Hello! Welcome to chapter 3 of The Way Forward. Sorry about the wait... since the new Zelda game came out last month, I've been devoting a lot of free time to that, plus my cat had surgery two weeks ago and I've had my hands full. But I managed to get out another chapter, so here it is. Hope you enjoy! And to James Birdsong, thank you for the kind review!

Disclaimer: I don't own Fruits Basket.

Chapter 3: The Best Ideas

It was a special day when Hatori managed to get some peace and quiet. But the last place he expected to get it was during a car ride with Ayame Sohma, of all people.

The man was... brooding.

Hatori had been informed that he had the tendency to brood—and he had been known to observe Shigure brooding on occasion. But Ayame? That was a rare occurrence indeed.

It seemed so unnatural. And truthfully, it made his skin crawl.

While he typically didn't mind the peace and quiet, he decided he couldn't take this particular brand of silence any longer. "All right," he said, tightening his hands on the wheel, "What's wrong? You're being uncharacteristically quiet."

Ayame, ever radiant, turned his head slowly and then laughed as though he hadn't a care in the world. "Oh, was I?" he asked, either feigning ignorance or simply lacking in self-awareness entirely. "I hadn't noticed."
"You never stay silent for this long, so there must be something."

Ayame placed a hand on his chest, bringing the drama as always. "I do appreciate your concern for me, dear Hatori, but I believe you underestimate me. Even a man like myself can get lost in existential thought now and then."

Existential thought, huh?

Somehow, he knew he was going to regret this, but after a few beats to prepare himself, he asked, "Anything you want to share?"

He cast a quick glance in Ayame's direction when he did answer right away. When he looked over, he was surprised to see that Ayame's gaze was cast down, his expression thoughtful. Almost—solemn.

"Actually," Ayame replied after a few seconds, "I'm going to ask Mine to marry me."

After that, it was Hatori who fell temporarily silent. Of all the things he suspected Ayame might have going on in his head, that wasn't one of them. But in retrospect, perhaps he should have expected it. After all—Ayame and Mine were incredibly close, and ever since the curse broke they had been all over one another, engaging in absolutely shameless public displays of affection any chance they could get. Aya was never the shy or private type, but in recent months, it seemed like he had blossomed, in a way... become more himself, similarly to the rest of the Zodiac members. And it was clear in every instance that he looped his arm around Mine's small frame, or nuzzled her face, or eagerly kissed her hands before separating from her, that he was making up for several years of lost time.

Such thoughts spun around in Hatori's head over the course of about five seconds before he opened his mouth and said, "I see."

"I'm sure you must be thinking," Aya said without missing a beat, "'Aya has so much confidence—how could he possibly get himself worked up over something as simple as a marriage proposal?!' And I certainly wouldn't begrudge you for thinking so. The same thing crossed my mind as well. But believe it or not, I suppose—well, I'm a bit nervous!"

Hatori chuckled. "The game of love more complicated than you thought?"

"Oh no, just the opposite!" Ayame exclaimed. "It's not complicated at all. I love Mine, with everything that I am. That's never been more clear to me than it is now. But... Hatori. I want to hand her the world—and lately, it's come to my attention that I am but one man in an endless sea of stars. Once, I felt invincible, and now I see not only my own mortality, but... my solitude in this world. I'm just me, and nothing more, nothing less. Will that be enough to give her the life she deserves?"

Hatori couldn't help but shake his head at the contradiction. "You wanted to be with her freely. Now you can be, and you're questioning your worthiness? Aya, those existential thoughts are running away with you."

Ayame sighed and lazily leaned his cheek on his fist. Locks of long, silver hair fell forward, hiding his expression. "Maybe you're right," he said. "But even so, I'd think you of all people would understand. It's been... quite an adjustment, hasn't it? These past few months. You feel it too, don't you?"

It wasn't something Hatori cared to dwell on. Still, in an effort to appease his friend, he said, "I think it's something we're all learning to deal with, in our own ways. All evaluating our roles in life, after losing... the bond."

"Maybe the truth is..." Ayame said softly, "That I'm simply afraid of change."

"That's nothing to be ashamed of. Most people are, I think."

"Not you, though. You take almost everything in stride."

Hatori laughed. He wasn't sure why. After all, Ayame hadn't said anything particularly amusing. Yet he found himself laughing—albeit, in a lonely sort of way.

"I think you've always given me far too much credit, Aya," he said. "I'm not perfect."

"Well, no one's perfect," Ayame replied with an easy smile. "Except perhaps my lovely Mine, but that's besides the point. When the curse broke, I'd argue you handled it better than any of us. The problem with youisn't that you're afraid of change. Do you remember how I said I wanted to see you two thousand times happier than Kana?"

Finally, Hatori slowed his car in front of Ayame's shop. He pulled over across the street and put the vehicle in park silently, before sighing and turning his face fully to Ayame. "I remember that, yes."

"You have every ability to make that a reality, and yet you're still holding Mayu at arm's length while you continue to serve the Sohma household just as you have for the last decade."

"The Sohmas still need a doctor, Aya, just as they always have," Hatori retorted. "Work is work as far as I'm concerned."

"But you can't convince me that you're actually happy working in main house, Hatori! Especially with Akito still there, and all. You deserve better."

Hatori slowly turned his face away and said nothing. Do I, though? Do I deserve better?

After several seconds of silence, Ayame continued, "All I'm saying is that maybe it's time to stop letting the chips fall and actually make some change of your own. Sweep Mayu off her feet! Find a new place to call home together, and start your own practice instead of keeping yourself tied to the family name. I have plenty of ideas and would be happy to help—"

"I'll think about it," Hatori interrupted, not wanting to hear anymore. "Thanks. For now, I have to get back, all right?"

Ayame shut his mouth immediately and gave Hatori a brief sad look, before lazily brushing his hair back and reaching for the door handle. "Very well, have it your way," he said. "Let me know if you change your mind, because I'm happy to help!"

"Just focus on your proposal," Hatori said with a soft smile. "And give Mine my regards, okay?"

"Oh, you know I will, Hatori," Ayame said. "And you have nothing to worry about—if there's anything I excel at, it's planning the perfect date! I fully intend to leave her breathless and spellbound."

"Okay," Hatori muttered, starting the car back up as Ayame stepped out. "You do that."

Ayame turned around peered down at him through the open door. "And just remember, if you need any tips for your next date with Mayu, I—"

"I'll let you know. Bye, Aya." Hatori reached across the center console and passenger seat, grabbing the door and shutting it with a loud thud. He heard Ayame say something else, but it was muffled, so Hatori just waved before switching gears and driving off.

He never had any problem listening to other people talk about their problems. But he wasn't ready for anyone to push him to face his own. He had far too much work to do.

Ayame, of course, was not to be discouraged easily, and he brushed off Hatori for the time being so he could focus on other matters. He rushed across the street and burst into the store with love on his mind and stars in his eyes. "Mine!" he called out gleefully. "Prepare yourself, Darling, I have the most lovely surprise!"

"Boss, welcome home—I was just—whoa!"

Caring not for the fabric on the nearby table or the measurements in Mine's hands, Ayame crossed the room in just a few long strides. Snatching the young woman up with ease, he spun her about like he hadn't seen her in weeks. "Sorry, I'm late, Mine!" he exclaimed. "I was out with Hatori and I offered him counsel on some very delicate matters, but I'm sure you understand. You're always so meticulous and considerate and you never let me down, which is why I wanted to do something special for you next weekend. Guess what it is?"

All the while, Mine kept trying to get Ayame's attention, to little avail. "Boss—oh, aren't you the sweetest—listen—in just a moment. Boss!"

As soon as he realized she was calling him "Boss," he sought to put an end to it immediately. "Mine, I've told you the formalities are no longer necessary. I mean, of course in the bedroom I love it, but-"

"Boss!"

Ayame started from the unusually firm tone of her voice. But the instant he fell silent, her expression became as warm as a golden summer evening once again, and she said, "Now you know I adore surprises, and if you'd wait just about five minutes, I'd be happy to hear what it is. Okay? I'm just finishing up with our last customer of the day."

Ayame turned his head in the direction of her gesture, caught off-guard by the sight of a young man standing quietly and awkwardly in the corner. "Um... hi," he said with a shy smile and a wave.

It was a few minutes after closing time, so Ayame hadn't expected anyone but Mine to be in the shop. If he had been any other man, he likely would have been embarrassed by the display he put on a moment ago. But instead, he just laughed and said, "Oh, unbelievable! You were so quiet that I didn't even notice you. I see Mine has been taking some measurements. Yes, no one is a better seamster than myself, really, but she is a cut above the rest. You're in good hands, I assure you."

The man nodded. "Yeah, uh... just waiting on a price."

And so they took care of the final customer and closed up shop together, as they did on most days. The customer left in a hurry but seemed satisfied with his estimate, so Ayame felt confident he hadn't scared the young man away entirely. Mine only chastised him lightly for being so abrupt, which he accepted gracefully. He had been trying to be a bit more mindful about his effect on others, but when he set his mind on something—well, there were moments he simply couldn't contain himself.

"I trust you had a productive day, my Sweet?" he asked as he helped her clean up. "I hate to think of you toiling away in this shop by yourself all day."

"You deserve a day off now and then," Mine insisted. "And I was fine—you know I can handle myself."

Ayame let out a sigh and came up behind her while she was folding up the fabric she would need for a customer's order. "What a dismal answer," he said in a softer tone, wrapping his arms around her. "You're supposed to say you're hopeless without me and beg me to never leave again."

"Hm, I personally think it's better for us both if I only stroke your ego occasionally."

"You torment me."

"But you like it, don't you?"

"Obviously."

She giggled as he buried his face in her neck and peppered her with kisses. Her laugh was one of his favorite sounds in the world.

"By the way," she said, leaning back and putting most of her weight on him. "Yuki returned your call while you were away."

Ayame perked up immediately at the mention of his brother's name. "Yuki? Well, why didn't you say so earlier?! What did he say?"

She seemed to hesitate before responding. "Um, he said he appreciated your concern but that he didn't want to inconvenience you by having you make the trip out to his school."

He scoffed. "Nonsense! Good heavens, what kind of brother would I be if I couldn't make time for Yuki while he's in the midst of some of the most important formative years of his life? He out there alone experiencing the world for the first time. It must be so overwhelming for him."

Mine shifted her weight and spun around so she was facing him. He smiled at her as she reached up to wrap her arms around his neck. "I don't know, he seemed pretty adamant that he was doing fine. Maybe you should just let him be for a while. Before you know it, it'll be summer break, and you can talk to him in person about all his big college adventures. I bet he'll be happy to just have an ear to talk to."

"Hmm... you're telling me that rather than take action, I should just wait and listen?"

Mine stroked his face affectionately. "I know waiting around isn't one of your strong suits. But hey, this brother thing is still kind of new to both of you. You're building a relationship, but these things take time. Be there for him, but give him some room to figure things out for himself, you know?"

Mine was ever wise and understanding—and deep down, he knew she was probably right. But the idea of sitting still made Ayame itch like mad.

She didn't let him dwell on such things for long, however. "Sooo, Ayame," she said, leaning back into his arms while she held onto his neck. "You said you had a surprise. Don't leave me hanging. What is it?"

Ayame's smile widened. "I bought us tickets to see a show at the theatre next weekend."

In typical Mine fashion, she brightened up like a Christmas Tree and hopped a couple times. "Oh, really? That's amazing, what are we seeing?"

"Hmhm, I think I'll keep that to myself until the weekend, Love!"

"You tease!" she chided, playfully shoving him back with her hands. "Come on, tell me."

Laughter bubbled up from inside him and he caught one of her hands, twirling her around before pulling her back against him. "All good things to those who wait. We'll head to a wonderful afternoon show, and dinner at your favorite eating establishment. Then, assuming we haven't stuffed ourselves too much, we'll take a starlit stroll, just the two of us."

"You're making this sound like quite the occasion," Mine observed. Ayame wanted to proposal to remain a surprise, but had never been much for subtley. He knew he had to stand firm and avoid giving everything away, or all his planning would be for nothing.

"Can't a man simply dote upon the woman he loves now and then?" he asked. In response, Mine tugged at his collar to pull him down into a kiss. He assumed that meant he had given her the right answer.

"I can't wait," she murmured against his mouth. Then, pulling away, she added, "In the meantime, we have to decide what we're going to have for dinner tonight. Any ideas?"

"Well, your wish is my command, Darling. What would you like?"

"Hm, I was thinking it'd be nice to just have a quiet evening for once..."

He smiled. "Then perhaps I could whip something up that would suit your fancy?" Of course, he didn't consider himself much of a cook, but it was his life's joy to give her anything she desired.

Mine seemed to take a moment to consider, her eyes soft and thoughtful. But afterward, she lowered her arms from around his neck and took his hands as she stepped away. "Or... we could order out instead. You know, more than anything in the world right now, I just want to take a hot shower and a bath. Want to call for delivery while I get ready and then—join me?"

Ayame's smile widened, marvelling at how she seduced him so easily. She barely even had to try. And as he watched her back away and brace her delicate hand against the doorframe before disappearing up the stairs, he sighed and said, "You do always come up with the best ideas, Mine."