Kuma sat on his bed as the girls went through his closet. Finding solid colors and simple patterns. It fitted a person like him. Simple yet sharp.

"Mai I'm not wearing a tie."

"It's still Miss. Tanaka to you for one. Two, you aren't going for a job interview at the office." She found something she liked. "Hmmm, try this on."

"Change in front of all you girls?" He blushed.

"It's just the shirt." Said Aiko.

"I don't mind." Haru blushed.

"Don't be a baby." Mocked Gen.

Kuma takes off his coat and his team shirt.

"Wow construction looks pretty good." Mai handed him a blue dress shirt.

"Blue is your color for sure." Smiled Gen.

"Hey just because I have dirty work doesn't mean I don't know how to dress up." He replied annoyed as if the girls think he is just a dirty boy.

"Cleaned up nice." Aiko looked around his body.

"Got a nice jacket and pants for that?" Asked Gen.

"Navy or black?"

"Men like you are better in black." Haru hugged him from behind.

"Haru." Mai scolded.

"Yes Mai?"

"Why are you being flirty with Kuma?"

"He's not taken."

"True but let's stay on task." Mai glared.

"Why you so protective of me?" He asked.

"Couple things actually. First off for the time being I want my guest to make the great first impression. Second off its for your own good. Girls like Eri. Getting caught with 'business' so you would have to move back in with your father or a foster."

"Geez Mai you're giving me heartburn here."

"Pros and cons big boy."

"So how do you like it that you're going on a date with Mai?" Asked Aiko.

"Ummm..."

"Hey. Not a date. Don't mess with his head and don't play with me. You know that." Mai raised her voice.

"Can't a girl have fun?" Aiko giggled.

"Not that way." Mai boomed.

"Can I have a date then?" Haru waved her lashes.

"Uhhh..."

"Lunch this weekend maybe Hun?" Haru winked.

"I'll see."

"Hey! My night comes first. I promised father. Well, rather forced into it." Mai was roaring at this point. One thing at a time now.

"Wait this wasn't your idea?" He pondered.

"No. Especially after that last stunt. I'd do it eventually, just bad timing. Still needs work but it will have to do. And I can't deny the man. He's too good."

"Awww. Give him a break." Pleaded Gen.

"I do. But like I said next stunt of 'business' and I will decide anywhere from a punch to you under a bridge."

He gulped.

"Oh. I have your attention now?"

"Yes ma'am." Can't be dumb from here on in.

"Good."

"You know Mai how did you get to be so intimidating?" Asked Aiko.

"Long story. But I can do both you know. Although not the cute and innocent. Just cute."

"Cute?" Confused Kuma.

"I'll slap."

"Shutting up."

"Wow you're one of the one boys that know better. But still so dense." Said Haru.

"I probably am."

"You are." Mai ended that quick.

"Well excuse me for being stupid."

"You put it in your coffee Marik?"

"Mai, I don't drink coffee."

"Then tea, water, juice, or whatever?"

"Doubtful."

"I'll leave that one alone."

By this time Marik has completely changed in front of the girls in black slacks, belt, and shoes.

"I think you look great." Gazed Gen.

"My mom would want to cook for you." Laughed Aiko.

"I'd bring you to dinner." Haru hugged Kuma.

"Perfect. Now dress like this after work. And if you are sent home call me so I can be right over." For Mai everything checked out. Tonight's job was done. She didn't have to worry about a boy coming to her house dirty or smelly of the sort.

~~~~~

It was school the next day. It was homeroom and Kuma was there early catching a few more winks until the final bell. But he had a visitor.

"Kuma. May I speak to you in private?" Said a familiar voice.

Kuma rose up. Oh crap it's Coach. This is ridiculous. I'm in huge trouble. Kuma breathes deeply and walks out to the hall. Mai in the corner sees him exiting.

Has he not talked to the baseball coach since he quit? He hasn't mentioned anything either.

Outside Coach Keyri is eager to find out about about his ex-infielder. "Kuma I wanted to ask you. How's things?"

"Depending what you mean by that Coach."

"You happy? Everything okay at home? Any interest in playing again? I ask as a friend. We do need you, but you come first."

"Listen Coach I get it. But things just aren't great. And I can't tell anyone."

"Have you told your girlfriend?"

"Girlfriend? I don't have one. No wants to date this mess anyways."

"Mess? Kuma I just want to know how my happy, confident star got into a life slump."

"I can't say. You don't know what they would do to me."

"Is there anyway I can help?"

"You can leave me alone Coach." And he ran off.

Coach Keyri walked into his homeroom and Mai was shocked that he didn't return. Mr. Aono surprised as well.

"Where did Mr. Iwakuma go off to?"

"Well Mr. Aono he ran off. Disappeared."

"I see. Should I inform staff?"

"I believe he's sick."

"I'll just marked him absent for today then."

"I think that's the play."

"Anything wrong with him Coach?"

"He's not the same infielder I had in that dugout and trained with. He looks stronger but his head isn't there."

"Noted. Have a good day."

Marik's head isn't there? That's a very accurate way to put it. Marik is in a clouded state of mind and has been for some time now. And I've been so hard on him. I feel rotten. I really do. I don't mean harm by it, I just want him to be well and better himself. And me and the girls are the only ones that can.

It circled her around lunch time and she sadly sat at her usual spot with a fifth empty seat.

"Where's Kuma?" The girls asked.

"He's not coming." She replied sadly.

"What'd you do to him?" They freaked.

"It was Coach Keyri. He asked to speak to him, and he flipped out. The Coach lied to him and said he was sick. Mr. Aono just marked him absent and left it alone."

"Where do you think he went?" Asked Haru.

"Work. Early help is good. He will use the money well."

"He's showing up for your date, right?" Concerned Aiko.

"Aiko you know damn well it's not a date. My father's invite is the proper wording."

"Call him after school. Got to confirm girl." Gen winked.

"You're right. And just see how he's doing mentally. I want him happy."

Gen sighed. "We all do. We're his friends."

"Wife." Aiko laughed.

"Well at least Eri was put an end to quickly. We saved him so much trouble." Mai laughed.

"But can I have him next time around?" Haru batted her lashes.

"Huh?" They gasped.

"What'd I say?" Asked Haru thinking they should get the idea.

"Have him?" Pondered Gen.

"Well maybe I can cook for him one night. Or two. Maybe three. Hehe."

"Can we go through one thing at a time now?" Mai was annoyed.

"You act as if she's stealing him." Aiko smirked.

Mai blushed. "Stop that. It's just I have to do this once and might as well get it over with."

"If you say so. But he had Aiko's house, he's heading to your place tonight, and next time he's mine."

"Haru he's not a pair of shoes you know."

"He's cuter than that."

Gen winked. "She's got a point."

"Honestly you two. You're killing me."

~~~~~

At last class was over and Mai was on her way home. Alone this time because of the dinner arrangements. She dialed him.

< Hello? >

< Hey. >

< Hi Mai. >

< Me and the girls missed you. >

< I'm sorry. >

< We aren't mad. It's cool. We understand. I just wanted to confirm if you were heading to my house for dinner tonight. >

< Yeah. I didn't forget. Be home at four or around that. >

< I'll meet you there. >

< Sounds good. Bye Mai. >

And click. "Bye Marik."

~~~~~

Sure enough, Mai is waiting in the bitter cold in her oversized coat and Kuma opens the door to his apartment. He wasn't expecting company whatsoever. "Finally." She joked around.

"Sorry. But I can't leave until the job is done."

"I'm aware. I just wish I left my house ten minutes later."

"Gotcha."

"Well go in shower and get dressed."

"With you here? Isn't that awkward?"

"What you think I'm going to knock and ask to scrub your back? Honestly. You're dirtier than I thought. Leave for the magazines under your bed."

"Wait. What?"

"Yes, I know."

"What the hell?"

"Shut up and bathe already."

"Fine." Kuma gets the sweat and laborer grim off his body while Mai readied his clothes for the evening. She also managed to pick up his room a tad. He returned to his room in a towel with underwear underneath. Although Mai couldn't help but catch a glimpse.

Even though he hasn't played ball in months his work keeps him in shape. Even though he might be short to other guys he's built. And he could do this kind of work because something tells me God built him to last.

"Umm Mai what are you looking at?"

"Sorry it's just I didn't think you would be that built."

"What do you mean?"

"You're a catch Honey."

"What kind of catch has the kind of baggage I do?"

"A bouncer who gets girls numbers at the club and gets them pregnant."

"Seriously!?"

"Obvious not. Come now. We can't control our family. You're insecure about it and I understand. I have insecurities. You saw me in my underwear. That's one."

"I had no idea you would have any. You are such a strong girl."

"Well my worst is a pig taking advantage. And you aren't a perverted one like most boys our age."

"A guy can dream but I know the field looks better."

"Meaning?"

"A girl can scoop up a ball that's better than me."

"If so why did Eri hit on you? Need I remind you of Misaki or the fact Haru wanted to cook for you? Should I bring up Momo?" She smirked.

"I get it. I just don't understand."

"Moral to the story Baby. Take it and run. Avoid the questions."

"Fine then."

"But if you were my date which you know own damn well you aren't, I'd say you look good."

"Thanks Mai. You dressing up?"

"When I get back home. I have something good set up and my makeup is already done."

"Nice routine."

"Girls know best."

"Not afraid to admit that."

"C'mon infielder, it's time to go and meet my parents."

"Oh boy."

"Something wrong?"

"Your mother isn't like Momo right..."

"Not in the sort."

"Okay so she won't be awkward?"

"No promises but just simple things."

~~~~~

At last they were finally outside the Tanaka household. Kuma stared at the door. Finally, here and about to step forth to something new.

"Nervous?"

"A little."

"I understand. Let's head in. It's cold." She opens the door. "Back again Mom."

"Hi Mai. Is this your friend?"

"Hi Mrs. Tanaka, I'm Marik Iwakuma. Everyone from school just calls me Kuma."

"Very nice to meet you. Mai you didn't say he dressed sharp."

"I helped him choose last night."

"I needed it too. I haven't worn anything nice since a summer funeral." He gulped.

"My condolences. Anyways Mai you get chanced and Kuma you can join me in the living room."

"Sure thing." Wow I got lucky.

They both kneel at the table as she pours some tea.

"So how long have known each other?" She asked.

"Knew of her since we started high school but close rather recent." He replied looking over at her.

"That's very nice."

"She's quite the something. Not your typical girl. Stronger, bolder, and smarter than the rest of them for the most part. At same time nice when she wants to be. Mai can come across sassy and demanding at first."

"I knew. She snap at you occasionally boy?"

"Mai keeps me in line I guess." He laughed.

"Mother am I really a hard ass?" Mai walked in with her red dress and makeup. Those eyes and that hair looked amazing.

"Bitchy? You can be. Hard ass? No."

Mai joins at the table as a man comes in. "Hello ladies and good sir. I have arrived home." He took off his coat and put it on a hanger.

"Welcome home Honey."

"Hi Father."

"Pleasure sir."

"You must be Marik the boy that was mentioned. Glad you accepted my invitation."

"Thank you for having me." Nodded Marik.

Mr. Tanaka hangs up his coat and joins at the table. Kuma to his surprise wasn't nervous......yet. "So my daughter tells me you live on your own."

"I do."

"How do you do it?"

"Construction under the table and the landlord cut me a break."

"Is that why you quit the baseball team?" He knows more than Kuma bargained for.

"Mainly. Coach misses me and so do my teammates. But it has more to it. I don't want to depress you with details."

"You don't say. But if you're ready I'm sure I've worse." That meant he had to talk.

"My mother died, and I left my dad's house. After Mom passed away of cancer, he became an abusive lush. Me of course being the only target. My mom's family cut ties and I don't trust any of my dad's family. I mean technically I should be at a foster care. But I manage. It's weird. I haven't told anyone else that. Except Mai excluding more details."

Mai put her tea down and just stared at the two men in front of her.

Mr. Tanaka cleared his throat. He had to adjust his approach. "Well now that is a hard pill to swallow. I'm a rehab therapist and I can't think of any workout or massage that can heal that."

"It was hard but ever since meeting Mai, Aiko, Gen, and Haru things look bright. Even if winter comes around."

"Work inconsistent around this time?"

"Yes indeed."

"You get sent home?"

"I do but more depending weather."

"What do you do then?"

"I'm trying to figure out good side work."

"I'll give you a trial?"

"What do you mean?"

"A test. You pass you work for me."

"Why me sir?"

"I've pushed for an assistant for quite some time now. How much you make now?"

"¥1,100 hourly."

"I'll give you ¥1,200 starting."

"Tell me when." He can't refuse this golden ticket.

"When you're free."

"I'll make the time."

"Good man. Now what's your relationship with my daughter?"

"Father don't get that idea." Mai protested.

"Mai you good lady I didn't ask you." Mr. Tanaka cut her off.

"To be honest sir, if I had to put it straight forward it's best friend."

"Really? Even when she's sassy?"

"You're killing me here." Mai covered her face.

"Now Honey, your embarrassing her." Mrs. Tanaka tried to help.

"Giving it to him straight dear." He noted to his wife and then turned back to the boy. "Marik you should be invited more often. I do more than heal and treat people. I helped them get back on their feet."

"I can't thank you enough."

"Thank me after you pass that test."

"Can do. Will do."

"Alright."

"So you wanted help, wanted to help someone, meet my friend, or clarify my no interest in dating?" Mai smirked.

"A wise person can say yes to all four." He winked.

"Uh-huh..."Mai was stumped.

"You questioning your old man?"

"No, just confused. You could have been up front about it."

"My apologies."

"Easy Mai this is the biggest opportunity life gave me since travel baseball as a kid." Kuma smiled.

"Speaking of which I heard you made varsity your first year."

"I did. Coach Keyri likes my speed."

"Ever wanted to get back to it?"

"Of course I do. I miss practicing, the games, and the work along with it. Showing my best in an area that was comfy. I felt at home."

"I can help with that as well for the job. Take it seriously."

"Always."

Dad you really confuse me sometimes. But when does Marik Iwakuma have a charm that puts a spell on people? He gave him a chance. He doesn't have the gifts I have either. Oddly I like it though. Which is rare.