Part B: The prey

(Snap! and saved?)

Now, Yoshio Ootori really lost control of his facial features. „ A favor..." „ Well, my dear father, you know that I am nearing my thirties and that I have reached almost everything I ever striven for" Kyouya began, letting the words roll out while watching the impact „So, I think it would be about high time to settle down personally, too. However, I am far too busy to find a suitable candidate for marriage myself, and so I want you to do it."

He let the word sink in, never letting the relaxed look on his face slip, while he thought about all the threats in the past and unhappy Fuyumi. But this was part of the plan, and he knew that he had cared for his sister like her father should have. That made it a whole lot easier to enjoy his father's unbelieving look. Maybe it was time for another subtle taunt?

„ I always thought that your matchmaking qualities were superior to those of most other parents" he continued „so it would be an honor to have you negotiate on my behalf." His father was still ringing with control, but he didn't seem to be quite shaken enough yet. „I trust you are still familiar with the customs of arranged marriages?" That finally got a reaction out of the senior man."I wouldn't have taken you to be the type for that, you always seemed disgusted by the idea" Yoshio shot at his youngest son. „ Well, I am a man of sense, not of sensibility. This appeared to be the most sensible and economic solution. Or is it beyond your interests nowadays?"

Ootori Yoshio knew at that exact moment that he had walked in the snare. He should never have agreed to come to Tokyo for such an obscure invitation, and he should maybe have behaved himself a bit better. His other children had all gone through the procedure on his command, and with very little success. His first son was too tense to make any girl want to become a bride, the second but a scoundrel, unmarriageable material. His daughter was married, but even Yoshio suspected that she wasn't happy. There was no possible way to escape this „favor", and to not try his best. His best might just not be enough. The demon had apparently not enough of their battles, and the senior felt that this one would be decisive.

Kyouya watched his father battling in his mind. He had him exactly where he wanted him to be - normal parents would refuse the whole thing, or if they did, it wouldn't be considered a battle of wills. But this was not an ordinary parent-child relationship, and there was no way his father would back out. He would see it for what is was: a declaration of war, and he would know that his personal happiness would be as much affected as his son's.

Ootori sen. knew that there were but two possible outcomes in this: one, that he would succeed on this mission and thereby raising his position within the family hierarchy that was now at Kyouya's command, or fail miserably and face the final defeat against his son. He might as well really start gardening, for the latter was a lot likelier. But he had made a decision.

„ Very well, my son, I will see what I can do and contact you soon." he grimaced. Kyouya smiled politely and thanked him for his efforts. Wishing him a good night and a safe trip home, he guided his father out of the office. On the video surveillance, he could follow the now hunching man with the sallow face leaving the building.

Kyouya considered calling Fuyumi to tell her about the events of the evening. Of his family, she was the only one he had kept close and had arranged for a position that would give her independence should she ever choose to need it. He knew that it was only a matter of time, and they had always been the two in the family to care and look out for each other. He also knew that it was only a matter of time before she needed the knowledge of financial stability in her life as an support to risk personal insecurity. Kyouya couldn't talk very well about his emotions, but Fuyumi had understood that he was supporting her on her way in his own way.

His brothers, mere minions of his father, had however been disposed of separately. His middle brother had proven himself to be a harmless idiot, who only needed a bit of money and a position that afforded an exclusive title to change sides. He now sat in a faraway corner in Japan where his behavior wasn't as likely to end up in the rainbow press. His oldest brother however had been a bit of a problem – it turned out he really didn't like to loose. Quite fortunately, a research post in one of the overseas laboratories became vacant, and Kyouya didn't think it likely that they would be able to do without the expertise of the oldest Ootori for quite a while...

Meanwhile, Yoshio Ootori was now thinking a lot more clearly – Sake always had that effect on him, and he knew he would have to have plan. This was his only chance to get out the mess and gain a bit control back, and to beat his son for once. There was a chance, he could conquer this. Slipping softly off his chair, he decided to postpone the plan to tomorrow.

A/N: I hope this is gaining a bit of speed - and I hope that everyone's in character... I'm not sure whether the brother's names are ever mentioned, but they are really just factors in this battle - not participants - so it's ok for them to remain anonymous. Really not worth checking the entire canon;).