Varen had expected something to happen in response to him rescuing Marek from being taken back to SOPISOC, especially now that the information about him changing sides became public.

Marek's former friends had gone on record claiming that they'd not leaked this information, but Varen didn't believe them. Not that he would say it in front of Marek. He didn't wish to upset him.

However, what had been happening these last few months could not be described as anything other than a crime spree. Anything from petty theft and harassment of civilians to kidnapping for ransom, and the Undertakers were being readily blamed for all of it.

From Varen's investigations, he'd put together quite a lot of interesting information, but none of it had helped him figure out who was behind this.

Masked, powered people had been behind all of the recent trouble, but none of them looked familiar from what Varen had seen. But of course, the fact that they weren't affiliated with the Undertakers was not a fact the media or SOPISOC cared about.

The villains who had been captured had even supposedly claimed to be Undertakers, when they most definitely were not. The Undertakers were a much more exclusive organization than the public thought, thank you very much.

"You're so sexy when you're so determined," Marek said, grinning at Varen from the passenger seat. They were heading to a recent sight of one of the crimes. Varen hoped he'd find some clues.

Varen huffed even though he found it charming whether he liked it or not. "This is important."

"Is it though?" Marek frowned. "I mean, okay, there's new bad guys who are causing chaos, SOPISOC is handling it. Doesn't seem like a big problem for us, right?"

Varen paused. He'd actually forgotten to explain what he thought was happening here to Marek in all his researching frenzy. "Because I think this is someone's scheme."

Marek hummed. "Aside from the people doing the super crimes you mean?"

Varen nodded. "This is far too specific. Think about it. A random, new group of supervillains appears, claiming that they are associated with a group they have no ties to, and who profits from this? Who is getting positive press?"

Marek frowned. Varen could practically see his brain thinking. "SOPISOC? Wait."

Varen nodded. "Exactly. They have been facing quite a bit of criticism lately after you left."

Marek gaped at him. "And you think SOPISOC would hire people to...what? Distract from the situation?"

Varen nodded grimly. "I've seen discourse about whether SOPISOC does more harm then good. Especially since their great hero fell to the dark side as the media loves to talk about it. This would help them protect their image."

Marek said nothing, but the look in his eyes told Varen enough.

"It's okay to be upset. But they've always been like this," he added, trying to sound gentle as he patted Marek's shoulder.

Marek shook his head. "Okay, I know that the leadership is kinda corrupt—they always are—but this is a bit much, right? And surely if it was true, my friends would tell me. Or leave. They wouldn't stay."

Varen didn't comment about Marek's friends. He was refusing to think about them in general because every time he got very angry. How dare they kidnap him?

"They might not know," Varen pointed out flatly, clenching his fists around the steering wheel. "In fact, I'm certain they do not. Why would Morrey tell such things to his underlings?"

Marek studied him for a moment. Varen only then realized how he'd growled that last sentence.

"What did Morrey do to you, babe?" Marek asked gently, but Varen just shook his head.

"We simply have history."

Marek pouted, leaning in to hug Varen as tightly as he could in the cramped space. "I'm sorry he hurt you so badly."

Varen's heart fluttered as he leaned in to kiss Marek. The man cared about him so much. Varen hadn't managed to tell Marek exactly what his connection to Morrey was—he hadn't quite gathered the strength for that conversation—and yet Marek was ready to comfort him, even though he didn't fully understand.

Varen smiled at Marek. "I'm okay. Thank you."

Marek nodded but didn't let go. He didn't tend to stop hugging Varen once he started. And Varen couldn't imagine not getting hugged by him every day at this point.

"But I dunno, I feel like SOPISOC wouldn't go this far. Right?" Marek didn't sound so sure himself.

Varen just shrugged. He didn't agree with Marek's idealism, though he did find it endearing. Marek tended to see the bright side at all times, and often, Varen wanted to see things from his perspective. It made him feel better. But in this case, he couldn't.

Marek sighed. "Well, I guess we'll see after investigating."

Varen nodded, kissing his cheek. "Yes, we are to gather evidence, and only then to make conclusions. I am simply sharing my theories."

Marek nodded, but he was grimacing. "You're...gonna be objective, right?"

Varen winced. "I know I am predisposed to dislike SOPISOC. But yes, I will do my best."

Marek pouted, petting Varen's hair. "Sorry, baby. I just...I don't wanna make judgements until we know for sure."

Varen wasn't hurt. It was clear why Marek was worried about Varen jumping to conclusions, and why he didn't want SOPISOC to be behind this.

"We'll investigate together, and keep each other in check," he told him, offering a reassuring smile.

This seemed to put Marek at ease, and he just rested his head on Varen's shoulder for the rest of the trip.

Once they arrived on the scene of the latest crime, a museum arson situation, Varen got out of the car after parking a ways away and along with Marek snuck past the SOPISOC super crime tape markers.

The building of the museum was in ruin. The fire had not been quite bad enough to level it to the ground, but much of the precious art and history within it had gone ablaze, and the walls left standing were covered in ash and scorch marks.

The earth smelled of cinders. Varen scrunched up his nose as they both approached, trying not to breathe in the stench.

"Woah," Marek gaped at the scene beside him, "This is so awful," he muttered, looking genuinely saddened at the cultural loss.

Varen took his hand and squeezed it in his own, wanting to destroy everything that had ever hurt Marek.

"Yes, I quite agree," he nodded in reply, "Whoever is behind these crimes is truly a degenerate," he realized the irony of him saying that only after it had already come out of his mouth, but nevertheless.

Marek merely chuckled and nudged Varen in the ribs with his elbow, "Oh yeah? Degenerate huh?" he grinned knowingly.

Varen felt his cheeks flush red and looked away, "Well—you know what I meant," he mumbled, pouting.

Marek just pulled him into a hug once more, "Baby boy, of course I do. I just love to tease you," he spoke into Varen's hair, planting a kiss to it, which much to Varen's dismay melted his grumpiness.

But naturally, immediately afterward Marek ruined the effect by drawing back and winking, his grin turning sharper. "But you already know that full well, don't ya, pet?"

Varen gasped, feeling a bit scandalized since they were in public, his face only turning redder. "Mar! We have a job to do," he grumbled as he shook his head.

Marek chuckled more, his smile so fond as he agreed, "Right, right, of course. Sorry. How do we do this?"

Varen cleared his throat and looked around, trying to figure that out himself. Eventually an idea came to him, "Well, considering these are super crimes, I believe our time would be best spent first sensing out any power traces left behind from whoever had done this. I assume that is why Flesheater sent you and me specifically, because this was arson done on soil rather than concrete, as this museum is by a park," he explained.

Marek listened, then grinned like a giddy child, "You're so smart babe! Yes, all right," he nodded, clapping his hands together.

Varen smiled at his enthusiasm. It was time to get to the bottom of this.