Please enjoy and review! Samron
"Yusuke! Please wake up! I need a change of clothes." Kurama whispered harshly as he leaned over his sleeping friend.
"Uhghhh, quiet." Yusuke grumbled and held his ears.
Kurama's phone had ran out of batteries, because they both had fallen asleep talking last night. He completely forgot to plug it in, and he couldn't believe his sloppiness.
"Yusuke!" He grumbled deeper this time, "I need clean clothes, I've got my meeting in less than an hour!"
"You're so loud!" He fussed back.
Kurama frowned as he set his teeth, taking in a breath as thoughts of slapping him went through his mind… this person was his friend. He wanted to, but no hitting would be happening today. So, he grabbed his freshly showered hair, and squeezed out a good bit right onto Yusuke's face.
"Guhh!" Yusuke sat up quickly as he spit out what fell on him, now wiping it off his face in shock. "What the fuck! You dump water on me!?" He glared up to Kurama, barely opening his eyes just enough to get an angry expression out.
Kurama had really set himself for failure today, and he was still quietly praying Yusuke had any clothes for him… It'd unprofessional, and awkward as fuck to show up to their meeting wearing the same clothes he wore the day before. So here he stood, in front of the half asleep Yusuke, wearing just a towel, with another holding his hair so it wouldn't drip on Yusuke's floor.
Yusuke looked him up and down, now taking in what he saw as he looked surprised. "What's happening…?" He said much calmer now as his eyes finish taking Kurama in, then looked up to meet with his eyes.
"I have my meeting. Can I borrow some clean clothes?" His old ones smelled like smoke, takeout, and Yusuke's room...
"Oh, shit. When did we fall asleep." He looked around flustered, now grabbing his phone to check the time. It was fifteen after ten in the morning. "Wow you slept in." He chuckled out as he looked back to Kurama.
"Yusuke! Clothes?" He was getting close to losing his patience with him.
"Right." He pointed up as he stood, now walking sloppily over to his closet. He slid open the door and look in with a squint. "My pants are gonna be too short for you." He mumbled out as he dug around.
"I can roll the hems." He walked up and looked into the closet. "What about those?"
"These?" Yusuke reached to the back of his closest and roughly pulled a pair of black jeans. "I haven't worn these in a while, they're a little big for me."
"Perfect. Do you mind?"
He glanced at Kurama, still seeming lost and flustered a bit himself. "I never thought I'd be lending clothes to Kurama." He chuckled out more to himself, digging in his shirts. "All my shirts are casual bud."
"Do you have anything, even a casual button up will do..."
"Uhhh… Yeah, I've got this…" He didn't seem sure as he pulled out a short sleeve button up from the far back of his closet. "Keiko bought it for me a long time ago—I don't think I've worn it more than once." The colors were monotone, tan and a warm brown blended together well to give the shirt a less casual look—along with the color, and V-neck cut. The pattern was similar to Aztec or Bohemian theme, and all the shapes gave a unique look to the shirt.
Kurama frowned, "Do you mind if I try it?"
"No." Yusuke tried to stay cool as he handed it to Kurama. Obviously not happy thinking about Keiko.
"Thank you so much, Yusuke. And I apologize fo—"
"Shuut up…" He calmly said as he walked over to look out his window, giving Kurama a little privacy.
Kurama smiled, then pulled on his underwear. He prayed the jeans would fit as he pulled them on, thankfully like Yusuke had said, they weren't his size and were big enough for Kurama. They were tighter than he was used to, but fitted meant they fit… so, he was probably just wearing his true size. He sighed out with a smile as he lifted each leg, having to roll up the hems to make it seem the short legs were on purpose.
"Damn, those fit perfect!"
Kurama sighed, as he looked at him and pulled the button up on.
"Well, they're a bit short. But, they look good on you!" He smiled, obviously still tired, and probably a bit hung over.
"Thank you, Yusuke." He gave him a look, hopefully conveying his gratitude.
"Yeah dude, he shrugged as he looked down with a nod."
Kurama button up the shirt, which fit him fine—but, it was a style he never wore. It was a baggy button up with short sleeves that lay higher on his arms than he liked. It showed off his arms, and he didn't mind that, but he didn't tend to want show his body. Especially during anything business related… and especially when he was about to see someone he didn't know how to handle. It also buttoned up only so high, so due it being baggier the v-neck cut hung to one side a bit more, showing off his collar bone and some chest. He glanced in Yusuke's closet, not seeing anything else stick out. He was going to be late. He'd settle for this shirt and be thankful Yusuke even had anything that fit him. And they were clean…
"You better get going, it's almost ten-thirty." He held up his phone to show Kurama as well as tossing Kurama's dead one to him.
"Thank you."
Now he was on the train… he'd make it, but he was late… hopefully no one would mention it to Kazuya. He sighed as he brought his hands up to his hair to squeeze out more water. He felt eyes on him as he glanced over, realizing he felt a bit on edge knowing he was about to see Marshall again. It was a man. Faceless as always, but expression the same. He was watching Kurama, and he smiled when he looked over. That pissed him off, usually just a look deterred them… but apparently it was perversion week this week on the J-Line.
"You're dripping." The man said in English, assuming he couldn't understand. He smirked as he nodded at Kurama's hair, then his eyes slowly creeped up his body to meet his faded eyes with Kurama's.
Original.
Kurama gripped his hair tighter, looking forward now to watch the world speed by. Again, finding enjoyment in violent thoughts. Why had he been so angry this last week? Was it really what he thought yesterday? Was he okay? At the moment, obviously not—somehow he was in the dammed predicament. The man's eyes were still on him, so he dropped his hair and reached up to grab one of the handles again, doing his best to ignore the idiot as he stared down at his brown oxfords. This was his stop, and now his nerves kicked. He was returning to an area he never intended to return to.
He sighed as he looked up to the doors opening, then relaxed some when he realized the man didn't follow, that happened often, and he just didn't want to deal with the extra annoyance. He walked for a bit and by the time he started recognizing the homes his stomach was now in knots. His eyes landed on Marshall's home from a distance, recognizing the rose bushes easily during the daytime.
What was he doing?
Dean would be there, and the other… gentleman… this was just a meeting. He could do this.
He swallowed and stopped once he got closer, surprised he was so nervous again making him angry. Staring at the house he admired it once more but felt the same desire to leave as before as he forced himself to move to the front door. He reached up to ring the bell, then readied himself to stay professional and act as though he knew nothing better than a first time visitor.
The large door opened and a middle aged woman in a professional pant suit opened the door. Her hair was pinned back tight, she was a plain woman, but she obviously took care of herself.
She looked up to him seeming surprised. "Mr. Minamino?"
Maybe this was one of the maids Marshall had mentioned.
"Hello." He bowed curtly.
She looked surprised again. "Ah, forgive me. I didn't realize you'd be even younger than Jack." She smiled now, finally seeming more friendly.
He raised his eyebrows, wondering who Jack was.
"Forgive me." She stepped back and motioned him inside. "Come in. Mr. Mathes is out back." She glanced up at the large clock across from them—but, Kurama was just trying not to look into the room to his left.
"Looks like you're the first one here. Did you have trouble finding the place?" She looked concerned, but it seemed feigned to Kurama.
Did she have an issue? He was late, but she was being a bit direct. "No, just running late. Forgive me." He smiled gently, "Mr. Capo hasn't arrived yet?"
She looked him up and down, then shook her head. "I apologize, I can't be sure. He could've gone through the back entrance." She answered as she walked off, "Follow me please." Obviously she didn't approve of whatever it was about Kurama…
"My shoes." Kurama hesitated.
Turning back to him, she looked confused but then nodded quickly. "Oh right, Mr. Mathes is western. He doesn't mind shoes inside—besides, we're going right back out." She faked another smile, but it was at least convincing.
He took in a deep breath, glancing at the room to his left as it seemed surreal being back in this house, he let out his sigh as a sweat hit him and he forced himself to follow the grumpy woman. Today would be over soon enough.
She lead him down the hallway then turned to a stairway that hid behind the upstairs stairway, now walking down it to a very large basement area. It was much cozier down here, and far less modern. The carpet was squishy, the rugs were all warm choices, the couches in the den area to the right looked inviting. There was a television, and this area looked a bit more used than the upstairs area, even though still entirely put together. There were a few other doors down another small hallway that hid behind the couch area, making the whole floor feel like a home. To their left there was a bar area, a fridge, drinks on the back shelves and other snacks or food items set about. A mirror was the backsplash for the shelving area which just added to the uniqueness and openness to the room, bringing in even more light and color. Lastly a door behind him, he assumed to be the furnace room and another to his left.
Directly in front of them there was a beautiful French door setup, with one of the doors already propped opened. Kurama could smell all the wonderful smells from outside.
"Here we are." She walked quietly to the French door, not going outside but motioning toward the opened one and forcing another fake smile. "He's outside watering the roses, just to your left once you pass the benches and hedges."
Kurama stared outside, smelling the sweetness of them then swallowed as he glanced to her with a nod. "Thank you very much." He said, giving a genuine smile as he bowed again.
Maybe she would take notes.
"Of course." She bowed too, then walked back upstairs.
He looked around the room bit more freely to now, then looked back outside hearing running water. The smell was wonderful, and he wished it was raining. The rain was so nice on warmer fall days like today, especially with all these plants in the mix.
He huffed out a breath, forcing himself to get it together as he walked out into the warm sun, he was now under a deck of sorts and the patio he stood on was professionally done with a bench on each side of the French doors. The bench to his right has some smaller bushes and plants to decorate, but to his left there were tall hedges that gave a sense of privacy to the patio area. They wrapped around the entire left portion of it, which had a table and chairs with lights hung to add more warmth. It seemed so family oriented but looked so empty.
Kurama found himself distracted while admiring this home, but his nerves kept his senses heightened, he couldn't tear his mind off of how he was going to deal with today. He continued walking, and once he passed the hedges and patio a stone pathway lead off into a couple of directions. He took the left fork and followed it for a bit as he admired the large backyard full of greenery and an assortment of plants, flowers, and trees. This place was stunning.
Then he stopped.
Marshall was alone, holding a hose as he watered the large rose bushes. Kurama kept his eyes on him, realizing that he couldn't continue denying it; he was attracted to him. And that made him angry. He didn't like the fact that anyone, specifically any human could alter his feelings without even trying. It was minor, but to Kurama, minor was a big deal when it came to his affect.
Was this real attraction, or just a thing that happened after sex? No, he'd already felt this way some before they'd even touched, he took a moment—noting Marshall's wavey brown hair, his clean, tan, skin… He clenched his fist as he felt his stomach swirl, now taking in his body as well. The casual pants he wore fit perfectly, his stance was comfortable and peaceful, one hand was in his pocket and the other loosely holding the hose. The blue polo fit him nicely and showed off his chest along with his arms. But Kurama felt surprised when he studied his face, his eyes were distant—obviously not paying attention to his task as he had been watering the same spot for too long. Marshall's thoughts were elsewhere.
He wanted to go to him.
Frowning to that urge, he set his teeth—he didn't have to. The man didn't know he was here yet. He could leave and he'd never known he'd been watching him. He could leave. He narrowed his eyes as he studied Marshall more… why did he care? He didn't even know him… yet here he was, struggling on either to move forward, or slip away.
Marshall's eyes were complicated, and it just made Kurama more intrigued by him. How was it that he ended up feeling at all this way toward somebody, when he wasn't looking for anything? He'd never looked, and never intended to… He was definitely attracted to him, and apparently not only physically. He didn't want this. He lowered his eyes, not allowing himself to go there right n—
"Shuichi." Marshall's voice sounded relieved.
He snapped his eyes up to Marshall's welcoming smile. Guess the choice was made, he was stupid to let his guard down. His thoughts seemed to be betraying him these days.
"Hello." He nodded gently, keeping his eyes on Marshall's.
Marshall quickly turned the hose off, tossing it to the ground then walked to him. "I didn't hear you approach; I apologize." He laughed, a bit of tension still there. "How are you?" He smiled, and it was sincere.
How could this man be happy to see him? The same feeling from yesterday hit again, even though he felt a bit anxious… excited…? …himself, the ache reminded him to stick with reality. "I'm fine, thank you." He forced a cordial smile.
"I'm assuming you found your way just fine." He joked in full confidence, now looking at him with admiration. Kurama stared at him, allowing some coldness to show through but, kept calm. Marshall shrugged, still smiling as he slid his hands into his pant pockets. "You're late."
He knew he had this coming at some point if they continued working together, but everything was happening so fast. Where was Dean? He raised an eyebrow in worry as he looked away, now allowing himself to sigh openly.
"Yes. I apologize—my phone died." He made a face, knowing that excuse was as terrible as it sounded more like he was avoiding Marshall. Great. "I found my way just fine." He forced himself to look back, giving him a sarcastic smile.
Marshall chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "I hoped you would." He now eyed Kurama, giving him a look that wasn't exchanged between strangers.
Kurama's face flushed as his smile faded, and his eyes didn't move. How was he flirting with him!? He felt stress as he glanced around a bit, waiting for Marshall to get all his punches in. Hopefully he'd be done soon. Another chuckle, or giggle of sorts came from Marshall as he looked at him. So he looked back to the man, wondering what was coming next.
"It's just us at the moment, don't worry." He gave him a teasing expression, then frowned quickly as he looked like a thought popped into his head. "Your dad isn't here is he?" He quickly looked behind Kurama to check.
He sighed again as a real smile slipped, that would be pretty comical if he hid Kazuya behind him to get Marshall. But, really it would be quite devastating, probably for Marshall as well. "That wouldn't be ideal." He eyed him back.
Marshall nodded in agreement as he relaxed and gave is attention back to Kurama. "I didn't think you'd even show."
"I was coerced." He said lightheartedly.
"Sure." He snapped back, "I know you don't want to be here. But, imagine if your dad came on his own—unaware you've already visited." He breathed in deeply, obviously holding back some… feelings, as he kept his sharp eyes on Kurama.
That was a sensitive point, it was clear, but it made Kurama feel for the man as he watched him do his best at keeping his hurt hidden. Kurama stared, frowning openly as he read Marshall's expression. The man was still angry… but, that spark was still there.
He shrugged. "You saw his reaction after Toda."
"Oh, so your protecting me?" He said sarcastically.
Kurama shook his head with another smile, feeling frustrated again. "Not just you. I must admit I have been quite selfish this last month—but, you were the one who approached me."
Marshall's eyes got wider, frustrated by that comment but unable to retort because Kurama was right.
"I could simply tell my father you approached me at the bar—I wouldn't have to give him any other details." He spoke sternly, "I'm trying to remain discrete for both our sakes."
"But mainly yours." Marshall cocked his head to the side, not buying what Kurama was saying.
He shrugged, not allowing his annoyance to show as he acted more aloof. "Of course."
"I'm still confused as to why you even agreed to go out with me." Obviously having thought about this a lot.
Kurama's stomach ached again, guilt trickling in. "Why did you approach me?" He glared, turning the tables on him—he'd been wondering the same about Marshall as of yesterday. And now he realized he was a on the defense… probably a bit too much. But, the man did confide in him that that night.
He stared at Kurama, blinking a few times as if he'd been caught. "I—…told you the night of." He barely got out.
"You noticed me. Everyone notices me." He made a face.
Marshall sighed, looking away. "I dunno, you're different."
"I'm a man."
Marshall nodded, "Yeah." He made another face conveying his surprise. "That too… I couldn't stop myself I guess… my life is shit—and," He swallowed as he stared at the ground. "I felt something when I saw you that I haven't felt in years." He shrugged, looking a bit embarrassed as he glanced at Kurama. "It wasn't just your looks, it's the way you hold yourself, how you speak. The strength I talked about…" His voice softened, now stopping himself as he stared off into nothing.
Kurama regretting asking that now—he felt even more guilty, this man was just honest. Entirely opposite of him and it was so frustrating to have to deal with. Why couldn't he just be cold hearted too? He frowned as he studied Marshall. "Forgive me. I shouldn't have come." His voice came out sad and that surprised him.
Marshall looked to him in distress. "Why?"
"I've upset you."
"You upset me when I realized you were just using me." He said sternly, but in a whisper as he stepped closer to him. Kurama felt his chest hurt again, but stood his ground without allowing his eyes to waver. "…and this." He motioned to his lip, now frowning openly, no longer caring to keep professionalism.
"I'm sorry." He shifted his eyes, realizing he just needed to admit that he fucked up and hopefully they could move on.
"For what?"
He was closer now, and Kurama could smell him even better. He took a breath as he stared back at those blue eyes, they were hurt. He swallowed. "Hurting you—and, your lip."
Marshall stared again, not sure how to respond. It was tense again as he swallowed and allowed his eyes to wander down to Kurama's mouth, then his neck. He looked away once more to think, the spoke again—calmer this time. "So you really aren't interested?" Marshall realized they were getting close to the end of whatever potential he thought there could be.
Kurama hesitated and cursed himself for it. His eyebrows went up, not even sure how to process that question. He shook his head. "I don't know what that means."
Marshall raised his eyebrows as well, looking a bit impatient now. "Like, you're not interested in getting to know me?" He patronized.
There was a silence, and Kurama stared at him feeling that same anger he did right before biting the poor man. Why was he so angry? …did he—no, he couldn't. He couldn't. "I'll be getting to know you as we work togeth—"
"You know that's not what I meant." His eyes looked hopeful; emotions beginning to stack over others.
He opened his mouth, then sensed a presence behind him, distracting him from his thoughts as his eyes looked over and he slowly turned his head back to see who was coming.
Marshall frowned. "What?" Then a few second passed and Yua was making her way to them down the path. Marshall looked surprised, then eyed Kurama. He'd already knew when the others were coming back yesterday, and now today he could hear Yua coming…?
"Mr. Mathes, lunch is ready." She said blandly, then glanced at Kurama with the same disapproval as earlier. "Will Mr. Capo not be joining you today?" She finally looked a bit more sincere as she looked back to him.
Marshall had to rip his focus away from their conversation as he looked to her and thought for a moment, then shook his head. "No." His eyes portrayed the same look that Kurama saw earlier as he casually stepped back a bit from Kurama. "Mel started feeling off last night, so they went in today." The poor man's emotions were clearly being smacked around. Kurama's anger stayed as he found himself blaming Kazuya for all this.
Yua eyed Marshall's feet after he stepped back, but quickly gave her attention back to the real matter. "Oh." She said, seeming to understand. "I'm sorry Mr. Mathes. I thought this time would be it." She finally showed some emotion as her voice was hurt for him.
He smiled to her. "Me too. I'll tell him you're thinking of them."
"Thank you sir, she bowed. Please enjoy lunch, regardless." She smiled to him, then glanced to Kurama a bit more real this time. No friendliness was given, but a look of understanding was. Kurama watched her walk away, feeling petty now that they'd been bickering. After seeing that exchange, he realized something real and more important was going on in Marshall's life at the moment. He could cool it for today and compose himself for another…
Marshall glanced at him, and swallowed as he pushed his hair back. "Sorry. Mel is Dean's wife, that's why he couldn't come today. They've been trying to have a baby for, forever, and…" He threw his hand up.
"I'm sorry." He frowned, realizing he and Dean must be closer than business partners.
"It's not my baby, but damn, they've gone through enough already. It sucks watching someone you care about lose something over and over again, and that's all they've wanted." He looked to Kurama, lost in thought now as he eyes displayed the heaviness in what he said.
He cared deeply about his people. Kurama felt his heart go out to him, Dean, and his wife. He felt so similar when watching his mother almost die… He nodded, looking down. "It is difficult to watch the people you care for, suffer."
There was some silence, then thunder in the distance broke it. Marshall looked up to the overcast sky and sighed. "Jeez. Those rolled in quick."
Kurama stared at him, again feeling that aggravating urge. He wanted to comfort the man… he always felt that way towards people, but this was different. Marshall was still a stranger to him, but at the same time he was someone he'd shared something with him that he had never shared with anyone. Logically it made sense he may feel more due to instinct…
…maybe.
"So." Marshall said quietly, as he stared quizzically at Kurama. "Why don't you want anyone to know about me?" He raised his eyebrows.
He frowned. "I didn't s—"
"You said nobody knew about us." He interrupted. "You mentioned your father yesterday, but I don't think you want anyone to know. Am I right?"
Marshall was smart to put that together, he slipped up and meant to keep the reasoning to be his father, but he had said that 'no one knew' about Marshall—probably due to the fact he'd just admitted he'd been forced in the past. So, he was a bit flustered, and misspoke. He stared back at the man as he thought… why didn't he want anyone to know? He felt the corner of his mouth jerk as a faint smirk forced its way through, not able to hold back his reaction to such a question. He huffed out a scoff, shaking his head and looking to the ground.
Marshall frowned as he watched Kurama carefully.
Taking in a deep breath Kurama chuckled silently to himself as he barely shook his head, now looking pointedly at him. "It would change everything." He said quietly.
"What's everything…?"
"I don't do…that."
He glanced around, "I'm assuming you're referring to me…?" He leaned in some once more.
"Yes."
He glared. "But you did."
He allowed his faint smile to stay, now sighing out his frustration. "I know. But, no one would believe it." He looked back to Marshall, finally allowing some of his own emotions to show through to the man.
…
"You must be pretty lonely."
…
Kurama couldn't look away from those blue eyes, they were seeing him again, a different way this time… but he still felt vulnerable, and like last time it left him with the urge to run.
"That makes me sad." Marshall said so blatantly that it surprised Kurama his eyes stayed locked on the man who was now fidgeting. "I know you don't like me, but… I'd still love to get to know you." He was scratching the back of his neck as his eyes darted over to look at Kurama.
"Why?" He genuinely wanted to know, especially with how Kurama had been treating him.
Marshall smirked, and his eyes smiled along with that confidence that showed itself so easily. "Because I like you, and I'm very interested in you." He didn't hesitate.
Feeling his heart jerk, chest warm, and stomach flutter with a feeling he'd never felt before, Kurama stared in awe. Finally allowing some vulnerability to the man, unable to stop the surprise from showing through too. Marshall was stubborn, confident, and honest. He couldn't dodge that—it was attractive.
"You don't have to stay." Marshall said gently.
"I know." He nodded quickly. "I already ruined the Kotobuki's for you both, and my father. So, this is a way for me to make up for that."
Marshall frowned. "Toda ruined tha—"
"Yes, you're right. I also promised my father I'd be here." He shrugged, wondering if this was a good idea. "I've… never gone on a date before." He forced himself to look at Marshall when saying that. Maybe he'd make a bit more sense to the man if he stated one of the ridiculous reasons. "Of course, until you. So, I don't think lunch would hurt… and, for now I'm okay with getting to know you on a professional level." That's all he could give now.
He stared at Kurama as his mind wandered even more, then he finally smirked. "Fair enough. Let's go." He sounded relieved.
Kurama new he had to tread lightly if he wanted to tend to Marshall's feelings as well. He as making this choice to be around the man, someone who proclaimed their interest for him was still here… Was it more cruel to leave Marshall alone, or more cruel to stay with him when he didn't intend to get closer? Was he just being selfish, making someone else feel better to ease his own guilt?
He wasn't entirely sure himself.
Once they got inside there was a good amount of delicious looking lunch foods. Small sandwiches, a good variety of hors-d'oeuvres, and then other assortment of Japanese foods and snacks set about. They ate some and chatted a bit about Hatanaka and Co., Kurama asked about Monstera, and they both relaxed.
"Can I ask you something about yesterday?" Marshall finished chewing, then swallowed as he looked to Kurama with hesitancy.
Kurama forced himself to be more casual with Marshall—not thinking it was fair to treat the man cold due to his own choices. He was covering his mouth with the back of his hand while he chewed, but nodded as he gave full attention to Marshall.
"Did you know I was going to be in that meeting?"
He raised his eyebrows and swallowed, "The one with Kotobuki?" He frowned. "Of course not."
"You could've mentioned you were Hatanaka's son…" He sighed.
Kurama froze, remembering his reaction to hearing who he was. He had been so distracted by Kotobuki's presence though he hadn't fully thought about it until now. "Right. That usually is the first thing I share with strangers." He made a face.
Marshall shrugged in understanding but still annoyed as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I almost choked to death." He chuckled softly.
"Forgive me. It was not my intention to surprise anyone…" He did feel bad.
Marshall showed a sympathetic understanding. "You got a surprise too." He smirked up to him.
He sighed, "Yes. A two for one."
Marshall laughed, now smiling more comfortably. "You hold yourself well. I couldn't tell you were surprised at all." He shook his head, "Everyone was probably wondering what I was on." He rubbed his face in embarrassment.
Kurama couldn't hold back another smile, now looking down. It was funny, but it would probably get funnier with time—because at the moment it still caused him anxiety. He wondered about his knee, because he did hit it hard, then remembered he had something.
"Oh." He glanced at Marshall, reaching into his jean pocket as he pulled out a blank lip balm container. It was only about the size of a silver dollar and was very plain with its white lid and clear container. "Speaking of injuries." He didn't like bring up the subject again, but it was the right thing to do. "I thought you might be interested in my lip balm." He held out the container to Marshall. He almost left it at Yusuke's, but he chose to bring it with him just in case.
Marshall stared at it as he sat frozen in his chair, then raised his eyebrows and looked to Kurama. "Your lip balm?" He questioned.
Kurama felt silly, he never shared cosmetics with anyone… maybe toothpaste with Shuichi on occasion, but most of his family and friends didn't even know he wore lip balm. "Yes. I made it."
"Oh." His eyebrows shot up as he snatched it out of Kurama's hand. "Seriously?" He twisted it opened, now placing it near his nose to smell.
"It's my own—meaning, I only make it for myself." He watched Marshall study it.
"Shuichi's personal lip balm…?" He smirked playfully as he smelled it again.
Kurama looked away. "I thought it could help with your lip." He allowed himself to give an intentional look to him before looking down to his plate to fidget with a piece of rice.
Marshall stared, obviously surprised. "You brought this for me?" He clarified. "Not for the meeting?"
He'd let the man pick some, even flirt a little. He'd forgotten that he wasn't the only one dealing with hardships… which was idiotic, so, seeing Marshall's expression outside reminded himself again that Marshall wasn't some creep. He wanted to tend to things, and potentially fix anything he'd messed up, due to his own immaturity and issues that he dealt with. It wasn't Marshall's fault that Kurama was what he was… so it only seemed fair to suck it up a little bit. Besides, Marshall was enjoyable to be around, regardless of their strange relationship.
He smirked and nodded. "Yes. I still feel bad."
Marshall's expression was hard to read, but he stared a bit too long at Kurama as his mind reeled. Then he finally looked down, his eyes distant again as Kurama could tell he was thinking about a lot. "Or you're poisoning me." He smirked, now smiling fully at Kurama. "Get rid of the evidence."
Kurama unexpectedly laughed as he gave him a look, "That would be terrible." He held his mouth again.
"Hmm… well." He looked at the tiny container. "I'm not sure."
"Heh." He sighed out, "Fine." He said as he reached over and dipped his finger in the container, smearing some out and gently applying it to his own lips. He pressed his lips together to disperse it evenly then held his hand out as he looked back to Marshall. "There, are you happy?" He froze when he saw the look Marshall was giving him.
He was serious again as he took in Kurama, his eyes lingered on Kurama's lips then nodded. "Yeah, that… made me very happy." His head tilted to the side.
The small smile made Kurama hesitate and his stomach warm. He didn't think he'd be seeing the way Marshall's eyes admired him again, he felt prideful yet sad at the same time. He wasn't allowed to enjoy this. He stared back at the man, not realizing he'd let his guard down and felt frustrated that it happened so easily. He tried to keep his frustration from showing as he allowed his eyes to wander from Marshall's demanding gaze. He understood why people were attracted to him, but the way Marshall looked at him was so different from everyone. Kurama couldn't put his finger on it… and it definitely got more intense after they spent their night together.
He tried continuing normally, even though his thoughts were distracting him. "It… has healing properties and it'll work far better than anything you might own." He dared another glance as he continued to try to make peace.
Marshall was smiling at him now, obviously pleased with the gesture. "That's very kind of you. And you made this yourself?"
He nodded, trying to act like none of what just happened, happened.
"Hmm." His smile was different now, and he was clearly loving it. "It smells like you." He glanced at him.
Kurama opened his mouth to say something, but Marshall put his hand up quickly. "Sorry." He smiled again, "I'll try to stop." He said, keeping a serious expression. He then put his finger in and smeared some of the balm out, rubbing it on his lips as well, making sure to get where Kurama's bite was. He pressed his lips together and looked very serious as he did, now screwing the lid shut. "Did I do it right?"
"Perfectly." He joked with a smile.
He looked impressed. "Feels warm."
"It's soothing." He nodded.
"Thank you very much." He held out the container to him, still very pleased by everything.
Leaning back some, Kurama put his hand up with a quick shake of his head. "You keep it until your lip heals—it should only be a few days if you apply consistently."
"A few days?" He looked impressed.
"…hopefully." He downplayed it, realizing he forgot to act more… stupid.
Marshall eyed him. "Uh-huh."
Kurama forced a smile, hoping to distract from his bold claim.
"Well, again, I appreciate it, and I'll take very good care of it." He held the container in his fist and placed it on his chest.
"It's not a problem, I appreciate you trusting me." He did feel a bit of relief.
"I wouldn't say that yet." Marshall jokingly shot back. "As long as you promise not to bite me again—I'll relax." He laughed.
Kurama stared at him, feeling stunned the man was speaking so loudly and so casually about something so taboo. His face burned and the embarrassment hit his gut again.
"Oh come on. You deserve a little more teasing."
"I don't disagree." He said with a monotone voice, giving Marshall a dull look.
Marshall glanced upstairs, "Besides, Yua is practically deaf. She can't hear us—so you can relax." He shook his head some, enjoying himself as he smirked.
Glaring, Kurama held back his anger. "She already dislikes me."
Marshall recoiled, giving him a sarcastic look of surprise. "Yua!? Disliking someone? …No." He mocked
Kurama sighed, now picking up a baby carrot and biting it. If he could ignore Yusuke, he could ignore this guy.
"Just kidding." Marshall chuckled, now reaching over to grab some sushi. "She kinda hates everyone." He glanced at Kurama as he ate.
"Why?"
Making a face, Marshall brushed his hands off, suddenly taking his time to speak. When he swallowed he wiped his mouth and sipped his water, then smiled awkwardly. "She actually just hates any woman besides my ex…" He cringed, "…And since you're—" He motioned to Kurama, while allowing his eyes to look him up and down. "More beautiful than most, I'm sure she made up her mind quickly." He looked back to Kurama's eyes, now shrugging.
Kurama gave Marshall a look for his wandering eyes, but that was it. "Ah." He nodded, not caring.
"Hey." He sat up straighter. "Can I show you something?" He changed the subject quickly, showing his disinterest in Yua as well.
"It depends." He recoiled, giving him an up and down look.
Marshall laughed again, and Kurama again couldn't stop himself from smiling along with it. It was quite contagious. "It's outside, so you can guess."
Kurama shrugged. "Sure."
Then he followed Marshall back out to the garden, and down the other side of the pathway that weaved back even deeper into the yard. Kurama was shocked by how much land he had, and by how many plants he had crammed into the area. It was quite a site to see, and all his senses were going off, enjoying the smell of all the plants. He heard thunder again, this time much closer as he looked up to see the sky was far more cloudy as before and it looked like it could storm any minute.
"Crazy, today was supposed to be dry." Marshall spoke nonchalantly as they walked. "I definitely wasted time water my plants." He chuckled as they walked, and Kurama could now see a building hiding behind a giant willow tree. It was an odd looking structure, it mimicked an octogen shaped gazebo, but had walls and a door. The walls were wood paneling up until about halfway, then windows that were fogged up due to humidity that went up to the top. The building was probably twenty five feet around. It was clearly being used for a greenhouse, but the door had a lock on it, and it seemed to be the oldest structure on the property. Vines were growing all over one side of it, the paint was pealing a bit on the sides, and once they approached the windows were obviously worn and yellowed from years of use.
"This is my secret." He smiled back to Kurama as he pulled out a key chain from his pocket.