I very much enjoyed this chapter—I hope you do too. Please review and enjoy! -Samron

"Well, I guess you eat everything with class." Markus chuckled out as he threw one more fry in his mouth. Kurama chuckled too as he sipped his water, happy with how delicious the burgers were.

"Good joint, huh?"

Kurama raised his eyebrow as he stared at Markus in confusion.

"What?"

"Joint?" He teased.

"I wear a cowboy hat, remember…" He glared jokingly at him.

"Ah, you mean the restaurant."

Markus laughed as he sipped his coke. "Gettin' me back?" Kurama just smiled in confirmation. They were in the kitchen area of the rental home, at the small dining table. It was seven in the evening now, and Kurama felt his body tiring even more since he ate.

"I may try to get to bed earlier—I fell asleep studying at my desk last night." He chuckled.

"You've had a long day." Markus affirmed. "What do you study…?"

Kurama smirked, knowing this subject would end quickly. "Cellular Biophysics."

Markus leaned his head back as he stared, then nodded once. "Right. Yeah, I totally know what that is."

Kurama laughed. "It's like playing chess for the wellbeing of mankind's future, while referencing our past to guide us."

He rubbed his eyes. "Yeah." He chuckled out, "Makes complete sense."

"You'd do great." Kurama laughed again as he set his water cup down.

"…"

Kurama felt the air change, then looked to Markus in concern. He was staring at him intently, trying to get a read on him. "Have you thought about me since the club…?" he asked, not flirting this time.

Blinking, Kurama felt a bit taken aback by that. "Of course I have." He felt he answered too quickly.

Markus looked down, "I'd assumed you'd just move right along with life."

"I did, but that doesn't mean I can't think." He leaned in.

"You make it sound so easy."

"No offense, but… I'm not like you.''

"That's been made clear." Markus made a face.

"…"

"Matthias…" Kurama perked up. "He wasn't human, was he?"

He stared at Markus, trying to figure out what he doing. "No."

"What was he?"

"A demon."

He nodded, not surprised by the answer, but definitely uncomfortable. "I need a drink." He stood and walked to the cabinets, pulling a whiskey bottle and glass out. "You want some?"

Putting a hand up Kurama shook his head. "No thank you."

"Suit yourself." He poured himself a drink and walked back over to sit down, bringing the bottle with him. He sipped it then fidgeted with his glass, hesitating again. "Can I… ask about Sakyo?"

Kurama bristled to that name, but reminded himself that Markus had probably been dying for answers since the whole thing… "If you promise not to go and gossip after." He glared, still pissed about earlier.

He sighed out, annoyed with himself still. "I promise." He took a large drink and swallowed, looking to Kurama with another apologetic expression.

"Alright, what's your questions?"

"What is he? Human or demon?"

He frowned. "A nuisance of a human."

"But he's involved with demons?"

"It's more common than you'd think, especially someone with his status."

"Status?"

"Wealthy, smart, and bored. Once these types find out about demon world it's like a whole new playground for their obscene desires."

"Demon world…" He spoke quieter. "You said it again."

"Yes. Human and demon world are more similar to each other than spirit world. I would think of spirit world as more of a hierarchy. It's more involved in politics and… other tasks." He tried his best to explain it in simple terms—but he'd leave out the afterlife part for now.

"So demon and spirit world are two different places…?"

He nodded.

"Okay." He frowned, "I'm still processing that one." He took another drink. "So… Sakyo's got a lot of pull?"

Kurama hesitated. "He… knows how to work and manipulate the world around him, for his own pleasure. He's constantly playing chess in his head for a good time. His intelligence and skills in prediction almost match mine. He loves to gamble—and is quite good at it, which in turn, makes him powerful."

"Hmm. He couldn't be much older than me?"

"He probably isn't."

"Why'd he…" He hesitated as he took another drink. "Why'd he tell me all that shit at the club?"

"What shit?" Kurama frowned, already assuming what he meant.

"About you…" He glared at the tabletop, obviously reliving that strange exchange.

"To piss me off. He enjoys messing with people." He set his teeth.

"What's that mean?"

Kurama shot his eyes up to Markus', "He's a sadistic psychopath. His hobby is torturing living things, seeing how long they can last."

Markus looked stressed, "What'd he mean about you?"

Kurama felt his stomach jerk with anxiety. Was Markus really asking out of simple curiosity, or was there something else behind this? He may be reading into things, but he felt uneasy by even humoring this subject.

"…Which part?" He spoke quieter now.

"That you were rare…?"

Kurama's eyebrows went up as he breathed out. "That's quite the question."

"Too much?"

"Maybe. You still haven't even wrapped your mind around what I've told you."

Markus shrugged in acknowledgement but continued with the questions. "Was his… subordinate," Kurama froze, now staring in surprise. "Karasu?"

"Who told you that name?" Kurama forced himself to stay calm, not changing his demeanor. Maybe this is he was bringing up Sakyo… Kurama swallowed as he felt the stress of these subjects.

"Is that who…"

Kurama leaned back in his chair, now sighing. "Yes. If you must know. Karasu was the one…" His words stopped without his permission as he looked down at the table, realizing he'd never said that out loud.

"Why?"

"I told you why." He scoffed a laugh, "Because he enjoyed it. He decided he loved me but said loved the feeling of loss even more." He grimaced, now fidgeting some as his hands squeezed together.

Markus frowned as his face got pale, "You're associated with a lot of fucked up people."

"Karasu wasn't a person. He was a demon with an obliterated soul."

"So how'd he get to you, if you were strong enough to kill him in the end?"

He shot his eyes to Markus, now angry. "Does this get you off?" His voice was dark as he growled.

Markus' eyes widened in concern, and the room was now silent. He didn't move an inch as he tried to read Kurama, realizing he crossed a line. Kurama stopped himself quickly, closing his eyes as he looked away. Markus was obnoxiously curious, especially when it came to him. He felt guilt immediately, knowing Markus wasn't sick like the people they were discussing.

"Sorry." Markus barely spoke.

"No—I, I know you're just confused." He sighed as he stared at nothing.

"…"

"I fell for a trap…"

"…"

Kurama looked to him, feeling concern after hearing his tone change again. "I was digging into a lead and found out it was actually a trap." He glared. "I was at some casino, and was asked upon entering, to go to the back." The way he said 'asked' told Kurama he had no choice, he felt himself tense as he continued to listen. "That… guy was there." He nervously glanced at Kurama. "Sakyo."

His eyes widened as he stared at Markus. "What?"

"Yeah. He didn't say much, but he said he'd give me Simon if I gave him somethin'." He looked like he'd been holding this on his own for quite a while and was obviously nervous about it. Kurama understood now why Markus was so pushy about him coming over… he wanted to tell him these details that wouldn't be understood by the others.

"Give him what?"

Markus shrugged as he looked even more nervous, taking another swig then looking to Kurama. "I have no clue. He left before telling me." He adjusted his position. "So it makes me feel like he'll find me again…" He was obviously shaken.

Kurama stared at Markus. "What else did he say to you?"

"It was pretty quick. He just asked if I remembered him and told me he knew I was looking for Simon. And that's when he made his offer."

"That makes no sense." Kurama spoke quietly, trying to stifle his nerves.

Markus nodded to him, "Yeah, and now I think… he predicted I'd involve you. Cause he ask me to tell you something." He frowned, now his expression was full of guilt. Kurama's eyes widened, and he stared at him. Not sure if he wanted to know. Markus glanced at him, then stared down. "I'm sorry. I should've stopped looking for you right then."

"What'd he say?"

"I have no idea what it meant."

"Tell me."

He looked to him, worry apparent. "You sure?"

"Yes." Kurama focused on keeping calm.

He rolled his eyes as he sipped the last bit of whiskey out of his cup. "He said, 'Tell Kurama to remember what Karasu wanted," He glanced to him nervously. "…'To breathe.'…" He sighed as he stared at his empty cup with a shrug, understanding those words had weight to them.

'…Yes. Breathe, my sweet fox…'

Kurama stared at him, feeling fear boil up from his memories.

'…Your voice is intoxicating—especially when I force it out of you…'

Markus continued. "I asked him who the fuck that was, and he said… 'The one who debauched the chaste fox'…" Kurama's eyes snapped wider as his stomach twisted with anxiety. Would this haunt him forever…? Was Sakyo really saying what he thought he was? Markus felt the anxiety too, he knew it had something to do with Kurama and clearly what he just told him was effecting him. "What's that mean?" He felt panicked, wondering if he should've kept his mouth shut.

"…"

"Kurama?" Markus leaned in. "…You okay?"

"I'm…" He looked away from him as he grit his teeth. He swallowed now as he leaned his head into his hand, rubbing his forehead with a sigh of stress.

"What'd he mean about a fox?" He was getting sucked into this world that was beyond him, and right now he wish his natural desire to figure out cases wasn't so strong.

"He's referring to me." He continued to barely touch his forehead as he stared at the tabletop. "I'm the fox." Kurama looked over to Markus once more, now wearing a blank expression.

Markus recoiled, feeling disturbed.

"He's letting me know that Karasu knew I w—…" He felt ill as he opened his mouth, allowing more air to get in as he breathed deeply now, unable to look at Markus anymore he lowered his head.

"…" Markus stared, now seeming to fully grasp what he was hearing.

"I'm sure you understand." He stared at the tabletop as his head spun.

Somehow Karasu knew that he was a virgin before he raped him!? He hadn't kissed or even touched anyone until then… and that never bothered him until now! Karaus could tell..? Or it was a bluff… But, even so, it was the truth. Kurama hadn't ever been with anyone romantically, in any sort of way before Karasu took him. And now Sakyo was letting him know that he had that knowledge—and was taunting him with it!

He promised himself he'd kill Sakyo.

He'd kill him.

He brough his hand up to his mouth, still feeling ill. "I should sleep." He said as he stood.

Markus leaned back as he kept his eyes on him. "Alright."

He walked off without another look, and Markus just watched as he left—now feeling sick himself as everything he'd just heard was sinking in. Did he really want to continue digging into this depraved world?

…

Quickly getting himself to bed was the best idea right now. Kurama could feel his exhaustion setting in quick as he got ready. Which, essentially, was just brushing his teeth, taking his hair down and throwing his clothes off onto the floor. Not caring about sleeping in his underwear, because he was already hot. The thoughts flowing through his mind weren't safe to dwell on, so for now, he'd turn down the volume… The feeling of those facts looming over him was like a darkness following him as he moved about the room. He hadn't yet accepted what he'd heard from Markus, for self-preservation, but ignoring them was proving harder than he thought. He really did need rest, especially if he was going to stay composed during this damned mission.

He crawled into the bed and turned off the light. Now it was dark, except for the small crack of light leaking through the tiny opening he left in his door. He laid down on his back, immediately sighing out as the comfort of the bed under him allowed his body to relax. Would he be able to let himself to accept this tomorrow…? Would he be able to let it go? He closed his eyes as he moved the back of his palm over his eyes.

"Stop." He whispered to everything.

Admitting to himself that he was afraid of acknowledging anything about that subject was frustrating, he hated so much that it had happened, and had a hard time shaking the feelings of rage and anger that he directed toward himself for allowing it. Along with the embarrassing fact that he often still mourned what he lost that night which made him, angry… was he, sad? He dropped his arm out to the side and sighed, eyes relaxing in the darkness as his mind tired. He was… and had been for some time now.

'You're gonna be okay. I'm here.'

Frowning, Kurama shook his head. He missed that voice, but thinking about him too much made his chest ache. He took in a deep breath then rolled over, facing his back to the light that leaked through the door. Forcing his mind to go quiet and closing his eyes. The rest his mind and body needed was more important right now, and he knew once he fell asleep, the aching would stop.

"…What are you doing here?" His deep voice soothed him.

It was all white, and the glow from it gave off a strong warmth.

"I can't seem to remember." Kurama hesitated, glancing back at the presence he felt.

"What the fuck did they do to you?" The voice pulled him back.

"Too much. I missed you." He reached up to wrap his arms around the strong shoulders.

"You know you can't see me right now…"

He clinched his eyes shut, not moving. "I don't have to see you. I can stay here."

The presence moved closer. His stomach twisted with anxiety again, as he tried to ignore it's approach.

"You can't stay here, Kurama."

"I know…" He tightened his grip.

His strong hand slid up Kurama's back, holding the back of his neck to pull him close. Kurama sighed out, he had wanted this for so long now, and no longer feeling the distance between them was such a relief. He hugged him even tighter as they embraced, almost able to fully ignore the darkness.

"Not yet."

"We didn't know." The voice said.

"Please don't leave yet." He squeezed.

"Sorry."

"Come back to me."

"…"

"I already have." This voice was different.

Kurama's eyes widened as he realized the body he held now was cold, he tried to pull back. But the grip on him was strong, he wasn't able to move at all.

"He doesn't care about you. Not like I do."

His heart raced and the panic set in, he watched the black hair move around him, feeling suffocated.

"I love hearing you."

Fear filled him as he realized his body was against something, and he was being held down tightly. The pressure inside him was painful, but the hardest thing to ignore was his growing arousal.

"Uhh." He moaned out as his eyes filled with tears.

"Goood…"

The cold body held him far too tight; it was hard to breath. And it continued to smother him, moving in a disturbing way. His arousal had peaked as he went limp, allowing his head to drop back while moaning again.

"Never forget my touch."

Kurama's eyes opened with a slight gasp, not knowing where he was for just a few seconds made him panic a bit more… Oh, right, he was here. His breathing was fast, but he took in a breath and sighed out. Closing his eyes in relief.

"Hey."

His eyes snapped opened again, startled by the voice as he instinctively reached over, grabbing the wrist near him. Moving to his knees he easily twisted the arm, shoving it up behind Markus' back, while slamming him onto the bed. One of his knees pushed into Markus' hip joint while he grabbed his other wrist and pinned it back to the bed as well, now over him—holding him down effortlessly.

"What the shit!?" Markus gasped out as he looked up to Kurama in shock.

He was face to face with Markus as his heart pounded, trying to calm his breathing as his red hair slowly glided off his shoulders and back, falling around the man's face. Kurama blinked a couple of times as he studied his expression, realizing he'd just full on pinned the poor man. He was still on high alert from being startled, "What are you doing?" he demanded as he searched Markus' eyes, adrenaline rushing through him.

"Could you let me go!?" He grunted out, unable to move due to the painful hold.

Cocking his head to the side, he sharpened his eyes at the man below him. Not happy with the fact he was caught off guard—especially since he reacted the way he did in front of another. Was he actually awake? His eyes were dark as he stared the man below him, showing an expression he'd never shown him before. And instead of letting go he pushed up a bit more and twisting Markus' hand harder.

"OH—ow OW!" His face grimaced with pain as he yelled out.

Kurama gasped out as he felt his crotch warm, the cop moving under him snapped him out of his panic, and he realized he was straddling Markus. His nerves were calming, but before moving he allowed himself a moment to take in what he had under him. Markus was arching his back in attempt to relieve tension off his arm and wrist. He wasn't wearing a shirt, and those sweatpants were untied and loose… Kurama swallowed as he took in the man's body, seeing all his muscles tensed and flexed under him definitely made the arousal from that dream bleed over.

What was he doing…? He closed his eyes, still pissed, but more awake as he finally let go. The man gasped out as his entire body relaxed, jerking his other wrist away quickly to hold the hurt one that had just been twisted. "What the hell was that for?" He looked pissed, but he was clearly stressed by how easily Kurama took him down.

"You startled me." Kurama said flatly… that dream still lingering behind his mind.

"I didn't think that was possible." He said sarcastically as he barely tried to sit up.

Kurama glared in defense, not letting up, instead moving forward to meet with Markus' eyes once more. "What are you doing in here?" He'd never spoken this way to him before, but he felt vulnerable… and other unwelcomed things… so, that pissed him off. His arms moved forward as he leaned his weight onto them, one on each side of Markus, displaying he still had dominance in the situation.

Markus looked freaked out, obviously nervous as he leaned his weight back against his elbows, taking the redhead seriously. "Checkin' on you." He said quietly as he kept eye contact with him. "I was heading to bed, you sounded upset and then I realized you were sleeping." A sweat began on his forehead as he swallowed, looking away, a bit annoyed with his choices now.

"You were checking on me?" He raised an eyebrow.

This man…

Markus barely looked back at him, "Yeah. Of course…"

Kurama sighed quietly, as his eyebrows barely shot up, noticing Markus' face was red as he was still attempting to gather himself after being taken down so easily. Kurama felt his chest warm as he noticed Markus' heartrate pick up, which made Kurama's stomach swirl as he looked him over again.

"Thank you for checking on me." He spoke a bit softer.

"You're welcome… now would y—" he hesitated.

Kurama leaned in again, ignoring his normal conscience and following his feelings. "Would I what?" He looked right into Markus' eyes, keeping them cold—still in defense. Markus stared at him, not sure what to say, then Kurama finally smelled whiskey. "Are you drunk?" He smirked.

"Yeah..." He was still being cautious, not sure how to act, so he remained still.

What a fool this man was… Kurama felt his heart ease, and he again realized he found the man's unique personality enduring. He relaxed some but couldn't ignore the feelings his body had been demanding so strong. His crotch jerked as he felt the urge to move.

"You weren't just checking on me…" He continued to study him closely. "What else were you doing?"

Markus looked stunned, "I'm…" He frowned, clearly irritated but still looking straight at him. "I was seein' if you were awake…" He sighed out, and Kurama could hear a hint of embarrassment.

"You came into my room—explain." He demanded.

"I've—" He grinded his teeth now glaring at Kurama. "I've been lonely… for a long time." His eyes were angry, but sadness hid in them as well.

His nerves relaxed even more, as he stared back at the man who desperately desired company. He felt his heart ache, thinking back on the feeling he just had in his dream. The relief and happiness he experienced from his own loneliness leaving him for just those few moments. Even if it hadn't happened, he felt for Markus and without a response he leaned down even closer to him. His guard finally down as his eyes showed emotions to Markus, his expression softened for his friend as he barely smiled.

Markus looked surprised again, but other emotions quickly cluttered his eyes as Kurama lowered himself close. He relaxed his body as he laid his chest on Markus', feeling his warm skin on his body sent surges throughout him. He couldn't ignore his lustful impulses that gave him every justification he needed. Markus was drunk, sad, and worn out—and he himself was exhausted in all aspects.

He kept his eyes locked with Markus' eyes. "I've been a bit lonely myself." No emotion were in those words, only due to the fear of showing too much. Staring up at Kurama, his eyes widened, and Kurama no longer wanted to hold back. Seemed he'd made choices that allowed for this to happen too easily, but for now he'd ignore those irritancies and deal with his actions later.

Leaning closer, almost touching his lips to Markus' he stopped to allow the man to hear his breathing pick up—and to tease him some. Kurama breathed out warmth onto his lips; just as Markus had done earlier. He closed his eyes, enjoying the scent of the man and being close.

"I missed you too…"

Markus gasped out as Kurama placed his lips onto his, feeling comfort as he took in the feeling and taste of the man. It was so nice, and he felt himself forgetting all the stresses of the day.

Markus barely pulled back, "Kurama…". He looked to him with worry, and doubt. Kurama didn't want him to hesitate, especially if it were from pity due to the vile subject they had discussed earlier. He had a choice in this matter and wanted it. Even more after seeing Markus worry for him, he was always such a flirt and constantly pushing boundaries. But when it got real he made sure to check with him, instead of taking advantage of it immediately.

He smiled to him again, attempting to calm his worries. "Don't." He said as he leaned in and placed his lips onto Markus' again, making the man inhale once more. Then he slid his hand up to Markus' face, still slowly kissing and feeling Markus' lips with his own. His other hand glided down Markus' neck, past his chest, sliding around his ribs. Markus gasped out to Kurama's touch, finally now kissing him back. Kurama began teasing Markus' lips with his tongue as it glided across them, gently pushing for more. Markus opened his mouth for Kurama as he leaned his head back in submission. Kurama kissed him deeper as his tongue slid into his mouth, pleasing him, tasting him, and feeling him as much as he could.

"Uuhhh" Markus gasped out.

Kurama's adrenaline spiked as he felt his crotch's heat begging. He brought his other hand down, pulling off his underwear gracefully while he continued to kiss Markus. Once done he pressed his entire body onto Markus, fully engrossed in what he was doing, still straddling him to get as close as possible. He moved down now and began licking his neck, Markus turned his head allowing Kurama more access. Now Markus seemed to have finally caught up as his hands moved up to touch Kurama, fully laying back to enjoy. It sent chills through Kurama as he felt Markus' hands slide up through his hair, down his back, his sides, and took his time moving his hands down to feel his butt. Kurama moaned quietly as he continued kissing and tasting the man's skin.

Markus pulled back as his mouth panted, now looking into Kurama's eyes. He reached up to grab Kurama's jaw, leaning up and kissing him again. Kurama opened his mouth to the rough kiss as they both were getting lost in each other's touch. Markus slipped his tongue into Kurama's mouth and Kurama's body shook with pleasure as his hand quickly moved down to Markus' pants, now blindly trying to pull them off. Gasping out Markus broke their kiss then gave Kurama what he wanted as he quickly pushed his own pants and underwear off.

Kurama made eye contact with Markus once he laid back down on him, smiling. He leaned forward again, barely placing his lips onto Markus' as he instinctively reached down to grab Markus' manhood. Markus inhaled harshly as his eyes widened, then relaxed quickly with a moan—loving Kurama's touch. He looked up to Kurama's eyes, checking on him again, and Kurama stared back to him confidently. He moved himself up over the man for a moment as he situated himself, then he took in a quiet breath as he pushed himself back against Markus's hardness, guiding him inside.

"Uuhh.." Markus leaned his head back as Kurama grunted out.

Kurama's head fell against Markus' shoulder as he moved his hips back further, feeing his lust taking over. He moaned automatically, and his expression became vulnerable as his emotions started to flare up his chest. Markus quickly brought Kurama's face to his, demanding eye contact as his other hand moved down to grab his butt, now taking charge he pushed up into him, beginning a rhythm that pleasured them both.

"Haaa.." Kurama's worried eyes stared into Markus' as he reached up to grab his face. He now began to move along with Markus' body, relaxing into it as it started to feel so good. Markus stared up to him, entirely focused on what they were doing as he took in Kurama's face as much as he was able while they enjoyed each other. Markus moved his legs up as he reached down to Kurama's butt, grabbing it tightly as he quickened his pace. Kurama relaxed as he felt his body rest on Markus, moaning each time Markus moved. His entire body was in flames of ecstasy and his hips continued to move along.

Suddenly, Markus wrapped his arms around Kurama, rolling them over, now on top of him. He smiled to him then let his eyes wander down Kurama's body, to watch. He hadn't missed a beat—still breathing hard as he focused on his task. Taking in all he could with his eyes, like he always did. Kurama was fully limp, allowing the man to do whatever as he enjoyed each movement, and couldn't lay still as the pleasure continue to overwhelm him. He reached up to touch his own mouth, as his moaning continued, he slid his finger into his lips as his panting was all he could hear. He lay there engulfed in his desire, completely submitting to what Markus was doing.

It had seemed like they'd just started, but it also seemed like they'd done this before. Markus grunted a moan out as he moved over Kurama now to kiss him, deeper inside him as he continued to thrust his hips, moaning into Kurama's mouth. That change in position made Kurama feel his orgasm coming and it was exhilarating. His mouth opened on its own, panting loudly as Markus kept his lips on his. He reached up to grab the back of Markus' neck, now holding him close while he looked up in pure lust, as his orgasm began. Markus' eyes widened as he watched Kurama enjoy. His body shook now as his head hung back again, not caring a bit that he yelled out his moan.

"Fuck…" Markus grunted as he watched Kurama move, now tensing himself as his orgasm kicked in. He continued to push into Kurama, now jerking roughly inside him as he grunted out through his, leaning in once more to hold him as close as he could. Kurama gasped out with each thrust as he tightened his arms around him as well. Markus slowed, and stayed deep while he tightened his grip around Kurama, enjoying the ending of his.

Kurama felt his muscles relaxing but kept his grip around the man above him. He moved his face over to rest against Markus' as he closed his eyes, feeling Markus' orgasm inside him soothed him as he now realized how much he'd missed him. Markus leaned his head close to Kurama in response. His breathing had just started to slow, but it changed somehow. He pushed his face into Kurama's hair and neck as his breathing became tense. Kurama slid his hand up the back of Markus' neck as he continued to hold him but hesitated as his eyes opened.

His heart jerked as he pulled away some, realizing Markus was shaking. Worry rushed through him as he tried to move his face to see Markus, but he looked away as Kurama did so. Frowning, Kurama barely opened his mouth in surprise. "Markus?" He said quietly.

Markus dropped his head onto Kurama's shoulder as he barely shook his head, and softly chuckled out. Kurama felt a couple of warm tears drop down to his shoulder, and he sat still for a moment while he thought on what to do, realizing this man was just how he remembered. He wore his heart on his sleeve.

"Markus…"

He turned on his side, with his weight on his elbow he leaned in to look at him again. Markus moved too, finally lifting his head to look at Kurama. He was barely smiling, knowing he looked pathetic as he made eye contact with him. Kurama felt his heart ache again as he watched the tears trickle down his face, and just like before he noticed Markus' beautiful eyes became even more striking when he cried. He was so handsome and had always been so emotionally complicated. It definitely was foreign to Kurama, but he didn't see it as a fault.

"Heh." Markus laughed a small sob out as he chuckled in frustration, loosely throwing his hand up while the tears flowed and he scrunched his nose up in annoyance, now looking down again in shame. Kurama stared in surprise, and it only took another second for him to move as close as he could, bringing his head into his chest.

"It's alright, you can cry."

He attempted to comfort as he lowered his mouth onto Markus' head and held him against his chest. He took in a breath as he allowed himself to feel for Markus but felt frustrated as he wasn't entirely sure how to handle this. Markus still carried weight from something, and that hadn't seemed to have changed much since the last time they worked together.

Kurama reached down to grab the blankets, pulling them over him and Markus. He lowered himself to the bed, keeping his arm around Markus so as to provide him a place to rest his head. Markus followed Kurama's lead as he rested on Kurama, moving his body close to him. He sniffed as he reached up to wipe away his tears, then wrapping the same arm around Kurama's body. Kurama took in a deep breath as he felt his body finally relaxing entirely. He instinctively moved his hand to Markus' hair, now gently gliding his fingers through it as he rested his face against Markus' forehead.

Markus finally took in a deep breath too, then sighed out. "What's this make…" He sniffed quietly, "Three times?"

Kurama smiled, still stroking his hair. "I think so."

He remembered the first time the man cried in front of him, shocked that someone who seemed so introverted and stoney, was actually so comfortably vulnerable. Kurama wondered how many emotions must be flying through him, because most of the time he was unreadable.

"Kurama?"

"Yes?"

"I'm glad you're here."

Smiling, Kurama felt warmth in his chest. "Me too."