Short chapter, but I'm still trying to get over my writers block. -_-


"You sure 'bout this?" Heiji asked. "It's not like we can take it back later if we change our minds."

"I know," Saguru answered. "But this is the way it should be."

The Osakan nodded and fell silent as the two continued to wait. They watched the children playing as the parents talked and gossiped amongst themselves, women giggling with their heads together and men laughing as they talked. It was a beautiful day outside and the park was filled with families and couples enjoying the weather.

The blond checked his watch for the fifth time in the past two minutes – a nervous habit. He still wasn't completely happy with his decision, but know it had to be this way. He'd roped Aoko into keeping Kaito busy, knowing the magician wouldn't approve.

The dark skinned teenager nudged his friend and rival, nodding with his head. Saguru followed the direction of the nod and saw Shinichi making his way towards them, skirting around the other people. The blue eyed teen got a few odd looks at his clothing choice, but the blond knew by now that while the long pants and light gray jacket looked hot, the material was light. This kept the teen from overheating, though the half brit was sure Shinichi also had a higher tolerance to heat than others.

When he finally reached the pair, the blue eyed teen nodded by way of greeting. "You wanted to ask me something?"

Saguru nodded. "Yes, but I think we should have this conversation somewhere a little more private. I've reserved one of the library's study rooms if that's alright with you." The younger teen nodded.

The blond and Osakan took up positions on either side of Shinichi, as had become a habit when walking outside, and began making their way towards the library.

"Any plans for university?" The dark skinned teenager asked as they walked. "Not long 'til graduation."

"Not really."

Seeing the glance, the blond stated, "I haven't decided if I'll be studying here or back in London."

The Osakan grinned. "Much as I love Osaka, I've been thinkin' I might try for a university here in Tokyo. Get away from my folks for a bit before headin' back ta join da force." He linked his fingers behind his head. "Or maybe I'll just join da force here."

"Inspector Nakamori has already stated that if I were to join the police I wouldn't be on the KID task force. I'll probably apply to the theft division though. I assume you'll be going for the homicide division?"

"Yup. Promised my folks I'd finish university first before joinin' da force, so I guess dat's first."

"I made a similar promise to Baaya. My father doesn't mind that I want to join the police force, but he wants me to at least study something besides criminology at university so I have a backup should I ever decide to quit."

They weren't far from the library, and their small talk soon tapered off as they entered the quiet space. Saguru signed in and led the way to his reserved room.

Once the three were seated in the small room, the blond took a breath and turned to Shinichi. "First, I want to apologize to you." Seeing blue eyes blink in confusion, he explained, "Hattori and I…have been digging into your past. We were trying to figure out what happened. We shouldn't have been doing so without telling you."

The younger teen shifted uncomfortably but nodded. "I figured you would."

"We shouldn't a done it even so," Heiji said. "So…sorry."

Saguru bowed his head slightly. "We've been at it for almost a year now, but we haven't figured out anything." Looking back up, he stared at the quiet male. "We wanted to apologize for trying to find out without your permission, and to let you know that we're going to stop looking into it. It's not right or fair to you. We should have respected your privacy." He sighed and continued, "Saying that, I just want to ask you one question." Shinichi frowned slightly and nodded, a little hesitant. "Why did you ask us that question about ghosts back then?"

Seeing the question had made their friend uncomfortable, the Osakan said, "Ya don't have ta tell us if ya don't want to."

Shinichi stared down at his lap for a while before slowly whispering, "I don't…I don't want to…drag you into it. I don't…want to upset you. You wouldn't…I don't…want you to leave."

Heiji stood and knelt down in front of the blue eyed teen, forcing him to look at him. "Listen ta me. Kuroba, Hakuba, and me. We're assholes. So are ya. We're especially assholes to each other. We make each other mad, ya, but we're still friends. It doesn't matter what shit we get in ta. We're there ta help each other out a it. Dat's what friends do."

He paused and frowned. "Are we friends Kudo?" Shinichi gave a small nod. "Then it doesn't matter what shit ya went through, or what ya have ta deal with, or what secrets ya wanna keep. We're friends, and we aren't gonna leave ya. Pretty sure we showed dat back in Okinawa. If ya don't wanna tell us, don't. But if ya want to, don't hold back 'cause ya think we won't be friend's anymore or some other stupid shit like dat." He grinned brightly, "'Sides, yer one of da only people I know who can keep Kuroba off balance. We need ya ta keep him from gettin' a big head or too outta control."

"I'm sorry if my question made you uncomfortable," Saguru said. "I've just been thinking about that question a lot. I still can't figure out why you asked it."

Shinichi shook his head. "I…not yet. I can't…not yet."

The blond nodded. "We can wait until you're ready." Standing, he stretched and held out his hand. "Would you like to get some lunch?" The blue eyed teens' shoulders sagged in relief and he smiled slightly, taking the hand with a nod.

Saguru and Heiji were still curious, but they weren't going to push it if it made their friend upset. He was more important than the truth.


Let me know what you thought!

I feel like I'm getting further from having them find out the truth. Oh well, we got some more bonding. And the two detectives care more about their friend in the present than something that happened years ago.

So, yeah. I know what I want for this story now (thanks to the amazing Meridiangrimm) but while I know what I want to happen I can't work up the motivation to actually, you know, write it. Let me know what you thought though!