Please enjoy, and review! – Samron

The day had been a stressful one. Waking up to his fifth nightmare this week due to his looming heat. Arguing with his stepfather again about boundaries, and now coming down with a fever earlier than he had since the beginning of this heat.

Kurama sighed as he sat out on their deck in the cold crisp air. No one was home, so they wouldn't question his odd behavior of sitting out in this weather. He watched the pleasant white mist come out which each of his deep breaths. Then he closed his eyes from anxiety as he remembered the worst thing that happened today. Running into that man from the bar… His teeth grinded, he wasn't used to being taken off guard, or surprised, but this guy had already accomplished that twice since they met. First with his boldness at the bar, and then showing up out of nowhere at the park him and Shuichi frequented.

He sighed as he looked down to watch the small card in his hand that he'd been fidgeting with. He kept it because he knew eventually his heat would take over, and he had already been pushing it this time around. Keeping it with him gave him a false sense of control, because he could call him if he really got desperate. Readjusting his position, he sighed out with frustration. Why was he irritated that he'd found the solution? It messed with his pride knowing his vulnerability allowed… Marshall… to get what he wanted, even though Kurama was the one who allowed him to.

Just being by the man and feeling his heart race when he got close to Kurama, was too much, so he knew it was time to choke down his pride and take care of things. He could keep lying to himself, but he felt somehow Marshall beat him, and got the best of Kurama before Kurama was able to make the call himself. Marshall got what he wanted, he bested him, even though Kurama knew it was just a freak happening. It still angered him.

Then he closed his eyes once more, calming himself. It was about time to leave and go play this game. He'd gone to that bar with Yusuke for a reason, yet now he was angry at himself for finding a solution… Ironic. He forced himself to stand as he walk back inside to get ready to go.

Not wanting to be too flashy, but still himself, he chose to wear one of his white silk shirts; loving that the silk helped keep him feeling cooler as well. It matched the theme of his fighting gees but had no pattern. Just minimal ivory embodiment with ivory stitching. The collar stood straight, lined with a strong ivory hem that went down across his chest at an angle. Silk buttons follow this line as well, stopping over his heart, not being a full button down. He picked this top because it was a halter cut, no sleeves, it showed off his body but gave a sense of faux modesty. It was a bit shorter than he preferred, but anything that allowed his body to breathe was preferred. So as long he didn't throw his arms up randomly… his stomach would stay covered. His pants were just gray, baggy jeans. They fit tighter at his hips and butt, but the comfort of the loose legs, again, allowed for more ventilation. The jacket was simply to blend in, since it'd be weird if he wasn't wearing one in this weather. But he did pick his large, tweed jacket that was gray as well, simple striping, and only a hint of red thread throughout.

Once he arrived, he waited outside, and since no one was there he took advantage of this time to rest, now sitting down on a bench. He opened his jacket, allowing the cold air in. He slid it off his shoulders some, and it felt wonderful. He breathed out, allowing his body to rest as he leaned forward, now resting his elbows on his knees. He knew it was terrible posture, but his weak body needed rest.

Thank God it was winter…

He was tired, weaker than he remembered from the last time. He opened his mouth as he allowed his head to fall back, enjoying stretching his neck. Normally he'd never sit like this, but with being how uncomfortable he'd been this last month, and not feeling himself, he'd make an exception—since he knew tonight might not be the most ideal. His stomach twisted with nerves as he glared at the dark sky, irritated by all these nerves.

He wanted to appear normal, and not stand out more than he already did. So far, that hadn't seemed to be going so well... This part of town was foreign to him, and there weren't even that many people around. But when the occasional person did pass, the looks were strong. He was used to it, but he assumed since his heat was encouraging his laziness and enabling his stress, he could be reading into it more. But as he always did, he ignored them.

He thought about how it'd be if anyone he knew saw him now, his eyes in irritation. Just the looks he got from simply speaking out of place occasional, was obnoxious, and those double takes by all that he considered to be his friends really got exhausting. Especially during this curse of the demon, he was. Barely opening his eyes again, he enjoyed his time alone for the first time in a while, so his body loosened. He was grateful for his out tonight but, stressed to follow through. His pride was still fighting with him because he was most likely going to allow a stranger to have his way with him.

But, after all those thoughts, maybe a stranger was exactly what he needed…

"There you are." He heard the familiar voice.

Kurama set his jaw, clenching his teeth before looking over, not bothering to change his posture. This man knew nothing about him. Maybe he'd take advantage of that…

He'd already shown up here, so that was a start, but maybe he could actually see what it was like to be just 'a somebody'. His stomach flipped when he found himself noticing the man's body… for the second time today. Being on his heat was torment and humiliating… He glanced away from Marshall as he finally sat up straighter, bringing his jacket closer to appear normal, and barely turned to face his… 'date', again.

"Hello." Marshall spoke softly as he looked to Kurama, taking him in, then his confident smile pulled through as he easily kept eye contact. Kurama swallowed quietly as he found himself studying the man's handsome face. Making sure to keep eye contact with Marshall's striking blue ones, as he stood smoothly to greet him. Not sure what to say, since he had to admit he felt a bit silly…

Marshall's larger frame was strong, but welcoming, and Kurama could tell he took good care of himself. His skin was clear, he smelled good, and was in good health. That cologne fit him well, complimenting his natural scent, he relaxed as he breathed him in. If this was what he had to do, and he did have to… then, he was glad he at least picked someone appealing. Even though he still felt his defenses up.

'Quit this…' Kurama thought to himself as he breathed in deeply.

"How are you? You look… wonderful." Marshall approached him, ignoring the fact Kurama hadn't spoken yet.

Kurama watched as his body was being openly admired, instead of secretly. "Thank you." Maybe tonight could be better than he thought. Even though he didn't think this man was any sort of honorable person, he didn't find himself turning his nose up at him either.

"You know how to clean up as well." He smirked, now fully facing him, accepting his fate.

Marshall's eyes got softer somehow. He smiled and looked down at himself with a shrug, "Heh, thank you…" he hesitated, "I thought we could get a dessert or… drink, possibly… if that works for you?"

Kurama smiled inwardly, thankful to not have to force himself to eat anything real. Nothing sounded appetizing right now. "I'd prefer that." He sounded more pleasant than he thought he would.

"Great. Me too." Marshall smirked again as he moved closer to Kurama, now making Kurama want to sink back. "You smell wonderful." He sure was confident. But his calmness is what took Kurama off guard.

"Thank you…" He trailed off as he watched the man openly admire him again, up close this time. And when Marshall finished, he met with Kurama's eyes—surprising Kurama, his face was in awe, but he was confident still, about that. His stomach swirled again; with the same feeling of lust he'd been fighting this entire month. But, this time, it was stronger. Clearly any sort of sexual tension would be noticed by his body, which was only demanding one thing.

Kurama knew he looked… different. He knew he was way, way, beyond average in that area. All the girls at school had crushes on him, even boys. The looks he got from strangers when out in public. Even the looks he got from his teammates. But this person was looking at him differently, and he couldn't place it.

He frowned, he felt he knew his team best, yet they still looked at him in a similar fashion to the strangers. He knew he'd never really fit in properly, at any place he applied himself, but maybe just tonight he could forget about all of that and pretend he was normal. Or instead… maybe just be more himself?

Could he even stop pretending he wasn't a drop of blood on white snow…?

"You okay?" Marshall leaned in curiously. Great even he noticed Kurama's physical stress.

Kurama tried to seem more lighthearted, it bothered him that this guy just continued to act as confident as ever, "Yes." He chuckled. "It's just, I don't normally… go out." He glanced away awkwardly.

Marshall looked to him, clearly understanding that statement. "I hear you." He smiled even bigger this time. "It's been a while for me too!" he laughed in a familiar way, "So, let's have some fun, shall we?" He leaned in, seeming excited. Kurama hesitated, this man was either very good at faking, or very good with people. He felt the urge to glare, but stopped himself as he forced out a shy smile.

"Let's." He really did want to have fun.

They ended up walking for a but, before finding a small dessert place. Unfortunately, it was the only one in the area, and only provided outdoor seating. "Well, shit." Marshall stood, looking up at the place with a guilty cringe.

There was only one person at the bar styled restaurant front, eating what looked like to be some rice pudding with a steaming hot cup of coffee. The smell coming from the place was great, and even though small, you could tell it was popular during more normal days, due to its wear and tear.

"I probably should've studied up on this area some." Marshal twisted his mouth, as he scratched the back of his head.

"I don't mind it." Kurama smirked, challenging the man.

Marshall raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Are.. you sure? It's freezing out here." He gave a look to Kurama, clearly confused as he pulled up the collar of his coat a little higher in attempt to cover his neck better.

"I enjoy the cold." He smiled as he walked up to the front of the small restaurant, then smirked to himself as he realized he sounded like Hiei.

He heard Marshall sigh, then walk next to him. "Okay then, I'll suck it up, ... I owe you a warm drink after." He smirked innocently, but Kurama could feel his nerves behind those words.

Kurama felt his cheeks get warm as his surprised eyes stayed stuck on Marshall's face, praying his blush didn't show through. How did that man's smile change with every angle? It was a nice smile.

They eventually got the attention of the owner, and Marshall ordered them both some hot sake, as well as a slice of chocolate cake for himself.

"And for you?" The guy mumbled.

Kurama glanced to the menu, "I'll have your green tea ice cream."

"You're insane!" Marshall laughed with a look of surprise to Kurama.

"I told you; I like the cold." He smiled more, thinking of how ridiculous this entire situation was.

Marshall had no idea how much Kurama wanted to take off his jacket right now, so sitting in the cold and eating ice cream was the perfect compromise for his predicament. And to Kurama's humor, Marshall was clearly trying not to seem as cold as he actually was.

Marshall gave him a look of admiration then looked to the waiter who was now setting down their hot sake. "Thank you." Marshall nodded to the man, then looked over with surprise, seeing Kurama pick up the sake bottle and pouring him a drink; and right after, pouring himself one.

Kurama felt his stare, looking at him confused. "...What?"

Now it was obvious that Marshall's face was red, "I've just never had someone pour me sake before." He said deeper this time, those words clearly having meaning attached to them.

Kurama blinked, "It's customary."

"I know… I just, never have." He looked at his glass again, wearing a smile that only seemed to be for himself.

Kurama couldn't help but like that one simplistic gesture made this man so pleased. "Well, I assume you are older than me." He flirted as he leaned over onto the bar top, finally allowing himself to look the man up and down, openly.

Marshall perked up, now with his mouth slightly opened, then forced himself to focus back to his drink. He drank the entirety of the small glass then sighed out after. "Ahh." He sounded refreshed as he set the glass down again.

"It's good." He smiled back to Kurama.

Kurama picked up the bottle again, pouring him another glass, then set it down. Now picking up his own, sipping it slowly. It was good.

"You are quite unique, Shuichi."

Kurama looked at him with as he continued to sip his sake, he swallowed the rest and set his cup down. "How so?" He straightened up, actually curious.

Marshall watched his every move then looked up to his eyes with a sarcastic smile, "Really?"

Kurama huffed out in annoyance, feeling his stomach twist. "I know why I'm unique. Why do you think so?"

"Ah, well first off…" He looked him over in awe, for the umpteenth time. He shook his head with a smile. "You're extremely beautiful."

Kurama barely lowed his head in acknowledgment of the comment.

"And that hair." Marshall said seeming astonished. "How did that happen?" He laughed warmly.

Kurama frowned playfully, "Happen?"

"So that's natural?"

"Is that surprising?"

"Very. So, I'd say that's unique."

"Fair." Kurama nodded in agreement.

They continued their light conversations as they got their desserts, and each time Marshall finished a glass of sake, Kurama made sure to refill his glass—since, he seemed to have liked it so much the first time. Kurama's parents were formal, so he stupidly did it out of habit the first time, but after the reaction from Marshall he decided to keep it up. He wasn't sure if he was doing it because he himself liked making this stranger feel good, or because he wanted to ensure the night continued.

"So, how much older do you think I am?" Marshall sniffed due to the cold.

"Much older." Kurama chuckled, now somewhat enjoying himself.

Marshall playfully gaped at him in offense, "Oh come on."

Kurama sipped down more of the sake, liking his tense body finally relaxing some. "Fine." He turned to fully face Marshall, leaning closer to him, to look him over.

Marshall looked surprised by Kurama getting so close but quickly smiled confidently again as he enjoyed Kurama's sweet smell. "God, you smell good."

He glared as he continued to pretend to examine Marshall, "You've stated that."

"I can't help it." He smirked finishing another glass.

"I'd say you're at least… mid-thirties?" Kurama looked up curiously.

Marshall looked impressed, "Thirty-eight. Good guess." He nodded to Kurama, "But… that still doesn't tell me how much older I am than you."

"I'm twenty-five." He smiled playfully.

Marshall blinked slowly as he blew out a sigh with his lips. "I'm old."

"I don't mind."

Kurama felt warmth in his stomach again because he just openly admitted something he'd always thought about. If he ever did end up with someone, he knew they'd have to be somewhat older than him. Since usually people closer to his age weren't usually the most appealing.

Again, Marshall stared at Kurama, seeming surprised. He swallowed, "I'm glad you don't mind."

Their date went far easier than Kurama anticipated, it was probably only about an hour altogether. Now they were walking back to the train station. Kurama was feeling some worry, as he noticed the normalcy of Marshall's stance, and wondered if this was actually ending now.

"That was pleasant." Marshall shivered out, shoving his hands into his coat pockets and then glancing at Kurama with a cute smile.

He'd seem to relax much more after a few drinks and their mindless chatter. Kurama found that he too had relaxed but was anxious that this entire may have been pointless.

"It was." He forced a smile back.

….

The silence was awkward—and that surprised Kurama as he looked at Marshall. This man was almost as cocky as Yusuke, just smoother about it, but here they were in an awkward silence. He narrowed his eyes in curiosity.

"So." Marshall looked to the ground, wearing a shameful grin.

…

"I said I owed you a drink after…?" He didn't say it confidently, assuming Kurama would turn him down.

Feeling relief Kurama gave him nothing but a turn of his head, waiting for elaboration. Now enjoying teasing him... Marshall chuckled out, "You sure play hard to get."

Kurama liked that. So, he tried his best at giving him sultry eyes, even though he felt stupid doing so, "Do I?" He spoke smoothly and confidently, as he looked Marshall up and down again.

Marshall's eyes widened as swallowed hard, now seeming dumbfounded and confused by Kurama. "Would you like to come over?" He said on instinct.

Finally.

"Yes." Kurama spoke, not able to show much expression—still feeling as if he was submitting to this man… but, excited to be done with his burden.

Marshall perked up, looking stunned. "Well, great! I'll get the car." He grinned, still wearing a shocked expression, but still confident as if he'd done this so many times before.

Kurama assumed he did, it came so naturally to the man. How many people had he brought home…. Kurama pushed that thought away, not wanting to feel annoyed with the one thing he needed right now.

Besides, why did he care?