Please read and enjoy! And if you could please try to review, so I can get an idea of who is actually reading. Thank you! -Samron
And here he was, sitting across from Marshall in his father's office. The man he'd had sex with last weekend. God… How this happened was beyond him, and as before he'd be laughing right now at the absurdity of this if he were alone. But, at the moment his father set next to him on their couch, and Dean next to Marshall on the one across from them. Kurama stayed extremely formal, sitting straight with his fingers laced together and hands in his lap. He felt as if he was in trouble; his father was upset because of him and the man sitting across from him was upset with him. He couldn't imagine what Marshall must be thinking right now—he wasn't even sure what his own feelings were! But, he kept his eyes down as he waiting for whatever it was that they wanted to discuss.
Just by how Kazuya was acting from what happened with Toda… he was scared to imagine what may happen if he found out any bit of what Marshall had done to him. Because… he'd see Marshall as the pervert, and Kurama as his innocent son. Would if Marshall was going to tell Kazuya? Did Dean know? His stomach ached as he watched a drop of water fall down the side of the glass pitcher full of ice water that sat between them on the coffee table.
"Kazuya. We wanted to come in and apologize, specifically to you, Shuichi." Dean spoke quietly, obviously not sure how to treat this subject. Now giving a look of empathy to Kurama.
Oh. Great. He really wanted to go find Toda right now and kill him—no one would ever know.
Kazuya stared at him. "Apologize? You have nothing to apologize for."
Dean looked to Kazuya, confused. "Yes. We had no idea Kotobuki's son would ever act in the manner as he did today. We've worked with him and his father only a couple of times before, but today was the first time Toda came alone."
Please make it stop.
Kurama sighed quietly as he closed his eyes. He was surrounded. His stepfather saw him as the perfect son, apprentice, student, and someone who could take over the family's business. It was all he gave of himself to Kazuya and his family. He didn't know how the man in front of him might see him now, having had touched Kurama places that no one would ever imagine… most of his closest people had probably thought he'd abnegated sex entirely—which, he thought he had. Outside of his heat of course. But, how he acted with Marshall was entirely opposite of how his family and friends new him. Then, next to Marshall was a new business associate. Who like most others, saw him as an intelligent and put together individual. And clearly desired his partnership due to his education and boasted skillset.
Now story time was about to start about on how the pudgy Toda had humiliated poor Shuichi, and how upsetting it must have been. He just wanted all the attention to stop, especially involving the subject of sex, assault, or victimization. He hated this. It was pathetic, and a waste of everyone's time.
Also, he didn't like thinking about that.
Kazuya frowned and Kurama looked to him calmly, feeling the anger start to swell from the poor man again. He looked back at Kurama. "He did something today as well?"
There it was.
Dean and Marshall both frowned. "What…?" Dean barely spoke, now seeming uncomfortable again. "Did I miss something?" He glanced between the two of them.
"What happened today?"
"Your son… didn't tell you?" Dean swallowed then looked to Marshall help. "I assumed that's why you were so upset. I apologize." He held his hand up to his chest.
Marshall glanced at Dean, then blew some air out of his mouth with a sigh—now barely allowing himself to glance at Kurama. Was he uncomfortable? Oh no. Kurama frowned, hoping he wouldn't put himself in the same category as that pig. Everything Kurama did with Marshall was his choice. Now he felt obligated to say something. But, he couldn't.
Dammit.
"I told you he recognized me, father." He said quietly.
"Okay."
"Is there something else we should know? I want nothing to do with someone who treats other's in any manner of the way Toda acted today—but if worse, I'll make sure something is done." He spoke to Kazuya now.
"What happened today!?" Kazuya was panicking now.
"Nothing compared to yesterday, father. It's fine." Kurama tried to calm him.
"What happened yesterday?" Dean frowned and Marshall brought his hand up to his mouth, nervously biting his lip.
"That bastard did unspeakable things to himself as he stared at my son on the train!"
Dean recoiled, looking upset and then turned to Marshall for processing. Marshall made a face as he looked down, obviously uncomfortable. "That's not good." He almost spoke again but held his tongue. Kurama eyed him.
"We could potentially lose a future investor." Dean said quietly to Marshall.
He looked up to him, "I don't care." obviously they were both on the same page.
"So, Toda exposed himself to you on the train, Shuichi?" Dean looked at him.
Kurama could throw up right now. He sighed, "No. Just… enjoyed himself." He looked at him with dull eyes, making it obvious he had no interest on the subject. "I stick out—" He motioned to himself, "So, of course he recognized me today. He must have assumed I was an assistant or something, otherwise I don't think he would've acted the way he did."
Kazuya gave a look to Dean, still wanting to know what happened.
"Well, the way he acted makes a bit more sense now—not excusing it all." He shook his head. "That's quite disturbing." He looked to Kazuya. "He was very demeaning to your son, he looked at him inappropriately and asked him if he was lost. Calling him… what did he call him?" He leaned into Marshall again.
The poor man was stiff and kept his eyes downcast, clearly stressed by this subject himself. "You said it was 'little fox'?" He barely glanced over.
"Oh right, yes. He called him little fox." He cringed.
Kazuya looked upset. "Why did you leave that out?" He spoke more gently now as he looked to Kurama.
Kurama stared at the floor as he widened his eyes some in annoyance. "I don't mean to sound rude, or ungrateful. But I doubt any of you understand how often this happens, and how it little matters to me to comment on it." He glanced up to Dean, then looking his father directly in the eye, making sure he knew he was serious. "The only reason I brought up the train issue is due to me telling him off without your approval. Then thinking on it more, degenerates like him should be called out. I'm sure he's acted in that manner toward others before, and I agree, that's not okay." He looked to Dean now. "So, if you'd like to move ahead and make a complaint on your own—go right ahead. But, I'd rather not be involved."
All three men were quiet. He was right, they didn't know. Kurama was a man like they were but looked nothing like them. Kazuya was stubborn and never wanted to admit it, but he couldn't argue with him now. He knew his stepson was pretty, or beautiful, and stuck out insanely obviously, everywhere they went. So, Kurama stating that this happens often, may be a shock to them; but they had to take his word for it that it was a usual occurrence for him.
"Understandable." Dean nodded. "You wouldn't mind me making a complaint about today's meeting? They may ask for a name, but I'll leave you out of it to the best of my ability."
"If you can, please leave my name out."
Dean nodded again, then looked to Kazuya. "Do you mind coming with me? I have some things to discuss with you, and we need to check with my legal about our options." He glanced to Marshall. "Can you please provide Shuichi some company?" He gave him a look.
Marshall looked to Dean with horror, and Kurama shot his eyes up to him as well.
Why!?
"Yes, that sounds good. Thank you, Mr. Mathes. Shuichi, we'll be back—just take it easy, alright?" He stood as he looked to him, but still seemed flustered as he followed Dean out of the room.
What the hell!?
Kurama stared at the door as it shut, the loud click making the silence of the room burn his ears. He had to eventually, so he set his jaw and made himself look over to Marshall, who was giving him his full attention. He was obviously uncomfortable as well as he took in a breath, letting out a deep sigh; giving Kurama eye contact. And to Kurama's surprise he felt his chest flutter as he looked back into those eyes. Memories of how Marshall's hands felt on his skin rushed into his mind, making him turn off all emotion again as his eyes were the first to drift from their contact.
Marshall studied him, trying to stay professional. But, Kurama already knew he was frustrated… and was very unsure. Kurama found himself at a loss for words again by this man. Something hit his chest again, but it wasn't the butterflies this time. It hurt. This wasn't guilt—he knew that feeling well. This was something else, it was tight. He had the urge to leave but wouldn't do that to Marshall again.
Speak you idiot.
"How's your knee?" Kurama swallowed, gathering himself quickly as he forced his eyes back.
Marshall sighed again as he looked to the side, still in distress. "You're not gonna ask about my lip?" He looked back to him, clearly unsure if he even wanted to ask that.
His chest tightened immediately. "No." He lowered his gaze, "But I will apologize for it, I was angry and took it out on you."
He looked offended. "Angry? Why?" He leaned in, understandably still upset. "You're the one who didn't want to be there." He said softer this time.
"I…." Was all he could manage.
What was with him…? He was able to handle most every situation, and always had something to say. But with this guy, it was almost as if he were walking on a string. What could he say, what couldn't he say—what should, or shouldn't he say…? He had to be cautious, but, wasn't sure why.
Marshall looked hurt again. "What did I do?" He asked so honestly.
Kurama felt his heart jerk, the tightness got worse, and he realized this was pain. Was he sad? He had gone into the realm of human indulgence, purely for his own selfishness, and here he was paying for it. After what he did to become Shuichi Minamino he promised himself he'd never do anything close to that again. Apparently he was still too weak.
He frowned openly, finally showing some distress to Marshall as he looked to him quickly. "You did nothing wrong." He whispered with haste, pissed that he sounded so aghast.
Frozen now, Marshall glared some. Trying to figure him out. "Then why'd you…"
"I made a mistake, and I was angry. Like I said… I took my emotion out on you because I was upset." He spoke calmly and kept his face expressionless.
"What mistake?"
He owed him. He sighed as he closed his eyes, now biting the inside of his lip before speaking. "Letting my guard down. Falling asleep with you, then…" He swallowed as he glanced up to him. "Having sex again." He still couldn't believe he was so intimate with the man.
Marshall's eyes widened as he glanced quickly around the office, as his cheeks warmed. He thought for a moment, then looked back to Kurama. "Letting your guard down…?" He shook his head barely, not understanding.
"I only meant to sleep with you once."
He tensed, looking worried. "This is sounding shifty."
He had no idea… but it wasn't anything like where he was going. Kurama sighed and shook his head. "This was all for my own personal gain, nothing to do with anything outside of that." He looked to Marshall pointedly.
"So you're saying you just wanted a one and done?"
Kurama glanced down, not liking the sound of it, but it was true. "Yes."
"I thought you said you weren't a whore?" He said spitefully.
Flashing a glare at him, he looked away. He deserved that and agreed, he sounded like one after admitting his intentions. The poor man hadn't even had sex with a man until Kurama… why couldn't Kurama just tell him the truth? He was dragging Marshall through the mud. He was probably embarrassed as well, especially with the lack of feedback from Kurama.
"I'm not." He stared out the office window, swallowing harder now as he felt his nerves hit. He owed him. "You're actually the first person I've had sex with, willingly." He moved his eyes over to check Marshall's reaction, feeling his heart rate pick up and the anxiety kick in. Today seemed to be revolved around him being victimized.
There was a tense silence and Marshall looked at him suspiciously as those words sank in. "You can't expect me to believe that." He said defensively.
Kurama felt sick again, having never said that out loud, he wasn't sure how to feel. He shrugged nonchalantly as he looked down, now taking in a deep breath. "There isn't a way I can help you confirm. Nobody knows about my first…" He hesitated, "…and no one knows about you, either." He looked to him, letting out his breath as his stomach turned. "Forgive me."
Marshall was clearly uncomfortable now. "Then why… are you telling me…?" He spoke more gently this time.
"An apologetic gesture of sorts, I guess." He made a face. "And… I wasn't expecting to enjoy myself." His brow furrowed as he thought, hoping any of this made sense.
Opening his mouth slowly, Marshall glared. "…with me?"
Kurama looked up to him. "Yes." He felt the tightness again, his heart punching him from the inside. "I enjoyed being with you."
Marshall stared, and Kurama felt the tension between them. It seems the man wanted to be angry, but also wanted desperately to understand. The clock ticking from Kazuya's desk suddenly was the only thing to be heard, as Kurama crossed his arms. He had no idea how to do this…
"Looks like we're quite opposite." Marshall said like he was thinking out loud.
He couldn't help but agree, as he kept his eyes on the coffee table. Then he heard the ding from the elevator and Miss Kagero's voice greeting his father. He perked up as he glanced back toward the office door, then looked right to Marshall. "They're back." Now he put his finger up to his lips to shush him. "I'd rather no one knowing about our time together—and I'm assuming you'd prefer that my father not know as well?"
He looked a bit stressed, but Kurama saw some relief in his eyes as well. "My lips are sealed." He said quietly as he put his hand up in agreement, now frowning in deep thought. "But just so you know—I really enjoyed myself too." He stared Kurama down, showing that same confidence that threw Kurama before as he smiled. Seeming happier.
That was bold.
Kurama stared at him in surprise as he blinked, now hearing the office door behind them open and Dean's loud voice talking about some numbers. Marshall smirked at him as he looked off into the window area, now crossing one leg over the other and leaning back with confidence. Kurama felt his face flush, pissed to be caught off guard for the umpteenth time today, but the tightness in his chest gave him a break for now as he saw Marshall's smile. He couldn't hold back a smile either as he looked down, trying to gather himself for his father.
"How'd it go in here?" Dean smiled as he looked to Marshall. Kazuya seemed much more at ease now, Kurama looked up to him in attempt to read him. Kazuya smiled back at him, clearly pleased.
"Great." Marshall smiled up to Dean, then to Kazuya.
"Mr. Mathes was just telling me about his Juliet Roses. It's quite impressive." He looked to Dean, hoping his father bought all the bullshit to come… well, he would, but he just wanted today to end already. He was exhausted.
Marshall stared at him, and Kurama wasn't sure what the look was—but he wanted to glare at him to stop. He looked pleased as if mentioning the roses meant something to him. Maybe Kurama should have just let him lead the lie, but he wasn't that trusting… Kurama eyed him, then Marshall smiled up to Dean.
"Ah yes. Those beauties, Marshall's worked hard on them." Dean smiled proudly.
Kurama continued the charade. "How were you able to get your hands on them?"
Marshall chuckled out, staring at him a bit longer than usual—obviously taken off guard by how good Kurama was at this. But, he caught up quick. "They were a gift." He smiled. That interested Kurama—those roses had a patent; he assumed the man had bought them for the ridiculous amount that they cost. Apparently not.
"You must know some people, then." He chuckled.
Kazuya watched them as he smiled, then put his hands on his waist. "Seems you two are getting along well." He looked up to Dean, who smiled in agreement.
Kurama looked to his father, assuming what was coming… and not being happy about it. "Dean and I were talking, and Mr. Mathes, I'm sure you're already somewhat aware. But, I formally wanted to extend a proposition to your company as a potential investor and maybe even some sort of collaboration in the future?"
"Oh." Marshall sat up in attention, looking excited as he smiled to Dean.
Dean chuckled as his smile grew, now sitting down next to Marshall while unbuttoning the button on his blazer. "Yes, we've been working on trying to get an investor for some time now—and it seems Kazuya has been eyeing our company as well." He chuckled as he poured himself a glass of water. "You've been out the last week, so I haven't been able to catch you up until now." He said that part lightheartedly, but you could tell there was some tension in his eyes.
Kurama frowned as his eyes shot to Marshall, feeling guilt again. Kazuya sat down next to Kurama now as he gave his attention to Marshall. "I hope the courts have been kinder to you." He was checking in.
Marshall obviously could feel Kurama's eyes as he glanced to him first, showing a bit of embarrassment but smiled quickly to appease Kazuya. "Not much better this last hearing. Then I caught a cold." He chuckled gently as he waved his hand.
Pfft. Kurama was impressed with his lying abilities as well, but he felt bad once again for being his 'cold'. Which described perfectly how he'd been to the poor man… he looked down at the ground as he began to fidget with some of his hair between his fingers. Maybe since they clearly were going to be working together for an undisclosed amount of time he could actually try to get to know Marshall as who he was. There was no need for him to hide much now, since, here they were. He felt eyes on him again as he heard Kazuya begin to apologize and complain about the legal system, looking up to find Marshall eyeing his hand while he played with his hair. He felt himself bristle and heat go to his face as he made eye contact with him again, this time seeing the eyes he was familiar with. Happy and confident.
This man was going to get him in trouble.
He felt a sweat hit him as he quickly gave his attention to his father. Marshall did too. "Thank you, Mr. Hatanaka. I appreciate it—and I do agree but tend to shy away from complaining too much. This whole thing has been a dark cloud for my daughter, so I just take it a day at a time and enjoy her when I can." He forced a smile for him. "Besides, I'm feeling much more optimistic today." He casually glanced at Kurama as if including him in the conversation but caught Kurama off guard once more as he set his teeth again..
Yeah, he was going to get in trouble.
"I appreciate you being patient with my absence."
"Oh, of course. Family is important." Kazuya nodded to Marshall. "I'm glad the time off helped."
They chatted for a bit longer, and at one point Kurama had lost track of time. He had to admit he did find himself interested in their company—it was quite unique, and his father was smart to snatch them up quickly. He was trying to keep Kurama around to help with Hatanaka and Co., so by getting these two involved he may have just done that. He wouldn't admit that it had anything to do with Marshall—because he'd already been interested before he knew Marshall was involved.
Kurama looked down as he pulled out his cell phone, noticing it was nearly eleven in the afternoon. He saw a single text from Yusuke on his lock screen.
"Food would be great."
He smiled, feeling relief that his friend was okay—and knowing that the food got him the in to check on him. Assuming Yusuke might be a bit embarrassed by his voicemail, he made sure to offer food since he may not communicate with him again until much later. He unlocked his phone and swiped his finger across the keyboard some as he responded.
"How does Chicken Katsu with Curry sound from the Daily Hot near your place?"
"…"
Yusuke was taking his time to respond, so Kurama pushed.
"Would you like some caffeine as well?"
"That sounds amazing, Kurama. Thanks bud."
"Of course. I'm still at work, our meeting was… different. So, I may be a little later than noon—I apologize."
"Different? I'm excited to hear. And take your time bud, seriously."
Kurama smiled again.
"See you soon."
He felt his father glance at him, so he locked his phone and slipped it back into his pocket as he leaned back, looking at Kazuya with a smile. He was anxious to get out of here but was surprised to feel that the day had gone better than he assumed it would. Maybe all the excitement was something he missed? Or he enjoyed chewing out a scumbag… or seeing Marshall's smile.
No.
He stopped himself there. He barely allowed a look at the man who was now laughing at something Kazuya had said. He couldn't deny it, he still found him attractive. It pissed him off that somehow he was in his life again, but he was also thankful in certain ways. His guilt wasn't looming, Marshall seemed okay, and his father was getting cozy with the company he'd been eyeing for months. All thanks to that pig Kotobuki. He found it silly that one gross person could do so much for everyone in this room, including himself. It felt nice to tell someone off for once.
But, on the other hand, the anxiety of Marshall and him was circulating. Would if Kazuya found out? He trusted Marshall wouldn't intentionally do anything, because of his reputation, but… he'd never had something like this happen before. Two parts of his lives colliding so hard together wasn't something he'd experienced. This was his first time ever doing such a thing with someone outside of his two different worlds. He raised an eyebrow to the thought—he'd unintentionally carved out a secret, third, part of his life. Would it grow any more than it was now, or would he be able to seal it shut? He wasn't sure what he wanted, or if he had a choice.
"Well, we don't want to keep you two for too long." Marshall smiled as he sipped some ice water, then gave Dean a look.
"Yes." then sat up immediately, buttoning his blazer. "Of course. We apologize."
"No need—you've been a huge help for us today." Kazuya smile to them both.
Dean held his hand up to wave away the thanks. "We'll be in contact?"
Kazuya stood. "Yes of course. And hopefully soon my son can check out your products. I'd go, but I'd only get in the way." He laughed.
What? Kurama glared in confusion as he looked up to Kazuya.
Dean nodded as he looked to Marshall with hesitation, "I think that'd be great." Then he looked to Kurama as he and Marshall stood. "Your father and I discussed us three meeting up, so you could check out some of our prototypes in the works."
Kurama stood now too, looking to his father with slight annoyance. He did this often. "I'd be open to meeting." He smiled robotically to them… him and Kazuya would discuss it later.
"Great. With your skillset and education it would be quite helpful." He leaned in to Marshall, "He's got two degrees with concentrations, a minor, and a masters. All within where we lack." He gave an excited expression to his co-founder.
"Oh." He looked impressed. "Are you a botanist?" He smirked at him, giving a more intentional look this time.
Kurama felt his stomach turn, not sure what this feeling was—but he didn't like it. Embarrassment, or whatever, this was too close to feeling personal. He forced a smile, allowing some sarcasm to leak through his expression. "I wouldn't be of much help if that wasn't in the mix, now would I?"
Marshall was enjoying this far too much. "Hmm, well it helps—but I've got a little knowledge on the subject myself."
Kurama fought the urge to roll his eyes.
"And zero in Organic Chemistry or Biophysics." Dean laughed as he pat Marshall on the shoulders.
Marshall looked impressed as he stared at Kurama. "Oh wow. That is quite the skillset." He smiled for real this time, loving that he got to know actual facts about Kurama.
This was going on for too long.
"Thank you." He barely glanced at him then looked to his father. "I do have to be going."
"Ah, we'll leave. I'm Italian, we tend to forget to shut up." He laughed and Marshall rolled his eyes with a smile.
Kazuya laughed as well as he escorted them to the door. "No worries at all, this has been pleasant. And again, thank you so much for all your support this morning."
Kurama snuck one more look in their direction, and Marshall was waiting. He looked at him quickly with gentle smile and nod. Kurama gave him eye contact, then looked away with polite disinterest.
Maybe this was the time for him to decide about his future with this company…