Exams were not easy. Even though Kodo had studied relentlessly into the nights and drank all the coffee she had, she still felt she hadn't adequately studied enough. Though her brain was full and exhausted, after each test she felt she hadn't done her best, and it worried her. What held her back? What anxiety did she have that prevented her from going full force? Her father? Mother? Kyouya? Something was holding her back, and it wasn't until the night before the fall festival that she realized exactly what the culprit to it all was. She was holding herself back.

"Oh wow." Kodo stared at the dress that had been delivered to the house, the protective bag unzipped and tossed aside. "This is so simple! It doesn't even show my cleavage off." It was a black dress, thick straps over the shoulders, it's length to about mid-thigh, the material thick and soft. "I can't believe he even got shoes for it." They were high heels, but certainly not too high, with silver ankle straps. "And a cape. Because damn if isn't cold." Exhaling, she had to push the feeling of guilt away. If Kyouya wanted to buy her things like this, that was his own business. Of course it meant being seen with him, and at a fancy place like a black-tie dinner party where his parents would be. Feeling that anxiety push around her stomach, she sat down on the edge of her bed and inhaled slowly. "It's fine. Just get through tonight and we can deal with the fall festival tomorrow. That's what I'm excited for, anyway." It wasn't the only thing, at least. She was excited exams were over, and she was excited for the dinner party tonight. How long had it been since she'd been to one? Four years? That's right, she went to one with her mother back in Germany, and got to wear high heels for the first time and try alcohol. That memory made her sick to her stomach. "Oh, I know. I'll put this on and send a picture to mom."

After the outfit was on, Kodo looked through her jewelry boxes. Accompanied with striped purple hose, she also put on several bracelets and necklaces, a studded black and purple belt, then pulled her hair around into a twist with a large bow, along with thick makeup. Afterward, she emailed a picture to her mother. 'Going to a black tie event!'

Not even ten minutes later she got a response back, 'Not dressed like that you are! Wear as few accessories as possible. That purple bracelet with the butterfly on it will work, a THIN purple belt, black pearl earrings, that thin, three tiered necklace is good, but ABSOLUTELY NO TIGHTS! And wear your hair long with the sides pulled back, MAYBE a smaller hairpin to hold your bangs back! SLIGHTLY accentuate your makeup! You don't want people thinking you're a slutty whore. However, that is an excellent choice dress and heels, don't forget a small black clutch. You're going to be seen as a potential future business woman, not a broke girl from the slums of hillbilly America. I love you, have fun.'

Her cheeks pouted out. "Fine." Taking her mother's advice, she did what the instructions said and emailed her another picture, though her face was twisted. 'I feel like an old person.'

'Sweetheart, you should smile. That is one of the most beautiful things I've seen you in. You'll blow them away! Relax, I know you'll impress them all.'

That lifted her spirits a little. 'Thanks mom, I love you too.'

The event itself was held at a new grand-ritz hotel not far away. Kyouya had even taken the liberty of picking her up in his limo. As she slid into the seat next to him, she kept her gaze forward. "Why does this feel like some sort of date?" Her hands tightened around her purse as the door shut.

"Good evening to you as well." His tone was.. slightly perturbed? "And why would it not be considered as a date?"

That made her cheeks blush slightly as she looked down, her cold knees pressing together, muttering, "I was joking that night when I said that."

"I'm glad you decided against the studded accessories."

"What!" Her head whirled to stare at him. Had he spoken to her mother again?

"It's what you prefer when you aren't wearing the school uniform, right? This look, it suits you."

"Thanks." They sat in silence for a long while. "So, this dinner party, what is it for, anyway? Business meetings?"

"A chance for those young in the business world to make connections. It's difficult if you don't have names or references to get things done."

"So.. do a favor for them, and they'll feel obligated to do something for you in return, right?"

"A simpler term would be, you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours."

"And your parents are hosting it?"

"Yes."

Wow. And she was asked by the host's son to attend. Was that supposed to be an honor? Perhaps. "What about others from school, though? Shouldn't something like this be attended by all of them? And if so, why not have it at school? They probably could have hosted it there based on favors and not have to worry about the price tag."

He was silent for once.

"Ohtori-san?"

His head turned in her direction. "We're here."

The car stopped in front of the hotel, and she noticed a lot of people waiting, fancy women in expensive clothes, men at their sides showing them off like prizes. The thought of Kyouya doing that made her a little sick to the stomach. "There's not a lot of media here." In fact, she didn't see any one with cameras.

"There wouldn't be, this isn't a public event. Besides, business owners are not as interesting as celebrities."

The driver opened her door and she exited the car, followed by Kyouya. He offered his arm to her and she was almost didn't take it.

His head leaned toward her as it seemed he noticed her hesitance. "You don't have to. But if there is one thing that impresses these people, it's tradition and respect, no matter how much one may cringe at the idea."

"Leave a lasting impression on these people. Gotcha." Her hand rested in the crook of his arm and they approached the doors held open by the footmen. All she could think of was how chilly it was and she wanted to get inside where it was warm. Once inside though, her cape was taken as well as Kyouya's coat. It was then his tie caught her attention, and she noticed it was purple. Glancing down, she saw his cuff links were purple amethyst. "Now I feel like it's some sort of prom set up."

"Hm?" He glanced at her. "What do you mean?"

"Your tie? Your cuff links? Why are you matching me?"

"It's a part of the event."

She had her doubts, but kept quiet as she looked around at the others who were coming in and speaking pleasantries before wandering into a main room. They followed suit, and the room took her breath away. A lot was spent to make this place look as fancy as it did. Round tables were set up all around the room, candles lit on the center of each, with name plates at each setting. Music played somewhere nearby, there was an open bar, and a stage was set up against the back wall. Huge windows overlooked a fountain and gardens to the side, lights illuminating just enough that it wasn't too bright in the room but certainly gave off a sort of romantic feel. "This feels very overboard." Kodo said to him as her eyes took in the room before looking up at him. He seemed a little.. nervous? "You okay?"

"Of course."

"Kyouya!" A woman's voice caught their attention as she waved them over to a table she sat at near the front of the room.

He waved back and guided Kodo to Fuyumi, who pointed to their names at the table.

"Hello, Kodo!" Fuyumi was quick to grab the younger girl's shoulders, pulling her in to kiss her cheek. "You look fabulous!"

"T-thanks, you look very nice as well." Kodo smiled, but the feeling of people staring at her left her very uncomfortable. Glancing at the people sitting at the table, she quickly picked out Kyouya's father, his brothers, and his.. mother? She seemed the most judgmental of them all. Her steely cold glare was worse than Kyouya's, and it sent a shiver down Kodo's spine, but she smiled, remembering her personality from the club. These people were way out of league than those at school. There it felt like they were wannabes. The people in this room were the real deal. "How do you do?" She bowed to them before looking back at Fuyumi. "Are you sitting with us?" Please don't let me sit at this cold table alone!

"No, I'm sitting here." Fuyumi pointed to the table next to theirs where a young man sat with others. "This is my husband and his family." The people there stood and bowed to Kodo, to which she returned the gesture.

It was then Kyouya spoke. "Father, Mother, this is Kotaphira.. Vogel."

His parents both seemed to smile out of habit, but after a second they both stood and bowed their heads to her, following suit after the other table. His father offered his hand to her, suddenly looking interested, while his mother kept a smile on her face. Kodo shook the man's hand, and she apologized for how cold her own hand was. "You can blame the weather for this, I'm not usually very cold, being part German and all!" This illicited small laughter from the table and it felt like the tension was chipped only a little.

"Shall we sit?" Kyouya pulled out Kodo's chair for her.

"Yes, thank you." She sat, her purse in her lap as she fiddled with the clasp. More than anything she wished her mother was there to help her. This kind of situation was not ideal, and she felt there was hardly anyone there that she could lean on for emotional support. Is this like an anxiety attack? Or just a little bit? My heart hurts and I feel.. scared. Warmth on her hands caught her attention as Kyouya's hand was on hers. She looked up at him, who's attention was on his father, who was speaking to her. "Oh." Smiling, she listened in, trying to piece together everything he was saying. It was a basic introduction to his sons, one was in charge of a medical group, the other working at a hospital, even going on about their accomplishments. He seemed to enjoy going on about them. She nodded along, pretending to be interested in all that.

"And what of you, Vogel-san? You seem much younger than the tabloids suggest. And your Japanese is very good."

Her back straightened as her hand held on to Kyouya's. "Actually, you must be thinking of my mother. I was named after her, you see."

The man simply nodded.

"And where is your mother now?" This was Kyouya's mother. "Or father, for that matter." She sipped something from a glass, and Kodo assumed it was alcohol.

"Mother-" Kyouya sounded upset.

"It's alright." Kodo swallowed. "My mother is back in Germany, working hard. My father is-" oh man, how was she going to say this in a nice way. "Busy. I hardly see him with how much he works." Works on gambling my money away.

"Did you not keep your father's last name?" This was one of Kyouya's brothers.

"I did, but I'd rather not be associated with the likes of him." That slipped, she didn't actually want to say that! She would have smacked herself if people weren't looking at her. "Would it not be better to be linked to someone as professional and successful as Vogel?" Smiling, she sipped the water that had been set in front of her while the others nodded. Crisis averted?

"I just wonder, would you not be more suited, or satisfied with one of these two?" Kyouya's mother motioned to his older brothers.

"I'm not sure I follow." She noted Kyouya's grip on her hand tighten a little and it made her wonder, was he relying on her as much as she was relying on him for support?

"Is that not something for her to decide on her own, Mother?" Kyouya's teeth seemed gritted.

"Haha, what is this sudden tension in the air?" Kodo tried to make light of it as she held his hand in return. "After all, is this not supposed to be like a party?" Smiling, she noticed the fancy chocolates in the center of the table around the candle holders and her mouth watered. They were cherry cordials. "See, even something like this, we can find pleasure in, hm?" Reaching out with the hand not gripping Kyouya's, she popped one of the chocolates in her mouth and let it melt slowly so she could avoid conversation. Thankfully the others caught on and followed suit. But she knew it wouldn't last long.

Dinner was served, a full five course meal, with polite conversation between bites. Is there a big difference between Germany and Japan? Like the density between iron and gold. Was she enjoying her time in Japan? Things were certainly easier that she'd met her friends and Kyouya. What kind of things would she be studying after high school? Business management, of course; she was already taking college courses with the high school stuff she was doing.

As soon as people were done with dessert they wandered over to the bar before going around to each table to introduce themselves and talk a bit about what they did. Kodo was all smiles, listening intently to each person, though everything they said was soon lost on her. Of course once they heard her name became excited and offered her their business cards. Her short term memory was failing her, as soon everyone's faces were blurs in her mind. But the one thing that was very vivid, was that every person seemed to have a congratulatory attitude and nodded to Kyouya when they'd say goodbye. Something about it was worrisome.

Somewhere in there though she felt her bladder fill. Reaching next to her, she nudged Kyouya's leg and he leaned in so she could whisper to him. After he told her where the bathroom was, she excused herself politely and wandered away. She needed a break from those people anyway. Closing herself into one of the bathroom stalls, she exhaled as she lifted her dress and sat down and peed.

"Uhg, finally!"

The door opened to the bathroom and two women entered.

"Right? We finally get away from all that chatter."

"I'm sick of hearing Vogel this, Vogel that."

Kodo quickly pulled up her feet without thinking so they wouldn't see her legs.

"It's her stupid mother's business everyone's interested in, it's why they practically worship the girl."

"She's not even that pretty."

"That's a lie and you know it."

"Yea, but all that purple hair, she could at least dye it a normal color to come to a place like this. She should be ashamed."

"I'd be more ashamed, to be seen with the Ohtoris like that. They're obviously just using her."

"You think so?"

"Yea, it's what I heard, anyway. That Ouran academy or whatever? Apparently she and the Ohtori's youngest son go there, and they're lovers."

"Ooh, scandalous."

"What I don't get, is why she'd want to be seen with a guy of lower status than herself. Her mother obviously is wealthier than they are."

"What about her father? Isn't he the owner of a failing food company?"

"I'm not sure, but that would be nice to hear. Nothing says loser like a broke parent!" They laughed at that statement.

"You know." Kodo put her feet down as she stood, not opening the stall door. It scared the girls, but they didn't move. "Speaking about people with no evidence to your statements is really low class."

"What-"

"If you really want to know about me, why not ask?" She opened the door and stared at the two girls as the toilet flushed behind her. "I'm right here, an open book, I'll tell you the truth. My mother is overseas, my dad is a sore loser. I'm planning to take over his business whether he likes it or not. You two can make up whatever stories you want, but unless it's true, I'd highly suggest keeping your mouth shut. Because you said it yourself, I'm a higher status than Ohtori. And from what I can gather, you're a much lower status than he. So that means, if I don't like you, no one will like you. Got that?"

"Ah- s-sorry!" Both girls bowed their heads quickly before turning and running out of the bathroom. Japanese culture was to humble yourself to those of 'higher rank', right? She should flash that card more often. Exhaling, Kodo grabbed her purse as she went to wash her hands. Was it true what they were saying? All lies are based off some truth after all. But she wasn't one to take anyone's words like that so seriously without proof first. But using her mother's title to get himself a better foothold sounded like something Kyouya would do. But, he said himself they were friends. Was it a friendship based solely on financial gain? She'd have to try and get the details on that.

Bzzzt.

Bzzzt.

It was her phone vibrating. The caller ID said it was her father. "Dammit, dad." Answering it, she leaned against the counter. "Hey dad, what do you want?" She wasn't exactly civil in tone.

"Where are you!"

"I'm at an event, what do you want?"

"Without telling me?"

"You went out of town for days without telling me, so I don't want to hear it."

"You need to come home right now!"

"Not happening. So unless you want to tell me why you called, I'm going to hang up." She wouldn't be like this to her father if he showed even the smallest inkling of respect for her.

There was an aggravated sound from his end as he gave in. "You need to come home, there's a man you need to meet."

"What for?"

"You're engaged to him."

"What!"

"It's why I took this trip, I couldn't take you, so I had to ask in your place!"

"How dare you do things like that without my permission!"

"This isn't the West, Pumpkin, there are ways things are done here!"

"Well you can take those stupid traditions and shove them up your ass! And by the way, I'm already engaged!" She really hoped her mother wouldn't be upset at that little white lie. "Mother already approved it-"

"It's the man of the house who can make that kind of decision!"

"Or someone who has a higher status than you."

"Huh-!"

"Last I checked, the second I say I'm Kotaphira Vogel, I can get just about get whatever I want. But if I say Pumpkin Sagano, I'm treated like the lowest of the low in our little world, and the only person I can thank for that, is you. So next time you want to try and save your failed company, don't siphon and steal my money, and don't sell me off to the highest bidder." She hung up quickly, heart slamming in her chest as she stared at her phone. Did she really just do that? Talk back to her father and say such mean things? Exhaling, she shakily put her phone away before leaving the bathroom. People mingled around there, but for the most part it was empty.

"Kodo?"

Turning, she saw Mori was standing there, wearing a suit and tie and looking very formal. "Hey, Mori-senpai. What are you doing here?"

"I was invited. As was Mitsukuni."

"Is he here, too?"

He nodded, pointing to the men's room. "Waiting for him."

"Oh, I see." Smiling a little, she felt better. "Are you here for the whole business party thing?"

He nodded again.

"I didn't see you at or after dinner, though. Did you not approach our table?"

He shook his head. "We wanted to wait until after dinner to do so."

"I see. Well, I need to get back. I'll see you two in there, then!" Waving, she quickly took off in the other direction. Why would Kyouya invite those two but not anyone else in the club? Tamaki was the son of the superintendent at school, the twins were sons of a stylist. So why.. but the image of those three creating havoc despite a formal setting like this came to mind. "Right." Opening the doors to the main room, she let herself in and glanced around. Everyone was standing, talking, drinks in hand as they discussed whatever it was they were talking about. It was mostly hushed, but the mumbling and babbling of people filled her ears, becoming louder and louder. Pushing herself through the crowd, she could feel their words digging into her. Discomfort filled her, and it took awhile to realize they were actually speaking about her. After a moment, they parted to let her through, and she could feel their judging eyes on her. Finally making it back to her table, she saw the others had already taken to standing, speaking in a circle nearby. Walking up to Kyouya, she lifted her left hand to tap him on the shoulder when something sparkly caught her attention. It was a ring, on her third finger, stone a deep amethyst with small black stones on the sides. She didn't put this on. She'd even went to the bathroom and didn't notice it, her interactions with those girls, her father, and Mori must have distracted her. So when did- remembering his hand on hers earlier came back to mind. Being so enamored with trying to concentrate on the issues at hand, wanting someone to lean against for support, she didn't even feel when it happened. But there it was, reflecting back the few lights there were in the room back on her face.

"Ah, Vogel-san. You've returned." Kyouya's father noticed her and her hand quickly disappeared behind her back as Kyouya turned around to face her.

"Yes, I apologize for the delay. This is such a nice new place, I was hoping to take more of it in!" Smiling, she faked a laugh as she tried to be pleasant again. But all she could think was, damn that Kyouya! "Oht- K-Kyouya-kun?" Was it okay to call him that, with his family there and with that ring on her finger?

"Yes?"

"May I speak to you for a moment, please?"

"Certainly." He politely excused himself from his family and followed her out to the hallway, passing everyone up.

She had that feeling again of everyone watching her, their words digging into her as they went. Once in the hall, she grabbed his sleeve and pulled him away from there, away from the others. "What is all this about?" She asked, seething. "First you say it's a dinner party, then mention something about meeting potential business partners, have me meet your entire family, and then this!?" Her left hand went up, showing the ring on her finger. "You didn't even ask me before you just put it on!"

"Kod-"

"No. Listen. I thought I was doing you a favor by coming here, but as it turns out, you just want to show me off like a trophy because it would higher yourself in the social standing. I saw those people in there, their business cards- they're on par with your family, and the only, the only way I can see you bringing someone like me, a Sagano here, is if you had something to gain from it! I'm sick of being used like a pawn in other people's games! This whole week I couldn't concentrate on the exams, and now I know why! Because I wanted to believe you liked me for me, and not who my mother is, but deep down, I knew you just wanted to get to her! I'm sick of it, and I'm sick of you! So you can take these clothes back, I'll pay back what I owe on my debt, and in return I never want you speak to me again! And take- this- ring!" She tried pulling it off her finger, but it caught on her knuckle as she pulled. "Dammit!" Yanking it off finally, she threw it at him before turning to walk away. "Oh!" She turned her head, ignoring the angry look on his face. "And don't ever refer to me as Kodo again!" There were tears in her eyes as she stormed off, ignoring people who tried to talk to her. In a hurry she pushed the doors open to outside and skipped down the stairs before eyeing a bench. The cold October air burned her skin as she sat, rubbing her arms. Looking up, she noticed it was already quite late, possibly around eleven or twelve. "Dammit." Wiping her face with the back of her hand, she shivered and stared at the cars passing in the street across the lot.

"Excuse me ma'am, shall we bring the car around?" It was the valet.

"No. I'm just getting some fresh air." She'd walk home if she had to, just as long as she did nothing to be further into Kyouya's stupid debt. She waved the valet off as she sat there, daring her tears to come forth. It was too cold to cry, and she shivered. Why couldn't this have been a long sleeve dress?!

A/N: This took way longer than expected to get put up, but I really had to think this scene through. I know how I want it to go, I just have to get there!

To wealh: Thanks a lot! One of the things I actively look for in a fanfic is how well the writer portrays characters from the original story. If they can't get it right, it puts me off; so I want to make sure I don't give that bad feeling to readers. As for Pumpkin/Kodo, thanks! I remember when I was sixteen, and how I wanted so desperately to be my own person while the rest of the world was like, 'Grow up already' so I'm trying to implement that idea here c:

To ShadowJinxed: I AM BACK. (and so are you! :D ) In regards to the KodoxKyouya moments in relation to Mori finding out.. weeelll, we'll have to find out in later chapters, huh! xD