They spent a couple of hours at Groundwork. Marcus and Zara slipped into conversation as if they were old friends who had just discovered a deep connection — they both adored Daniel in that special way that comes from truly seeing someone for who they are and choosing to embrace them anyway.
Marcus shared stories. Not the polished, rehearsed ones — the genuine ones. The eleven years of their shared history. He recalled the case they tackled just three months after they met, where Daniel had stayed up until two in the morning for three nights straight, perfecting every detail. Marcus had brought him coffee each time, without being asked, because he instinctively understood that this was just who Daniel was, and he needed support, not management.
Then came the years after Owen. He spoke carefully, glancing at Daniel before he continued, seeking a silent confirmation. Daniel gave a small nod that said — yes, she knows, go ahead.
"He carried that burden alone," Marcus said simply. "For a long time. I watched him, and I couldn't reach him. I tried, but he wouldn't let anyone get close." He turned to Zara. "Then he went to Crestview for a six-week case."
"And walked into a coffee shop," Zara added.
"And walked into a coffee shop," Marcus echoed, looking at Daniel.
"She brings out the real you," he said. "The version I always knew was hiding beneath the surface."
Daniel stared into his coffee cup.
"Marcus," he said softly.
"I know," Marcus replied. "It's a lot."
"Way too much."
"I'm going to keep going anyway." He turned to Zara. "Thank you. For whatever you did." He paused. "And for Carver Street. He mentioned Carver Street to me."
Zara held his gaze steady.
"She needed someone to be honest with her," she said simply.
Marcus looked at her for a long moment.
"Yes," he said. "She really did."