Author's Note: Kendo terms will be explained at the end of the chapter.


"What's up with Hattori-kun, Kazuha-chan? Did ya two have a lover's quarrel?"

Kazuha turned to her classmate. It was no news to her that the rest of the class was referring to Heiji and herself as a couple, although both of them always truthfully denied it. So she didn't react to the assumption and just asked "What do ya mean?" even though she already knew the answer.

"Well, he seems different. For the whole week he's been... kinda strange. He hardly talks and disappears right after class all the time."

"He goes to the dojo. He's training very hard lately. 'Men have to be strong' and such. Ya know how boys are!"

"He surely wants to be strong to protect ya, Kazuha-chan. Aw, I'm soo jealous of ya," the girl chuckled.

Kazuha tuned in, despite of not feeling like laughing at all. Her friend was right, Heiji hadn't been behaving normal since the weekend. He still came to school, made jokes and deduced strange stuff, as he always had done, but it felt different. As if he wasn't as energetic and happy as he used to be. Whenever he wasn't talked to, he spaced out. He even seemed to be paler than before.

It was true, for the last three days, Heiji had gone to the dojo right after school and trained until dusk. Kazuha just lied about Heiji saying he would do that to become stronger. In fact, he hadn't explained it at all. Whenever she had invited him to hang out with her, he just stated that he had no time because he was going to train. That was all. But Kazuha, even though she worried about him herself, didn't want their classmates to suspect anything. She would always protect her childhood friend, even if it was just from others interfering with whatever Heiji tried to figure out for himself.

"We're goin' to the mall. Do ya wanna tag along, Kazuha-chan?" Her friend asked, bringing Kazuha back from her thoughts.

"Ah, sorry, I've got something to do..."

The girl chuckled knowingly. "Right. Ya goin' to watch ya boyfriend, don't ya?"

"Don't be stupid! As if I would wanna watch that boastful guy when he's full of himself for being the best kendoka in the team." But both of them knew she was lying.

After saying goodbye to her friends, Kazuha went straight to the dojo. Heiji was already there, practicing strikes in a corner all by himself. He was very concentrated and didn't realize her standing there, watching him from the entrance. After a while he stopped, sat down into seiza and pulled his tenugui from his head, wiping away the sweat from his face with it. After he had wrapped it around his head again, he stared into the distance. His look was clouded and after a while his brows furrowed. He shook his head, suddenly stood up again and started practicing his movements all over.

Kazuha left and took out her phone. This couldn't continue. She had to do something about it. She dialled a number and waited.

"Hello?"

"Hi Ran-chan, it's Kazuha."

"Oh, Kazuha-chan! How are you?"

"Ran-chan, I have a favour to ask."

"Sure. What do you need?"

"Could ya give me Kudo-kun's number?"

-'.- - * - -.'-

Shinichi had just finished putting away the groceries into the refrigerator and closed it satisfied. Now his home was prepared to be lived in again.

He had spent his Monday reading and waiting for something to happen to his body. More than once, he had stood in front of the mirror, inspecting himself for clues of him shrinking again. But in the end, and to his delight, he had stayed his seventeen-year-old self.

On Tuesday, after he had had dinner with the professor and Ai, he discussed his situation with the small scientist. She still had some doubts left in her mind, if it was really out of the realm of possibility for him to transform back, but Shinichi was sure it was finally over. He was back. And he would need to prepare his return.

"You shouldn't show yourself in public yet. Not as long as the organization isn't brought down." Ai had warned him.

But Shinichi had replied, he would be careful to not put either him or the people close to him in danger by showing up in school or solving cases, causing his name to show up in newspapers. In the end, Ai with the help of Professor Agasa had convinced him to at least stay completely put until the end of the week.

Despite that, on Wednesday, he hadn't been able to resist to go out and do some shopping. After all, he needed to eat and didn't want to sneak to the professor's house every day. Of course he could have ask the professor to do it for him, but he couldn't stand to be locked up in the house all the time. So he had put on a large hoody and a surgical mask - the last one was a common sight in Japan to protect oneself from smock and illness - and went out to buy some groceries and daily necessaries. He enjoyed to be able to do something so normal again, and happily roamed the shops, buying more than he needed, just for the joy of it.

When he had been looking for a new razor at a drug store, his eyes were fixed on the items for adults, lined up in the same long rack. He had to think of Heiji, not understanding why, at first. When the answer had finally hit him, he had quickly let go of the lubricant he had unconsciously picked up and fled the scene, his blush fortunately hidden by the mask. When he waited at the register, his thoughts wandered to the osakan.

He hadn't spoken to him since that awkward call on Sunday. They only had texted occasionally about Ai's calculations or the latest crimes reported in the papers. But there had been no word about the night. That wasn't something to be talked about via text messages. Thus, on his way home, Shinichi thought about why he hadn't brought it up when they had talked on the phone on Sunday. When he opened the door to his home, he couldn't hide the answer from himself any longer. Cowardice. That's what it had been. But maybe he was overthinking the whole situation. Maybe Heiji himself didn't want to talk about it. But something told Shinichi, he was the only one wanting to let that subject slide.

After putting everything in its place he filled the electric kettle to make himself a cup of tea. While waiting for the water to boil, Shinichi sat at the kitchen table and was about to read the newspapers, when he heard his mobile phone ring. Could it be Heiji? Quickly he jumped up and ran to the living room where his phone was. Without checking the number, he grabbed it and picked up.

"Hello?" He sounded out of breath.

"Uhm... Kudo-kun?" The voice of a female, sounding uncertain.

"Who is this?"

"Toyama here. Toyama Kazuha."

"Kazuha-chan?" Shinichi was utterly surprised. Why did Kazuha call him? And where did she even get his number from? "Hello. Yes, it's Shinichi. Sorry I didn't recognize you."

"Oh, no problem. I'm sorry to call ya out of the blue. Ran-chan gave me ya number. But I promised her to not pass it to anybody else. I hope that's okay?"

"Ran's right, I don't want certain people to have it. But with you it's fine, don't worry. So, why do you call?"

"Well, it's..." She hesitated, again sounding unsure. Shinichi's mind already thought about various possibilities as to why she would contact him and his face got serious while he waited for her to continue. "Uhm... It's about Heiji..."

"Hattori?" Shinichi's back got cold all of sudden and his stomach tightened painfully. A little too loudly he asked: "What about Hattori? Did something happen to him?" Unconsciously, he grabbed his shirt in front of his chest.

Kazuha didn't answer right away. Sounding startled, she eventually answered: "I don't... know. But don't worry, he's not injured or anything!"

Shinichi sat down and leaned back, relieved. Stupid woman. To talk in such a way, making him think the worst. But he knew, he was actually the stupid one to jump to conclusions without any information in the first place. He talked more calmly now. "Tell me what's wrong."

"Well, it's kinda hard to explain..." She paused a moment, collecting her thoughts. "He's different as of late. He's distant and unfocused and he practices Kendo all the time. He doesn't go out with friends and talks less. Yesterday, I spoke with his mother about it and she said, when he's home he's acting the same. He's going to sleep early and doesn't eat properly." Kazuha had started talking fast, relieved she had finally the opportunity to discuss this matter with someone.

Shinichi had a strange feeling on hearing the girl describe Heiji's behaviour. He stood up and started pacing through the living room. "Did you ask him about it?"

"Of course I did, but he won't tell me. He always claims nothing's wrong. But I know he's lying. He's never been that way. I mean he tries to act normal, but I just know something must have happened."

Shinichi stopped in his tracks. "Something... happened?" He put his hand on the rather big, still colourful hickey behind his ear. "What do you mean?"

"I just don't know. He disappeared on the weekend and claims he was on a case. But if it was a case, he wouldn't clam up like he does. He loves to talk about cases and his deductions and won't shut up about it till the case is solved." Shinichi smiled. He knew she was right about that. "So, something bad must have happened when he was away. But he just won't talk about it. So, I thought..."

When Kazuha fell silent, Shinichi already knew what she wanted to say. "You want me to talk to him." It was a statement, not a question.

"Yeah. Ya his best friend, no, rather, ya like a brother to him, so maybe he will tell you what's going on..."

For some reason the word brother was like a punch to the chest for Shinichi. He felt guilty but didn't ponder about it right now. He would save that for later. "Alright, Kazuha-chan, I will talk to him. No way, he can hide something from the great detective of the east."

The confidence in his voice put Kazuha at ease. "Thank you so much!"

"It's alright. And I will give him a good scolding for making you worry so much. So leave the rest to me, okay?"

"Okay, I will. Thank you, Kudo-kun. Goodbye."

"Bye."

After they had hung up, Shinichi sat down and closed his eyes. He would give Heiji a good scolding? He laughed bitterly. The one deserving a scolding was himself, to put Heiji -and also Kazuha- in such a situation. Shinichi had no doubts it was his fault the osakan was acting so strange. How could he have thought he could just ask something like that, do something like that, and then act as if nothing had happened. He had just thought about himself. But now, he had to take responsibility.

He made up his mind and grabbed his phone again.

-'.- - * - -.'-

Heiji had finished his training for the day. He was exhausted and his whole body felt sore but that was exactly what he had aimed for. For the last days, he had felt like thinking made his state even worse. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something was nagging on him and by training, he tried to keep his body and mind occupied. He had hoped it would pass on its own, so he could be his usual self again without forcing himself. But until now, that hadn't been successful.

On his way home, his mind started to run wild again, although he was tired to the bone and had no strength left to face his own strange thoughts. He really needed a good case, something he could throw his mind into. But there hadn't been any that were worth his time, for the osakan police officers were able to handle most cases without being helped by him.

He sighed. He was sick of it. This had to stop. He was not only annoying himself but also worrying Kazuha for no reason. Of course, he had recognized her looks and frowns, he was neither stupid nor blind after all. But he didn't want to worsen the situation by talking to her about it. He wasn't able to, anyway, for he didn't know what was wrong with him in the first place. If he wasn't better by the end of the week, he would go to see a doctor. Maybe he really was sick, although he didn't think he was.

When he came home, he told his mother he had already eaten on his way home. That was a lie, but he wasn't hungry in the least and didn't want to argue with her about it. He went straight to his room and laid down on his bed. Putting his hands behind his head, staring out of the window, he hoped sleep would come to him early today. He wasn't in the mood of thinking again.

Whenever his mind was free to roam, he thought about the previous weekend. It had been nice and Heiji didn't regret going to Shinichi, drinking or... the rest. But something gave him a sting to the heart every time he thought about that time. He should have been excited and happy for his rival to return and his best friend to finally be able to live a normal life again. And he honestly was but... there was also something different he felt. He sighed and rubbed his face. "Aah, stop it already!" he told himself.

He stood up and began to unpack his sports-bag when his mobile phone rang. Surely, it was Kazuha, wanting to ask him, yet again, how he was feeling, or if he wanted to hang out with her. For a moment, he thought about not picking up but then reached for his phone. She was just worried and it would have been mean to ignore her.

"Hey Kazuha. Today too, I'm alright. Stop treating me like some sick child ya need to fuss about!" He tried to put some humour into his voice but it didn't even convince himself.

"... Well, then I'd suggest, you stop behaving like one."

Heiji nearly dropped the phone. "Kudo?"

"Yes. Tell me what's wrong."

After Heiji had assimilated the surprise of suddenly talking with Shinichi, he laughed nervously. "Not ya too. I'm quite alright. Rea-"

"Cut it out, baka! I'm not Kazuha... who also doesn't believe you, by the way. So, stop pretending and tell me what's wrong."

Heiji fell silent and his mind was racing. Hearing Shinichi's voice made him happy but he also felt a light pressure. He didn't know what to say.

"... It's not very manly to make your girl worry so much, Hattori."

"Look who's talking!" Heiji bit his lips. He shouldn't have said that. "I'm sorry, Kudo. I didn't mean-"

"It's okay... you're right after all. But that is exactly why I am criticizing you for it. So, what's on your mind?"

The osakan sighed and sat down on his bed. He started fumbling with the seam of his shirt. "I really don't know, Kudo. I'm just a little... out of it lately. Maybe I'm incubating something."

"You think so? Then tell me, what are your symptoms?"

Heiji stayed quiet as he thought about it. He wasn't feeling bad, per se, it was just...

"Are you unfocused? Tired all the time? Do you have no appetite and feel exhausted for no reason? Is it, that you often feel some kind of pressure around your chest? Do you try to calm your constantly restless mind by training till nightfall?"

Heiji was startled. "Yes... that's exactly it! How did ya know?"

Shinichi sighed very deeply and mumbled: "I feared I was right..."

"What do ya-?"

"When can you come to Tokyo?"

"To... to Tokyo?" Heiji felt dizzy and didn't understand, neither his reaction nor Shinichi's question.

"Yes. I would have come to Osaka but I promised Haibara to stay put until the end of the week. So I'll have to ask you to come to me. Sorry."

"But... why?"

Shinichi hesitated. "...I've got a rather clear idea of what's going on with you. But I need to meet you in person to... confirm it." Shinichi's voice sounded strange but Heiji couldn't identify as to why.

"Well, we have no classes the day after tomorrow because of the annual teacher's meeting. We are supposed to study by ourselves in class but I was planning on skipping that anyway, so..."

"Okay then, Friday it is. Come early. Shall I pick you up at the station?"

Heiji felt run over by Shinichi's quick planning, so he reacted without thinking about it. "No, it's fine. The little girl is right, you shouldn't go outside just yet. I will come to you on my own."

"Okay, then that's settled. And I finally have food at home, so I will prepare a nice breakfast for you. And don't even think about declining. It's not every day that I'm making breakfast for someone else." He laughed and Heiji tuned in. For the first time tonight, both of them laughed honestly.

"I'm a little afraid now. Maybe ya never cook for others, because it's fatal? How would ya manage to solve my murder with ya'self being the culprit?"

"Very easily, of course!" They laughed again. "So, I will see you on Friday?"

"Yah, I'll be there. ...Thanks for calling, Kudo."

Heiji heard Shinichi taking a deep breath. "Don't mention it. Goodnight, Hattori."

When the osakan heard the other saying the last two words, he felt utterly happy for the first time this week. "Goodnight, Kudo!" he almost chirped and they hung up.

Whistling, Heiji continued unpacking his bag. He couldn't wait for Friday to come.

-'.- - * - -.'-

Shinichi was still sitting in his living room and stared at his phone. This couldn't be true, could it? All the signs were pointing to one conclusion. But he couldn't be sure just yet. Or maybe, he didn't want to be. He had to wait for Friday to see it for himself, to confirm his theory with his own eyes.

He returned to the kitchen and restarted the electric kettle, because the water had gone cold again by now. When he was putting away the shopping bags, he recognized one of them still seemed to contain something. He looked into it and stared. And then he laughed. Very loudly. The uncontrolled laughter shook him rather forcefully so he had to sit down.

The lubricant he had inspected at the drug store had miraculously found its way to his purchases without him realizing. This was just hilarious.

Slowly his laughing died down, until the kitchen was finally silent again. He leaned back and sighed deeply. This was going to be the toughest case to solve he ever faced.


Author's Note:
Because I used some Japanese terms in this chapter I either wasn't able or didn't want to translate, I will explain them here:

Kendo (lit. Way of the Sword)
Japanese martial art, using bamboo swords and protective gear, originated from old sword arts.

Kendoka (lit. Kendo Home; meaning: Someone, the way of the sword lives within)
Someone who practices Kendo.

Dojo (lit. Place of "the Way" (as in "Way of the Sword"))
Japanese training place for martial arts. Although dojos are places designed in a special kind of way and have unique rules for using, entering and leaving, sometimes also other places where martial arts are taught, like sport halls, are called dojo as well (especially outside Japan).

Seiza (lit. Proper Sitting)
Formal Japanese style of sitting, required for traditional arts, i.e. martial arts and tea ceremony but also in daily life. One sits in a kneeling position on their legs, placing their feet in a V-shape. There is a special form for sitting down and standing up.
(Seiza's the best way to numb your feet, if you're not used to it. XD)

Tenugui (lit. Hand-Wipe)
A small cotton towel kendoka wear around their head (under the head protection) to absorb sweat.
Tenugui are also carried in daily life to dry ones hands after going to a (public) restroom, as in Japan paper towels or hand dryers are still uncommon.
(Please consider that, if you ever visit Japan. ^^)


Beta-Reader: Tojatic

Thank you for reading. Aww, aren't the boys just sweet? :3 I really enjoy writing their dialogs so much. What do you think of it? And what will the weekend reveal?
Don't be late for the next chapter! \(^o^)/

Special: Useful(?) tip from Mellory
Do never start filling your tub and then go like "I'll just finish this one little paragraph"
(...unless you've planned on flooding your apartment anyway! *goes off to dry up her bathroom*)
|l("- _-)