His Twinkling Eyes

A Magic Kaito Fanfic

Chapter 4: Anticipation

"What do you mean, Tousan?" Plates clinked as Aoko set their dinner on their table. A slip of paper was sealed in an evidence bag and sat scandalously in the center of where Aoko was trying to put her dishes.

"I mean: Kaitou KID has sent a letter saying he's going to steal the manuscript in the local museum. And he said only if you guarded it will he come." Ginzo viciously opened his can of beer.

"Well that solves it, then." Spoons clattered where she threw them. "I won't do it. So he won't steal it."

"Aoko, look at the P.S." Ginzo ground out, from exhaustion or annoyance, Aoko couldn't tell.

"If she refuses, I'll steal her away instead." Flicking the note aside, Aoko sat and poured herself a cup of tea. "Stupid KID. I won't let him win this game he's playing."

A sigh from her father caused her to look up. She knew that look. Nothing good came from that look.

"The Superintendent already told you what to do, didn't he?"

"Superintendent Chaki wants to meet with you tomorrow." Ginzo toyed with his spoon, pushing a chunk of carrot in his curry sauce. "Will you come in after school?"

"Fine." Aoko knew that, as much as she wouldn't play KID game, she would have to dance to the tune of the Municipal Police.

000000000

"What? They can force the mighty Nakamori Aoko into doing something she doesn't want to do?" Sniggered Kaito. That in itself was worth the effort. Famous for her stubborn streak, Aoko was known for folding only once. "I want to see this, can I come?"

"No, you stupid head. This is a meeting with the Superintendent of the 2nd Division of the Police. You can't invite yourself."

"Oh? There's a meeting? This is serious." Impishly smiling, Kaito dodged the cat-like swipe of Aoko's hand. "Alright, alright. I get it. You're not in the mood."

Things were going his way so far. If he was able to find out what Chaki wanted Aoko to do, it would be even better for him. Contingency plans were set up to get information from both Aoko and her father if necessary. This could possibly be the most outrageous prank Kaito would ever pull in his lifetime. Not only did it risk his identity, but his friendship, freedom, and ability to stop the mysterious organization. But if there was the slightest chance of getting Aoko to realize his situation and not turn him in, he would take it.

Throughout the lesson time, Kaito stole glances to the side and saw Aoko diligently taking notes on everything the teacher said. Only because Kaito had years of experience at watching Aoko could he tell that Aoko wasn't actually processing anything. Rather, her ears were directly connected to her hand, taking dictation notes as her mind stayed blank. During lunch, Aoko ignored her friends' invitation to eat outside, choosing instead to eat in pensive silence.

"You're going to get run over by a car, the way you're spaced out. I should walk you to the headquarters. Can't have you injured before meeting the Superintendent. He'll think that you did it on purpose to get out of this." Catching up Aoko's bag, Kaito ran off down the hall when the final bell rang. Aoko had no choice but to follow him, yelling at the top of her lungs for him to stop. Managing to throw his shoes on before Aoko reached him, he successfully lured her into following him off the school grounds.

"Fine! Stop running!" Aoko was holding her side, trying to breathe through a stitch there. She had to yell as she was quite far behind Kaito. "You've gotten faster, Kaito. When did that happen?"

Aoko was always able to outrun Kaito. What she never knew was he always held back for her, even if it was just a little. Now, having plenty of opportunities as KID, his athletic skills increased dramatically. Working to outstrip Aoko in a race was easy in comparison to his efforts before becoming an infamous thief.

"Just a spurt of adrenaline, I suppose." Kaito waited for Aoko to catch up with him.

They arrived at the police headquarters with minimal problems. Meaning, Kaito tried to get entry into the meeting and Aoko flat out refused him and ignored him for the rest of the trip.

"Choice one: Go home. Choice two: Stay here and don't move an inch." The finger in Kaito's face was making his eyes cross.

"I'll stay here."

"Somehow I figure that would be your answer." Glaring, Aoko shoved him into a chair and dropped her bag, none too lightly into his lap. "I almost forgot."

A click and cold metal registered in his mind before panic rose. Handcuffs? Why does she even have those?

"There. Now be good and don't move. You're in the police headquarters. Don't do anything that will get you arrested. Ah, Tanaka-keiji! Can you watch him while I'm gone? He might try to misbehave, so feel free to use your pepper spray." Aoko patted Kaito's head. "Be good. Or else."

"No need to threaten me." Grumbled Kaito to her retreating figure. As she turned the corner to the Superintendent's office, Kaito's eye twinkled with anticipation.

0000000

Author's notes: Are you enjoying it so far? Let me know by reviewing!