Enjoy! The rest of the chapters will be from Kurama's POV. R&R - Samron
It had been about a week since Marshall's long hearing day, and since spotting the beautiful redhead at that bar. He still couldn't believe he did what he did, but he was at least happy he tried. He did though, regret it. It just added insult to injury for that day, and he was too tired to make smart decisions so overall it was just an awful day that he'd been trying to forget for this entire week.
Thankfully he was mostly over his shame, but somehow, he couldn't stop letting his mind wander to him. Shuichi. He'd never seen or heard anyone like him, and that fact he was daydreaming about someone who happen to be a male, made him upset with himself. Blaming it on the stress of his life currently, he just tried his best to focus on work.
But, today was Saturday, and that meant he got to see his daughter Hadlee for a few hours, since prior to his court visits his ex-wife, Lynn, had made up some complete bull shit that got her majority custody. That's why these torturous hearings continued, because he had enough money to keep appealing, and she had enough time to waste to keep trying to ruin his life. But this was his daughter, so he'd take anytime he was allowed as he'd keep on fighting for her.
Since it was only for a couple of hours, he decided to stay close to Lynn's house. And unfortunately, she had just moved farther away than where they used to live, so he was in an area he didn't know at all, and instead of spending the entire time driving back he decided to stay close to eat lunch together, then go to the nearest park.
He was laughing as Hadlee had gone down the largest slide now for the 10th time, every time she slid down her eyes were wide with fear and excitement all at once. Then when she got to the bottom would look up to Marhsall with pride that her daddy was watching her. His made his gut anxious and guilty, but it also warmed his heart that his daughter still looked at him that way, even through all of this.
"Good job you!" He clapped for her again and smiled big. He could do this all day, but unfortunately, he only had another half hour.
"Thank you, Daddy!" She ran over to him and hugged him. He picked her up and hugged her too. Kissing her cheek and holding her tight. "We've got about thirty minutes left, you wanna keep goin'?"
She made a pouty face, but then nodded, "Yes!" She smiled big this time. "I wanna slide more, and you keep watching, okay daddy?"
"Alright sweetie," He set her back down. "I'm watching." He smiled as he pushed his hands into his jacket pockets. It was a nice sunny day but was much colder than it looked. He didn't bring his gloves, or a good coat. But he'd suck it up. It was nice and quiet, and this area wasn't so bad. There was a large forest right next to the park, which was beautiful. He loved anything in nature, so it made him smile a bit to see. Too bad he was only here due to poor circumstances. He huffed out in annoyance as he felt the same usual frustration he was now used to.
Hadlee went down the slide again and smiled up at Marshall.
He smiled "Great one sweetie! That was even better than the last!" She looked ecstatic to hear that as she got off the slide once more and began walking back over to the stairs of the slide.
Then out of nowhere right before Hadlee stepped up, a football came flying out of the forest, hitting the bars of the playground directly in front of her. It looked like it had hit her, so Marshall immediately ran over in a panic to check on her. Great, he'd be punished for this in the courts for sure.
"Hadlee, sweetie!?" He walked over and before he got to her she turned around looking confused, but her face and hands were just fine. "Are you okay?" He knelt down to check her all over, just to be sure.
She looked a little upset, "That scared me." Her eyes watered.
It had scared him too, where in the hell did that even come from!? He glared over to the football on the ground and then looked up as he heard someone running up to them.
It was a young boy, probably in his high-school age. "OH my goodness! I am terribly sorry sir, is she okay!?" The kid ran up to them to check Hadlee, "I completely missed the catch, I'm so sorry!" He looked very stressed.
Marshall glared at him, then realized all was fine, and at least the stupid kid was sorry. He sighed and shook off his anger, she didn't have a mark on her. "No worries." He forced, nodding to the kid. "She's fine, just startled is all."
He sighed, "Oh good. And I bet. I'm so sorry." He looked to the little girl, "I am glad you're ok."
She shyly smiled to him but then clung to Marshall. He picked her up as he stood and nodded at the kid. "No harm done." He chuckled out, "Thanks for coming to check, I think your ball is over there." He pointed across the park.
"You sure you guys are good?" He looked very guilty.
"I'm sure." He smiled confidently to him, not wanting him to worry. They were fine.
"OK, again, I'm really sorry." He waved as he walked quickly to get his football.
"You good?" Marshall smiled to his daughter in his arms.
"Yeah!" She giggled, and he laughed a bit as well. He was proud of her for getting over it quickly, and laughing it off. What a relief, that could've been bad for them both in many ways.
The kid turned around after picking up his ball then held it up and shouted, "Don't worry, I got it!" Marhsall made a face, he was facing his direction, but wasn't talking to him. So he turned curiously to look over his shoulder. He didn't hear anyone walk up.
He jumped back and his stomach jerked with nerves, while his heart jumped with fear. When he made eye contact with those gorgeous green eyes, he felt his legs get weak. He must be hallucinating because it was the beautiful redhead from the bar. What in the hell was going on?
"Good Lord!" He held his chest in surprise as he breathed out.
The redhead… oh yeah, Shuichi, was standing very still while keeping strong eye contact with Marshall. Unreadable. But, this time looking much more casual. He didn't know what face expression he was making, but he was sure he probably looked like a gaping idiot.
Shuichi wore baggy jeans, and a large, flannelled jacket. His hair was a little messy, probably due their seemingly intense catch game. He was even more beautiful than Marshall remembered though, especially since he was now being illuminated by the natural sunlight. His skin was even more perfect, and his hair glowed like fire from the sunshine. All Marshall could do was stare wide eyed as he looked him up and down slowly, taking him in.
"Hello." Shuichi said almost the exact same way he did at the bar.
"Uh.." Marshall swallowed, "Hi." Still looking flabbergasted he mentally slapped himself.
Shuichi let one eyebrow raise and seemed hesitant to move closer.
Marshall let out a laugh, because he was the type who did awkward laughs. "What a small world. Shuichi, right?" He smiled fully, happy to see him.
Shuichi openly glared, then glanced to Hadlee in his arms, softening his look. "Yes. Is she alright?"
"Hey! Yeah! She's alright, Shuichi. I completely missed your throw!" The younger boy ran up behind them, breaking the awkwardness.
Shuichi glanced quickly to his friend, forcing himself to relax when he approached. Shuichi smiled kindly to his friend and Marshall felt his heart flutter.
Goodness… he definitely wasn't playing up what he saw, like he'd been trying to convince himself he had.
"That wasn't very fair, you thew that one way too hard." He looked a bit annoyed to Shuichi.
Shuichi forced himself to seem entirely relaxed now, "Heh, I'm sorry. I guess I got a little out of hand."
"You could have really hurt her!" He glared at him and pointed to Hadlee.
Shuichi looked back over to her, now slight guilt finally showing.
Marhsall smiled down to Hadlee, "Sweetie, do you mind going to the bench and gathering our toys? We've got to go soon." He leaned over to set her down.
He really did have to go, but he was thankful for this out due to wanting to avoid talking to Shuichi. Clearly the beauty wanted nothing to do with him, so he'd let them go quickly.
"Sure Daddy." She walked off to the bench near them and began picking up their toys.
He removed his attention from her, and then looked to the two boys again. Be confident, at least he got a final chance to redeem himself a bit.
"Really, like I already told him. She's fine, no harm done." He smirked to Kurama, allowing his cockiness to show but also couldn't help flirting.
"Sometimes I forget there is a park here." He faked a smile as he glared slightly, then looked away quickly to the ground while swallowing hard.
"Really, we're all good." He trailed off and looked to the younger boy, now wanting to change the subject. "So how do you guys know each o-"
"Would you mind checking the car? I just realized we may have not locked it!" Shuichi interrupted Marshall, as he was now looking at the younger boy.
The younger boy looked curiously at Marshall, then nodded to Shuichi's request. "Yeah, sure. I'll hurry." He grabbed the keys from Shuichi, then smiled to Marshall again "Sorry again, and have a nice day!" as he waved as he jogged off.
Surprised, Marshall conveyed his confusion while he looked back to Shuichi. His whole demeanor had changed now. He was standing straighter, chin a bit higher, and he was definitely on the defense. What was happening!?
"Marhsall, was it?" His voice was deeper as well as the same judgmental tone from the bar.
He flinched slightly, now looking away to avoid any shame as he checked on his daughter.
"Yes. How are you?"
He forced himself to look straight into Shuichi's eyes. He was now annoyed, it's not like he asked to see this person again. His heart was beating his chest to death, and his stomach hurt from all this anxiety. Why did he keep having to feel so stupid, and defeated?
Ignoring him entirely he asked another, "You wear a ring and have a daughter. Yet, you go about picking up, random young men, at bars?" His harsh look didn't waiver.
Marshall felt his face heat up from embarrassment, and his stomach continued to swirl. But he wasn't going to let this stranger get to him, regardless of how much he wanted to know him. He sighed out again and smiled this time. More in attempt to hide the emotions of these last few weeks.
"Heh, well, I wear the ring out of habit. I've almost chucked it out the car window a couple of times, but here it stays." He frowned now, feeling drained emotionally.
It was almost poetic, it was like the ring was Lynn, he couldn't get her off his ass—or, let go. He lifted his hands slightly as he looked at the retched thing. So many emotions were attached to this simple little piece of metal. He then re-focused on Shuichi, not forcing a smile.
"And… my daughter has nothing to do with this." He then smirked a bit, "Besides, I still think you still owe me an apology." As he looked Shuichi up and down once more.
He'd never see this person again, so he wanted one last look. It was nice seeing such beauty, in such a beautiful place, during such an ugly time. Shuichi watched Marshall admire him, barely moving his head to the side with his brow furrowed, then he looked back to the forest and sighed loudly as he put his hand into his jacket pocket, and pulled something out.
He held it up toward Marshall, "Were you serious about your offer?" Shuichi asked.
Confused, Marshall adjusted his visions to focus on what was in his hand. It was Marshall's business card! His heartbeat faster now than ever, and he gulped.
"Yes." He looked straight to Shuichi's eyes, confidence strong. "Of course it was." Was he fucking with him now?
Shuichi stayed still but kept eye contact with Marshall, slowly lowering his hand.
"I'm free tonight."
"What?" Marshall could barely respond as he felt himself gaping.
Shuichi huffed out and smiled a bit now, "You're probably right… bad idea." He furrowed his brow again.
"No, wait!" He whispered quickly while putting his hands up quickly.
Marshall stepped closer, "I didn't think you were interested." He widened his eyes to convey how interested he was. He couldn't believe those words were coming out of his mouth.
"Daddy, I'm all ready!" Hadlee yelled out as she began to walk toward them.
Shuichi snapped himself out of something, glanced at Hadlee, then back to Marshall.
"It's a date, then." He spoke smoother this time.
Marshall's stomach felt warm as he watched in amazement, did those words just come out of his mouth? "Okay. I'll pick you up?"
"No. Meet me at the station across from the bar."
"Seven?" Marshall was trying to keep up.
"Eight." He was already walking off, but turned back to look at Marshall once more in confirmation.
"Perfect." Marshall blinked in confusion, still catching up. Then shakily sighed as he watched Shuichi walk off.
What in the fucking hell was going on these days!?