Disclaimer:  Not mine.  Shame, that.

Author's Note:  I've noticed that there's almost no slash for Magic Kaito.  Why is this?  There are multiple characters who are just begging to be slashed.  So I figured I might as well.

Feedback is a dream I once had.

~*~

Matchmaker

Chapter 1: Hakuba

~*~

"I've figured it out," Akako announced, propping one hip onto Hakuba's desk.

"Really."  Hakuba's tone was not encouraging.

Akako nodded happily.  "Yup.  See, it's Freudian."

Hakuba waited for more, but Akako merely smiled.  He rolled his eyes.  "What's Freudian?"

Akako's grin sharpened.  "Why, you chasing Kaito, of course."

She was obviously trying to make this as painful as possible.  Hakuba manfully surpressed a sigh.  "So, what's Freudian about that?"

"Well, you obviously like him.  But you can't admit it, so you sublimate that desire into the more socially acceptable form of trying to "capture" the Kid."  Akako smirked at Hakuba's blank look.  "I'm right, aren't I—you like him."

Hakuba calmly gathered up his books.  "Next time you decide to psychoanalyze someone, please leave me out of it."

"You're not denying it."

"There's nothing to deny."

"Look,"  Akako placed a restraining hand on Hakuba's arm, "the only thing in your future at this rate is Kaito in jail, and you miserable and alone.  Something's got to give."

"Since when do you give out relationship advice, anyway?"  Hakuba snapped.  "Last time I looked, you weren't too successful, either."

Akako's mouth tightened, but she didn't respond for a long moment.  When she did her voice was even.  "All I'm saying is I think you should tell him how you feel."

"A 'love confession?'"  Hakuba sneered.  "Please.  I'm not some silly girl, to give him a pink envelope."

"I think you might be pleasantly surprised," Akako's voice was quiet.  Then her grin returned.  "I notice you're not trying to deny it anymore."  Seeing Hakuba open his mouth, she went on, "It was just a bit of friendly advice.  Of course, you don't have to take it.  But remember that if you don't say anything, I might."

Hakuba gave her a wary look as he got up.  "Thanks, I think."

"Hakuba?"  Kaito was standing in the doorway, a concerned look on his face.  "Are you okay?  You look like somebody hit you across the head with a two-by-four."

"I'm fine."  Hakuba shot Akako a quelling look.  She smirked.

Kaito raised an eyebrow.  "Did I miss something?"

Hakuba fled.

~*~

Notes:

This was meant to be a funny short piece, but Akako just wouldn't let it go.

"But remember that if you don't say anything, I might."  Does Akako mean she'll confess to Kaito herself, or tell Kaito that Hakuba likes him?  I don't know.  Could be both—she's a tricky girl.

Yes, the Freudian thing really  is correct.  According to a friend, it's actually Anna-Freudian—it was really his daughter that came up with this stuff.

Next up: Kaito's side of the story.  Or, Why does everyone confess to Akako?