Marcus stood there, hands on his knees as he patted heavily. Kinsley had destroyed him, it was expected, but to see it actually played out was almost unbelievable.
He glanced over at Kinsley who had a satisfied smile on her face, her once determined and stern expression replaced with one of joy, her cheeks flushed with victory.
Kira clapped her hands together emphatically, drawing everyone's attention. "You did great Marcus!" She called out as she waved him over, she then turned her attention to Kinsley, "And you were perfect, as always!"
Marcus chuckled as he straightened up and began jogging towards the sideline. His mind was filled with admiration for Kinsley, she was good at what she did, and it was clear that she enjoyed it.
"I already know what I want for lunch." Felix said teasingly, "Remember that place I mentioned yesterday bro?"
Marcus rolled his eyes as he stepped off the pitch. "I don't remember agreeing to that bet." Marcus quipped as he reached out his hand towards Luna.
She smiled as she placed her small hand in his.
"Bro, you can't flake on me now," Felix said with a pleading look in his eyes while handing Marcus Luna's chocolate.
Marcus accepted the chocolate and placed it into his pocket.
Kira, who was quietly listening in on their conversation, walked over with an enthusiastic expression. "You boys have plans for lunch huh?" She asked curiously, entering herself into their conversation. "Kinsley, Cora, and I wouldn't mind joining if you'd have us that is." A challenging grin played on her lips as she glanced up at Marcus.
Felix's eyes widened, he immediately turned to Marcus and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Please bro, now you have to do it." He leaned closer to Marcus's ear. "Think of the opportunities." He whispered.
Marcus sighed, he then smiled as he nodded his head. He knew Felix had a thing for Kira, and he'd never deny him the opportunity, it also gave him the chance to talk to Kinsley a bit more as well.
"But in case you forgot, it's probably only 10 o'clock, so we got about two hours before you can get lunch." Marcus reminded Felix.
"That's perfect." Kira said excitedly, "It'll give us enough time to get dressed, but where are you boys going for lunch?" She asked curiously.
Felix, ever the opportunist, pulled out his organization-issued phone and began navigating through it. "You can give me your TalksApp info, I'll text you the location and time."
Kira's eyes glistened with astonishment, she then smiled as she reached into her purse. "You're a fast one." She said playfully.
"Don't act like you didn't set that up," Felix replied teasingly, holding out his phone.
Kria giggled as she held her phone over Felix's, a moment later a notification popped up on both their phones.
"And that's that," Felix said with a grin as he accepted the notification, his face practically glowing with excitement.
Marcus shook his head as he chuckled, he then glanced over at Kinsley, who was chatting with Cora, both girls having a small smile on their faces.
Kira noticed Marcus staring and feigned a cough. "You know Marcus, I'm sure Kinsley wouldn't mind having your information." She said teasingly.
Marcus chuckled nervously as he shook his head. "Nah, it's fine." He said, turning his attention to Kira, "You got Felix's information right."
Kira's smile softened as she nodded her head, "Yes but–"
"Then it's fine," Marcus answered, cutting her off. "Besides I'll see you guys at lunch right?"
Kira nodded as she placed her phone in her purse. "Well yes, I guess that's true." She said, her expression turning thoughtful. "Still, wouldn't it be better to have it just in case?"
Marcus shook his head, he knew Kira was attempting to help him, but this was a little too much. The idea of being able to contact Kinsley whenever he wanted scared him.
He feared that it would lead to nothing but trouble, especially for a loner like him.
"It's fine, honest," Marcus said with a feigned smile.
Kira sighed, her expression turning to one of slight disappointment. "Ok." She said softly. Glancing back at Kinsley who was now walking in their direction. "See you in a few hours, Felix," Kira said with a smile before joining Kinsley.
Felix nodded. "Yeah, see you soon."
As Kira and her friends regrouped, Marcus took a deep breath, attempting to calm his racing thoughts.
"You alright bro?" Felix asked, patting Marcus on the back.
"Yeah." Marcus replied, "Let's get going."
The next few hours passed quickly, with both Marcus and Felix showing up and changing into fresh clothes. Each boy lost in their own thoughts, Marcus couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
Just yesterday he and Kinsley were complete strangers, yet due to Felix being Felix, he was now going on a date with an actual girl.
Sure it was more of a get-together than a date, and Kinsley more of an acquaintance, but still this was the furthest he had ever gotten.
This also meant he was in uncharted waters, and he very well could make a complete fool of himself.
Hours later the time for their arranged lunch date had come to pass, everyone was dressed in casual clothes that didn't go over the top, even Luna who traditionally wore the same dress, changed up her outfit slightly.
Arriving at the designated meet-up spot, which was a quiet little flower shop a little walk away from the restaurant.
Marcus and Felix arrived before the girls did, giving them a little time to chat with each other.
"Grilled chicken with a side of Yorkshire pudding, and a large glass of milk," Felix said with a grin.
Marcus raised an eyebrow as he glanced over at Felix, "what?" He asked in confusion.
"It's what I'm ordering," Felix said with a grin.
Marcus chuckled as he nodded his head. "I haven't even thought about that, I've been busy thinking about… well, you know."
Felix smirked as he crossed his arms. "Stop thinking so much, it'll ruin your fun, I'm telling you."
"Yeah I know, it's just, I find her really interesting, but it's not to think about how I could ruin it, or if it'll even matter by the end of the week," Marcus said with a sigh.
Felix gave Marcus a sympathetic look, he nodded his head as he uncrossed his arms. "You mean when we have to leave for the complex?"
Marcus nodded. "Yeah, I mean you said it yourself, girls like that don't do long distance, so aren't we just wasting their time?" He asked curiously.
Felix shook his head. "Not if we make it fun for them, take them out, treat them well, and make it memorable, both sides have fun, and no one's hurt."
"Then why did you get Kira's information?" Marcus asked. "Sounds like you aren't being honest with yourself."
Felix chuckled nervously as he averted his gaze from Marcus, and almost as if it was on cue, Kira, Kinsley, and Cora were making their way towards them.
"Saved by the bell," Felix murmured with a grin as he waved his hand in Kira's direction, feigning a smile.
Kira smiled as she returned Felix's wave with an enthusiastic one of her own. Kinsely and Cora meanwhile, gave short reserved waves.
The groups converged in front of the flower shop, the sweat, and pleasant aroma of flowers filling the atmosphere with a fresh scent.
"Kira you're looking good," Felix said with a grin as he opened his arms slightly, Kira chuckled as she embraced him.
"You aren't looking too bad yourself Felix, but you're here a little early, no?" Kira asked, curiously.
Felix shook his head, "No, I said 12:30, and it's…." Felix paused mid-sentence as he looked down at his phone, "….12:38." Felix said with a raised eyebrow as he looked down at Kira with a smile.
Kira giggled as she playfully pushed Felix away. "You Germans are always so punctual, even the silly ones."
Felix chuckled. "Our parents drill it into our heads if you know the train will be late, then take it early."
Kira rolled her eyes as she looked over at Marcus. "Hi, Marcus." She said with a warm smile. "You look good."
Marcus nodded, hiding his earlier nervousness. "Yeah, I like the yellow sundress, it fits you perfectly," Marcus commented.
"Well then." Felix said, clasping his hands together as he gestured his head towards the restaurant, "Let's eat."
The group agreed and began moving towards the restaurant, pairing off naturally.
Felix and Kira took the lead, with Marcus, Kinsley, and Luna taking the center, and finally, Cora rounded out the rear.
As they walked, both pairings were chatting about simple things, asking about each other's day and whatnot.
Eventually, they reached the restaurant, where Felix held the door open, and everyone entered the cozy eatery.
They were eventually seated by a round table near a large window that gave a good view of the city streets and natural sunlight.
Taking their seats, Felix sat next to Kira, Cora next to her, followed by Kinsley then Luna who sat in Marcus's lap. Everyone placed their orders, and as they waited for their food natural conversation began to flow.
"So." Felix began, "why don't we play a little game."
Kira's face lit up like a Christmas tree, "that sounds exciting." She said in agreement, "and I know where I'd like to start."
"Oh?" Felix said in an intrigued tone.
"Popcorn questions," Kira said with a smile. "I'll start with asking Kinsley a question, and then she'll ask someone else a question, sounds fun?"
Felix nodded. "I'm down." He answered before glancing at Marcus.
Marcus hesitantly nodded, "Yeah I'm down too." He answered.
Kira then glanced at Kinsley. "Well, what do you look for in a friend of the opposite gender?" Kira asked with a grin.
Kinsley's eyes widened as she immediately glanced at Marcus, before quickly turning it towards the ceiling. "W-what kind of question is that?" She stammered nervously.
The table fell silent for a brief moment, Kinsley's cheeks flushed crimson red as she looked everywhere but in Marcus's direction. Eventually, Kinsley spoke up softly, "well…" she began, "I guess someone who is genuine and trustworthy." She answered, quickly stealing another glance at Marcus, who was focusing his attention on Luna's hair.
Kira chuckled as she nodded her head. "Hopefully someone like that will come around." She commented, "Your turn."
Kinsley took a deep breath to compose herself. "Felix, how long have you and Marcus known each other?" She asked, tapping her pointer finger on the table.
Felix stifled a snicker, covering his mouth before laughing.
"What's so funny?" Kira asked him, a frown forming on her face.
Felix composed himself with a deep breath, "You wouldn't believe me." He said, hints of laughter still in his voice.
"Try me," Kira replied.
"Three weeks," Felix answered honestly.
Kira, Kinsley, and Cora's eyes widened as they all turned their attention toward Marcus. "Is that true?" Kira asked in disbelief.
Marcus nodded. "Yeah, we met through our job, and we've only had the job for about three weeks."
The table fell silent. Kira had a hand over her mouth as he looked down at the table in shock. "I assumed you've known each other for a few months at least." She murmured to herself.
Felix chuckled as he clapped his hands together, "My turn." He said with a grin, "Cora, you've been quiet throughout everything, "what's your favorite thing to do?" Felix asked.
Cora looked up at Felix with a surprised expression, almost as if she hadn't expected to be picked. "Oh, uhm…." Her voice was soft as she glanced around the restaurant, "I enjoy drawing and reading, I guess.
Felix nodded, "We'll go on, what type of things, fiction, biographies, mangas, comics, the options are vast."
Cora shrugged her shoulders. "Whatever comes to mind, I guess." She answered softly.
Felix nodded. "Nice, well I guess it's your turn now." He said with a warm smile.
Cora nodded as she glanced around the table briefly before her gaze stopped on Marcus. She took a deep breath, before asking her question. "What is it that motivates you?" She asked.
"Motivate?" Marcus asked, "What do you mean?"
"Most people have a reason that keeps them going, for Kira it's fashion, for Kinsley it's football, so what's yours?"
Marcus fell into deep thought, placing a hand on his chin he began to cycle through all of his memories to find something.
But there was nothing.
Marcus only did things he deemed fun, things that could bring an end to his boredom. There was no reason, just how he felt in the moment.
"I-I don't know." Marcus answered honestly, "I guess I haven't found one yet."
"That's fine Marcus," Kira said with a warm smile. "I didn't find my motivations until I explored myself. "It just takes time."
"Yeah bro," Felix added with a nod. "Besides, sometimes it's better to have no motivation. Then having a terrible one."
Kinsley also chimed in. "Sometimes it's better to just focus on what's in front of you, for example, I never liked football, but it's all I had at home, so I did it every single day until it basically became what I lived for."
Marcus's mind buzzed in thought as he processed their advice, especially the statement from Kinsley, which hit a little too close to home.
It was around this time a duo of waiters came around their table, the aroma of freshly cooked meals blending in the air, creating a heavenly atmosphere.
Felix grinned as the waiters began handing out plates along with their respective drinks, grabbing his glass of milk, Felix raised it in the air. "Here's to good food and solid friends." He said in a toast.
Kira grabbed her glass of water and joined him, the rest of the table following suit.
"To good food and solid friends." They all repeated in unison. Clinking their glasses together.
As they began to eat, the conversation began to flow in a more natural and upbeat manner. With topics such as discussing their favorite media or past times.
As the lunch program progressed, Marcus began to feel more at ease and confident, not to the point of shamelessly flirting like Felix, but enough to where he could meet Kinsley's gaze and even joke with her from time to time.
In simple words, it was fun, and that's what Marcus was focused on, the fun he was having.
As lunch came to a close, Felix suggested that they should spend the rest of the day together, exploring the city in a group.
Everyone agreed and it wasn't long before the group was back outside, wandering the city streets of Manchester, continuing their day with shared laughter and the creation of new bonds.
But only time would tell if those bonds would survive Marcus and Felix's upcoming departure.