The next day, I'm nervous and it shows. During one of our breaks Tamaki comes up to me and asks if I am ok. He says I've been tapping my foot all day.

"Sorry Tamaki. I'm fine. I'm just nervous about asking father. I keep picturing him blowing up and shipping me away immediately."

"Do you want someone to go with you? I'm sure you'd feel better."

"Thank you, but no. I need to do this alone. It'll mean more if I do it alone."

That's the end of the conversation because the bell rings and our next class starts.

At lunch, Kyoya approaches me.

"Hi Kyoya. What's up?"

"Kairi. Will you come with me? There's something I want to show you."

"Ok?"

He starts walking towards the door and I follow. After lots of turns and a couple flights of stairs, he stops in front of a door.

"Kyoya? Where are we?"

Instead of answering, he opens the door. He steps aside so I can see in the room. I look in and gasp.

"What-"

"Go on in."

Inside is a table with a meal laid out. I step in and Kyoya follows. He goes ahead of me and pulls out one of the chairs for me. I walk over and sit down. He pushes me in and then sits down in the other chair.

"Kyoya? What's all this?"

"A meal. I'll explain and answer all your questions after we've both had something to eat."

I sigh. "Ok."

We both start eating, and after a little while Kyoya speaks up.

"Well. First things first, it's about time I answered your question. You've waited patiently this long and I feel it's time I tell you." He stops and takes a deep breath. "You asked me about why I wanted you to join the Host Club. I'm ready to tell you. But first, I must ask, what all do you remember about the time you were in the hospital after the accident with your adoptive family?"

"Not much. I remember Yuzuru approaching me. I remember finding out about Haruhi's mother, my mother, and Haruhi's memory. I remember being in a lot of pain. I don't remember much more."

"That explains some things. Well, first of all, did you know that you were being treated at an Ootori hospital?"

"What? I was?"

"Yes. It seems your father wanted the best for you and your recovery so he had you admitted to an Ootori hospital."

"Holy crap. I never realized."

"While you were at the hospital, there was one day in which I was there to watch my father. At one point, he got called into a meeting so I was left to occupy myself until he got done with the meeting. I was wandering down the corridors when I heard a commotion in one of the rooms. I got curious and walked over to see what was going on. When I got to the room, I saw you. You were screaming about something not being true. The nurses were trying to calm you down. I asked what was going on and I was told that you had just been informed that your mother died in the accident. I walked to the side of your bed and I asked you what your name was. After you told me, I told you something. I said, 'Kairi. Do you know what happens to people after they die? They go to a different place. A place where they are always happy. Somewhere-'"

"Where they don't feel pain. I remember this. You said I didn't have to worry about her. You said she was always with me. As long as I remembered her, she'll never be gone completely."

"I did say that."

"How could I forget? Those words got me through one of the toughest times of my life. That was you?"

"It was."

"I can't... How can I ever thank you?"

"There is no need. Now, the reason I wanted you to join is because of when you were in the hospital. When I was learning about new students, I came across your name. As always, I started doing the basic look into you, as I do with everyone. I quickly became intrigued when I discovered discrepancies in your records. I delved deeper and in my studies I learned about your visit to the hospital. That's when I realized you were the same girl from my child hood. After learning as much as I could about you, I wanted to... Well, honestly I wanted to see you again. I wasn't sure why, but I knew I needed to see you again. So, I planted the idea of you joining the club into Tamaki's mind and pretty soon, you were sitting in the club room. I was going to say something, but you didn't seem to remember me. In addition, you seemed very hostile. Thinking back, I can understand why you were."

There is a short pause. "So, I understand the beginning. But why were you rude to me after that?"

"Well, I'm not sure. Ever since you joined the club, I've been confused. I couldn't stop thinking about you and that got in the way of work. I couldn't get anything done and it frustrated me. Maybe that is why I was snappy with you. And then, you chastised me about my behavior and I was fascinated. No one has ever dared to talk to me like that. When I find out about the marriage, I was almost glad. It meant I had a reason to know you more. Last night I was so concerned about you. I hated seeing you so scared. It made me realize something. Kairi, I'm in love with you."

My eyes open wide. "You... what?"

"I love you Kairi. I have since the day I met you at the hospital. I didn't know it then, but I fell in love with you. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. You are like a goddess, both in beauty and personality. I love your dedication to those closest to you. I love your spirit. I love that you don't let anyone mess you. I, Kyoya Ootori, love you, Kairi Himura."

I don't know what to say. My eyes start to water and tears streak down my cheeks. Kyoya looks concerned when he sees me crying. He moves closer and wraps his arms around me. I just sob. I can't say anything. The only noise made is me sobbing.

After a couple minutes, I finally calm down. "I'm sorry. I don't know what got into me."

"Don't apologize. I'm sure I caught you off guard. I understand you probably haven't thought about us. I'm not going to make you answer me right away. I'll give you as much time as you need. I just ask that you take time to consider us having an actual relationship."

"Kyoya. You dummy. I wasn't crying because of you. I was crying because no one has ever told me that. I've never been called beautiful. No one has ever told me they love me. My whole life, that was what I wanted most. Someone to love who loved me back. Kyoya, you have no idea how happy I am right now. God, I was so scared you hated me. I thought I'd never have a chance."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying I love you too. I have since the day you thought I did something to Tamaki. Back then, I was too upset with your rudeness to even notice. But, that day. The one when you were at Tamaki's and my house. That night, when you left and you said you'd do anything for those close to you. I hoped you were talking about me. I figured you probably meant Tamaki, but I really hoped you meant me. Then, last night, when you subtly comforted me, I knew. I was falling for you. I don't need any time to think. Kyoya Ootori, I love you."

Kyoya just looks at me in amazement. Then, before I can even react, he kisses me.

It... it's amazing. It's like everything we feel is put into the kiss. I can feel just how much he loves me.

By the time we break apart, it feels like no time has passed. We both just look at each other. Our eyes roam over the other's face, taking in every detail.

This goes on until the bell rings and the moment is lost. We both smile and pack up our things. Then we walk back to class together.

After class, Kyoya walks with me towards my father's office.

"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?"

"I'll be fine. Thank you Kyoya. Don't worry. It will go smoothly. I will leave victorious. I have something to fight for now."

We both smile. Very quickly, we approach the doors. Once there, Kyoya wishes me good luck and leaves. I take a deep breath and knock.

"Enter."

I open the door and walk in.

"Kairi. I wasn't expecting you," Yuzuru inquires.

"Do you have a minute?"

"I can. Why?"

"I need to speak with you. It's urgent."

"Ok." He pushes a button on the phone on his desk. "Reschedule my appointments today. Something urgent came up."

"Yes sir."

"Ok. I'm all yours."

I take a deep breath. Ok Kairi. You can do this. You practiced this all night. Don't chicken out now. Not when you've come this far.

"I need you to clarify something first. You really do love me and want to be my father?"

"Yes. 100%."

"Ok. I need to ask, you told me once that you kept tabs on me before you approached me. How far back did you go?"

"Since you were 6. I couldn't find you before that, as my mother hid you from me very well. However, I eventually found you."

"I was 6. So then, you know what happened when I was 8 till I was 10?"

"Yes. I am aware of that unpleasant event."

"Good. That makes this easier."

"What's going on?"

"It has come to my attention that he has been released from prison. In addition, my sources have informed me that he is headed here."

"What?! We need to move you. Now." He starts to pull out his phone.

"Wait!"

"What?"

"I'm not leaving. I'm staying here."

"You are doing no such thing. We're going to send you somewhere else and we're giving you a security unit."

"No!"

"Kairi-"

"No! I will not leave. If I leave, what does that say? It says I'm a coward and I'm just going to run and hide. I refuse to run anymore. I have something real here. I have friends. I have a family. I'm not leaving all that being. If you truly love me, you'll respect my wishes and not send me away. Kyoya, the rest of the Host Club, and I have come up with a plan. You're probably not going to like it, but it'll work. If you want to prove to me that you love me and want to be my dad, then you'll agree to the plan. If you refuse and try to send me away, you lose any sense of trust that I have had in you."

"I'm listening."

"Here's what we're planning." I pull out some papers and show them to him. He looks over them and then looks at me.

"You're right. I don't like this. This puts you in danger."

"I know. But I can take care of myself. I'm not the helpless little child he knew. He won't expect any of it. He probably still thinks I'm the good little girl he knew. That's why this'll work."

"And what if he does expect it? What then?"

"That's why we have the backup plan. We've thought of every possible outcome. With all our brains together, there's no way we missed anything. You won't have anything to worry about except your part in the plan. As long as you make sure your end doesn't fail, it'll all go well."

"You're very good at that."

"What?"

"Using words to manipulate others. It's a very good skill to have in this line of work. It's good that you are a natural. Just goes to show you're meant to take over the business."

"Thanks?"

"That was a compliment."

"Ok. Well, thank you. Now, what's your answer?"

"As much as I may not like it, I'll agree. On one condition."

"What?"

"That you open up to me and accept me as your father. I know it's too early for you to love me as your father, but it's be easier if you decide to accept me."

"What makes you say I haven't?"

"Really? You're awkward around me. I've seen you interact with others. You're more stiff around me and you continuously question my motives as a father. You haven't accepted me yet, and it pains me."

"I'll accept you as my father, however, I cannot promise to open up to you. You have to earn my trust before I open up."

"I can agree to that."

"Then I guess we have ourselves a deal. Welcome to parenting, dad."

I get up and walk towards the door.

"Oh, he's supposed to arrive today so I'm expecting it all to happen tomorrow. Can you be ready by then?"

"I'll be ready."

"Great. Bye dad."

I leave and head to the club room. When I get there, everyone is waiting for me. Upon seeing me enter, Kyoya walks over and grabs my hand.

"How did it go?" Tamaki asks.

"He agreed. He said he'll ready by tomorrow." Everyone let's out a sigh of relief. "Thanks you guys. I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have you guys."

"Don't worry. We've got your back," Honey responds. Everyone nods in agreement.

"Well, we should probably all go home for the day. We'll meet up tomorrow as planned," I propose. Everyone nods. We all say our goodbyes and leave. I stay a little longer to talk to Kyoya.

Once it's just the two of us left in the room, Kyoya hugs me.

"He really agreed?"

"Yes."

"How did you manage to convince him?"

"I promised him I'd accept him as my father. I suppose that was enough for him."

"Promise me it'll all go according to plan. Promise me you'll come back to me safe and sound."

"I promise. Nothing will go wrong."

"Kairi, I can't stand to lose you. Now that I've got you, I don't wanna lose you."

"You're not gonna. I'll come back to you. Safe and sound. You have my word."

"Ok. You should probably go home and get some sleep. Is Tamaki taking you home?"

"Yea."

"Alright. I'll walk with you down there."

"Thanks."

"Kairi. I love you. Don't forget that."

"I won't. I love you too Kyoya."

We head down and I get into the limo.

After we get home, Tamaki insists that we have comfort food for dinner. I laugh and agree. He asks me what my favorite meal is.

"My favorite meal? Hmm. I don't know. I've never really had any one dish that I loved more than others."

"Come on. There has to be something."

"Well, I've always been a fan of pasta. So anything pasta would probably be my favorite."

"Then we will have pasta for dinner."

After dinner, Tamaki tries to get me to stay in his room tonight, but I refuse.

"Tamaki, stop worrying. I'll be fine. I can sleep in my own room. I'm not scared."

"Are you sure Kairi?"

"Good night Tamaki."

"Good night."

-3RD PERSON POV-

Kairi goes to bed and falls asleep immediately.

Once she has fallen asleep, a figure emerges from the shadows. The figure approaches Kairi. The figure quickly puts a cloth against Kairi's nose and mouth. Kairi wakes up and tries to struggle but quickly loses strength and passes out. The figure picks Kairi up and leaves.