Hey y'all, I felt this chapter needed to happen. I know it's dragging some, but the plot kick in here really soon. And I hope to get things rolling quickly—possibly with some bloody murder and revenge in the near future, and maybe even some more yaoi yummies. Please enjoy, and please review! -Samron

"We're back!" Olivia announced while entering the room, while her and Amaro held bags of food.

Kurama was leaning against a desk, waiting for Markus, but forced himself to greet them with a smile. He didn't know these people, yet, here he was trying to it all together. It almost seemed like the opposite of the last mission involving Simon. He and Yusuke went in as a unit, then slowly established themselves and got to know the others around them together.

As a team.

This time around Kurama barely got a glimpse of what was to come before he was pushed right in. He was being forced to pretend the team thing with strangers along with someone he only knew a bit. And the part he did know of Markus, hadn't really ever had stability. It probably helped him be a better detective, but Kurama realized he needed to be the stable one here… just until he found out which of these detectives were more reliable.

Or, he was on his own. He knew he was just being negative right now, but it was partially true. He was thrown into this without a choice, and was still catching up. He made a mistake with getting too close to Markus, too fast. He was supposed to keep humans safe… Which, just like the last mission he'd failed at doing so thus far. He knew Olivia and Amaro were physically safe, but just the fact Hiei was allowed out to wreak havoc… didn't give him the support he needed.

Koenma must be desperate.

Kurama was frustrated that so many of his personal feelings were involved with such a cold union between different groups. When, not one or the other trusted each other. Sakyo knew what he was doing—and they'd just begun.

"Welcome back. That smells amazing." He forced himself to speak normally.

Amaro smiled in agreement, eager to eat. "It looks amazing too."

They set the bags down on the usual table as Olivia scanned the room. "Where's Haly?" They took their coats off, and Amaro began unpacking the food.

He didn't want to face her, so he looked down with a forced smile. The guilt was heavy as he sighed, hesitating on what to say. Markus had gone to the bathroom, Kurama heard him throwing up and he felt guilty for letting his thoughts get away. He knew the man asked for it, but a part of him couldn't help but feel he was still a bit angry for that name ever being used… He didn't do it on purpose, but knowing how he used to be it was something he'd pull back then.

He didn't like it…

"Kurama?" Olivia said more serious, a bit concerned by his behavior.

He looked back, ripping himself out his thoughts.

"Haly?" She said sternly. Amaro slowed as he noticed the tension, now watching as the room became quiet. "He's okay, right?" She almost sounded accusatory.

Kurama stared back at her, feeling frustrated. They've only doubted him since joining, then Hiei happened, Amaro's anger begging him to show them more potential concern—they had talked, but no one had really listened. Their nerves only seemed to have grown. Which… was fair, but he'd never intentionally hurt Markus. So, now he understood Markus' constant reminders that they knew nothing about what was going on between them as well as Olivia's accusations toward him—he'd come to the same conclusion.

He frowned openly, still not happy with himself. "He's fine." He glanced to her, showing her a serious expression.

"Where is he?"

"In the restroom..." His voice was cold. "…throwing up."

Amaro frowned as they looked to each other with worry. "Did something happen?" She walked around, closer to Kurama.

Kurama kept his gaze on the floor, as his eyes stared at nothing. "Just what I spoke of before. He's processing information." He raised an eyebrow to that lame explanation.

"Why aren't you with him?"

"Heh." Kurama looked up to her. "He needs space."

"Who needs space?" Markus' demanding voice said as he walked from the back rooms, clearly trying to put on a front.

Olivia kept her eyes on Kurama's for another second as she sighed quietly, then averted her attention. He walked to them, and his ashen face was impossible to ignore along with his nervous hands that fidgeted. She frowned openly, surprised to see the cocky man so frazzled. "What happened to you?"

Markus cleared his throat and chuckled. "Ah." He barely shrugged as he joined them, glancing to Kurama with uncertainty.

She looked to Kurama too, more worried. "Should we leave…?" She motioned toward Amaro and herself.

"No." Markus held his hand up. "I just don't feel well." He barely got a smirk out as he tried to play it off. He was a bad fake.

"What'd he do to you?" She demanded. Markus frowned as he sat down, looking to her in offense, then to Kurama for direction.

Kurama felt the stress rise. "I told them you were puking." He wanted to tend to Markus; he needed to hydrate and eat. He was tired, and after being so reckless with the poor man Kurama knew his mind was done—he needed to rest.

Was he going to be able to handle his actions while working on this case? He remembers thinking that he'd make Markus regret using Karasu's name… Just the fact that he unintentionally did, made him extremely unhappy with himself. Was he getting overwhelmed again? Not having the security of knowing Yusuke was near by—or even safe, made him nervous about his own emotions getting away again. No matter how his pride wanted to deny it, having a teammate was a safe way to check oneself. Almost like a mirror, and so far Yusuke had been the clearest mirror he had worked with. Since learning what Karasu knew before he tortured him, just made everything heavier and so much more personal. He considered trying to remove all three detectives from the case, but he knew Markus wouldn't have that. And he wasn't sure how stubborn the other two were, so he wasn't going to waste his time trying. Regardless, he wasn't sure Koenma would let him.

Sakyo definitely knew how to apply pressure, which really pissed him off… his blood lust was growing quick, far quicker than the last mission. But, this time he was doing his best to keep tabs on it. If he was going to kill, it'd be planned—and, enjoyed.

Markus surprisingly looked a bit relieved as he sighed out now, relaxing back into his chair a bit rougher. "Oh." He blinked, now displaying his distress. "Curiosity kills that cat." He said with a blank face, zoning out again.

"Haly." Olivia spoke sternly.

Markus looked to her, not sure what to say.

"Psst." Kurama's attention snapped to Amaro who was holding a water bottle.

His eyebrows went up and he immediately walked to him, feeling relief with some support. Amaro tossed it to him and after catching it he gave him quick eye contact—thanking him. He opened it as he walked back to Markus. "You need to drink." He squatted in front of him, trying to put himself in the least threatening position.

It was like Markus didn't even see the bottle when Kurama held it up; his eyes locked onto Kurama's immediately and they went somewhere else—he was lost in his thoughts again. Kurama felt a sweat hit him and Markus' expression crushed him, it was harder to keep his emotions down with others seeing. Olivia stared as she noticed the change then watched Kurama to try to figure out what the hell was going on. Kurama tilted his head as he finally frowned openly, keeping his eyes locked with Markus'. Letting him know he wasn't alone—and he was okay. He didn't care anymore if the others saw, this wasn't for them. "Calm yourself." He did his best at a comforting voice, hating the guilt.

Olivia watched as her mind wandered over what could have happened in the short amount of time they were gone. She could feel the thick air, but was still lost. She looked back to Amaro who was ready to support with eye contact, both feeling too tense to move.

"Drink." Kurama encouraged; this was probably the softest he'd spoken since they'd found out he was who he was.

Markus stared at the water bottle as his mind continued to reel, still sick as the anxiety wouldn't leave. "To hell with me." He shook his head, annoyed with himself as he stared back at Kurama.

"Please drink." Kurama asked once more.

Olivia nodded, now showing her worry for the man after realizing something was actually wrong. "You should listen to Kurama, Haly. Take a few sips." She encouraged, now letting her guard down some. They both glanced at her, and Kurama felt relief with her back up—Markus needed to get his mind calm.

"Right." He barely said, now sitting up straighter as he gently grabbed the bottle. He brought it up to his mouth but hesitated as he looked down to it, then grit his teeth as his eyes shot back to Kurama. Almost seeming worried to look away from him. He sniffed again, eyes watering without permission once more. His brow furrowed hard as he attempted to hold back emotion, giving up on the water.

"You're okay, right?" He looked back to Kurama, eyes distant again.

Kurama sighed, the weight in his chest getting heavier. "We talked about this." He reached out to place his hand on Markus' leg, caressing him with his thumb. He needed to touch him to keep him grounded. "That was years ago, I'm safe."

Olivia watched Kurama's hand, surprised to see him being so tender when he'd only been cold and professional since meeting. And of course seeing Haly this way was shocking, she stared as she took in what was going on but was lost as to what could've happened in such a short amount of time.

Kurama's heart ached as he saw more tears fall from the man's eyes. Had he forgotten what it was like to be human? Or… had he just forgotten how awful that day really was…?

"…H-he broke your arm—back! –b—backward!" He started speaking with panic again, and Kurama snapped his eyes back to him, taking in a breath. He felt Olivia's gaze on him, and glanced up to her in instinct, showing stress for just a moment to acknowledge her concern.

"He wouldn't stop, he wouldn't let up!" Markus' voice shook that time, the panic in his eyes was haunting and his voice began to speed up. "He was d—drowning yo—" He sounded like he might choke.

Kurama looked to him, speaking loudly this time. "Markus."

"You couldn't breathe." He whispered but was still speaking quickly as sweat began to form on his face. "You couldn't breathe, his hands wouldn't let you, the water kept coming!" He was freaking out again as his hand went up to his mouth, eyes wide with horror and his trembling was taking over again.

Kurama's stomach began to ache as Markus' voice hit him, he realized his eyes were wide too as he almost got stuck with Markus. Sharing memories was dangerous, and even though Kurama only thought of one specific moment, Markus could've seen more than he intended. Once that door is opened, someone is able to wander—even if just for a few seconds.

He blinked, now standing quickly to look at Olivia.

She was in disbelief as she was catching up to the seriousness of the situation. Clearly Markus was having a panic attack, about what, she had no idea, but she needed to calm him down. He was completely freaking out.

"Please help him, my presence is not." Kurama tried his best to gather himself, but he knew his expression conveyed stress, he could feel himself starting to form a sweat as well. He lowered his gaze, feeling shame as he continued to listen to Markus' panicked breathing.

"What happened?" She asked quietly, prepping herself to step in—trying to catch up.

Kurama shook his head as he stared at her for a moment, feeling panic himself. He then looked away. "I can't say at the moment."

She frowned, but averted her attention to Markus quickly. He needed to calm down. "Markus…?" She spoke gently to him, but glanced once more to look at Kurama. He looked guilty, but wouldn't ever share anything. What was going on?

Markus' body shook as he tried his best to keep his emotions back, but the tears flowed without permission as he jerked out a silent sob. Olivia stared; he'd clearly been through something traumatizing. She knew these queues well; something had affected him greatly. How and what obviously had to be discussed later… so for now she'd try her best to help.

"Hey." She whispered as Markus tried to keep himself together. "Hey-hey…" She attempted to distract as Kurama stepped away, now sitting against the desk that was near Amaro.

"Is he okay?" He barely heard.

Kurama looked to Amaro then crossed his arms as he lowered his eyes again. "No." He was relieved to see Olivia giving her full attention to Markus, now holding his face as she spoke gently to him.

"…he was putting something, inside him…" Markus continued to ramble on, and Kurama cringed to those words.

They listened as Markus continued mumbled ramblings. Kurama took a breath quietly, closing his eyes. He was embarrassed they were hearing any of this, he was only comforted by the fact they knew nothing about what was being spoken on.

"Shhh-shh-sh-sh…" Olivia quieted him, forcing him to focus on her. "He's okay, you're okay." They finally began speaking quieter.

"It was alive—it was alive, it was inside him… his throat!"

Kurama could see her hesitancy by the disturbing things he was spouting about, but she otherwise looked unfazed. "Markus… you need to look at me, you aren't there. You're at work, in Homicide. You're in charge here, remember?" She smiled to him, acting completely normal. Kurama was thankful she was a pro. That eased him greatly.

Amaro stared in astonishment. "What the hell happened? And what is he going on about…" He couldn't take his eyes off them.

"I shared too much with him."

"About what?" Amaro whispered as he looked to Kurama.

Kurama glared—not wanting to condemn anyone. "Do you remember Markus telling you two about a specific subordinate..?" He looked over, keeping his eyes calm.

Amaro frowned, now giving his attention to Kurama. "Yeah…"

"His name was Karasu." He stared back with intensity, feeling anger.

Amaro stared as fear trickling into his expression, he swallowed and looked down to think. Clearly nervous with seeing any hint of Kurama's anger. That name seemed to leave all sorts of mental massacre in its wake—and he still had no idea who it belonged to.

"Markus asked a stupid question, and I even more stupidly—gave him what he wanted." He spoke quietly, and Amaro almost didn't hear. "You all see and hear enough with the jobs you have. I should've considered that before I allowed him more." He cursed himself, not caring if Amaro was listening anymore.

"He asked?" Amaro was somehow surprised that Markus would push those boundaries, but if they were sleeping together… clearly they were closer than he thought. From all he learned at working in the SVU, people always hid how close they were sexually to the outside world, so much more than other aspects in relationships. He'd only made that conclusion and connection once he lived it, through his own divorce… He'd much more willingly talk about his wife and daughter with a happy tone and positive memories than to speak frankly about their situation and the lack of intimacy between him and his family.

So, knowing what he knew about this Kurama person—he obviously wanted to stay unreadable. He did well, but Markus just enabled it all. And since he was clearly obsessed with the redhead he'd also protect that intimacy and act as if it was nothing to him, too. Could Markus even read this kid…? Amaro glared, to that thought.

"Sort of." Kurama gripped his arms tight, now watching Olivia console Markus as she continued talking quietly.

Amaro felt bad, seeing Haly this way was hard, even for him. And it was obvious Kurama felt some guilt as they watched. "Well, he pushes. You know that." He attempted to comfort, knowing nothing about how they worked together.

Kurama huffed out a smile, glancing to him. "I know better."

"If you say so." Amaro set his teeth.

Ever since Kurama had arrived all things considering this case had shifted, and he wasn't sure he and Olivia were ready for whatever was coming. They were strong in their own way, and even through strong himself Haly was reckless and had gone through plenty. All people had a breaking point. He looked to Kurama once more, wondering what type of person could get someone like Markus in his current condition.

"I told you detective, I'm not normal." He knew Amaro was staring, but he kept his eyes on Markus. "I need to be more careful around you…" He mumbled again as his eyes darkened.

Amaro stared at him, once again seeing another side of Kurama. How many personas did this person have!? "You should know with his job he's used to these types of…" He frowned, understanding the heaviness. "…issues. It's not his first rodeo."

"With me, it is. All of you." He snapped his eyes to Amaro, giving a look of concern. "Please, stay careful around me." Kurama didn't mean to sound desperate, but he wanted two protect these people. They were good…

Markus' voice was different now as it yelled. "He was digging into his hair…!"

Both Kurama and Amaro looked to him, concern shown on their expressions. Kurama's eyes widened, now frowning to that memory being brought to his own mental surface. Maybe he should be considering memory suppressant.

This was getting dangerous.

"…I can hear his fingernails on my scalp—IN my scalp!" Markus leaned over as he gasped out, and Olivia tried her best to keep him calm as she looked lost. She turned back to look to her partner, then Kurama as the duress was clear in her expression.

Amaro stared back, now straightening up to go help his partner.

"I've got this." Kurama forced himself to speak—not wanting to, but knowing he had to.

Amaro looked to him before moving, "So suddenly…?" He glared.

Kurama grit his teeth, then averted his eyes to Olivia. "I'm coming." Then he reached up to his own hair, slipping his fingers through to find the seed he desired. He quickly woke the plant he needed, and pulled his hand out with the small dark flower on it.

"Where'd you get that!?" Amaro sounded shocked as he stepped closer to look.

"Ignore me." Kurama glared, he gave his eyes and full attention to Amaro for the second time today. Amaro froze as he stared back to his eyes, frowning as his mouth closed. He didn't move, and kept his eyes on Kurama—the redhead had an effect on him now.

Kurama didn't think his action was fair, but he'd use it, for Markus. He had a way with humans—just like most demons at his level, and he didn't' use it unless needed. Amaro responded well, but it frustrated Kurama that he had to at all… His demon side was becoming less and less apart of him, yet here he was brandishing it when it assisted him best.

Amaro stepped back, giving Olivia a look of apology.

"Are you the best idea right now?" She challenged, almost standing to protect Markus.

Kurama couldn't hold back a smile, she felt protective of Markus—even empathy, and that made him like her so much more. "I am not." He brought the small flower up to mouth as he kept eye contact with her, making sure to get the whole pistil in his mouth along with some of the stem. A tiny snap could be heard when he bit it, now beginning to chew the contents in his mouth.

Markus looking stressed as he observed the interaction between Olivia and Kurama, now staring at Kurama as fear built up in his expression again. "You're okay?"

Kurama looked to him, eyes calm and expression confident as he took in a calming breath. "Yes, Markus. I'm perfectly fine—why are you so upset?" He let Yoko's deepness take some of his voice, this octave was most soothing.

Markus frowned, now questioning himself as he stared. "I—I thought—"

"You thought wrong. I am okay. I've spent the last two days with you." He allowed a real smile to slip through, knowing that'd be best to cure.

"Oh." Markus barely made out with his weak voice.

Olivia stared in awe as she stepped back. Kurama was clearly distracting Markus and keeping him memorized, they were just speaking about 'what was wrong' but now suddenly nothing was? Kurama knew what he was doing, and it was working well. She almost felt it too, as if all was okay for the moment. Even though seconds ago she was stressed about her co-worker, Haly, and his interactions with this stranger.

Kurama kept his smile as he studied Markus' eyes… they were still distant. He reached out toward Olivia, now turning to look at her. "Water please." His voice was still different from what they were used to.

She stared—feeling nervous to give it to him so readily… but, also nervous about not giving it fast enough. Who was this guy? She handed the bottle over, and Kurama took it gently.

He kept his eyes on her, and smiled. "Thank you." The smile was so reassuring…

"Markus." Kurama continued as he turned his attention to the man, now squatting in front of him again.

He breathed out in stress, "Yeah?"

"I'd like you to drink this."

"I already had water."

"No." He put his hand up in front of him, making the man focus on it.

Amaro and Olivia froze as they watched, noticing the shift in the air.

"I'd like it if you drank this—I made it just for you." The emotion in his voice had gone.

"Oh." Markus responded quietly as he stared at Kurama's hand.

Kurama now spit into the water bottle; a light purple color fell from his lips and into the bottle. He kept his eyes on Markus as pulled his hand back to twist the small lid back on. He shook it, mixing the contents in. Keeping his eyes on Markus the entire time but allowing him to watch the process.

"What's that?" Olivia forced herself to ask, though she felt hesitant.

Kurama barely gave her a look, then kept his eyes focused on Markus. "Markus, this will help you sleep." Markus looked up, clearly lost in his own thoughts as he barely understood what Kurama was saying. "I'd like you to drink it. Okay?"

"Okay." Markus' eyes softened, reaching out to nothing as if his hands barely knew what they were doing.

Kurama frowned and his gut ached—he'd forgotten how fragile some humans could be. And unfortunately Markkus was one of those… was that why he liked him so much? He was pathetic, but he fully himself.

Olivia asked again. "What are you doing?"

"Liv." Amaro stopped her. "Come here." He motioned, knowing it was hard for her to step back for people in need. She glared at him, then looked to Kurama again who had his entire focus on the detective.

"I—"

"Liv."

She glanced to him again.

He reached out to her. "Come on." Trying to stay calm for everyone, but feeing stressed about protecting his partner. She stared at him, then glance again to Kurama. He felt her, so he made sure to look to her…. Not for too long, but enough to acknowledge her emotions.

"Okay." She said blankly as she walked to Amaro, now watching the scene along with him.

"What is it…" Markus mumbled as his shaky hands looked at it, now attempting to sit up straighter again.

"Stay still, you're exhausted." Kurama placed his hand on his chest, demanding his attention.

Markus looked down at his hand, then up to him as if realizing again that Kurama was actually here. Kurama felt himself swallow as those green eyes looked into his, feeling the guilt was terrible, but he needed to be here for Markus.

"Don't cry anymore—you need to drink."

"…He's gone…" He whispered.

He closed his eyes, but opened them quickly as he took in a breath, keeping calm for everyone in the room. "Yes, I told you. He's dead. Remember?"

"You killed him. Right?"

The silence got thicker, and Kurama resisted a glance toward the detectives. "Yes."

"Are you sure?" He could easily get worked up again.

Kurama sighed out as he glanced down to think, "Markus I told you this. He'd dead, I killed him, and I don't make mistakes." He shot a serious expression to the man, trying to bring him out of his panic.

"Right." He barely said.

"Drink, dammit." He swallowed in frustrated, now feeling another sweat hit as the other two detectives eyes on him were heavy. Markus just kept adding to body count for these two.

"Okay." He sighed out, seeming a bit more in touch now as he took the bottle, finally taking several sips. He made a face, "It taste good."

"It's supposed to." He forced a smiled as his stomach ached once more, knowing the flower tasted better for the people whose memories abused them. It wasn't just tonight or Kurama's memories that helped sweeten the drink. It clearly had to do with Markus' past. Unfortunately, this dosage wouldn't help with older ones, but it would the storm for a few hours.

Markus took a deep breath as he rested his head to the side, finally closing his eyes as he sighed. "I care about you so much, I'm sorry I ever pushed into your hurt." He already sounded more like himself as the plant worked into his bloodstream.

Kurama felt his eyes widen some, feeling surprised he was being so vulnerable still with the others watching. He barely glanced in their direction, but didn't care so much now as the relief of his tension brought the room's temperate down greatly. "Don't apologize. I shouldn't have le—"

"Just shut up." He said much more like himself, his eyes shot up to Kurama's again as he reached out with his hand to grab his face. "You're so beautiful." He mumbled quietly.

"You're exhausted." Kurama felt his face heat up, happy to hear Markus speaking normally.

"Are you okay?" He sounded so calm now, and was looking at him as if no one else was in the room. Kurama wasn't even entirely sure if he knew others were in the room.

He swallowed, staring back. "For the fiftieth time—yes. Are you?"

Markus bit his lip with another sigh, finally acknowledging that question. He barely smiled, but nodded as his thumb stroked Kurama's cheek. "Much better." His eyes wandered to his own hand as it caressed Kurama's face.

"Good. Let's get you to a bed."

He made a face as if realizing how tired he was suddenly, now sitting up some as Kurama stood. He blinked hard as he finally looked over to the SVU detectives with confusion. "Where've you guys been?"

Olivia stared in awe as Amaro frowned, taking in a breath of stress as he tried to keep his face emotionless.

"Focus."

Markus nodded as he blindly followed Kurama, now ignoring the detectives as he followed him down the hall to the backrooms. "Why am I so tired?"

"Because I gave you something to sleep, and to allow your mind to rest." He lowered him back onto one of the cots in their rest room and Markus obey without question.

"Oh, okay…" He was already fading. "Was it herbal…?" He smirked up to Kurama with a faint chuckle.

Kurama barely breathed out with a smile, shaking his head to the doofus he was laying down. "Yes." He smiled bigger, happy enough with how he was lying and now bringing his face up to Markus'. "Something herbal."

"I trust you."

Humans couldn't usually fight the flower this long, but clearly Markus made fighting sleep his hobby—so he wasn't the most surprised, impressed, though… fit this feeling.

"Go to sleep." He spoke gently, knowing that would finish the job. Markus' eyes closed as soon as the words finished. Kurama closed his eyes as he sighed out, allowing himself a second to recover from the wreck he stupidly brought upon them all.

"I'm sorry."

He stared at Markus as he slept, feeling like an idiot after pulling such a stunt.

"I'm sorry.