Hello all! Sorry for the delay, I'm sick a lot, so it's been hard to stay focused on writing like I used to. I do want to finish this story, it's just hard to stay focused at times, I always want to make sure I'm feeling good enough to check the final draft before posting. This chapter was fun to write, and I loved the feeling it gave off! Yusuke and Kurama are my fav! Please enjoy, and pleeeaassse review! Yay! -Samron

He finally got to the fourth floor of Yusuke's small apartment complex, carrying a bag of food and drinks from Daily Hot. It had a dish of chicken katsu and curry for Yusuke and two onigiri for himself. He got a Melon Pan as well as some Boss Coffee, knowing he liked to eat unhealthy food after a night of drinking. He also knew sometimes Yusuke curbed his hangovers with… surprise-surprise, more alcohol. Normally he wouldn't condone or encourage this behavior, but the voicemail got to him, so he bought a 750ml of Gin for them to share. He would only have a few drinks, this was really the only liquor he enjoyed—but, it was more so it seemed he wasn't enabled bad behavior. And, to cheer up his friend.

He knocked but no one came, so he pulled out his phone.

'I'm here. Are you alive?'

He stared at his text, knowing Yusuke would answer.

'Sorry. It's unlocked.'

Kurama sighed, worried for him as he pushed his phone back into his pocket. He grabbed the handle to the door and pushed it opened, walking into the tiny apartment.

"Yusuke?" He called out while he took his shoes off, then walked into the kitchen to get utensils.

"…unnn." Kurama heard a groan.

He smiled as he opened up Yusuke's food, then put it in the microwave to heat up. He searched the cupboards for glasses for the gin and found two small ones that seemed decent: placing them in the Daily Hot bag. He got Yusuke's food out after it beeped, grabbed chopsticks, and shoved them into the rice and curry. He searched for a bigger glass as he knew Yusuke probably hadn't hydrated, then placed the bag over his arm to hang, picked up the curry and used his other hand to grab the larger glass. He walked back to Yusuke's room, proud of himself for getting it all in one run—a silly game Yusuke always challenged him with. He called it smarts; Kurama called it laziness. But it was always amusing, nonetheless.

The lights were off and even with his closed curtains the sunlight lit the room. Kurama could see a lump on the bed with blankets over him, and a melted ice pack thrown to the floor. He set the food on Yusuke's desk then turned to Yusuke.

"How long have you been up?"

"Since I first texted you." He mumbled, holding his head in pain.

Kurama reached over and pulled the blankets down, just to make sure he wasn't worse off than he was acting. Yusuke squinted in annoyance as he looked up to him, clearly in pain, looking miserable.

"Whaaat?"

"Just checking you." Kurama said blankly. "Sit up, you need to eat."

Yusuke grumbled. "Can't you feed me…"

He chuckled quietly, "Not with you lying down." he pulled out the small glasses from the bag, now squatting down to allow himself to sit on the floor as he opened the bottle of gin. He poured some into one of the small glasses. "Here." He said as he held it out.

Opening one eye, Yusuke took a minute to focus then made a face as he saw the glass. "Wha'tha fug is that?" He squinted up to Kurama.

He couldn't hold back a smile. "You look ridiculous." He chuckled, feeling freed being around Yusuke after being stuck in the business realm all day.

"Don't make fun of me."

"It's gin. Would you like some Tylenol?"

Yusuke stared up at Kurama with his eyes still squinting, but his mouth now opened as he processed. He forced himself to sit up as the blankets fell off him, there was a few scratches and bruises around his abdomen, and one bruise on his lower jaw that Kurama wasn't surprised to see. He liked to pick fights already, but these days he'd gotten much worse—especially while drunk. He was only wearing his boxers, and his hair was wet.

"You were able to clean yourself?" He picked.

He glared at him. "I puked." Then he took the small glass and one shotted the gin. Kurama opened his mouth but sighed instead of speaking. That… wasn't meant to be a shot.

"Yusuke." He tried not to sound worried, but he was.

"Don't—Yusuke me…" He waved his hand, not rudely, but more of a plea.

He sighed again, then glanced toward the bathroom. "Fine. As long as you behave as I tend to you." He eyed the empty glass Yusuke held, then looked to him expectantly.

Yusuke finally smirked a little as he shook his head, "Whatever." He was probably resisting a joke about Kurama tending to him like a mom or some sort of girl… the jokes he always tended to crack if Kurama spoke that way. But he didn't, so that just confirmed that he probably felt pretty crappy in all aspects of the word.

Kurama leaned over as he got onto his knees, pushing his blankets over to fold them flat. Then he placed the tray of food on the area. "Eat—I also got you melon pan." He also cracked open the cold can of coffee, and set it on the night stand next to the bed.

"Thanks, Kurama." He stared at the food, then looked up to him with a partial smile.

He smiled with a nod. "I'll get you Tylenol." He stood, grabbed the larger glass then walked to the cramped bathroom, which was dirty per usual. He dug through the medicine cabinet and pulled out the pill bottle, then filled up the glass. He walked back into Yusuke's room and sat on the side of the bed, handing him the glass of water, and giving him the bottle of pills. "Drink all of that."

"Yes boss." He said flatly as he took the bottle, dumping out double the dose of the recommended then put them in his mouth. He took the glass of water and drank a few gulps, then leaned back to set the glass next to his coffee. "Smells good." He barely said as he looked at the food, then picked up the chopsticks and weakly poked at it.

Kurama watched the pathetic scene, "I really could feed you." He leaned in.

"Ttss." Yusuke growled, then scooped up a few bites of rice and curry, forcing himself to eat each one. "I got it." He spoke through his full mouth then closed his eyes as he swallowed. "So, tell me about your 'different' meeting." He obviously didn't want to talk about himself at the moment.

Kurama eyed him, but decided to play along because he was here to help—not to make him feel worse. He leaned over and grabbed the bag of food, now pulling out one of his onigiri, crossed his legs on Yusuke's bed as he unwrapped it. "I made quite the call without my father present." He took a bite of the Furikake flavored onigiri.

Yusuke stopped chewing and looked to Kurama with interest. "Like a big boy call?"

"Very big." He mumbled through a cheek full of food, then pulled down more of the plastic to expose the crunchy seasoning.

He finally smiled as a chuckle slipped out. "Did you get a big boy spanking?"

Kurama smiled too and shook his head as he chewed.

"Pour me another please." He nodded toward the gin as he wiggled the small glass in front of Kurama.

Glancing over to the gin, Kurama swallowed his bite as he leaned over and grabbed the bottle and other cup—shoving the bottle toward Yusuke. "I'm your elder." He gave him a sharp look.

That really perked Yusuke up, and Kurama held back his smile. He knew it this would help. "Ooooh, foxy pops is drinkin' too?" He looked far too excited, but his voice was immediately more like Yusuke. "This must'a been quite the meeting." He opened the bottle and poured Kurama's glass, then himself, then set the opened bottled back on the ground. "Please, details." He looked up to him as he sipped his drink this time—behaving like he promised.

Kurama smiled as he sipped his too. "My father had forgotten something, and since this was a bigger deal he sent me ahead to make sure we weren't late." He took another bite, enjoying the crunch of the dried salmon pieces. "Big deal as in, investors and such." He made a face as he chewed.

"Uh-huh." Yusuke listened as he started digging into the chicken, seeming to get his appetite finally. "So, money?" He glanced up to him as he licked some curry off his thumb.

"Yes." Kurama finished off his first onigiri and took his first sip of gin. He eyed the glass, surprised that it went so well with the furikake.

"OH." Yusuke held his finger up as he reached over to his, picked it up and held it out to Kurama. "Cheers." He hit hard into Kurama's glass and the clank sounded nice, but Yusuke made a face. "Holy fuck—jeez. Sorry."

"I'm not hungover." He chuckled as he took another larger sip.

He shook his head as he blinked his eyes a few times. "Fuck me."

"Keep eating."

He glared at Kurama, "I am." Then finished his second glass off before he continued to eat. "Keep talking."

Raising an eyebrow to Yusuke, he continued. "This meeting wasn't really intended for us, but we were invited by a company that my father has been watching. It was a last minute invitation. They told us they were presenting for their potential investor, so we could watch and get an idea of what they were as a company."

Yusuke nodded as he listened.

"Upon arriving I saw the investor was… someone I don't like." He cringed, not liking how immature that sounded. But, he didn't know how else to say it.

"You're actually admitting to that?" Yusuke looked curious.

"He'd done some inappropriate things the day prior." He looked uncomfortable as he scratched his neck.

Yusuke looked intrigued as he held back a smile. "What kinda things?" He smirked now.

Kurama glared in annoyance. "Very mature."

He laughed out. "I just think it's hilarious that anyone who tries that shit on you has no idea how that you could kill them before they even realized it." He snickered.

"I still don't enjoy it—and unfortunately I can't just go around killing people." He made a face at him, annoyed but holding back his laugh as well.

"But you thought about it though." He smirked—Yusuke knew him well… "What'd he do?" His voice was gentler, knowing it did bother Kurama when humans showed their dirty underbelly.

He might as well come out and say it. "He was masturbating to me." He sighed.

Yusuke spat out a laugh, which was expected, then held his mouth as he began to choke.

"Serves you right." He said dully as he watched Yusuke gather himself. Then took the last sip of his gin, he smirked as he held his glass out for more—thinking it would be funny.

Yusuke choked out another laugh, looking at Kurama once more with amusement. He went along with it as he tried its best to pour Kurama another drink. Some gin sloshed out, but otherwise he did a decent job. He poured himself another as well, but took the glass of water to stop his coughing.

He finished off the water, "You said masturbate." He snickered out as he held his stomach and looked up to Kurama with a big smile. Even though it was gross, it was worth telling Yusuke, especially if he smiled at him like that. He came here to cheer up his friend, and he was doing well so far.

He shrugged. "That's what he was doing."

"That's fucking disgusting." He took the last few bites of his chicken and curry, then looked around for more.

"It really was." He cringed as he reached into the plastic bag, pulling out the melon pan and handing it to Yusuke, then grabbing his second onigiri.

"So that cock sucker was an investor? Like is he well known? I wouldn't think your dad would be interested in a company that wanted money from a scumbag."

"Kotobuki." Kurama looked at Yusuke keenly, curious he if knew the name.

Yusuke made a face as he was opening his melon pan, "Like the fuckers that own that watch company?"

"Yes. I was surprised too." He frowned as he took a bite of the second onigiri. "But, it was Kotobuki's son, apparently. Who is closer to my age, because I know thee Kotobuki is much older."

"Oooohhh." He said through a mouthful of sweet bread. "So you walked into this meeting and saw the masturbater?" He grinned even bigger now as he chewed obnoxiously.

Kurama felt his eyebrow twitch in irritation while he nodded and grimaced. "He asked if I was lost and called me 'little fox'. Which—odd, right?" He looked to Yusuke, knowing he was the only one who'd get it.

He made a face. "Yeah. But, I mean foxy is used on hotties… but little fox…? Maybe cause your red hair?" He shrugged, grimacing along with Kurama now.

He chewed more as that thought annoyed him. "Hmm."

"Regardless, he was disgusting on purpose. Sick creep. I'm sorry bud." He glared at his bread before taking another bite.

"Thank you. But, once I saw him…" He accidently hesitated as he thought about Marshall, being ripped out of his normalcy with Yusuke as he was reminded of the man. He swallowed and instinctively glanced at Yusuke, hoping he didn't see his reaction to his own thoughts.

But, even when hungover Yusuke had noticed, stopped chewing as he eyed Kurama… probably wondering what was going on. Stuff like the Kotobuki shit happened to Kurama often, sometimes even while Yusuke was present—which lead to them getting kicked off trains or whatnot due to Yusuke. But, he'd never seen anything close to a flinch from Kurama during said incidents, so of course he's grow curious seeing Kurama's strange behavior now. Kurama tried his best to act casual but wished that the man would stop popping up in his thoughts. He knew seeing him at the meeting was far more of a shock than he'd like to admit, and, Marshall affected him.

That was even harder to admit.

He continued, ignoring Yusuke's eyes on him, hoping he'd let it go. "I wanted nothing to do with him—of course. So, I told him we weren't interested, and I know Kazuya and I don't get along at times. But, I was quite pleased that when he arrived he backed me up without question." He smiled, remembering the satisfaction he got from that idiot's face after rejecting him.

"Did he know you were your dad's stepson?" Yusuke looked intrigued. He didn't know anything on how the business world worked, but since they'd been hanging out more recently he'd asked Kurama about it often. He learned quite a bit, and understood that Hatanaka's business was a big deal—which, of course, he thought was cool.

"Yes, after he made that comment, the gentleman who invited us quietly let him know."

"Haha—fuckin' bitch!" He laughed, "I bet he got nervous."

"He didn't act it." He rolled his eyes. "He tried shaking my hand."

Yusuke grimaced, "Ew…" grabbing his gin and taking a swig, then motioning to Kurama's glass. "Drink."

Kurama put the last bite of his onigiri in his mouth, then nodded as he chewed. It was a big bite, but he was enjoying himself for the first time today—not acting as others expected was relaxing.

"So what's this company that invited you? They of any interest?" He asked, not very interested as he took down the rest of his drink.

Putting his hand to his mouth, Kurama swallowed his last bite then nodded. "Yes, actually. My father has been attempting to manipulate me into getting involved with them." He looked down, disliking the fact he spoke negatively on his father, but he'd already talked with Yusuke about their issues, so it seemed only fair for him to have one outlet.

"You say yes, but… it sounds like your pops is saying yes." He gave him a look, then glanced at his hand holding his glass. "Drink dude."

"Oh." He smiled as he sipped some more, again noting how the gin tasted with that furikake. "Yes, well, I have to admit my father is smart when getting involved with other companies. But this one specifically has lots of potential."

Yusuke gave him a look and rolled his eyes. "What do they do?" Kurama took the last half of his glass in one swig, then made a face. Yusuke stared at him. "Geez, I guess even you can have a rough day."

He glared. "I told you what happened."

"That shit happens to you all the time. Did something else happen?" He eyed him, Kurama knowing full well he was referencing his stumble earlier.

His mind went to Marshall immediately. "No. I think I just see myself being pushed in a direction I don't like and yet I'm not able to ignore my own interest in the company." He narrowed his eyes, as those words sounded awfully general.

"Okay…" He eyed Kurama again, "You don't have to tell me everything." He smirked, acknowledging that he knew Kurama wasn't telling the whole story.

He looked away, now staring at the Daily Hot bag on the ground. He felt the gin kicking in and let himself zone out for a moment. "Maybe someday." He spoke quietly… What was he doing?

"Are you sad, Kurama?"

He raised his eyes brows then looked to Yusuke in surprise.

Was he?

He'd been thinking about that himself a lot these last few weeks. And now that he hadn't answered right away Yusuke would start thinking about it too. He sighed and looked down at his empty glass. "Your voicemail upset me." He looked up to Yusuke, feeling bad for him.

Yusuke rolled his eyes as he looked up in embarrassment, scratching his chin in irritation. "Yeah, I meant to apologize about that. It's fuckin' embarrassing."

"Well." He tilted his head, "I relate some, I think."

Yusuke stared. He never opened up about his feelings with anyone, so of course Yusuke would be stunned—but, he also felt sharing his feelings would potentially help either of them. It sucked when no one understood what you were going through.

"You do?"

"Is it so surprising?" He smiled, feeling shame.

Yusuke kept his eyes on him as he grabbed the bottle again, pouring Kurama more. "A little, your life is definitely different." He frowned as he thought. "I guess you just always seem content, and your life looks great from here." He shrugged, looking a bit guilty now.

"It is great." He barely spoke, stating a fact more than feelings.

"Uh-huh." He leaned over and gently tapped his glass against Kurama's, then took the whole drink in one swig.

Kurama glared as he easily snatched the empty glass from Yusuke. "That's enough—I brought that to help perk you up. Not to give you another hangover."

Yusuke threw his hands up, not daring to argue with his savior. "I feel much better now, thanks for coming to help me." He smiled at Kurama, warmer than he had in a while.

That was all he needed. Kurama was glad he decided to take the drunken voicemail seriously. "Of course, Yusuke. You're a dear friend to me, and probably one of the only people who understands the web I'm in."

It got quiet suddenly, then Yusuke spoke calmly. "That's… an honor."

Kurama smiled as he shook his head, assuming he was joking as he looked at him—seeing Yusuke's serious expression. Kurama blinked in surprise, hesitating as he took in that look. He knew Yusuke respected him, but he'd never seen or heard him speak of anyone in that way. He looked away awkwardly, surprised Yusuke hadn't cracked a joke yet, so he took another large swig of his gin to cut the awkwardness. Which glass was he on? He forgot and was definitely feeling it now.

"You know I think extremely highly of you, right?"

Kurama looked to him again, "I know you respect me, yes. But so highly? I guess… I see us as equals."

"PFffft!" He spat to that response. "Yeah equals."

"What's that supposed to mean?" He frowned, feeling a slight something close to rejection.

He laughed and shook his head in annoyance. "Dude, my apartment is as big as your kitchen. My last twelve hours were in this bed—your morning was full of business, suites, and intelligence. And god… look at you." He motioned toward him. Kurama recoiled, feeling confused by the expression he wore while saying that. "What kinda pants are those anyway? And your hair, and face, and brain… and yeah." He shrugged. "On top of all of that, you're actually a decent person who cares about the people close to him. No matter how fucked up or different they are. You don't give a shit about status, clearly, after today's events." He mumbled the last bit, now scratching at a loose stitch in his blanket.

He smiled, feeling relieved for some reason. "You're kind." Maybe because he was just affirmed, and he didn't realize he needed affirming. Yusuke cared about him for him, they'd gone through so much together. Marshall asked if he had friends… and all Kurama really could think about was Yusuke. Even if he didn't know every detail about him, he cared for Kurama… and that meant a lot. He smiled even bigger. "I think I needed that today. Thank you, Yusuke. I'm proud to be your friend."

He stared at Kurama, seeming slightly surprised. Then smiled and looked away. "Back at'cha, that makes me happy." He smirked; the way used to… before Keiko left.

Again, Kurama very happy, decided to come.

"Get dressed. We could play Nintendo sixty-four if you'd like?" He sighed, hating the game, but knowing Yusuke loved it.

He perked up. "Seriously!?"

Kurama laughed, feeling the gin kick in even more. "Yes, hurry, this gin is kicking my butt."

Yusuke laughed out loud as he stood, then leaned over to Kurama. "Drink that last glass."

He found his eyes quickly wander up Yusuke's body… he'd changed. "Fine." He looked to him, now glaring.

"Good little fox." He walked off wearing a huge grin.

Kurama closed his eyes with a sigh, now covering his face. Of course he'd call him that…

A couple hours passed of playing Super Smash Brothers while bantering back and forth, and even though Yusuke had the upper hand at first Kurama quickly gained superiority in the game, figuring out the best way to use each character. Yusuke convinced him to let him finish the gin and even got Kurama to drink one more before it was empty. He knew he was past his limit, but Yusuke seemed to just be getting started.

"Well shit—course you beat me at my own goddamn game." He hissed out as he threw the controller.

Kurama eyed the controller, then looked over to him with a smirk. "You of all people should know best about keeping your skills sharp."

"Oh fuck you!" He yelled out, a good mix of joking and real annoyance.

Kurama chuckled. "Forgive me for winning."

"You know what prick?" He glared at Kurama as he leaned over and punched him in the arm a few times. Raising his arms in surrender Kurama laughed as he fell back in defense. Yusuke laughed as he stood up, then halfheartedly kicked him on the ground. Yusuke had showered again during their gaming session, and gotten fully cleaned up. He was in a far better mood by this point and Kurama gave himself partial credit, but then the rest to Yusuke for being so resilient.

"I'm gonna order takeout." He mumbled as he walked to his cell phone on the nightstand, he then frowned as he looked to Kurama. "You know it's late—right?" He meant more for Kurama than himself. Since dinner time was important at Kurama's home.

Kurama smiled to him with thankfulness but felt guilty, knowing that Yusuke knew his father didn't particularly like him. "Yes, my mother says hi by the way—and, Kazuya… will probably be a bit more lenient after today. So, I won't be reporting in." The gin was allowing him to speak more freely.

"Damn… okaaaay…" He smiled as he looked through his phone. "So, you wanna eat dinner with me?" He looked back to him, hopeful.

"I'd love to." He couldn't hold back a smile when Yusuke acted like his old self.

Then Kurama's phone rang. He'd forgotten he'd left it at the end of Yusuke's bed, then looked over to see it lighting up. The ring tone was a gentle soothing song that made you feel as if you were remembering something that never happened. On the front of his phone it said 'Kazuya Hatanaka'.

They both froze, looking to the phone, then Yusuke quickly looked to read Kurama's reaction. Kurama sighed, then met eyes with Yusuke. "Do you mind?"

Kurama saw a flash of something when Yusuke shook his head, "Not at all." now looking back to his phone to keep busy.

He eyed Yusuke as he leaned over to grab his phone, swiping to answer, deciding at the last minute to put Kazuya on speaker. "Hello?" He wasn't leaving Yusuke, that look wouldn't allow him.

"Shuichi?"

Yusuke looked a bit surprised, but smirked with amusement. Kurama put his finger up to his mouth to keep him quiet. Then glanced away, remembering he'd done that already once today…

"Yes?"

Yusuke sat down on his bed to listen but kept scrolling through his phone for food options.

"Where are you… are you, okay?" He was clearly trying to play it cool.

Now Kurama felt bad—obviously today bothered Kazuya much more than it had bothered him. "Yes father, I'm okay. I'm with Yusuke." He glanced to Yusuke.

Yusuke spit his tongue out as he gave the peace sign silently. Kurama admired his idiotic friend with a smile.

"Oh." He hesitated. "Your mother mentioned you may be with one of your friends. So, you're alright?"

He smiled, "Yes. I'm doing just fine; how are you doing…?" He'd never asked him that genuinely before.

He took a breath, then sighed before answering. "Oh you know." He did his nervous chuckle that always made Shiori giggle, "Just thinking about today."

"It was a weird day for sure." He said confidently.

He laughed. "You're telling me."

Kurama gave a look to Yusuke, surprised his stepfather was laughing. If it was due to nerves, stress, or just relief that Kurama was okay—it was odd. But, he was okay with it.

"Well, I was about to get dinner with Yusuke…" He wanted to go.

"Oh of course." Kazuya hesitated. "I don't want to keep you, but did want to check in. It worried me when you didn't come home, I know today was a lot. And I also wanted to apologize to you for how I acted after you told me what Toda did. That was very rude of me, and obviously highly unprofessional." He spoke softly, not as robotically as usual, but the awkwardness was apparent.

This man barely apologized. His eyebrows went up before answering, not sure how to respond. "It's alright father, I guess I understand your reaction. But, it did surprise me." He forced a smile in an attempt to sound less tense.

"Well, I apologize again."

He looked down. "No need, father."

"…"

Kazuya chuckled again, "Good thing Dean and Mr. Mathes were there in time." He heard Kazuya sigh out in embarrassment.

Just hearing Marshall's name made his eyebrows barely shoot up and he had to resist the urge to look at Yusuke.

He didn't know… he didn't know anything...

"Yes. They were quite kind to come tend to us." He wanted to stop talking now…

"That's sort of another reason I called."

Kurama closed his eyes in annoyance. Here it was. "We do owe them a bit, since well… we lost them an investor today."

"They chose to walk out." He felt his heart rate go up, frustrated that the blame was being put on him.

Kazuya hesitated before speaking, when usually he'd argue. "You're right—that was their choice. But, you know I've been trying to get involved with them for a while, so as I said earlier I do need to humor them at the moment. While they get to know us."

Kurama glanced to Yusuke for comfort as his annoyance got worse, and Yusuke looked back to support.

"Dean asked if you and I would be able to meet tomorrow to look at some of their prototypes, and other products they have in the works. I know it's last minute, but he invited us for tomorrow… would you be able to go?"

He always did this. It'd just been a while because the business had been quiet, but here they were again… potentially about to argue.

"Father… I—"

"I need you on this, Shuichi. I lack the knowledge you have, and I can't imagine you aren't the least bit interested." Kurama sighed openly, not able to deny that. "It's a casual meeting, they said they'd provide lunch as well."

"Are they going to be asking us last minute requests often?" He felt annoyed by the sudden onset of Monstera pushing into their in.

"Shuichi…" He knew Kurama understood they had deadlines, but also couldn't argue with all of the last minute meetings either. They both knew it was just timing, and right now the timing sucked.

He felt he did owe his father some, after today. He was still surprised he backed him up so readily. "I'll go... This meeting will help me decide if I'm interested in moving forward with this or not. Remember, I'm waiting on that study." This was a good time to move his chess piece, he'd been playing a slow game of chess with Kazuya since getting involved with the company, and he wouldn't fully allow the man to guilt trip or manipulate him.

"Of course. That's fair—thank you, but there's one more thing."

"Jesus." Yusuke whispered as he rubbed his hair back in stress, Kurama glanced at him—distracted with his own feelings.

"Your mother's six month check-up is tomorrow. And you know how she likes company, and again you know I know nothing about botany."

Was he seriously doing this to him? He closed his eyes as he reached up to touch his forehead in irritation. He knew his mother's cancer checkup was coming soon, but of course it had to be on a day when Kazuya needed him. And of course he would never make his mother go alone if she wanted company.

"Father. You want me going to another meeting alone after today?" He said robotically now, feeling annoyed with his little trick. "We can't reschedule?"

"Well, possibly. But Dean said he has some personal things blocking out the rest of next week—and like I said, we don't want to miss this chance."

"You don't."

"You said you were interested as well." He was restraining his irritation with how Kurama spoke back to him.

He took a deep breath. "They'll both be there?" He couldn't believe he'd be seeing Marshall again so soon. His stomach swirled with anxiety, and the other same feeling he felt after seeing Marshall smile. He barely looked in Yusuke's direction as he forced himself to focus.

"Yes, Dean, Mr. Mathes and possibly Mr. Dubois."

"Dubois?"

"The younger blonde man you saw this morning, he's their financial guy…" He trailed off.

Kurama sighed and looked to Yusuke, wanting to say no badly. But unable to. Yusuke looked back at him and shrugged, not sure how to help Kurama.

"Shuichi?"

"Yes." He looked back to the phone—feeling irritated, but obviously he was needed—and he was setting up his family, he reminded himself of that fact. If he dealt with Kotobuki today, he could deal with these three men. Probably. If he would be able to ignore Marshall.

"Please. I need you." Kazuya said quieter now, obviously tense and frustrated with being vulnerable.

That surprised Kurama. Apparently he was very intent on getting Monstera before anyone else did… "Alright. I can go." He forced out, trying not to sound frustrated.

Kazuya sighed loudly in relief. "You are a life saver, son. I'll have to thank you soon; it means a lot to me that you're willing to step in for me tomorrow." He spoke gently, but quickly.

"Of course, father. But please don't forget I'm not sure—"

"I know." He cut him off. "I remember, and I respect whatever choice you make when the time comes."

Maybe he was trying his hardest to utilize Kurama before he left, assuming Kurama had already decided he was going to do more schooling due to his disinterest in business. That was a relief that Kazuya assumed Kurama's future departure, but he still felt guilty knowing that he was so panicked about it.

"Thank you…" He barely said.

"I'll text you the address once I get it, Dean said he wants to see how the weather is before they decide on where to meet. I'll also let him know I won't be attending, and you'll be representing myself and the company."

Kurama frowned, knowing he purposely put that in to press the importance of this to him. "Weather?" He tried not to let any annoyance slip out.

"Well, they want to show you their products and prototypes… I'm assuming they've got quite the garden, greenhouse, or whatever." He mumbled some.

Again, Kurama was frustrated that he found himself becoming intrigued. "Okay. What time?" Time to get off the phone, he was neglecting his friend and wanted to get back to enjoying himself.

"He said eleven in the morning."

"Alright." He barely shrugged.

"Thank you again, Shuichi. Your support is appreciated."

"Of course, you're welcome."

"…Tell Yusuke I said hi." He barely said. "Have a nice night."

Yusuke raised his eyebrows as he looked at Kurama, impressed by Kazuya's attempt to keep peace. He glanced at Yusuke, acknowledging his reaction. "I will. Goodbye, father."

"Goodbye."

Kurama hung up and sighed, tossing his phone back onto the bed.

"Jeez." Yusuke said gently.

He looked pointedly to him—hoping to convey his annoyance. "Yes."

"He is a good businessman." He chuckled.

Sighing again, Kurama barely smiled with a nod. He had a point.