It was quiet, besides the noise of the driving car. These sounds were always a calming to Kurama; …but right now it didn't bring him much comfort since he was in the back of these detective's squad car. Detective Benson was driving, while Detective Amaro was in the passenger seat, on his cell phone. Kurama assumed he was speaking with his wife, or ex-wife, because of the way they spoke to each other.

"Yeah, I just need you to take her this weekend, I'm still out here, and probably won't get home for a while." He was trying to keep quiet, but Kurama could still hear the emotion in his voice. "No… It's not like that, I don't really have a choice. Okay? So can you? "Yeah. That's fine, like I said… it might be awhile. Okay, tell her I love her."

Benson glanced at her partner, then looked back to Kurama through the rearview mirror. He met her eyes without hesitation, she smiled quickly to him in apology then focused back on driving.

"Alright, bye." He seemed embarrassed after hanging up, his jaw was set, "Sorry." he mumbled as he glanced at Benson.

She just smiled at him quickly, letting the subject drop. Then glanced back to Kurama again.

"So… what would you like us to call you?"

"You were looking for Kurama, so let's stick with that." He said with a cold tone.

She took in a breath then looked to Amaro, clearly unsure how to handle the strange character they had in their car.

…

"Come in!" He heard the vice president's voice.

Why was he paging him so early, and how'd he know he was even here? He wasn't normally here at this time… even though, these days he'd been spending most of his time at the college. He was keeping busy with his doctorate and was thankful a study opened up that interested him pretty quickly after that wreck of a mission. But, no matter how much he buried his head in books and research, that club still haunted him. Especially due to the lack of Yusuke's presence. Kurama knew he was avoiding him…

He came late to school to study and ended up falling asleep, he was one of the school's top students so the vice president himself had given a key to Kurama, allowing him to study or get work done whenever he needed. So when he awoke this morning around six, he decided to take advantage of the empty locker rooms, and shower. Almost immediately after dressing, he heard the intercom call for Shuichi Minamino. Barely giving him time to towel dry his hair.

He pushed open the door after hearing the vice president's voice, embarrassed that his hair was still wet, and by what he was wearing. He was meaning to go back home last night, that's why he decided to keep his worn out jeans on. They had several rips and holes in them, including a rip in the back, on the upper thigh. They were his go-to for comfort. Then his long sleeve black shirt that was faded due to age, that he'd had forever, also with a few small holes. He was gardening with his mother earlier that day and decided to stop by the school before heading back home to shower.

Clearly that didn't go as planned; and he blamed his lack of sleep on that.

When stepping in he noticed the vice president was stiffer than usual, as he moved for Kurama to come in. "Minamino, these two detectives would like to have a word with you." The vice president looked concerned, "I'll let you have my office so you can all talk."

Detectives!?

He frowned in confusion, "Thank you, Sanoto." Kurama nodded to him as he entered the office, hearing the door shut behind him.

He turned to face the man and woman who were waiting for him, both wearing plain business casual clothing, and stern expressions. He immediately saw their shiny detectives shields strapped to their belts.

"How can I help you two?" He said cautiously, not sure if he wanted to give them his time.

By the time he was facing them their expressions had turned into awe, and curiosity. Similar to looks he's gotten many times before, but the hope behind their eyes was interesting. The man looked a little more shocked, he seemed uncomfortable by Kurama's presence. But, they both looked at each other with relief, seeming triumphant.

The woman was quite beautiful herself, pale skin, dark features, and beautiful eyes with lips that balanced out nicely. Her serious expression was confident, but she also had a kindness to her that was welcoming and warm. She was probably in her late forties, but clearly took care of herself. The man had dark hair, almost black, cut into a short professional style that fit his stiff demeanor. He had olive skin and large strong eyes that showed more of his personality, even while being cold. He looked younger than her, so he'd guess the man was in his early forties.

"Hello." The woman detective smiled, and once she did Kurama couldn't help but return one to her, she warmed the room right up with her confidence and gentleness. "I'm Detective Olivia Benson, and this is my partner Nick Amaro."

She reached out to shake his hand, her partner did the same.

"Nice to meet you." Amaro said, wearing an awkward smile.

"We're from the New York Police Department, Special Victims Unit."

Kurama looked between the two of them, completely confused, but nodded anyway. "All the way from there?"

"And what was your name?" Amaro spoke up, now seeming suspicious. His voice matched him well, smooth, cool, and on the defense.

Raising his eyebrows he eyed the man, "Forgive me." He motioned to himself, "I'm a bit flustered, why are you here?" He tried to remain casual, so he took his damp hair over to one side and pulled his fingers through it a couple times, still annoyed it was dripping some.

They glanced at each other once more, "Well, we're working on a case. And we got a tip that you may be able to help us." Benson spoke this time.

"A tip?" He looked confused as he easily pushed his hair back behind him, now adjusting his bangs some. "About what?" He chuckled easily but felt himself getting worried.

"Well, that's the thing. We first need to confirm who you are." She glanced at Amaro again, seeming hesitant. "We've been looking for someone who matches your description."

"Really?"

Doubt hit both of them, and Kurama felt anxious to get away, but praised himself as he continued.

"Yes. We don't have much to go on, but we've been trying to track down every twenty-one to twenty-two year old male, long red hair with green eyes, in your area… for quite some time now." She smiled sheepishly. "You can imagine our struggle."

He made a face at them both, hoping to play off their lack of confidence in this search of theirs. "That must be quite the search…" He cringed for them.

"So, what was your name?" She smiled gently.

"Shuichi."

She looked confused, and Amaro pressed his lips together in frustration. Clearly they hadn't gotten much and seemed done with it.

"Have you ever heard the name Kurama?" She spoke softly but was watching him closely.

He pushed his lips together as he pretended to think, still acting relaxed and confused—but he did feel the nerves in his stomach when hearing that name come from her mouth.

"No." He barely shrugged, pretending to be disinterested, yet polite. "I'm sorry."

Amaro glared at him, and Benson sighed out in frustration.

"Are you sure?" She sounded desperate.

He smiled for her, "I'm sorry detective, I haven't."

"Does the name Simon Winters ring a bell…?"

He almost got him, as he felt himself resist a cringe he looked to Amaro, still remaining calm. "Who's that?"

Amaro sighed too as he kept his eyes on Kurama, clearly not buying it as quicky as the woman. He looked down to think as the other detective looked up to him with a sigh.

"We're sorry to have bothered you, your vice president says you're one of the youngest of your PhD program. That's pretty impressive for your age." She was genuinely chatting, but for another reason… maybe to let her partner think?

Kurama glanced at Amaro before responding, "Well thank you. It's quite a privilege to have been allowed in." He smiled back to her, hoping they'd leave soon.

She chuckled too as she glanced at Amaro with annoyance now, "Well, we won't keep you from your work any longer. Nick?"

He glanced up to Kurama, "Oh yeah, sorry." He finally smiled, now actually coming off quite handsome.

He shook his head, "It's not problem." Feeling relief as they both made their way to the door.

"One more thing." Amaro turned to him, and Kurama rolled his eyes before he turned around.

"Yes?"

"There's more to our description, we were told we'd know when we found Kurama." He looked Kurama up and down in suspicion. "I feel pretty sure."

They had probably been looking for him for a while. Just an age and description to go off of, wasn't much. But what was this detective going on about? Clearly someone that knew who he, Kurama, was, would provide this information.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He still spoke friendly.

"Amaro."

He glanced to his partner, "See, we were told when looking for this Kurama that we'd know when we found him. Honestly that really pissed me off, because it didn't seem helpful one bit. But, now that I'm looking at you—I, can't help but feel like I know." He turned his head to the side—trying the intimidation tact? Hmm.

Kurama raised his eyebrows. "Know what?"

"You're gorgeous. And…" He made a face to his own words as he took a second to what he just said; then continued as he looked back to Kurama with a confident smirk. "It's clear you're different. I think you know the name."

That wasn't a bluff. Dammit. He wasn't entirely sure yet, but the detective seemed to be listening well to his own instinct.

Kurama frowned to portray his awkwardness, now looking to the other detective for help. "I… don't know what to tell you." He spoke slower, in a fake attempt at an apology. "I've never heard that name." His voice was still calm as he looked back to Amaro.

The man glared, not believing him, but his partner seemed ready to get out of here.

"I really do have a lot of work today, so I must get going. I apologize." He smiled halfheartedly, then looking at the woman with the same expression. "I hope you find him."

He felt triumphant as he watched them walk away, now comfortable enough to turn his head away to think. It was a good bluff, but that detective needed more before making empty handed threats. Someone provided that information to him… Had they spoken to Markus…? He couldn't be involved in this, could he? Right as he turned away from them, Amaro spoke once more—clearly agitated.

"Fine. What about the name Karasu?"

Kurama's eyes jerked opened as he snapped his head back, the detective said it so casually and he felt anger as he turned his body to look right at the man. His heart swirled with panic and his mind was furious by his own reaction...

Both the detectives froze. Even though Amaro sounded confident, he still looked surprised by Kurama's reaction. Both of them did. The room was silent; Kurama kept his eyes on Amaro's as his thoughts raced through memories he'd attempted to lock away.

"…How about I break the other, and fuck you again? Then will you beg…?"

Karasu's voice was alive in his head, so he searched desperately in Amaro's eyes for something to stop his thoughts. He gasped out, not realizing he'd been holding his breath. Amaro stared back, clearly not ready to take what he just invoked. Worry suddenly popping up in the man's eyes snapped Kurama out of it, now able to break eye contact with the detective. He swallowed as he felt a rush of heat hit him, clearly due to his small flashback.

"Are you okay, Shuichi?" Detective Benson asked.

He looked up to her, with a semi-calm face. He felt a bit faint; but ignored it as he looked then looked back to Amaro. "What do you know of that name?" He wasn't pretending anymore.

That man either said that name by direction, and in pure ignorance, or was a sadistic bastard that he would gladly take out. But, the worry in his face told Kurama the answer.

He Amaro swallowed, keeping his cool. "Nothing. But, I know you're Kurama. And I was told to use that name if you wouldn't admit it."

"Who told you?" He spoke deeper now.

"Detective Markus Haly."

Closing his eyes, Kurama felt furry. Where in the fuck did that man get off!? And how in the world did he learn that name? It made sense now; Markus knew how Kurama worked. So of course he'd have to have a trump card ready to play if he refused to talk.

"Idiot." He said to himself as he looked away from the detective.

Amaro looked stunned. "So, you are him?"

Kurama made sure to give a threatening glare this time. Now changing his demeanor—if they wanted Kurama, he'd give them Kurama.

…

They finally arrived and after parking they got out. Kurama looked at the random building they were heading into and stopped.

"You okay?" Benson looked at him with a soft expression.

Kurama felt himself bristle… He hated that question. "Is… detective Haly, here?" He didn't want to ask—but, he didn't want to be taken off guard.

She studied him, clearly unsure of herself now as she forced a comforting smile. "He should be, yeah."

Kurama's stomach ached. He wasn't sure why, was he really anxious to see Markus? Maybe he was getting sick—or, hearing Karasu's name was that upsetting to him. How was he going to handle this mess? The detectives weren't telling him much, but the fact that Markus knew that name was the only reason Kurama came with them. Also… after his pathetic reaction he knew Markus would probably hunt him down eventually anyway, and he couldn't have that world come oozing into his human life.

"Let's go." Amaro said as he walked towards the entrance.

Benson waited a bit as she continued to look at Kurama, hoping he'd let her in a little. "Come on." she said softly as she motioned her head towards the building.

Even though he didn't need the handicap, it was much appreciated… and maybe he'd take it. He wasn't sure how this would go, so why not take all precautions? He nodded, following them into the building. It was a very crowded; tons of desks were cramped into one area of the room, and then many people were walking around, on phones, or talking with others. It was loud and obnoxious, and Kurama was already feeling himself wanting to get out of here.

"We're upstairs." Benson leaned in close.

He followed the two detectives to an elevator then they took it up two floors. Once they arrived and the doors opened, it was quiet, and there were only a few people. Phones would ring on occasion, but other than that you could only hear the hum of the air conditioner going in the background.

"Here we are." She said as she walked in, now Kurama could see a large sign hung from the ceiling that read 'Homicide'.

Amaro walked straight to a desk and threw his phone down. He sat at it and began to write some things down. "Smith, did Detective Haly make it back yet?" He spoke loudly as he continued to right.

A blonde woman who was sitting at another desk perked up. She looked tired and annoyed at his question. "I don't think he ever left."

Amaro froze, then looked up to Benson. "He hasn't even left?" He looked stunned, and really irritated. "What the hell has he been doing while we were out searching!?"

Kurama felt himself smile and tried his best to hide his expression.

"I'm sure he's working on something." Benson tried to calm the situation, but she didn't even seem to believe her own words.

"Uh-huh." Amaro glared at her.

Benson just smiled as she looked to Kurama. "Come over here, you can by my desk. I'll go get Haly." She tried to hide her frown as she turned away to walk.

Kurama walked to sit down on a chair that was next to her desk. "How long have you been working on these cases?" Kurama looked to Amaro.

He perked up and stared at him, clearly uncomfortable with Kurama. "Since merging cases with Haly… probably over a month, but a lot of that time was spent looking for you."

"Hmm."

"Haly said you were under cover. Who were you with while you were at Winters' club? CIA? FBI?" He asked, not seeming to buy any of it—yet still cautious of Kurama.

Kurama just stared at him, feeling annoyed at the detective for listening to his gut. Why didn't they just leave?

"Can't say?"

Kurama just eyed him, maybe he's shut up if he ignored him.

"He was asleep!" Benson said as she walked back into the room, sounding frustrated for the first time.

Amaro just stared at her, then shook his head in disbelief. "I'm this close..." He purposely said quiet enough for Kurama not to hear... but he heard.

Kurama couldn't hold back a small chuckle; Benson didn't hear but Amaro did as he looked at him in surprise. He narrowed his eyes in curiosity.

Benson looked to her partner. "He's helped us a lot, cut him some slack."

Amaro dropped his head slightly to the side as he gave her a frustrated look.

"Where's he at!?" A loud and familiar voice demanded, as he entered the room.

Benson and Amaro both looked over as Markus walked in. Kurama's mouth jerked with a snarl. Noticing his body was excited but feeling his insides swirl with anger, he grit his teeth. He'd get Markus back for using Karasu's name so loosely. Also, he told that bastard not to look for him.

Kurama stood, ready to face him. But holding back the urge to punch him before he saw him approach. Once his eyes landed on him though, he felt longing and some relief. That angered him even more—but, he knew he'd been longing for someone to relate to him since the club mission. Even if he told everyone he was fine.

Markus looked how Kurama remembered, today though, he wore dark blue dress pants with brown leather oxfords that were very worn, a t-shirt and a brown leather belt holding his detective shield. And of course his same messy hair… he actually looked like he was in better shape from the last time and even seemed better rested. His green eyes were brighter as they finally landed on Kurama, his huge smile grew—almost happier than Kurama remembered. Kurama felt his usual guard go up, not wanting to show any emotion to these two detectives. Especially after how he acted to Amaro's trump card.

He stood, as Markus made his way over, his approach reminded him of a kid on Christmas seeing the tree filled with presents. He felt the urge to smile, but he held it back as he watched Markus walk to him. He didn't realize how excited he would be to see this man again, so he found it hard to look at him.

"Hoooly shit." He breathed out, and sounded much too taken aback, that made Kurama embarrassed. Why was he looking at him like that? His stomach turned.

"What are you wearing?" He looked him up and down, a little too slow with others watching.

Raising his eyebrow, Kurama finally looked to him annoyed. "I told you not to look for me."

Markus smirked. "And I told you, I like a challenge."

Kurama sighed out as he locked eyes with him.

"What?" His grin stuck. "I need you." Then he became serious as his eyes stayed strong. "We need to find Simon."

"Why?" He dropped his head to the side, feeling annoyed by Markus' confidence. He wanted this in his past, to be his past, forever.

"You know why." He said deeper.

"I don't care."

"You didn't have to come." Markus said quickly.

He glared at Markus now, wanting to show this emotion.

Anger.

"After hearing something I never thought a stranger would spit out, I had to."

Amaro watched their interaction, clearly nervous as he was dragged into their little fight.

"I had to have something."

"Where'd you find that name?" He grit out.

Markus smiled and waved his finger at him. "That's all I have to keep you here—nice try."

Both detectives watched in surprise when Markus said that, obviously confused.

"I'm trying to be polite." Kurama spoke quieter this time.

"You're too polite."

"And you're obsessed." He growled.

Markus smirked. "Says the one who almost killed himself over a stupid cover." There was tension in those words.

Kurama set his teeth as he tried to figure out what Markus was thinking.

Markus didn't know how important his cover was, thanks to him and Yusuke the new drug Black Soul had been found out and stopped from leaking into the human world…. But, he had a point. Was it really worth letting himself go through all of that he did, just to keep his cover? He'd argue it was.

"Detective Haly…" Benson spoke up, obviously trying to defend Kurama.

Kurama glanced at her, then barely let out a smirk now looking back to Markus. He had her backing him up, even though he didn't need it, he'd use it to annoy.

"What?"

"We have to remain discreet here." She said.

"He doesn't need to be babied." They all seemed to get along well…

"Detective." She spoke harsher this time.

"Ask him yourself. It's like I told you, he does his job well." He kept his gaze on Kurama, clearly still fascinated with him.

Kurama felt flattered. It was funny that Markus seemed to think he was some sort of robot warrior. Compared to humans, yes… he was. But he too was human, and this case was at the bottom of is list on things he'd like to discuss.

Benson looked to Kurama, then back to Markus. "Just because someone is strong, doesn't mean they can't be victimized. And the way you are talking is no way to be talking to a victim."

Looking quickly over to Benson, he glared in confusion after she said that word. Then he looked back swiftly to Markus for explanation. "Victim?" He glared.

He glanced at her again, then back to Kurama.

"Sorry… You're the only live one." He looked guilty, but anger hid behind it.

"What about Haley?" He hoped she was still alive.

"Well, that's another thing I need you for." He smiled. "She won't talk to me."

Kurama spat out a laugh. "You think she'll trust me more?" Didn't this man remember what happened?

"We'll see." Markus gave him a look, confidence oozing out of him. Why was he so cocky all the time, yet his presence brought comfort to Kurama. What was with Markus being this way...

"You got a way with that tongue of yours." He now sounded inappropriate saying that in front of others.

Kurama felt his face heat up then gave a look of warning to Markus. Benson leaned over with a sigh and rubbed her face, clearly still annoyed with how he was speaking.

"You can talk yourself in and out of anything." He then glanced at the two SVU detectives, snapping himself out of it a little.

"Alright." Amaro looked uncomfortable, trying too to make Markus shut up.

Markus looked at him. "It's up to you if you believe it."

"Believe what?" Kurama said coldly. "I'm not dangerous." He pretended.

Markus grinned. "Yeah, as long as you're on our side."

Amaro swallowed as he glanced at his partner. They were obviously wondering what made this redheaded kid so dangerous. Cause all they saw was a very pretty boy.

"How are ya?" Markus stepped closer to Kurama and looked at him the way he always did at the club.

Kurama felt his insides swirl with heat as he continued to look at Markus. What was wrong with him? He wasn't supposed to like this. But he forced himself to keep his mouth shut, as he glared at the cop in front of him; less conversation was better.

"Just as stubborn as before, I see."