Markus froze as he stared back at Kurama, eyes now filling with guilt. They glimmered with as he blinked back some tears, now looking up to the ceiling as he breathed in. His face with its usual calm, but the tension from him was flowing and the two other detectives were watching in in awe. Apparently they hadn't seen his emotional side yet.

Kurama closed his eyes as he gently sighed out.

I'm sorry Charlie.

"What the hell is going on?" Benson demanded but remained calm.

He opened his eyes and looked at her, mirroring her same calm. "Forgive me. My mission was successful, but many had to pay for it to be." He glanced then looked to Markus again, including him in that.

Benson looked at him too.

Markus seemed calmer now but wouldn't look at them as he continued to gather himself.

"Who's Matthias?" Amaro asked.

"Someone I killed." He looked with just his eyes, too annoyed to censor any longer.

"Okay…" He looked to Benson, but she kept her eyes on Kurama.

"Who?" She asked.

"An associate of the man we were using Simon to find."

She looked shocked. "Winter's employer?"

"For the drug distribution. Yes."

"So Winters was never really your target, it was his employer?"

Kurama looked down and nodded. "Well, yes."

"…And Matthias?"

"What about him?"

"Who was he?"

Markus looked to Kurama now, wondering too, seems he gathered himself…

"Like I said. He worked for Simon's employer." He glanced at Markus.

"You know what I meant." She turned her head in irritation.

"He was helping with the distribution, as an in-between."

"…And you killed him?"

"He was trying to kill me." He said flatly as he looked straight to her.

"Why."

"He figured out I wasn't a stripper."

They both looked confused. "How?" She asked again, a bit annoyed this time.

"I cannot tell you that."

"Why not?" Markus looked irritated.

Kurama grinded his teeth, "…" he calmed himself, "…you know why."

Amaro and Benson glanced at each other again.

Markus stared at him, no longer angry, but clearly frustrated. "But I really don't…"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Benson spoke again, clearly annoyed with all the circle talking.

They both looked at her, and Markus made a face to relay the complication of it all.

"Again. I can't speak further on that." He glared at Markus.

"Okay." She made a face, "So he somehow magically found out that you were under cover, and you can't tell us why…?"

Kurama shifted his eyes over to her, pondering what he could play with. Markus already heard what he said at the bar, he could tell these people that, but Kurama didn't think they'd buy it regardless of if he told them or not.

He sighed and looked at the tabletop again to think. "I used something specific to my skillset…" He's never had to speak in the grey so openly, it's always been one world or the other. "…To try to gain information. And, only a few would know of this skill... so, you can imagine my surprise when being attacked by Matthias due to his knowledge on." He hesitated. "That skill." He turned his head, biting his lip. It didn't make much sense, but it's all he could offer.

"That fuckin' helps." Markus spat.

"I'm trying my best." He snarled.

Amaro sighed out too as he rubbed his face and Benson just looked curious. "Alight. That's something. So, Matthias was different from what you expected?"

"Yes. His intelligence was higher than I assumed."

"And we aren't talking smarts here?"

She was sharp.

Kurama nodded. "Correct."

She looked even more intrigued. "Okay." Now deep in thought she nodded. "So you did something, that brought attention to yourself, due to the fact that Matthias—what you thought to be a random middleman, knew what you were doing but no one else did…?" She leaned back, now confused with herself.

"It sounds obnoxiously complicated when you say it like that."

"Can you try again?" She was patient.

Breathing in deep now Kurama glanced at Markus, hoping this wouldn't trigger him to blab anything more.

"Let's just say I used something on him and his men, that no one should've noticed." He frowned, still annoyed at how that turned out. "The simple fact that he knew it was present and what it was, gave away more about me alone, than our mission itself. But, since he was there for something specific, of course he then knew I was a threat. So, he returned to find out who I worked for."

They all stared… that probably made things worse.

"Was it poison?" Markus guessed.

He frowned. "No."

"Was it herbal?" He guessed again.

He shot his eyes over to him, threatening silently. "No comment." He could have lied, but he was giving some to Markus, since it was a good guess and again, Keonma forced Kurama to be apart of this, so he was going to push his boundaries this time around.

Markus kept his eyes on Kurama, trying to hide his nerves. He was intelligent… guessing that the thing Kurama spoke of was a plant of sorts, all because he saw him use his rose whip. Maybe even possibly the gardening comment Kurama made earlier today, contributed? Could Markus really be that quick? He was quite young for being a lieutenant. He knew he was getting close to that unknown part of what he saw—and Kurama could tell it made him uncomfortable. Benson frowned, beyond confused along with Amaro who seemed overwhelmed. The silence was awkward as all three of them thought hard about what he just said.

"So, once he returned… he made a scene." He swallowed, hoping they'd let him move away from that subject. "Attempting to kill me in the club, endangering the guests and employees."

They listened.

"So I had to break my cover." He looked back at them, hoping they'd be satisfied.

They glanced at each other again.

"You were protecting them." She didn't sound surprised.

"…" Kurma eyed her.

"Haly told us the same."

Feeling his emotions swell once more, he sighed as he looked quickly at the tense detective. He locked eyes with him, then Markus looked down—still questioning what to believe. Maybe he still did have some loyalties. Feeling a bit of relief, Kurama thanked him quietly in his head.

"So he wasn't embellishing" Amaro mumbled to Benson, still a bit in disbelief.

Markus sneered a glare to the man, clearly hearing him.

Benson kept her eyes on Kurama. "Apparently not."

"Why'd Matthias make a scene?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Sounds like it does, he was quiet up until then."

"Because they didn't know who I was up until then… and his employer likes to make scenes."

"These people know you?" She shook her head, shocked that he would have any sort of repertoire with them.

"Yes. It turned out Simon's employer and I have met."

"You're so young." Amaro said, sounding stunned that someone Kurama's age would know a person who employed someone like Winters.

He shrugged, not sure what to say to that as he stared at the tabletop, hating his mind wander even further through his memories.

"Haly said you knew him from a fighting competition?"

"Did he…?" His eyes shot to Markus, feeling anger come back. "That's irrelevant."

Markus was already looking at him with apology.

"You sure?" Benson spoke up.

Kurama looked back to her, his defenses go up quickly. If that fucking idiot told them anything he'd show him how he could really fight. "I'm not quite sure what you mean."

She swallowed, looking intimidated now.

"I told you not to bring this up yet." Markus spoke harshly.

"Liv…" Amaro warned quietly.

"No, I'd like to know what you mean." He looked directly to her now, his voice changing its tone.

"Kurama." Markus tried to distract him.

"He told us what Winters employer said." She hesitated, "About his subordinate torturing you?"

His eyes stuck on hers, and he couldn't help as his stare widened into eyes with fear.

How could he!?

Her eyes widened as well, seeming taken back by his reaction.

Kurama automatically looked to Markus.

"I asked them to wait." He looked guilty; he held a hand up in defense.

"You asked them?" He spoke low, insulted now as his eyes grew dark.

Markus stared back at him, clearly guilty, not finding any words that worked right now.

Kurama felt sick to his stomach as adrenaline shot through him, he blinked a few times, trying to stay calm but this day was already draining him. He looked down as his body began to shake some due to anger, shame, and adrenaline. He swallowed as he was now breathing shallow, realizing he needed to get some air, or he might throw up.

"Kurama."

He blinked, and looked to Amaro, realizing he was drifting into his thoughts too deeply.

"You alright?" He saw a bit of fear in Amaro's eyes and that made the guilt rush in, so he took that as his queue to get out.

"Forgive me." He stood and walked out of the room.

"Kurama!" He heard Markus say before pulling the door shut.

He rushed to find fresh air in his fogged panic, thoughts taking over now as he never imagined after that happened, years would go by and somehow it would stick around this damned world due to the evil whispers of depraved souls. How many others could possibly know about this!? Did Sakyo enjoy spewing his words amongst his fucked up associates? The story of how Kurama got fucked and tortured!?

His heart was racing now as he eyes landed on an exit sign. He rushed to it, trying to remain calm. Forcing himself to think more robotically now as he pulled the loud door opened, stepping out onto a small balcony. He realized when the cold air hit him that he was majorly overheated. He walked to grab the cold metal railing as he gasped out, now finally taking in a deep breath. The door clicking behind him gave him some peace with the privacy. He didn't think when waking up today he'd end up here, talking about the subject he'd forever pick last to discuss.

It really did feel strange. Talking about something like that felt unreal—it was as if he was talking about someone else. He closed his eyes as he took in another breath of the cold air. It felt good, then he openly scoffed at himself. He knew trauma held people differently, and clearly he hadn't delt with its grip on him.

The heavy door opening startled him out of his thoughts, as he turned to face the detective. Markus stepped out and made sure the door shut gently, he looked straight at Kurama.

"Hey."

Kurama glared death at him as his rage flowed right back in.

"Look. I'm sorry." He said immediately as he stepped forward.

"How fucking dare you?" He spat out with a hiss, not caring if any demon slipped out.

Markus' eyes widened in shock as he stared at him. Kurama stepped forward too, and only being a few inches shorter than him he was able to get in his face.

"You told them!?"

He was surprised he felt so betrayed as he shook due to the rage he threw into those green eyes he felt so familiar with. He hadn't been hurt in… well, in a very long time. He didn't think he had considered this man his friend until now.

Markus opened his mouth to respond, then closed it as he studied Kurama's face, shocked by his outburst. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again." He whispered.

"So it's your right to spread my humiliation?" He growled out, grinding his teeth as his chest swelled with emotion.

Markus looked even more upset now. "I didn't say anything besides that his friend tortured you. That's it, I didn't mention the—" He stopped himself as he closed his mouth, now grimacing as he forced himself to keep eye contact with Kurama.

"Damn you." He said smoother this time, but still angry.

"I'm sorry. I fucked up." Still frowning as he swallowed emotion—clearly flustered big time by Kurama's rage.

Kurama couldn't believe it as he felt more emotions come up after hearing him apologize, now his eyes began to burn as he fought back tears.

"They must've really done a number on you." He barely spoke, looking horrified as his own mind wandered, clearly shaken after seeing Kurama act out like this.

Kurama spat out a snarl to that as he stepped away quickly. "Wouldn't you like to know."

"I've seen you angry." He swallowed. "But I've never seen this." He really did look upset, and Kurama could see fear as well.

"You have…" He grit his teeth in attempt to gather himself, "…no idea what you speak of."

"Hey." He stepped forward again.

What was he doing? Kurama got the impression Markus didn't trust him, now suddenly he was cornering him?

"Keep away." He had his calm voice back.

"I can't." He smiled barely as he held his hands out. "Clearly."

"Maybe you should rethink your life." His lip twitched, still fighting his tears.

"Kurama. I got nothin' after the club. Even after everything I saw." His eyes were darker now as well, full of anxiety. "I guess… I was being selfish. I didn't think I'd actually find you." He said again, voice dripping with guilt.

He continued to glare daggers at Markus as he finally forced himself to turn his back to him, blinking fast in attempt to keep himself together. He needed to breathe, otherwise he might attack him… and he was feeling a bit faint for some reason, so he grabbed the cold rail again.

To Kurama's surprise, Markus' hand landed next to his, now leaning over Kurama's shoulder, demanding his attention. Quickly turning back to face him he grit his teeth as he was ready to chew him out once more. But, to his surprise Markus was much closer that he anticipated, and it shocked him back just a bit. Markus' eyes were looking at him with intent and that made Kurama's stomach flare with heat.

"I'm very sorry." His eyes were glimmering, now understanding how much he'd really upset him. "Like I said. I've never seen this… I don't think I've ever seen you scared. And the fact I brought that on you…." He shook his head softly.

That scared Kurama in a different way as his eyes widened, seeing the man's respect for him all over again. The way Markus looked at him was just like he used to. He continued to glare, but his eyes softened as he watched tears begin to fall down Markus' cheeks, his green eyes sparkling behind the liquid.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through whatever that person did to you…" He was frowning, fully focused on him.

Kurama stared, stumped by this man again as he realized he wasn't crying cause he was caught. But he was crying for Kurama's pain. He had barely caught up to the fact he was talking with him, and now he was having his boundaries pushed by him again. The entire case with the club was such a cluster of shit; he didn't even know where to begin if he even decided to openly speak of it. But he did understand Markus' frustration. Even his desperation to find answers. He was unable to be too angry with this man, now feeling his own eyes weld up again as he watched Markus openly cry in front of him once more.

"Seems we both have issues we need tending to." He sighed out as he felt a tear fall down his own face, forgetting how comfortable he felt around Markus.

Markus watched the tear fall, blinking out a few more of his own. "Guess so."

His hand was still resting on the rail, and Kurama finally noticed how close they were. He glanced back to Markus' hand, feeling his face heat up.

Noticing his blush, Markus barely smiled, still studying Kurama. "I missed you."

"…"

His hand moved up to Kurama's face, and since they were so close it was a small effort. He hesitated just a bit, then wiped the tear off Kurama's cheek. Immediately sighing out after touching him then continued as he slid his hand under Kurama's chin.

"You hate me now?" he asked softly as his index finger moved back, then glided gently under his chin.

His touch sent surges through Kurama's body, as he kept his eyes locked on Markus, fully allowing him to touch. Something was off… He couldn't keep eye contact any longer, so he turned away. Markus's hand didn't loosen, holding Kurama's chin firmly now. Kurama was too tired to fight so instead of getting angry again he allowed his cheek to rest on Markus's hand. It was surprising to him that he was feeling any sort of comfort from him right now.

…he hadn't been able to talk to anyone about the club either.

Markus' eyes twitched wider as he felt the redhead's breath on his hand, now moving his lips to rest in his palm. Kurama didn't want to deal with anymore guilt and shame right now, especially after all his shit was sprawled out to strangers. It was on record… was he willing to let the rest be too? Markus had felt alone since the club and wanted answers. But, Kurama didn't realize until now that he felt alone as well.

He wanted comfort but would never ask. He didn't know what was going on, but the one thing his body knew was he wanted to be touched. And he wanted Markus to touch him. His eyes looked up to Markus. Markus was calm now, yet hesitant as he registered Kurama's silent invitation. Quickly taking the cue, he lifted Kurama's head up in order to see his whole face, as his other hand moved quickly behind Kurama's hair to the nape of his neck. Now cradling his head in his hands.

"I won't do that again, I promise. I've got your back from here on out." He spoke quietly as his thumb stroked Kurama's cheek.

Kurama was loving the feeling of skin on his face and could barely respond through his sudden haze. "…okay." He whispered.

Markus' hesitancy was gone now, as he leaned in close enough to kiss him. Kurama felt his chest pound with a familiar feeling, as he barely gasped, now looking into Markus' eyes as his hands moved up; one to rest on Markus' hand holding his chin, and the other to grab the railing behind him. His chest pounded once more, making him now realize why he'd been so off today. He knew that feeling…

Markus's scent was as he remembered, he smelled so good, and for a moment he almost forgot where he was. He swallowed hard as his eyes got tired, and Markus studied his face while he had the chance. Then met eyes with Kurama's, clearly pleased with what was happening.

"You're beautiful." He said it with the same compelling honesty as he did the first time he spoke those words to him.

He then moved in to feel Kurama's lips with his own. It wasn't a kiss; he was slowly gliding his lips across Kurama's as he breathed in his scent. He parted his lips just enough to breathe hot air onto Kurama's. Heat rushed to Kurama's crotch and the thoughts racing through his head were screaming at him. But his body was in charge right now, and his voice got away from him as a moan barely slipped out. Markus pulled away, showing a bit of surprise as he looked into Kurama's eyes.

The heavy door made a loud screech as it was pushed opened with haste, sending a shock through the both of them.

"Kurama?" It was Benson.

She stopped dead in her tracks. Markus removed his hands, quickly stepped away. Kurama was snapped out of it, as he looked at her with a blank expression—the embarrassment was there, but he wouldn't allow her to see anymore of him right now.

"Detective…" She spoke sternly as her eyes seared holes through Markus.

"Yeah?" He said flatly, still not looking at her as he scratched the back of his head.

"You've got to be kidding me."

"I don't kid." He faced her.

"He's our vic!" She whispered harshly.

"Stop with the victim shit!" He spat out in annoyance.

Kurama looked between them.

"You should be ashamed! This is highly unprofessional."

"I'm actually not!" He mocked.

"Please." Kurama spoke, feeling irritated. "I'm right here."

She ripped her angry eyes away from Markus to look at Kurama. He felt bad. She'd never dealt with something as specifically odd as this, or anyone like him. Even with all her years of experience she seemed a bit lost on what to do. And, they were being… well, he wasbeing irresponsible. It wasn't surprising that Markus would be caught doing this.

"What's going on?" She spoke with authority, but also displayed her confusion.

He assumed anything sexual between investigators and victims could complicate their case, and potentially make witnesses' testimonies null. But, he didn't report to her, and he wasn't the one who requested they take his statement. So he had no guilt attached to potentially messing up her and Amaro's case.

"Markus? What is going on?" He smirked to him.

Markus frowned—knowing he deserved that. "God." He rolled his eyes.

She raised her eyebrows at him, then sighed out. "Is he bothering you?" She cut straight to the chase.

Kurama chuckled, not sure why this caught his laughter. But he laughed, trying to keep it minimal as his hand went to his mouth. Markus looked to him with curiosity, then smiled and looked to the ground.

"Not more than usual, no." He smiled. …. maybe Markus cheered him up.

He hadn't realized it, but he had been a bit down the last few months. And just seeing Markus, even under these obnoxious circumstances, was a bit of a relief. Even after finding out what Markus told them, he still felt that same comfort with him that he couldn't place. And he was glad he at least had some familiarity with him during this shit show.

He decided it was time to wake up and get serious.

"Benson…?" Kurama looked at her calmly. "Or do you prefer Detective?"

Markus eyed him, noticing the switch he'd seen before.

"You can call me Olivia." She smiled gently.

Kurama felt surprised, she was kind—yet ignorant, but clearly still protective of him due to his predicaments. He had to admit, her passion was admirable. She had a clean heart, even though her eyes showed a soul that had heard and seen more than one person should have to.

He smiled fully this time, "Alright, Olivia."

She turned her head as she listened, seeming to notice his switch in personality too. He'd been acting uninterested and somewhat putout since joining them. Attempting to seem more human. But, now that he was stuck here, and after Markus blabbed… they clearly saw him differently now. So, he'll stick to business and make a place for himself besides the place of a victim.

"I understand why I may be a bit confusing—and I definitely understand any hesitancy from any of you." He looked to the Markus with apology.

"But, this is more complicated than your usual cases, not dwindling your work to simplicity whatsoever. Just… letting you know there will be many areas we cannot speak on, things I won't be able to share, along with things I'll choose not to speak on. But, if you accept that, I will do my best to help with finding Winters."

Olivia was staring at him as she processed; taken aback.

Markus looked to her; eyebrows raised. "There he is."

She glanced to him, then back to Kurama, "I guess I see what Haly means." She looked confused, and a little sad. "So, you're okay? I'm sorry for what I brought up, I should've kept my mouth shut. Haly did ask me to wait."

Kurama raised an eyebrow, "I'm getting there." He shrugged. "But, after today I would like some time to think. If that's alright?" Kurama asked out of courtesy.

"Of course. And, I apologize, again." She looked guilty.

"I'm sorry too. You're right, that was highly unprofessional." He swiftly looked up to Markus with an accusatory glare.

She nodded, still catching up to the change but still weirded out altogether. "Do I get an explanation?"

"Detective Haly doesn't have boundaries."

"Seems you don't mind." She raised her eyebrows, suspicion clear.

"I missed him. That's all." Markus spoke up for him.

She glared. "I'm not an idiot, have you two had sex?"

Makus raised his hands up. "What? No!"

Kurama glanced at him and felt himself holding back a smile when noticing a hint of red in the detective's face. He'd never seen him blush before, even back at the club after Kurama had to jump him to save their cover. Clearly he was thinking about them having sex, and that made his stomach swirl. Reminding him that his heat had actually returned, …at the worst time possible, too.

"Kurama?"

He perked up.

She waited.

"Oh." He breathed, surprised he zoned out again. "It's complicated—and, I apologize for the use of that word again. But my partner and I weren't expecting an undercover cop to push his way into our case. Even so, I intended on working with him as his CI, but he's a snoop and figured out we were under cover too."

Markus kept his gaze on the ground but smiled while he listened.

Olivia was intrigued as he listened.

"Honestly, he was a bit of a warm light from the outside, for myself and…" He looked at Markus, who was now looking at him while he spoke, a little surprised yet touched.

"You're partner?" She asked.

"Yes." He looked back to her. "Yusuke." He smirked. "You can keep his name off the record, for your apology."

She smirked back. "That's fair. Thank you for sharing his name."

He glanced toward Markus again, focusing back on what he was saying. "As I was saying, Markus shoved his way into our lives. But, thinking back, it was nice timing." He smiled as he thought back.

"Meaning?" She waited.

He sighed out, "Markus first requested for my help the day after Simon assaulted me." He swallowed as his own emotionless voice echoed in his head.

Her eyebrows raised, putting things together somewhat, as some understanding showed through.

"It was that soon after?" Markus was frowning with guilt.

This was embarrassing, but he felt compelled to defend Markus. Maybe he was more of a teammate to him than he and Yusuke thought.

"Yes." He barely smiled. "We were both in very dark spirits, so the distraction was probably good for us. And, once he found out we were under cover it was almost relieving to have someone else know. I'm sure you understand…" He looked to Olivia with confidence.

She sighed out with eyebrows still raised. "Yeah, that makes sense."

"Especially for Yusuke. He had to listen to the entire thing…" He felt as if he was confessing to them, guilt rushing through him as his eyes darkened.

Markus' mouth opened with a scowl he leaned in to make sure he heard correctly. "What?"

Olivia looked stunned.

"They were mic'd up." Markus explained as he held his mouth tightly.

She looked sickened. "You were mic'd while Winters assaulted you?"

Sighing out in guilt, Kurama couldn't hold back his cringe. It was too heavy, and he felt that since he mentioned this he had to convey he wasn't the only one traumatized by what Simon did.

"Yes."

"…"

The silence was rough as Kurama grit his teeth. "I made him promise not to interfere." He shot a look to her.

Markus sighed out now rubbing his face, then pushing his hair back in stress. "I didn't know…"

Kurama nodded at him, "I underestimated how volatile Simon was and got caught off guard once he took out his stash. It was getting me closer to him—gaining his trust. I just didn't know how much those drugs would mess me up. It's clear that cocktail of his was meant to harm or kill." He swallowed. "Poor Yusuke had to listen to the entire night. We can possibly get into it more later, but I must admit he'd know every detail of the rape. I was so messed up; I still only remember bits and pieces." He might as well confirm he was raped by Simon.

"Jesus." Markus whispered.

"So," He forced a kind smile to Olivia. "You can imagine why I may get some comfort from this fool next to me." He was surprised to admit it out loud, and with such ease. "And to answer you question—no, we haven't slept together." He smiled while looking down.

She nodded with a sigh, still wondering about them. "You were right. This is very complicated."