"Ne. Who are you really? No, what are you really? A thief? A magician? Or just a normal human being with a bigger ego than most?"
"I wonder as well. I would say I'm a mix of all of them. But let's get back to you. Who are you?"
"Who am I? Why would you ask that?"
The innocent child's face looked blankly at the thief but his eyes contained endless guilt and pain.
"You know…you can cry in front of me."
The child laughed.
"Why would I ever c-c-cr—!" the laughter turned into sobs and the thief clad in white enveloped the child within his cape.
As the sobs started to subside, the thief patted the child's head gently.
"Hey, you know what?"
"W-what?"
"I'll treat you when you get back."
"H-huh?"
The thief gave the child a tender smile.
"I said, my thickheaded Tantei-kun, I'll take you out for something good when you get back."
The child sniffled, his tears finally spent.
"How ironic. To think the very thief that I've been chasing for the past few years would do such a thing."
"Why not? You've brought Them down and I'm aware that your friend is getting the antidote ready. So, why not?"
"You're right, why not? I've already broken all romantic ties with her, after all. There's nothing left for me anymore."
"Stupid. I'll always be there for you."
The child stiffened.
"Are you…serious?"
"Of course I am. I've been watching you from the shadows for years."
"I can't promise you anything."
"I don't mind. Frankly, I'm more surprised at how calmly you're taking all of this. You never cease to amaze me, Tantei-kun."
"Of course. I am still a detective."
"Well then, my Tantei-kun, I'll be waiting for you."
With one last smirk, a gentle kiss on the forehead, the thief was gone.
O_^ DCMK
Three weeks later, the famous Detective of the East, Heisei Holmes, or Saviour of the Police Force came back from his mysterious disappearance of five years. Nobody knew exactly what happened and nobody asked. The youth seemed to know people he had never met before and always had a sad troubled look on his face. His wit and intelligence was unparalleled and crimes were solved in the blink of an eye.
Kaitou KID on the other hand, did not hide his favoritism for the newly returned Meitantei who had found a home in the Metro Police Force. Every morning, there would be a single white rose sitting upon the detective's desk in the police office with an extra large cup of perfectly brewed black coffee plus a thermo with more. A note would accompany the gifts, saying 'I love you' or singing praises of the detective. Not that he ever let anyone read the notes.
One morning, a month after his return, a knock sounded on his door on a bright Saturday morning. The door opened to reveal a boy about the same age as him with messy hair and extremely familiar violet eyes.
"Kaito Kuroba, soon to be magician extraordinaire, at your service!" A single white rose was offered from his hand.
Kudo Shinichi only had one thing to say, a smile on his face.
"You're late, you damn thief."
Fin
...or not?