A/N: Well, here ya go. A quick n' dirty update. Would've made it longer, but I have to start packing. I'm going to my great-grandparents farm for a week . . . yay. (rolls eyes)

Btw, I have NO IDEA what the name of Kyouya's older brother is. So I hereby dub him . . . . . . BOB! (just kidding. his name is Ryosuke) If anyone DOES know, please tell me right away and I'll change it.

Gomen nasai, this chapter is somewhat lacking in fluff. But like I said, I sorta had to write this in a hurry. There might even be more typos than usual, though I desperately hope not.

EDIT! I discovered the older brother's name. It's Yuichi. Thanks a lot Kuramasredredrose, and kudos to you for reviewing so fast. I had barely updated the chapter when I saw your review in the inbox. You get a cookie. ^^

Something is strange

Kyouya shifted his weight to one leg as he speculated the door. What could he possibly want? He certainly didn't say anything at the dinner table. But when the summons from within came, Kyouya sighed out, admittedly a little exaggerated, and adjusted his glasses. An emotionless mask slipped over his face with flawless ease, and he opened the double doors.

Inside the study, his father was pouring over important paperwork. He looked up for a moment to make eye contact with Kyouya. There was the slightest half-smile on his lips, which surprised Kyouya. Not because it was his father's usual fake, polite smile, or even a secret, conniving one. It seemed almost . . . genuine?

"Sit down, Kyouya," his father said with a wave towards the empty chair. "There's something I need to discuss with you."

"Are you leaving Fuyumi?" Yuichi questioned as he looked up from the novel he was reading.

Fuyumi donned her coat and answered her oldest brother with a bright smile. "Yep. I shouldn't keep my husband waiting like this. He gets soooo lonely sometimes."

"Shall I walk you out to the limo?"

With her back turned, Fuyumi grimaced a little. Because Yuichi certainly wasn't doing it out of brotherly love or concern. He just thought it was appropriate. But then she smiled at him again. "Awww, you always knew how to spoil me. Alright, let's go!"

Fuyumi took Yuichi's arm as he led her outside to the garage. His arm was stiff and rigid. Fuyumi couldn't help but let out a sigh. The men in their family. Honestly! Not that her husband was much better.

"You've been visiting the house so much more often than usual, Fuyumi," Yuichi remarked, though without much interest. He was stating fact.

Fuyumi winked. "You know me. I hate missing out on things."

"I understand." And Yuichi actually managed to grin down at her. "Recently, it feels as though I've spent more time in an airport than I have in Japan. It's easy to lose track of what's happening in the family."

"Isn't that the truth . . ." Fuyumi muttered, her smile turning a touch sad. "It's hard being an adult sometimes."

"For example," Yuichi continued as if he hadn't heard her. "I was positively stunned when I found out that Kyouya's gotten his first girlfriend."

Fuyumi felt a chill pass over her, but she kept her face neutral. The Ootori's were masters at that, after all.

"What?"

"Oh? Did you not know? I thought he was particularly close to you." Yuichi paused before chuckling. "I still can't quite grasp it actually. I always pictured Kyouya as more of a solitary creature."

Fuyumi laughed weakly. "Love strikes in odd ways, Yuichi. Almost no one can escape from its lure. Besides, Kyouya's growing up after all."

"He is, isn't he? And in more ways than one. I have been seeing an improvement in his aptitude. At this rate, he might even surpass us, inspite of being the third son. Plus, to add to it all, he'll have a happy relationship to cling to, something you never got to have, Fuyumi." Fuyumi stared at Yuichi's grin, her eyes slightly narrowed. "It makes you a little jealous of his luck, doesn't it, my dear sister?"

There was a thin line being tread at the moment. Fuyumi could feel it buckle and sway under her weight, and like a trapeze artist, she was tempted to close her eyes and hold out her arms wide to help her balance. But there was no running from this.

"It isn't luck," Fuyumi answered, matching her brother's icy grin. "It's simply pure skill. And effort. If Kyouya managed to crawl all the way to the top on his own like this, I say he deserves it. Especially because he is the third son. Not inspite of being the third son."

They made it to the limo. For a long time, neither of them moved, though the chauffeur patiently held the door open for Fuyumi. Then, Fuyumi laughed loudly. "What is this, Yuichi? What is this sudden gloomy mood? Did I say something strange?" She pecked him on the cheek. "Farewell. Until another time."

"Yes, farewell," Yuichi replied, his face unreadable.

Fuyumi got in the limo, and they drove off towards her house. She let out an exhausted, shaky sigh and leaned her forehead against the window. "I do hope you know what you're doing Kyouya," she whispered. "Even you can't keep secrets forever."

Despite himself, Kyouya blinked in shocked. Had he heard correctly?

"Come again?"

His father laced his fingers together and rested his chin on his hands. "I was considering rewarding your hard work and efforts. Your achievements have pleased me, and I wish for you to continue with your excellence in the future." He stood up from the desk. "Well, maybe I should not say reward. I suppose most parents would not give out tests to reward their obedient children. However, I know you always appreciate challenges."

Kyouya remained silent, hanging on his father's every word.

His father walked around for a bit before stopping in front of a large map of the world hanging on the wall. "The company has considered opening an enterprise in South Africa," he explained, brushing his fingers against the map. "In all honesty, I had considered sending Yuichi over to act as director of the new branch. But Yuichi said that he thought you were more qualified for the position." His father looked over at Kyouya. "That was a very generous thing of him to do, Kyouya. Passing up the offer to stick up for you like that. You should be grateful."

South Africa! It was too early for Kyouya to decide whether he really should be grateful or not, but he didn't say anything.

"After much contemplation, I decided that I agree with your older brother. It shall be hard of course, getting a good foothold down there, but I have confidence in your managerial skills, persistence, and common sense." When Kyouya was still quiet, his father added, "This is your chance to demonstrate your worth as the third son. To prove yourself to me."

Kyouya finally opened his mouth, his voice cool. "When would my departure be?"

"Ideally, just after winter break."

Kyouya frowned a little at that. That gave him just over two months. "Father, I still have school."

"You would only have a trimester left at Ouran anyway. I'm sure it can be negotiated. Besides, you don't fool me." His father's smile turned wry. "I've seen your academic record and the list of classes you've taken. With your excess of credits, you could have graduated last year if you so desired."

"And would I receive support from the main branch here in Japan?"

"Of course. At least, in the beginning. But I wouldn't have dubbed you as the sort of man who wanted a crutch."

Kyouya smirked. "Perhaps not."

"Well?"

"If I may father," Kyouya said, also standing up, "might I request time to think over your proposition?"

"That is fine. Think well, but think fast. There is not enough time for wishy-washy delays."

"I understand." Kyouya bowed to his father, going lower than he usually did. "I thank you. Excuse me, I shall be leaving."

"You're dismissed."

Kyouya shut the doors behind him and walked down the empty corridor. Every footstep he took echoed. But he hardly paid it any mind. He was too preoccupied. Sighing, he removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "I'm going to bed," he muttered.

But sleep was long in arriving.