Disclaimer: I do not own Detective Conan or Magic Kaito


Shinichi found himself waking up the next morning to the melodic ringing and vibrating of his cellphone as it danced across his night stand. With a groan he buried his head further into his pillow in hopes of tuning out the noise and going back to sleep. It wasn't long before the phone stopped and he breathed a sigh of relief and burrowed himself back under the covers.

Normally he would answer incase it was something important—he liked being readily available—but today was Saturday. It was one of the few days Shinichi actually had off. Like off, off. No detective work (if it could be helped) and no classes at the university.

As the detective started to doze, the mobile once again blared to life. With a sigh of resignation Shinichi sat up and grabbed the phone even as he muffled a huge yawn. He stared at the caller ID blearily before answering it and said, with an attempt to sound cheery, "Morning Ran."

"Shinichi! Geez, I thought you'd never answer!" Was Ran's prompt and all too loud reply.

"Sorry. I was enjoying that thing called sleep. I recall you saying I never get enough of it."

"Maybe if you stopped working into the early hours of the morning you wouldn't have to sleep in." The detective could detect a small amount of irritation in her tone.

He smiled before saying more gently, "Yes, I know. I am sure I'll learn eventually if you keep reminding me."

"As if! You won't see me holding my breath you workaholic." A short huff followed but Shinichi was glad to note that the irritation was gone. "Actually Shinichi, I was wondering if you'd like to go to the movies with me and a few people from my class. That new action romance movie is supposed to be really good I hear."

Shinichi swallowed the groan in his throat and flopped back on the bed, tucking his free arm behind his head. Of course Ran would want to drag him somewhere. She couldn't just call for conversations sake. Maybe he could get out of it...

"I am not sure I can make it."

"Why not?"

"Because I have work..." He started lamely.

"Shinichi, don't even try to weasel out of this. You and I both know that isn't true. It is Saturday!"

An eyebrow twitched. Leave it to Ran to always remember what today meant.

It was about a year ago when Inspector Megure made Shinichi promise to spend at least one day a week with his nose NOT buried in cases or chasing criminals. He had agreed, reluctantly, to spend Saturdays doing just that. It wasn't until later that he realized Saturday was also a day he didn't have any classes at the university.

At first Shinichi didn't like being forced to take a break—he would often try to sneak into helping out on some case files if he could—but he quickly came to enjoy the free time more than he thought. More often than not, he would find himself sleeping in during the mornings before spending the afternoon reading some of his favorite novels or doing something soccer related. Sometimes he was dragged out the door by Ran or Hattori to spend some quality time with living breathing people, as they put it.

Shinichi knew his two friends, as well as the Inspector, were usually right in the regard that he spent way too much time in work but he thought he spent plenty of time around people. Granted they were police officers or his classmates but they were alive and breathing. That is what counted, right?

Wrong.

Ran and Hattori didn't see it that way and began a routine of taking Shinichi out to parties and other events for socializing at least two weekends a month. Even then it was usually Ran since Hattori could only visit every so often from Osaka.

It actually had been a bit of a surprise to the detective when she had agreed to the idea. He had expected Ran to hate him forever after all he had done. Even before he became Conan, Shinichi seemed to favor putting cases before his love for Ran. And while she didn't seem to mind too much and had very little problems waiting, his disappearance didn't make it better. It in fact made it worse, much worse. It also didn't help that his two year stint as Conan gave Shinichi a perfect view of how he was slowly breaking her heart.

It was no shocker that after he returned and told her about everything that had happened, Conan included, she refused to speak to him. The soft and emotional verbal lashing was worse than the resounding slap he had received that day.

The two didn't speak to each other for several months after that, despite Shinichi's attempts to call every so often. It took almost a full year before he found Ran standing at his door saying that she still wanted to be friends. Shinichi had been filled with relief and all to happy to accept. It had taken time but Ran wasn't one to hold a grudge forever.

Even so that extra year apart made it all too apparent that they didn't have the connection they did previously. The attraction had faded and even though they still technically loved and cared about each other, it was more of a familial feeling than anything akin to romance.

On top of that there was still a barely palpable tension between them as Ran slowly started to put her trust back into Shinichi but he wasn't in a rush. The detective was glad to have his friend, his sister, back even if he, or she, didn't think he fully deserved it and he wanted to prove that she wasn't making a mistake by doing so.

"Shinichi? Shinichi are you listening to me?"

Shinichi blinked, realizing he had started to tune out his friend and was quick to reassure her with an apologetic tone, "Yes yes. I hear you, sorry. What time was the movie?"

It was easier to just agree than have his arm twisted into going, literally and figuratively.

"At two thirty." There was a happy and excited lilt to her voice, "I'll come by at noon that way we can grab a bite to eat beforehand."

"Okay. See you then." A click and he tossed the phone back onto the stand.

The detective glanced towards his clock; it was nine ante miridiem. He had three hours to himself before Ran showed up. Maybe he could finish a few more chapters in his book during that time but first he needed a shower and some coffee.

It was only when he was clean and dressed, with a large mug of black coffee in his hand, did Shinichi feel a bit more awake and alive. In his left hand was the newspaper which he was giving a cursory sweep as he made his way into the library. He took a long swing of his coffee and glanced up from the paper, pausing as blue eyes spotted the single red rose tucked inside a slender vase.

"Until next time, my lovely Tantei-kun."

Eyes widened as the familiar voice rang in his head, causing him to blush and his heart suddenly skip a beat in his chest. It also sent any thoughts of reading to pass the time out the window. Shinichi had completely forgotten what had happened at the end of Kaitou KID's heist last night.

He set down the paper and coffee mug, picked the flower from the vase, and took a seat in the large leather chair. With his legs crossed neatly before him, Shinichi leaned back and raised the rose towards the lights overhead as if they could reveal what secrets the flower, and KID, were hiding.

Eyes narrowed in intense scrutiny before closing and the rose was tossed gently onto scattered papers that littered the nearby desk. It was a completely normal, nothing out of the ordinary, red rose. Nothing stood out to make it seem more special than the rest he has seen so, why did it bother him? Why did he feel like it held an important riddle for him to solve?

It wasn't the first time he had received a rose from KID. In fact the phantom thief had given him several over the years. They had started out white but upon his return to his normal body, they had changed to pink. Last night they changed to red.

Now Shinichi wasn't a complete idiot. He didn't have to know a whole lot about flower meanings to know what red roses implied. His father had often given such flowers to his mother on several different occasions. Red was a clear representation of love or a form of love for someone, while white meant purity and pink was usually used for admiration / affection.

White and pink he could understand, but red? What exactly was KID implying by giving him red roses? If anything was for certain it was that KID was trying to tell him something.

Now that he thought about it, everything that happened last night from the short heist to the returning of the gem and even the rose color were different from the Magician's usual antics.

Would it be so far fetched to think that KID was teasing him about his lack of a love life?

Shinichi's expression immediately went flat at the thought. Impossible. He seriously doubted that KID would pull such an unsavory prank just to tease him. It wasn't his style. Still, the only other possible explanation he could think of was that KID was trying to say he had certain feelings for Shinichi.

Almost immediately he felt the warmth of a blush starting and he quickly pushed the thought back into the far reaches of his mind.

No, he thought vehemently, There is a completely logical reason that doesn't involve such silly things like romance OR teasing. Right?

What it was Shinichi didn't know, nor did he have time to think more about it, as the sudden knock and ringing of a doorbell startled him enough that he went flying from his seat, eyes wide, as if he had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

Was it really noon already?

Breathing deep, he tried to calm his racing heart and hoped his face wasn't as red as he thought it was. He placed the rose back into the vase, taking a moment to place it in a ray of sunlight that drifted through the window, and went in search of his jacket. Shinichi had other things to do and think about, like going to the movies with Ran, than a silly thief who was a mystery in a mystery.

XXXX

Hakuba Saguru's impression of Kudou Shinichi was one that was mixed in many ways. Truthfully, the blonde rather liked the brunette and they got along relatively well. The fact that they were both detectives and huge Sherlock Holmes fans definitely helped.

Even so their first meeting had been anything but friendly. At the time Hakuba had instantly realized the striking similiarties between him and his number one suspect, Kuroba Kaito. Not knowing better he had believed that Kudou had been Kuroba in disguise.

It lead to a rather vocal and sarcastic argument once they were alone on the roof before the start of a heist. An argument that lead to Hakuba handcuffing Kudou in order to finally prove that KID was Kuroba. Much to his surprise, and embarrassment, he had been proven wrong by the sudden appearance of KID.

To this day Hakuba had a hard time living that down thanks to constant reminders by Kuroba. The blonde was willing to admit his was wrong in thinking Kudou had been his old classmate but he had a sneaking suspiscion that something else was going on and, as time passed, a new theory arose.

Was Kudou an accomplice of KID?

It started when he began to notice a certain trend when it came to Kudou and the thief. The detective always seemed to escape KID's traps and tricks without issue. On top of that he also seemed to be the one to return the stolen jewels.

While he had no solid proof to back up such a theory, he couldn't stop the idea from bouncing around inside his head. He had tried to tail Kuroba one or twice in an attempt to find some answers. It ended up being pointless since he was usually spotted by the magician or lost him in the crowds.

That didn't deter him though. He just needed a new tactic or a change of target and, after last night, when he had arrived on the roof with the rest of the task force to find Kudou standing there, rose in hand and looking like a deer caught in headlights as KID easily made his escape, he knew just what to do.

That was the reason why Hakuba Saguru, famous detective, was standing at the corner of alley several meters behind Kudou Shinichi and his friend, Mouri Ran, on a lovely Saturday afternoon, tailing the pair as they made their way through Tokyo.

12:45.35pm Kudou and Mouri-chan entered a small cafe for lunch.

1:15.15pm Kudou and Mouri-chan leave cafe.

1:35.59pm Kudou and Mouri-chan have a small disagreement over a purse.

2:15.33pm Kudou and Mouri-chan meet a group of friends outside a Movie Theater before going inside.

4:10.22pm Kudou and Mouri-chan leave theater, bidding friends good bye.

4:20.15pm Kudou and Mouri-chan stop for ice cream.

4:45.44pm Kudou and Mouri-chan split ways to go home.

Hakuba flipped his pocket watch shut with a snap and leaned against the building in thought. So far there were no signs of Kuroba, even among the group of people the pair had met up with. Hakuba had even bought a ticket to sit in on the movie to make sure.

Maybe he was wrong. As far as he could tell the two people had no connection what so ever, nothing to hint that they even knew the other existed. Frustrated the blonde ran a hand through his hair and sighed. Maybe the whole endeavour was pointless. Maybe he really was wrong about the whole thing.

There was only one thing left he could really do, and that was confront Kudou and ask for a straight answer.

A throat being cleared next to him had Hakuba looking up with a start to see the flat stare of one Kudou Shinichi.

"Is there a reason you've been tailing me all afternoon?"

XXXX

Shinichi wasn't sure how long Hakuba had been following him throughout his afternoon with Ran but he had felt the feeling of being watched ever since he and Ran had left his house. He hadn't seen anyone suspicious at the time so he chalked it up to his nerves from earlier. As the day progressed though the feeling never faded. It wasn't until they were waiting for their snacks at the movie theater that he first noticed the blonde.

Not wanting to interrupt the comfortable atmosphere of their outing, Shinichi had chosen to stay silent about it to Ran and her friends. He waited until the movie was done and they had gone their separate ways before he doubled back to confront his stalker who actually seemed surprised that he was found out.

"Is there a reason you've been tailing me all afternoon?"

It was a simple question that had a simple answer. Unfortunately Hakuba was too busy gaping like a fish to give it. Shinichi waved a hand in front of his face and snapped his fingers, "Hey, Hakuba!"

The gesture brought the older male from his trance and he quickly cleared his throat, turning a serious face towards Shinichi, "Yes."

"It had better be a good one. I don't really like being followed."

He watched Hakuba shuffle his feet, apparently trying to get his thoughts in order. Several minutes passed before the blonde raised his head, brown eyes meeting blue.

"I wanted to talk to you about KID."

"KID?" The one subject Shinichi had been able to finally stop thinking about all afternoon had once again come to his attention. His heart beat quickened but Shincihi did his best to keep a nonchalant appearance, "What about KID?"

"You are his accomplice, aren't you?"

His brain came to a halt at the words, nervousness forgotten thanks to the stupidity of the question. "Hah?"

Had he heard right? Did Hakuba seriously think he was KID's accomplice? Before the blonde could repeat the question, Shinichi held up a hand to stop him and burst out laughing, much to Hakuba's chagrin.

"Where did you get an idea such as that?!" He asked between chuckles.

"From the way you two act during his heists!" Was the fervent and dead serious reply, "You always manage to escape the traps unscathed and return the gems without problem! You are either his accomplice or... or... Well, I don't know. But it is clear that KID favors you over everyone else for some reason."

The last sentence had managed to stop the last remnants of Shinichi's laughter, the brunette looking at the detective with a curious expression. Hakuba really was serious about this! He grinned, "If I didn't know any better... I'd say you were jealous that KID is playing favorites with his detectives."

The sputtering look Hakuba had was priceless and Shinichi chuckled some more as he stuffed his hands into his pockets, leaning against the wall for support, "Believe me, Hakuba. I can promise you that I am not KID's accomplice so you can throw that crazy notion out the window."

Hakuba frowned, but didn't say anything so Shinichi continued, "As for KID favoring me... I don't know the reason. I really do try to catch the thief as much as the rest of you, but what can I say? He is very slippery. Sometimes I don't even notice he returned the jewel until his escape."

It wasn't the exact truth but it would work hopefully for his colleague.

Hakuba seemed to be mulling over the information carefully before replying, "But what about last night?"

Shinichi blinked feigning ignorance, "Last night?"

"Yes. After we appeared on the roof you were holding a rose and staring at us while KID made his escape."

"Ah..." Crap. Shinichi hadn't realized that but it was true. Hakuba was staring at him intently, expecting a prompt answer and the detective currently was trying to fumble one together.

"I was too distracted by you guys. Exploding onto the roof still covered in that glue and glitter. If I remember right you still had part of the ribbon around you."

The blonde's face turned a faint pink and he cleared his throat. In an attempt to smooth the ruffled feathers Shinichi smiled disarmingly and said, "It is the truth, Hakuba."

"What about the rose?"

Shinichi raised an eyebrow. Hakuba was making sure to hit all the points, "KID always gives me a flower. Haven't you noticed by now? That is KID being KID... Playing favorites as you call it."

At the new information Hakuba drew back into himself, resting a hand against his dipped chin in thought. Shinchi shuffled his feet before looking out across the street as he waited for the fellow detective to digest what he had said.

He seriously hoped the blonde would realize he was being an idiot and leave him alone, though he seriously doubted it. Hakuba was like a bloodhound. When he latched onto information about KID he couldn't be disuaded until hard solid proof was offered. Even then it wouldn't completely stop him.

Just look at him chasing after that one person since high school, what was his name? Kuroba something or another. Hakuba was very adamant that the guy was KID even after all these years. Still, despite the obessive nature, Hakuba was actually a really good detective and Shinichi honestly didn't mind spending time with him.

It was a couple minutes later that Hakuba finally lifted his head and stepped away from the wall. Shinichi looked at him, tensing at the hard expression he was being given before the blonde suddenly bowed.

"Thank you for your time Kudou. I am sorry for following you this afternoon. I just- I was so certain..."

Shinichi smiled and waved away the apology with one hand, "Don't worry Hakuba. You are persistent which makes you a great detective. I am sure it was just a simple misunderstanding."

Hakuba returned the smile, looking less rigid and more relaxed now, "Perhaps you are right..." He paused and snapped open his pocket watch to check the time. "I must be leaving before I miss my ride back to Ekoda. If you'll excuse me." He bowed again and made his way into the crowded sidewalk.

Shinichi watched him go and only once the blonde was out of sight did he completely relax, shoulders slumping and a sigh escaping his lips. He pushed away from the wall a second later and started running in the direction of his house, his mind running over the previous conversation as well as the private debate he had with himself that morning.

Hakuba had brought up the idea that KID was playing favorites. He had even noticed how flustered Shinichi had been that night. Of course that was with good reason; KID was invading his personal space. He soon found himself thinking of how the thief was pressed close to him, arms over his shoulders and the knowing smile he wore... the closeness of their faces...

He only stopped once he reached the front door, chest heaving painfully from the excursion. The sun was setting behind him, casting the sky in brilliant oranges and soft reds, as he pressed his forehead against the frame, the wood cold under his burning skin.

Was KID seriously in love with Shinichi? Better question: if KID loved him...did he love KID in return?

His heart started to pound for a whole new reason that Shinichi tried his best to ignore. Attraction and romantic preferences were not subjects Shinichi thought about regularly, his mind usually preoccupied with other things like schoolwork and cases. Besides, he had been in love with his childhood friend for as long as he could remember and it had never occured to him that might have have other... preferences. (never mind the fact that he had actually thought of kissing the thief last night)

Clearly he was getting ahead of himself with his assumptions. A single red rose didn't mean anything. It was absurd and illogical to jump to conclusions such as love and romance from a single silly flower, right?

Shinichi clung to that excuse like a life line as he opened the door and stepped inside. Kicking off his shoes he quickly went into the kitchen to brew himself a calming cup of coffee, fidgeting at he waited. He had a pile of cases on his desk that Megure had wanted him to work on starting tomorrow but it wouldn't hurt to start tonight. He just wanted to bury himself in his work and forget about those silly questions that hovered in the back of his mind.

Yes. That was a perfect solution. With his new cup of coffee in hand the detective retreated into his study and the desk filled with paper, picking up a cold case he had flipped through earlier. It was one about a jewel robbery where owner had died. No clues had been left behind by the culprit and it was a puzzling case. Sitting down he set to work, making notes and rereading the files.

Outside the low thrum of an engine starting in an alley went unheard to the detective's ears. A shadowed man smiled behind the steering wheel before the car disappeared into the night.


Author's Notes: Chapter was edited / tweaked on May 17th, 2016