Please enjoy! -Samron

They finally arrived, and Kurama was surprised to see how large Marshall's house was. He would call it a mansion, but it was so quaint and modest, it just looked more like a home.

Marshall smiled, "Here we are."

"Hmm." Kurama glared once Marshall got out of the car, he was nervous and didn't like that. He took in a breath, now swallowing his feelings, glad to feel the cold again as he too got out. Marshall stood at the front of the car, waiting for him, watching his every move. Again, Kurama wasn't used to people opening staring without shame, but Marshall had already made it clear he was interested in Kurama and very clear that he enjoyed looking at him.

"Come on." Marshall said while Kurama shut the door.

He followed Marshall up to the main entrance, it was a large driveway, lined with trees. The front porch was tucked away nicely, and it felt private as soon as you entered. The huge wooden front door was beautiful, and the rest of the house was brick. But what stuck out to Kurama were the rose bushes that lined the front of the porch. He smiled to himself, closing his eyes, and taking in their scent.

Marshall perked up. "You like roses?"

He couldn't hold back a small laugh, "I do." He gave Marshall a real smile for the first time—thankful for the comfort from the familiar scent.

Marshall mirrored his smile, "What's so funny?"

Kurama couldn't hold it back any longer, he had to admit that maybe he was starting to like this guy. As in, not hate him. That is as far as he'd allow the word 'like', to go. He was pleasant company, even though their night had been socially shallow, he wasn't lewd or rude like the other men that had ever approached him. And he seemed to be a good sport in general.

"Nothing." He came out of his thoughts, reminding himself not to zone out, "You're just different than I thought." He looked to, attempting a stronger one to keep him interested.

Marshall looked hopeful, "Is that good?"

"Maybe."

"Hm." Marshall smirked to him.

"Do you like roses?"

He glanced to them, then back to Kurama, "Well, there are in my yard." His charming smile made up for the cheeky attitude.

"Ahh." Kurama humored.

He refocused on the scenery, it was enjoyable, as much as he was able to see at night. It would be nice to have land like this for his plants. He sighed, secretly wishing something would magically happen to cure him of his demon's issues.

"Ready to go in-I'm freezing?"

…

"Shuichi?" Marshall stepped close, leaning over from behind to check his face.

Kurama looked to his date, not giving him a smile, but instead full eye contact as he felt his crotch warm up. He swallowed, realizing he'd forgotten how good the man smelled. Marshall looked him up and down, then quickly back to his eyes.

"You, okay?" Now frowning some.

Kurama blinked; he was being a stupid bastard. He'd just reminded himself to not zone out, and here he was snapping himself out of it back-to-back. "Yes. Forgive me." He set his teeth, hating how much worse his heat got at night.

"No need." Marshall kept his eyes on him a bit longer, concern barely shown through.

Then casually turned to his door, typing a code into the door handle. It made a soft clicking sound, when Marshall opened it he stepped back and motioned for Kurama to go first. "Welcome."

Kurama forced himself to walk over the threshold of the doorway, the more he moved, the more he committed. Thankfully though, the smells that came at him were entirely pleasant.

"Pumpkin?" He shot Marshall a quizzical look, teasing him. He would've assumed something more sophisticated.

Marshall laughed gently while he followed Kurama in, "My maids know I love pumpkin bread." He kept his eyes on the ground, a bit embarrassed.

Maids…? How rich was this man?

"Hmm."

Kurama felt himself prickle to that thought as he looked around the main area—it was beautiful. The ceilings were high, and the house was well lit, even with one light on. It had a warmth to it, though the décor was modern. To their left was the den, with a beautiful fireplace already lit. On each side of the fireplace, tall bookcases were filled with all kinds of books. The area looked so cozy, with two large, black, tufted leather couches facing each other in front of the fireplace. A rectangular coffee table in between them with a small vase of fresh flowers, and a couple of magazines laid out. Under all that was a giant Persian rug, that brought the room together perfectly. Kurama's eye went back to the flowers, he knew their scent well.

"Let me take your coat."

Kurama was jerked out of his thoughts as he heard the front door shut. Now they were alone. He looked at him and nodded, feeling stupid that he was getting so easily distracted. He unbuttoned his coat, and it easily fell off of his shoulders due to its large size and Kurama's silk shirt. He caught it before it fell to the floor, now reaching out to hand it to Marshall. He was staring again, Kurama's stomach swirled, and his crotch throbbed with heat. He felt his breath deepen, but hid it well, now feeling nerves for the second time.

"You have an amazing body." Marshall said without hesitation, again eyebrows going straight up, as he slowly took Kurama's coat.

Kurama's tall, long legs, still evident—even with his baggy jeans. The beautiful silk shirt showing off his broad shoulders, and his sculpted, yet somehow soft, muscles. Marshall also loved that he could see a peak of Kurama's flat stomach, thanks to the shirt.

"Your strength is beautiful." he said almost too quietly.

Kurama's breath hitched, watching Marshall admire his form. It took him off guard that this man just suddenly knew how to compliment him. Normally compliments were tiresome, but no one was ever brave enough to say something like that.

"..." Kurama couldn't get any words out.

Marshall looked back up to his eyes, expression now different. "Sorry." He cleared his throat, now turning to hand their coats. "Would you like to sit down?" He motioned with his head, to the couches without looking away. "I'll get our drinks." He walked off after removing his shoes.

There was a large stairway Marshall disappeared behind as Kurama watched him leave the room, interesting… He glanced up the stairway, then to the right of the front door there was a hallway. He could see some frames along the wall with flattened out plants, beautifully arranged. Kurama wasn't interested in snooping, but this place really was amazing.

He removed his shoes, then walked to the couches, sitting on one. They were firm, large, and deep. If he pushed himself all the way back his feet wouldn't be touching the ground. The cool leather was welcomed, even though the fire near him was not.

Marshall walked back in quietly, holding two glasses, "I hope you're ok with whiskey?" He offered with more curiosity than apology.

Kurama cocked his head to the side "Sure."

He didn't care for alcohol, but the sake tonight was pleasant, and since Yusuke goes on so much about whiskey, it'd be nice to finally be able to say he'd tried it. Marshall made a curious look but handed him his glass without a word, sitting down next to him.

"Thank you." Kurama flashed a smile as he took the glass, then turned his attention back to the flowers in front of him. Marshall watched Kurama curiously as he took another sip of his whiskey.

"Juliet Roses…?" Kurama said quietly, he couldn't believe himself-changing the subject to avoid the inevitable.

Marshall gawked. "How'd you-?" He sat straighter now, seeming excited.

Clearly by that reaction, he knew what they were. That intrigued Kurama—and he was surprised to admit that. "Are you a botanist?" He spoke quicker this time.

"Huh!?" Marshall recoiled some, now being the cautious one for once.

Kurama allowed for his smirk to grow, glad to see he was right, he looked pridefully to Marshall. "Just a guess."

Turning his head to the side, Marshall gave him a suspicious look. "That's quite a guess!" He spoke deeper this time.

Did he believe Kurama? He seemed to be on edge... Maybe Kurama hit a nerve…? No, the man seemed very open about it. So, there must be another reason he's gotten defensive so suddenly.

"Your cologne…" He looked the man up and down again. Then he looked into Marshall's eyes, smiling kinder this time, in an attempt to calm Marshall's tension.

"…"

"It's unique, I've been trying to pin the scent all night." He was having fun.

Marshall didn't move as he watched Kurama. Clearly lost.

"Ponderosa Pine?"

Marshall's shocked look pleased Kurama. This man had had the upper hand since they'd met, so it was nice to get to take him off guard for once. He knew he was being a bit mean, but a part of him was angry that Marshall ever even approached him. Was it immature to take it out on him, yes… But, he had to admit… he was also excited to meet someone who clearly knew a good amount about botany.

Besides… a quick little mind game wouldn't do any harm.

"Now that I know you're a botanist I assume you made it yourself. Those scents are put together elegantly… there's some sweetness in there too. Maybe… lavender and honey?" He threw the 'maybe' in there to seem more normal. Marshall was staring in shock now, finally showing some vulnerability to Kurama. But to Kurama's surprise he looked worried.

Kurama frowned, "Did I overreach?" he asked. Feeling annoyed, but guilty… the game was over.

Snapping himself out of it, he shook his head and looked down to the floor. Clearly in deep thought, "You're spot on." He looked stunned.

"Forgive me, I must have." Did Kurama really care? Maybe he should go.

Marshall gently shook his head and closed his eyes for just a moment while taking in a deep breath. He looked back up to Kurama with his usual calm and welcoming demeanor.

"No." He spoke confidently, then looked to the side sheepishly. "You didn't. I've just become a bit paranoid…" he swallowed as Kurama noticed him looking to his left hand, fidgeting with the wedding ring still there. He sighed out and looked to Kurama again, now turning his body to face him more. "I didn't intend at all to bring this up tonight." He cringed.

Kurama cocked his head to the side.

"Ever since my ex and I… divorced…" Rolling his eyes and scratching the back of his head told Kurama he was trying him best to not make a big deal of it. But just speaking on it clearly bothered him.

"She's made it her mission to make me miserable. Typical shit with some extra crap on top." He looked at Kurama with a pathetic shrug.

Kurama frowned, not following.

Marshall sighed. "She's had PI's follow me." He admitted, clearly embarrassed.

He glared. "What for?"

Marshall turned and looked away again, waving his hand up in frustration, "I want custody of my kid. And she doesn't like that… so she's constantly trying to find something wrong with me. I must admit, I do feel I'm being watched often. Heh, but it really only was that one guy." He forced a laugh for Kurama's sake.

Oh. Well, that made sense. Now Kurama felt bad…

"I'm sorry. Again, not my intention whatsoever to bring th- "

"No need to apologize." Kurama cut him off. Marshall looked surprised by the sympathy in his voice. "I should've kept it to myself. I was prying. Sorry if I worried you." Kurama smiled politely.

"Prying!?" Marshall laughed out loud, now easing the room's tension. "I wouldn't call that prying. I'd call that impressive. How in the world do you know how to do that?" He seemed intrigued now, trying desperately to change the subject.

"It's habit." Kurama was surprised by the praise. "Also, I am not.. a PI." He smiled with a chuckle.

Marshall fully smiled now, as he leaned against the back of the couch with his elbow, while resting his head on his fist. Still holding his whiskey glass in his other hand.

"Heh! Seriously though, that's quite the talent." Clearly relieved. "How did my cologne give it away…?" He was still catching up.

Kurama felt for him, so he'd humor this game. "Well, that was just a hint, then your front yard another... but, those." He nodded to the Juliet Roses, "They smell freshly cut, your reaction to their name—told me you knew what they were. And of course, the Oshibana art you have around, confirmed it." He found himself smirking again, did he admire this man?

"Not one of those plants are ordinary." He swallowed, now pulled his gaze away from Marshall's.

"You know what those plants are?" Marshall turned to look toward his hallway, then back to Kurama in excitement.

"…Yes." Feeling more vulnerable this time, he glanced toward him but looked back to the drink in his hand.

"All of them…?" He frowned, not buying it.

Kurama laughed quietly, "I just got a second, but I'm confident." He didn't expect the night to go this direction at all.

"Name one." He glared.

"Hmm…" Kurama cocked his head to the side, looking through the glance of his memory. He'd pick the most unique.

"Ghost Orchid." It was ironic, yes. That's why he loved it.

Marshall's eyes widened in shock. He was stunned, and definitely seemed to believe him now. Kurama felt nervous, he was sharing too much.

"I'm speechless." Marshall didn't move.

"Forgive me." He didn't know how to respond. "Let's change the subject, shall we?" he said awkwardly as he looked around.

Marshall frowned.

Kurama didn't like focusing on his actual self. He told himself to take a few breaths, he was already starting to feel sick again due to the warm house. He had to relax, so he forced himself to take a large drink of the harsh smelling liquid he was still holding. He looked down at it with a wrinkled nose, disapproving of the taste, but forcing himself to swallow.

"Haha!" Marshall laughed out again; this time it was much warmer. Kurama forced himself to hold back laughing along with him as he covered his mouth gently with index finger. Why was he so nervous?

"First time?"

He did enjoy the warmth in his throat and stomach after swallowing, but the burning in his sinuses, not so much. It was like woody, honey-like, gasoline. No thanks.

"Not the best. But I've had worse." He then gave Marshall a challenging smirk and looked down at the golden drink. Hoping to change the subject…

He sighed, now bringing up the rest up it to his mouth, finishing it with two more large gulps. Yuck. But he didn't flinch this time, allowing one lip twitch of disapproval, now setting down the crystal glass on the table. Reaching up to gently wipe a bit off the corner of his mouth, then glancing at Marshall with sharp eyes and a playful smirk. Marshall sat frozen, now gaping, clearly intimidated, but enthralled.

He took another large swig of his, as sat up a bit straighter this time. "You know…" He hesitated.

Kurama listened.

Marshall smiled to himself, "You 'prying'… Was the first hint I've gotten from you, that you're at all interested in me." He was watching his index finger fidget along the edge of his glass.

Kurama swallowed, now feeling himself blush. Taken aback by his bluntness, but all at once feeling embarrassed. He couldn't deny that he was interested in Marshall. But in that way…?

Marshall's eyes shot up to Kurama, now smirking confidently, seeming happy as well. Kurama stared back, realizing this man was clueless as to how many times he too had caught Kurama off guard. Seems they were playing some sort of surprise tag with each other since meeting. The silence was answer enough, so Marshall sat up to stretch. Seeming pleased.

Kurama's thoughts stopped as he noticed Marshall unbuttoning his button up, clearly relaxing more. He stopped after a few, then set his drink down to roll up his sleeves. His coat had been on all night, and now that Kurama was closer, and more relaxed... he couldn't help but notice Marshall's body.

This time, he openly looked. Marshall's forearms were strong, and hands big. His legs were long, and built with muscle, and his torso held strength confidently, balancing out nicely with his wide shoulders, strong neck, and of course… that handsome face that he'd already noted. He even enjoyed the fact that Marshall wore no shirt under his button up, so he could barely see the skin and muscle around his chest area.

Once he refocused, he looked to meet Marshall's eyes. They were confident and pleased with Kurama's eyes taking him in. Dammit. Kurama thought to himself automatically… disliking that his stomach swirled again. He swallowed as he forced himself to look back to the rare roses. It was a shame he'd be just another score for this player, regardless of how nice he seemed. Marshall has clearly done this many times before.

"You like them?" Marshall asked quietly.

"Very much, yes."

The silence was tense, and Kurama was feeling hotter by the moment. He could feel Marshall's eyes on him, slight panic set in as he debated whether to ask for another drink, make a move... or just run out of here.

But Marshall moved.

Kurama's thoughts went blank, as Marshall leaned over, now placing his hand directly behind where Kurama sat. His arm now resting on Kurama's back, he leaned most of his weight on the hand he placed down. Kurama froze, as his body now burned, and his face flushed with heat again. Just feeling Marshall's presence move closer made his heart race, and his arousal start. He was embarrassed, but that was quickly fading due to the Marshall being so close.

"You're… clearly unique." He spoke deeper now, and hearing Marshall's desire for him, made Kurama's heat flare. At this point his body had made up its mind.

"Can I…" Marshall barely spoke as he reached up, Kurama finally turned to look at the man who was leaning in. Feeling his own mouth open slightly, Marshall's hand went slowly in to slide through Kurama's hair, up and around to the back of his neck. His fingers now gently playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. Kurama breathed through his lips, submitting to Marshall's touch, each movement sending surges of pleasure through Kurama's entire body. The whiskey was kicking in too, as he felt goosebumps now cover his skin.

Marshall's expression was so serious as he stared deeper into Kurama's eyes, almost seeming frustrated by how he couldn't read Kurama. His mind seemed to wander someplace else for a moment, the face he wore now wasn't one Kurama had seen yet, it was almost pensive... He swallowed hard as he looked Kurama over again, then up to his eyes. Kurama's stomach swirled with pleasure and anxiety, still shocked he found this man so attractive.

Marshall finally breathed out as he leaned in and placed his lips on Kurama's. Immediately Kurama felt himself resisting a moan; angry mentally, but physically in euphoria. The man's lips teased with hesitancy, and Kurama's eyes relaxed. Marshall stayed gentle as he glided his lips across Kurama's, making sure not to pressure. The room was much quieter now; but Kurama wanted more...

He sneakily moved his hand over to place it on Marshall's upper thy, encouraging him to move along. Sliding it to his inner thigh, and up against his crotch. He smirked with lust as he heard Marshall's breathing hitch, stopping momentarily to register Kurama's hand gently massaging where it lay.

Marshall leaned in again, this time his lips pressed deeper. Kurama rested his head back, and Marshall's hand now grabbed his hair he'd been playing with, using it as a guide to press Kurama toward himself. Kurama liked that a lot, he breathed out to Marshall, now opening his mouth to give him access. Finding he was quickly losing himself.

Marshall didn't hesitate, as he too opened his mouth, harshly breathing out as he did so. The room's energy picked up quickly as Marshall moved his body as close as he could to Kurama, now sliding his warm tongue into Kurama's mouth. That sent Kurama over the edge, and his throat betrayed him as he heard himself moan. That seemed to work Marshall up, as he now gripped the hair he had in his fist, much tighter this time.

Kurama's eyes shot opened as he pulled his whole self away with a loud gasp, mouth still barely opened. Marshall did too, removing his hand from Kurama's hair, now looking worried.

"I'm sorry! Did I hurt you!?" His eyes were full of honest guilt. Kurama's breath was now fast as he started at the man in front of him. Surprised to find himself so jumpy… but he steadied his emotions quick.

"Yes." He gasped out.

He kept strong eye contact with Marshall, and Marshall's guilt grew, Kurama moved before he could speak again. Getting up just enough to move his knee onto the couch, he leaned toward Marshall. Placing his hand on the back of his head, doing the same he'd done to Kurama—now feeling his thick brown hair. He put his other hand up, pushing Marshall back to rest back against the couch.

"But I liked it..."