Disclaimer: I don't own Fruits Basket and never will.

Ayame's POV

After Hatori left, my senses all returned, my body unfroze and my brain started working again. Great timing. I swear my head was going to explode with worry. I tried calling Hatori's cell phone, but the number was busy. I tried Shigure after that, but all I got was Akito saying he'd gone out. That and something about these stupid painters that got the colour wrong.

So I busied myself around the shop, fixing the displays, attending the odd customer here and there. But the entire time, Hatori was on my mind. How badly did he take my reaction? (Or lack thereof?)

I closed up shop early and went straight home. Once there, I tried calling Hatori several times. First I tried his home number. I got his answering machine.

"Hello, this is Hatori Sohma. Please leave a message at the tone," came his monotone voice. A harsh beep sounded, indicating I could leave a message.

"Tori-san! It's Aaya! I..." I paused, realizing I didn't know what to say. Should I leave a huge message trying to explain myself, or would that seem impersonal?

"I'm sorry," I stammered and hung up. I tried calling his office as well, but no answer there either.

One hour, 23 phone calls and four cups of coffee later, I gave up. Hatori obviously didn't want to talk. That upset my greatly. Usually, Hatori would take all my calls, whether it be for medical reasons, me wanting to chat or even me announcing something great about Yuki. Until today, I've never really understood why he put up with that sort of thing.

I decided to try phoning Shigure once more. Hopefully he could give me some advice or something useful. I dialled the number, praying someone other than Akito would answer.

"Hello?" came the familiar voice. I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Gure-san! It's Ayame!" I sang, trying to sound like my usual happy-go-lucky self.

"Aaya! How are-" Shigure's cheerful voice suddenly dropped to a more serious tone. "What have you done to Hatori?" he growled. I gasped and nearly dropped the phone. How did he know?

"W-who told you about that?" I asked nervously.

"Hatori told me," he replied bluntly. "What did you do to him? I've never seen him like this before. I don't even think he shed this many tears for Kana."

That was like someone had slapped me in the face. I'd made Hatori cry? I felt dizzy.

"He was crying?" I asked faintly. Somehow, Hatori and tears just didn't go together. It was hard to picture.

"Oh yeah. I've got the tearstains on my kimono to prove it," he retorted.

"Well... Do you at least think he's okay?"

"Hell no, Aaya. You've broken his already broken heart. I don't know how much more he can take." He sighed. "I already told Haa-san I'd support him. So I'll tell you this. Next time I see you two, I don't care whether you're together or not. I just want to see Hatori happy. I definitely don't want the Mabudachi Trio to become the Mabudachi Duo after all this time." With that, he hung up, leaving me feeling guiltier than ever.

I needed to see Hatori. Now.

I kind of dislike writing Ayame like this, all sad and stuff. I like him more flamboyant and loud and awesome. Ah well, nothing I can do now but finish the story.

Thanks so much to Tuliharja for critiquing my story so far!

Final chapter coming soon!