-13/? Implications

Inoue Naoko had always lived the privileged life. Her father held more than fifty percent in shares of the biggest sweets manufacturer of the Far East. Hence, her luxurious upbringing that included vacations abroad, first-class education at the Ouran Institute, a mansion for a house, and all the little things that girls her age would ask for.

But she always knew it came at a price. Everything comes at a price.

It was only appropriate that in exchange for the glamorous life that she had held so far, the consequences should be heavy as well.

They asked for her innocence.

And she willingly gave it away, if it only meant that she could continue the opulent life she led. A case of 'I-didn't-know-I-had-it-so-it-wouldn't-hurt-to-lose-it.

She was pretty, smart (third in her class), and rich. The guys were tripping over themselves to ask her out on a date when she was younger. It was the sole reason why she did so well in school in the first place: nobody wanted a brainless bimbo for a wife. A girlfriend or a fuck-toy maybe, but not a wife. And she wanted to become somebody's wife.

But she didn't want just anybody else. No, she wanted the best. So, despite her reputation in school as a huge heartbreaker, going out with guys left and right, she remained as pure as she could be. She touched them, but she could never be touched. It was okay with the guys. They found other ways to amuse themselves anyway.

Besides, the price for her 'purity' was more than what they could pay in the long run. And nobody wanted damaged goods.

Naoko didn't know whether to scream for joy when her engagement to on Ootori Kyoya was announced that balmy winter's day. She had just gotten into another fight with her current beau but resolved matters with a steamy session in one of the girl's bathroom stalls.

She knew of Ootori Kyoya--hadn't anybody? That hunk of a man who could make any woman of any age fall for him shamelessly. She knew that he was propositioned by so many women (and men) so it was kind of a pleasant shock when Ootori Yoshio dropped by for dinner (presented in Naoko's mother's best china and cutlery, all rimmed in pure gold) and told her that he thought of her to be the best candidate to be Kyoya's wife.

Naoko had only pretended to be demure, and had acted as if she needed to think about it. Later on, after the coffees were served, she had answered that she would be happy and honoured to be part of the Ootoris. An hour later, she unceremoniously dumped her boyfriend over the phone. Poor guy never had a chance when he heard that message on his answering machine.

Naoko rated the moment that Kyoya placed the ring on her waiting finger as the best moment in her life.

But not because she loved him. No, it was because she was close to having everything she wanted. Kyoya was only a stepping stone to that goal. She didn't mind--much--when she had to squeeze a brat for the Ootori, yet the end was all worth it.

Or so she thought.

Kyoya had been ruthless, and broke her dreams to pieces.

But the plans are complete. She was to have everything. Yet there was one piece she still needed.

Her son, Toya.

He was the final piece. And she will get him. What little boy didn't love their mummy?

And then this whore, this Fujioka Haruhi had to come into the picture and the chances for her getting Toya had more than slimmed--it was practically nonexistent. She seemed familiar. Naoko knew her face somewhat, but it's irrelevant now.

Fujioka Haruhi must disappear.

Anything to get everything.

--

"What is the meaning of this?" Naoko yelled loud enough to break eardrums. She was livid, and quite rightly so in her opinion.

Kyoya sighed. He wasn't in the mood for this. But as he thought about it, why would Toya say that? He rarely asked about his mother, and during those times, he looked like he didn't like the answer. He knew that she left him for another man, that it was no real fault of his; in fact, Kyoya blamed himself for Naoko leaving. It was obvious that Toya had taken a liking to Haruhi, but to go so far as to proclaim her his new mother…. Kyoya had to internally laugh at that. Toya never said something like that without consulting Kyoya first.

It seemed that Kyoya's opinion on the matter was not needed. In short, Haruhi will be Toya's new mother whether anybody liked it or not.

And Kyoya found that not to be an unpleasant thought.

"Are you deaf?" Kyoya asked instead, thoroughly enjoying this. "He said that Haruhi will be her new mother. It's that simple."

Naoko purpled further in rage. "I will not have some whore take care of my son!"

Kyoya really laughed out loud this time, but it was a cold laugh, one that sent shivers down the woman's spine.

"That's rich coming from the woman who bore him for nine months and then abandoned him with a snap of the fingers." Kyoya's voice was in absolute zero. "What about when I had to leave him with nannies--nannies that changed every fucking day because he wanted someone like his dear mother? When he cried at night because he was afraid of the monsters lurking in the closet? When he was admitted to the hospital for having a one hundred and six degree fever? When he first showed his genius at the violin at his recital? Where were you? Gallivanting around the world with your so-called husband, spending your alimony. Money which should have been secured for his future! So don't give me that shit about asking why my son preferred Haruhi over you."

Naoko felt that it would have been better if Kyoya had shouted. He had never sounded so cold and cruel as he did now. Not even when they were sitting across the wide mahogany desk in talks about the divorce settlements. He was pouring out four years of bitterness and hatred.

Nevertheless, Naoko stood her ground, saying haughtily, "He is still my son. As you said, I was the one who borne him, let him out into this world. Without me, there would be no Toya!"

"That was the only thing you were useful for," Kyoya spat. "I suppose that you thought I would bow before you in thanks for my son. But you made a mistake. You left him as if he were garbage on the street. All the 'hardships' you had carrying him has become null and void. Mothers who actually stick around forever for their children--those are the women who have my absolute respect. You don't deserve to be called a mother."

"And does this Fujioka bitch deserve that title if not me?"

"One, never call Haruhi a bitch or a whore. She is not you. Second, she treated my son like her own, and in the few days that she has known him, gave him more love than you ever did. Yes, she deserves the title of mother a million times more than you."

Naoko was beyond livid. Anger rushed through her veins, hatred flashed in her eyes, and her words dripped of acid.

"And will she be Toya's new mother?"

Kyoya only smirked, and opened the door. "I am not obliged to answer any more of your impertinent questions. Please leave the premises immediately; you are no longer welcome here and as such become a Persona Non Grata in every property under the Ootori name. If you have anything to say to me, you may contact my lawyers and to reply or not is at my discretion. A restraining order against you on any Ootori family member will be issued to you in the next hour. And yes, Haruhi is included in that as well. Please know that you are banned from being within a ten-mile radius from any of us or risk ten years without parole."

"That's ridiculous! You're just bluffing!" But the threat sent goosebumps rising on her skin.

"I do not bluff," Kyoya answered automatically. "You of all people should know that. One of my uncles is a Supreme Court Judge. It's easy to bend the law to my will."

Naoko stood rooted to the spot, not wanting to move both due to shock and stubbornness.

Kyoya's eyes narrowed. "Please leave before I call security."

The last threat made Naoko snap. This was the last straw. She was not going to be pushed around any longer by the likes of Ootori Kyoya.

She drew her chin up, passing by him before staring at him like she was not fit to be the gum on her Loboutins.

"This isn't over," she drawled dangerously. "Toya is my son and I will have him. My lawyers will contact yours shortly. I don't care what you say. It's still my right."

Kyoya couldn't help but ask, "Why do you want him so much now?"

"Like you said," Naoko replied smoothly. "I am not obligated to answer that."

She strode through the door feeling as if she had just won the lottery.

Naoko knew that things were finally picking up.

--

He stepped out from the driver's seat of the sleek Ferrari, his highly polished Gucci loafers crunching against the pavement. He moved slowly, always loving the theatrics afforded by him with his grace and elegance. A smirk was firmly planted in his handsome face as he walked towards the grand doors of the hotel, tossing his keys to the unwitting valet. He knew what kind of figure he cut across with his neatly pressed ivory linen suit with a pale blue oxford shirt unbuttoned at the top. His dark hair wasn't a perfect coiffure as one might have thought, but had a look that screamed 'I just woke up from bed, tell me how sexy I look'.

He sauntered up to the reception desk, giving the cute receptionist a dazzling smile.

"Hi," he said, showing his pearly white teeth to their fullest extent. "I was just wondering if there was a Fujioka Haruhi listed in this hotel?"

"I'm sorry sir, but I cannot divulge that information," the receptionist replied with a nasal twang.

He removed his sunglasses, placing them in his breast pocket and then shot her with a blinding smile.

He glanced at her nametag. "Miaka. That's a pretty name. Fit for a beautiful girl." Another smile and the girl couldn't help but smile back. "Listen, Haruhi is a special friend of mine and I've just come from America so I'm really tired. I just want to know if this is where she's staying so I know that I haven't flown here in vain. Really, I just want to know if she's safe and sound."

Miaka had to sigh at the adorable face the man was making. "I can't really divulge that information." Then she smiled slyly. "Miss Fujioka had not given any instructions regarding any friends, so I'm afraid I cannot help you."

He had to smile at the slip. "Ah, I see. Too bad."

"So…is Miss Fujioka of any importance to you?" Miaka asked, trying to sound casual and failing.

He smirked. "She's in fact my girlfriend. We've been dating for a few months. Met her in America."

Miaka's face fell. "I see. You must be very happy then, Mr…."

"Fuji Kaido. Nice to meet you."

--

Haruhi stared at the sleeping boy, her fingers gently brushing away the dark bangs that clung to the smooth forehead. She sighed, grasping the small hand and feeling the tiny fingers tighten its hold on hers.

After Toya made the shocking announcement, Haruhi brought him upstairs to his room barely listening to the directions he gave her. She was too dazed and muddled to even take in the opulence of the five-year-old's room.

It puzzled her why Toya would even think something like that. Sure, she noticed that he was always at her side, always asking to be held, that sort of thing, and while she thought that it was unbelievably cute, there was something wrong with it.

And now she knew the reason. He saw her as his mother.

There was nothing bad about it. In fact, it was quite flattering, that a child who hardly knew her could be so taken to her. Yet she couldn't help but feel as if Toya was only compensating for that little void in his heart made by the absence of another parental figure.

It was still a bit too early, but she had been thankful when Toya had readily agreed to have a bath then bed. She had suggested that she help him, but he had shaken his head no, saying that he was fine. He did allow her to comb his hair and put on his pyjamas. He had asked for a bedtime story, and Haruhi, not being a very creative person when it came to stories, had told him about the time in the club when the boys had to dress up like singers from the Zuka club.

"Your father was very pretty, I recall," she had ended, making Toya giggle and say that he had new material on his father.

Toya had been sleeping soundly since then, and Kyoya still had to come up and check on the both of them. Haruhi had to talk to him and resolve matters now. This was getting out of hand. This wasn't part of it--hell, what had just happened wasn't something she was counting on in a million years--and could sink everything she had worked so hard for down the damn drain.

The longer she stared at the child, the more she warmed up to the idea of being Toya's new mother. She knew it was dangerous to feel anything for the child, but she really couldn't help herself. He was so much like Kyoya yet he still held that childish innocence she positively adored.

Maybe it was time for her to admit that she had been missing a lot in her life. Her work had always been her first priority and it made her lose track of the little things. Things like this, taking care of another person, loving them, being with them. Case files could only satisfy her yet never warm her. What if things had changed and she allowed herself to have a portion of happiness that wasn't connected in anyway to her past? What if she had actually dated and allowed to fancy having a family?

She knew it was impossible. She had Ranka and her friends. And for now, they were more than enough.

But as Toya fidgeted in his sleep and Haruhi moved to comfort him, she knew that that conviction sounded hollow.

Because if Toya had asked her to stay with him forever, Haruhi knew that she would say yes.

--

Kyoya lingered outside Toya's bedroom door, wondering if he should come in or not. He knew that Haruhi was there and waiting for an explanation from him.

Explanation of what? His son's actions? He could hardly dissect it himself, yet alone absorb it all to be understood. He supposed it was the impulsivity that was brought about with his age, yet he knew his son. He never acted this way without reason.

There has got to be a greater explanation than this.

But what if there wasn't? What if it was just the simple wish of a boy to have another parent? One who didn't leave him every few weeks for some meeting abroad and left him alone with his aunt or a nanny?

But why Haruhi? Why her of all people? Is this some sort of comeuppance finally biting him in the ass for what he had done to her all those years ago?

Kyoya leaned his head on the door, tried to tell himself that this could be resolved as easily as a business merger. However, this was more complex than that. He was talking about his son and Haruhi for cripe's sake! This was something he could barely control! It's not as easy as whipping out a contract and saying, "Look, Haruhi, my son likes you, and truth be told, I want you to be his mother as well if that makes him happy. Now, just sign on the dotted line and we can all be happy, hold hands, and run off to the sunset singing Do Re Mi, okay?"

Kyoya snorted. He should think not.

Gathering his courage, he knocked on the door softly and pushed it open. Haruhi was sitting on the bed, caressing his son's face as if he was the most precious thing in the world and she couldn't get enough of him. It warmed his heart, and for a moment, he wished that she was his mother.

A wish that went side by side with his dream of her being his wife.

"Hey," he said softly so as not to wake the boy. He kneeled beside the giant four-poster, then gave his boy a small kiss on the forehead.

"He must be tired out," Kyoya whispered. "It's too early for bed time."

Haruhi smiled. "Yes, we did a lot today."

Kyoya had to frown. "He didn't even have dinner."

"It's okay. I asked him if he was hungry at all but he said that he had enough at tea."

"What about you, are you okay?"

"For the most part," she said. "Still a bit shaken, though."

"Ah, I see." He rose to his feet. "Let's go to my study and we can talk there."

Haruhi nodded, standing up as well.

"Yes, I daresay we need to."

--

Haruhi sat at the comfortable leather couch across from where Kyoya sat. They were having a simple dinner of sandwiches (filled with the most sumptuous ingredients) and a bit of Bordeaux. It was as informal as Kyoya could get.

Haruhi sipped on the French wine, savouring the rich yet mellow taste while reaching for her half-eaten lobster sandwich.

"This brings back memories," she said as she watched Kyoya devour his own Scottish smoked salmon.

"Pardon?" asked Kyoya.

"Remember that time when you were dragged to the mall expo back in high school?"

"I should. I was practically kidnapped there."

"Yes, and we ate lunch at that fast-food restaurant."

"The food was nothing compared to this."

"I know, but what I meant was that it's still rare for me to see you eating with your fingers."

"You should know me to be more sensible than that."

"I know that. Don't you think that whenever…but let's stop going to that track again, not when we both agreed that it was all over."

Kyoya sighed, but nodded. "It's better to bury it in the past, right."

"Speaking of pasts, why is yours coming back to haunt you?" asked Haruhi, referring to the sudden arrival of his ex-wife.

Kyoya placed his glass back on the coffee table. "She told me that she just wanted to spend more time with her son, something that I find hard to believe. She left me to be with that bastard, left her son, then suddenly comes back barging into our lives as if she still has the right…I can easily let pass what she did behind my back, but I can't forgive her for what she did to Toya."

Haruhi sighed as well. "According to the law, she still has the right to ask for some time with her son. She did bear him and all that after all. You can't blame a mother for wanting to spend time with her own flesh and blood. Maybe she has felt lonely. Does she have other children?" Haruhi knew the answer to this, but felt that she had to still play the unknowing card.

"No, not that I know of," Kyoya answered distractedly. "Anyway, knowing her, there has to be something behind this. I'll get to the bottom of this, I swear. I won't let Toya go through all of that again."

Haruhi smiled at him, throwing him off guard.

"You have changed a lot. If we were still in high school, and somebody asked me what kind of father you would have become, I would have described you as somebody like Yoshio-shi." Kyoya stiffened. "But I'm glad that you have turned opposite. You love your son and…I find that thought very warming."

Kyoya gave her a small smile in return. "It's a bit strange that the Host Club's Shadow King be the first to marry and have children, isn't it?"

"You're the only one of us who had married and have children," Haruhi pointed out.

"Yes, but isn't Mori engaged to Renge?"

Haruhi laughed. "Now that's a strange pairing if I ever saw one. Didn't see that coming did you? Man, I would love to see Mori's face whenever she fawns over her anime and manga and all."

"Hunny tells me that he is extremely patient to all of her whims. And they are really in love."

A silence awkward filled the room.

"Do you…" Kyoya stopped before collecting himself then asking again. "Do you think that if things were different, we could have…?"

Haruhi shook her head sadly. "No, it was near impossible. You said that yourself."

"Yes, yes I believe I have." Yet I desperately want to fight it.

Kyoya cleared his throat. "Well, I think I can safely say that we were all shocked when Toya made that little declaration."

"Shocked? I nearly dropped him in surprise!" said Haruhi, allowing herself a small giggle that sent Kyoya's heart on overdrive. He had forgotten what a lovely laugh she had.

"So? What do you feel about it?"

Haruhi sobered. "There's no question about it. It can't be done. What we had is in the past. We should learn to let go of it."

"But…"

"I know what Toya wants, and frankly, I am pleased that he chose me, someone who is a virtual stranger to him. But that's what I am to him--a stranger. I am your friend, but he doesn't know me that well. What if he's only saying that because I am the only female you have close enough for him to even think that there was a chance in hell could be his new mother? Don't give me that look, Kyoya. Tamaki told me that you rarely dated when Naoko left and each one only lasted for a few hours. I can't completely fill the void in his heart and I'm not even going to try to. For now, while I am here, I just want to be his friend, and yours. Please make no mistake about that because that's all I can offer for now."

"Why?"

"It's complicated, but this I can promise you: you'll be the first one to know, okay? I am not ready for anything big to happen in my life and if I ever do, then we'll talk."

"But I thought…?" Kyoya was at a loss now. She said that it was not possible then she tells him that they could talk it over in time? What was she getting at?

Haruhi stood up, brushing away crumbs daintily from her skirt. She gave him a smile in reassurance. "I better go back to the hotel. We have a lot of stuff to do tomorrow. I already alerted Tachibana about it so no need to trouble yourself."

She fought the urge to grin at his befuddled expression. Now that was something you didn't see in Kyoya's face everyday. She crouched low, cupping a hand on his cheek. It was as soft and unmarked as she remembered. She stroked the skin softly with her thumb, and was delighted when he leaned unconsciously to her touch.

"I said near impossible," Haruhi whispered close to his ear. "Not entirely impossible. Keep hoping, Kyoya, and it may come true." She placed a fleeting kiss on his cheek and left the room, leaving a gratified, yet still confused Kyoya behind.

--

Haruhi stumbled into her hotel room, the day's events wearing her out. She desperately wanted to have a stiff drink and got back to bed, but there was still work to be done. Sighing in discontent, she flipped open the lights. The first thing she saw was the figure sitting on her settee.

"Who the hell are you?" asked Haruhi in forced calm.

The figure stood up, turned and walked towards her.

Haruhi gasped mentally, yet on the outside, she remained impassive.

"Oh, come on, Haruhi," the man said cajolingly. "Is that how you greet your boyfriend who has flown all the way from America to see you?"

Haruhi smirked. "I think you are mistaken there, Kaido," she said smoothly. She stepped towards him, then yanked his tie down to her so that his face was hovering mere inches from hers.

"This is how you greet them…." she whispered seductively, as their lips became closer and closer….

To Be Continued

A/N: I know that you guys hate me for ending with a cliffy (and this chapter is so short), but this was necessary to keep the suspense going. This is a suspense/thriller/crime/family drama thing after all. First off, sorry for the long wait before updating. I have no excuses. Secondly, thanks a million for the great support this story has been getting so far. I've been getting PMs and reviews from a lot of people asking me to update, and I hope I delivered this time. Unlike my other stories, this has plot in it, so I'm very nervous about it but since I can see that it's being regarded warmly so far, I don't want to disappoint. Yay for plots. Thirdly, kudos to Kalachuchi and FLiPguRL219 for correctly guessing that I got some of the OC's names from The Prince of Tennis. I was stuck for names and the first thing I pulled out from my bookshelf was TPOT, so, yeah. Thank goodness it wasn't Naruto or I would have named everybody 'fishcake' or 'dolphin' or 'screw' or 'scarecrow'. Please continue to support this fic as well as my others :coughshamlessplugcough:

This chapter is dedicated to my dear friend and classmate aloner of broken pieces. Love you loads, Loti!

Ah, before I forget, I want to hear your opinions on this. I am working on two more stories, so please tell me which one you like more.

1. (version 2 of The Sweetest Sin and was supposed to be the one posted under this title.) Falling out of love with your best friend is easy. Falling in love with your best friend's father was another thing altogether. As usual, KyoHaru.

2. (one shot version 3 of The Sweetest Sin) He was supposed to be there for the art. But he got more, so much more.

Yes, the story The Sweetest Sin actually has three versions, but I felt that the one I had posted under this title fit it the best, so these two, if I ever finish them (I'm about halfway through on each of them) will be posted under different titles.

Disclaimer: I had four guards bodily throw me out of Kyoya and Haruhi's wedding, so yeah, they belong to each other, not me. Note to self: guns and banners declaring that Kyoya is mine are a no-no at weddings.