Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran High School Host Club.


"I don't know what to do," Haruhi complained. She had been laying her head on Kyoya's chest and thinking about her son for an hour.

Kazuki had gone from subtle rebellion to open hostility toward everyone over the past month. Most of his tutors resigned their positions when he completely stopped doing his work. Risa attempted to love on him to help cheer him up, but he tolerated her less and less. He yelled at her and pushed her away enough that she now avoided him.

Kyoya kissed her forehead and caressed her arm. He didn't know what to tell her.

"He's so surly. Maybe you could talk to him?"

"Me? I'm not sure that's the best idea. He is rude toward everyone, but it's because of me." Kazuki knew about his mother's new relationship, and he was old enough to have an opinion.

"I still don't think he knows. How could he have found out about us?"

Haruhi was in denial. She simply didn't want to believe her Kazuki knew about her relationship with Kyoya. They'd been so careful. They were going to tell the kids soon, but she still wasn't ready. She also didn't want to think her son would take it so badly if he did know.

"No idea. But you should still try. Maybe a man-to-man talk will help." She was grasping at straws.

"I will try, but I can make no guarantees."

Three days later, Kyoya and Kazuki were on their way to a baseball game at the Tokyo Dome. Kyoya's own father never took him to baseball games or did anything fun with him or his brothers. Yoshio Ootori was all about business.

Kazuki rolled his eyes and crossed his arms the entire trip to the Tokyo Dome, but he was excited for the game. No one had ever taken him to a game, but he had watched them.

He gave short answers to Kyoya when he was asked questions, but he still had fun. Kyoya let him have a hot dog and a giant soda at the beginning of the game. It wasn't fine cuisine or anything like his mother's cooking, but there was something about the ballpark food that made it a treat.

The game was thrilling. There was a vast difference between experiencing baseball in person and watching it on television. The energy of the crowd was electrifying and there were so many people from all over the country in attendance.

Kyoya almost caught a home run ball, but the ball bounced off the tip of his glove, allowing a kid a few rows back to catch it. He pretended he meant for it to happen exactly that way, but Kazuki had seen the briefest glimpse of disappointment on Kyoya's face. Kyoya would have loved for Kazuki to be able to take home a rare home run ball, maybe even signed after the game.

Kazuki was impressed that Kyoya got them VIP passes, so they were able to meet the players once the game was over. Many pictures were taken and Kazuki had the biggest smile plastered on his face.

After the game, Kyoya took Kazuki to get dinner. Appealing to the child's simpler tastes, Kyoya chose a ramen shop. The boy chattered about the game in the car on the way to the ramen shop, but didn't say much once they arrived, feeling Kyoya's ulterior motive and a talk was coming.

Kyoya knew he had an important topic to tackle before this outing was over. He broached the subject after their meal was delivered to their table.

"Kazuki. I'm vaguely aware you may have learned something about your mother and me. Something you are not happy about."

Kazuki slumped in his chair in sullen silence. He didn't want to talk about this.

"I want you to know your mother and I have been seeing each other. She didn't know how to tell you, but you're an intelligent young man. I know you know."

Kazuki stared at Kyoya, but said nothing.

"I want you to know I love your mother. I love her more than anyone else in the world, and I would never hurt her. I love you and your sister as well, as much as if you were my own."

Kazuki crossed his arms and squinted his eyes at Kyoya, suspicious.

"I would do everything in my power to make you, Risa, and your mother happy. And, Kazuki, I know I could never replace your father. Tamaki was a great man, and I could never hope to fill his shoes. But I do want to be a part of your lives."

Kyoya pulled a box out of his pocket and set it down in front of the child. Kazuki uncrossed his arms and opened the black velvet box to find a diamond ring. He'd seen enough movies and read enough books to know this was an engagement ring. Kyoya wanted to marry his mom. He pushed the box away, closing the lid on the precious gem. He recrossed his arms.

"I want to ask your mother to marry me, but I won't do so until I have your permission."

"I'll think about it. And I won't tell mom about the ring." He didn't really approve of Kyoya-sama's relationship with his mother, but he knew it was important that he not spoil the surprise.

"I appreciate that. Here's my card. You can call me anytime, day or night, though I do sleep late, so it's probably best not to call early in the morning."

Kazuki took the card from the table and put it in his pocket. The pair finished their ramen and returned to Kawari. Kazuki went straight to bed, ignoring his mother's questions about how his day was.

Kyoya watched the boy race up the stairs. Haruhi turned to him and sighed. He pulled her into a tight embrace.

"I think everything will be okay. He just needs time to process a few things."

In his room, Kazuki plopped on his bed. He had a lot to figure out.

Before he saw him and his mom kissing, he had liked Kyoya-sama. He was always nice to him and his sister. He didn't play as much as he remembered his dad playing, but he treated them well. Tonight, he had spoken to Kazuki as if he were an adult. No one had ever really done that. Everyone treated him like a kid, even though he was going to be eight in only two weeks. He had a big decision to make, and he was going to need to prepare to do some research.

Operation Mom and Kyoya-sama would be underway starting tomorrow!


A/N: Thank you for the reassurance regarding the kid conversations. And the reviews. And the continued support. =D

Kazuki is a bright little boy, but these are complicated issues he's trying to wrap his head and heart around. He will have a talk with his mother soon, though.