Happy New Years!" Tohru waved and smiled.

"Happy New Years to you to Tohru. I hope we don't get many injuries this year. Last year we had killer injuries." Hatori sighed. He looked like he wasn't looking forward to this at all. "The banquet is good, but sometimes Akito's anger gets out of control. It was especially bad last year." Hatori looked down. Tohru had the feeling again she was missing something.

"Well, let's make this New Years great this year Hatori!" Tohru smiled. She really wanted to cheer Hatori up.

Hatori smiled back. "Sure, want to walk together to the banquet hall? It is almost time."

"Sure." Tohru smiled. She felt her heart race. Hatori was just walking beside her. Why was her heart racing like this?

"Here we are." Hatori opened the door and Tohru stepped inside. The feeling in her heart went down. It must have been nothing.

About half the zodaics were already there, including a certain enterally happy one. "Tohru, you're here!" Momiji hugged her. Everyone looked at her. Everyone there was someone she didn't know. "I can't wait to show you to all the rest of the zodiac! Let's have fun!"

"Yeah!" Tohru smiled back. Momiji brightened up the room.

Later on:

Every one of the zodaic were seated, all except the cat. Wait, the cat wouldn't be here, would he? I wonder where Kyo is right about now? Akito began to speak and everyone paid attention. "I'm sure you all have noticed the new zodiac here. I would like you to all meet Tohru." Tohru stood up. I didn't mess up, did I? I probably did. "He is the new zodaic of the rooster." Tohru sat down and breathed a sigh of relief.

The banquet was well underway, and everyone was having fun, well, all except Yuki. He never once moved from Akito's side. Tohru was scared of Akito, but she couldn't leave Yuki alone like that, could she? "So Yuki, are you having fun?" What a stupid thing to say!

Yuki looked surprised to see someone was talking to him. "Oh, yes. I believe we met before, didn't we?"

"Yes." This conversation was going nowhere. Um, what to talk about? "Do you like rice balls?"

"It's been a while since I've had one. I can't cook and neither can my cousin. Our house is a mess." Yuki replied.

"If I could, I would help. I can cook." Tohru smiled. It was the one thing she could do. Saki, Uo, and Mom always loved her cooking. Uo once suggested she be a chef. She couldn't get out of here anyway. "Maybe if you come to the main house, I can make you some meals for the week. You need to eat healthy. What have you been eating?"

"Takeout. I think Shigure's gaining weight." She swore she could see Yuki smile. "So, how long have you been here?"

"A month or so without going out of the house." Tohru replied. "Hatori keeps me company, and sometimes Momiji visits as well with Kisa." The truth was that Tohru felt lonely. She wished she could go to school again, or just go in her Mom's apartment one more time.

"You know what; I'll take up your offer on the food." Yuki replied. "Why don't you talk to the others? It is rare that all of the zodiacs are gathered up like this." Akito smirked, like he was up to something.

Tohru made her way to the big group. It was loud and noisy, unlike the place where she once was. "Tohru." Kisa came up to her.

A boy around Kisa's age quickly followed her. "Hey Kisa! We were talking!"

"Don't you think you should introduce yourself before insulting Tohru?" A teenage guy asked with two colored hair. "Sorry about that. My name is Haru Souma."

"Fine, I'll introduce myself. Hiro Souma."

"Oh introductions! My name is Kagura Souma. I think we'll be great friends!" It was another cheerful face! Tohru felt better. She must have only seen the depressing Soumas.

"Oh, what a pretty young lady! My name is Shigure Souma."

"I have to agree Shigure. Ayame Souma. I do wish my dear brother would come over here." Ayame was weeping fake tears.

"Oh, come on you two. My name is Rin Souma." Rin seemed like the standoffish type. It would take a while to know her, but Tohru was sure she could.

"I'm sorry for not introducing myself earlier!" What a pretty woman! Her kimono was so pretty! "My name is Ritsu Souma. Please forgive me!" Ritsu bowed.

"Settle down Ritsu!" Kagure came to her side. Ritsu began to calm down. "Welcome to the Soumas!" It was then when Tohru felt for the first time in a long time that she was home. She gave everyone a real smile, not one she had to force out.