Would You Take An IOU On That Explanation?
Any objection Shinichi might have made about possible lack of physical attraction was immediately beaten to death over the head with a shovel and then buried in an unmarked corner of his subconscious where not even the great detective would be able to recover it from. A dismayed part of his mind also discarded any hope that his earlier reaction to intimate contact with the thief was a result of being caught off guard and a more platonic affection.
Instead Shinichi found himself even more absorbed in the almost entirely foreign but pleasant sensations. During their earlier kiss, shock had taken most of his attention, and all his subconscious response had been able to do was combine with the overriding shock to create a confused compliance with the unexpected turn. This time he was the instigator and a willing participant, regardless of however little conscious intention to take that role he had in the beginning.
So unlike their first kiss, Shinichi was more focused on the sensation than the situation. And the sensation was very, very distracting.
It was also very, very messy. Kaito had known exactly what he wanted to do when he initiated the earlier kiss. Shinichi had been too dazed to do much more than follow his lead. Now they were both surprised and fumbling around each other's lips in what was becoming a series of brief but heated kisses. It was far from perfect but he certainly wasn't complaining.
What it lost it organization it made up in enthusiasm. Shinichi felt a shiver escape down his spine that had little to do with nerves as Kaito's lips slid to the right while they tried to avoid bumping noses and began eagerly nibbling around the edges of Shinichi's bottom lip in favor of continuing futile attempts to properly align their faces while Shinichi tentatively explored his own reactions and Kaito's lips. Stilling at the new addition to their mutual investigations, Shinichi paused and Kaito took advantage of it to get a proper, firm pressure between their lips.
Shinichi began to relax despite the pouting corner of his mind that wanted to continue trying to outdo the other, and instead began to simply enjoy the experience. That rebellious bit gained a lot more momentum as he felt Kaito's own mouth peek open and the warm, moist pressure of Kaito's tongue slide questioningly with increasing confidence over his still closed lips. The earlier shiver raced back up his spine and hit his cerebrum much like a torrent of freezing water. Shinichi jerked back and gasped in the chilled air as if he was a drowning man.
Kaito blinked in loss and confusion at the disoriented detective still resting on his lap. Shinichi concentrated on evening the short gasps prompted by the lack of air into a more steady breathing pattern and shoving down the warning edge of panic beginning to hit. His breath hitched as Kaito leaned his face back in bewildered concern and began to ask, "Shinichi…"
He cut off as Shinichi gripped the shoulder he'd been using to brace himself against Kaito and shoved the magician backwards roughly. Kaito yelped at the sudden adjustment as Shinichi jumped up and began walking around the water towers edge. He didn't want to have to discuss what had just happened. He didn't even want to think about it right now. He'd hit overload a long time ago and just hadn't admitted it. It seemed his panic button did not like being ignored. He heard Kaito continue again, "Shinichi! What are you doing?"
Not trusting his voice, Shinichi lifted the trash bag containing the remains of their meal and shook it in answer. Hearing Kaito growl at the non answer, he sped up and jumped down to the roof. Heart beating up into his throat he jammed a finger on the elevator's down button and tossed the trash in the can next to the doors. The doors immediately slid open and he ducked into the blessedly empty compartment. He quickly held the door close button once inside hearing the sound of another person hitting the ground just as the door shut. Kaito was not going to be happy. That didn't stop Shinichi from keeping the doors covered until he felt the gears whirring back to life to begin their descent of the building.
Slumping down in front of the control panel, Shinichi slammed his head against the metal and screamed the "Stupid!" that had been trying to escape from the second reality had slapped him again.
Just then the doors opened and a man's voice hesitantly offered, "We'll just get the next elevator, okay?"
Freezing in mid breakdown, Shinichi waited for the doors to close before slamming his head against the wall again for good measure. Glancing up at the keys, he reached up and made sure to keep the door close button pressed down to prevent any further mishaps and preserve his privacy for a short time. Hopefully, it would be long enough for him to breakdown in peace.
Breathing in deeply and concentrating on nothing but that, he allowed himself to think again about the situation he had just not on participated in but perpetuated. He fought back the flight or fight impulse once again flaring up in knee jerk response to his own idiocy in this case. Kaito deserved better than dealing with either. It wasn't his fault Shinichi had relationship issues.
And that was the root of the problem. Kaito seemed to know exactly what he wanted, and Shinichi didn't have the first idea. A quote from a Scottish poet they'd studied in class shortly before he'd been forced to join the kiddy brigade for the second time ran through his head. I am sure of nothing so little as my own intentions.
He was sure he was getting annoyed with not knowing though. Constantly being off balance was not helping him come to a resolution any faster. He was also pretty sure he didn't want Kaito to pay for his confusion either. Even if it was entirely the thief's fault for being so persistently, annoyingly and yet likeably Kaito and refusing to do anything but press forward further into Shinichi's guarded affections. He was really sure his hormones had jumped ship, joined Kaito's camp, and were not to be trusted. He had finally confirmed he was surrounded by traitors. They'd even infiltrated his own mind.
Speaking of Kaito, the magician was really not going to be happy when he got downstairs, and Shinichi needed to focus on a game plan before he got any more in over his head and preferably have it as of yesterday. Shinichi shivered involuntarily. He could probably safely establish that Kaito's plan seemed to be to come at him full throttle until he had the detective's full attention and preferably admiration. Shinichi found it hard not to give it to him. Especially when he was saying things like… Shinichi's brain froze as he remembered Kaito's arguments just a few minutes ago. He forced himself to focus on Kaito's last question instead.
Am I able to handle him? He hated to admit it, but the answer to that seemed to be no. At least if I have to handle him on his terms.
He refused to stumble blindly into another relationship until he was sure he could be an equal and willing partner in it. He couldn't do that if he kept on running off or around in circles confused because he was playing by someone else's rules in a game already halfway to the finish. He wasn't sure how he was supposed to even the odds so he was able to catch up to Kaito without hurting his would be paramour in the process though.
The elevator shuddered to a halt and Shinichi scowled. He'd gotten too used to playing by Kid's rules, simply because heists were more fun that way. Seeing the thief's surprised face was only satisfying if he could beat him at his own game. His complacence was haunting him now though.
He had probably only five minutes before he had to explain to Kaito that… What? He didn't know what he wants, and while Kaito kisses very nicely, if he doesn't stop doing that and give Shinichi some space then he was going to get some mace to the face. Thanks for the date. They should do it again sometime. Maybe. Much, much later.
But no hard feelings.
Somehow he didn't think Kaito was going to agree with that sentiment very well. Shinichi stepped out of the elevator. He was the great detective, Kudou Shinichi. Think, damn it! There had to be some path he could pick where no one got hurt. He just had to find it.
The doors opened for him and Shinichi studied the lobby tiles radiating frustration. This day just kept on getting crazier and…
Shinichi jumped as two palms slammed on either side of his head, elevator locking shut behind him with an ominous click. Kaito's eerily smiling face inches from his own caused Shinichi to attempt to glue himself to the doors now preventing his escape. A distant scream echoed as the closing stairwell door across the lobby cemented all exits and left him alone with a probably unstable and certainly annoyed phantom thief.
Now would be an excellent time for him to figure out that plan. Any second now.
"You know, usually the date saves the goodbye kiss for the end of the night. You weren't thinking of running away now. Were you tantei-kun?" Kaito's voice queried in an imitation of sweetness that Shinichi silently dubbed the Sweet and Low voice. Shinichi fought the urge to slink down the surface of the elevator and attempt to make a break for it as Kaito's thinly veiled anger set his already strained nerves on edge.
I don't think I'm the only one off balance right now. Shinichi tried to keep that in mind, but it was hard to think with Kaito looming ever closer.
Regardless of who was right or wrong in this situation, Shinichi wasn't going to be able to do anything with Kaito so close. He had more than enough relationship issues without Kaito's pheromones storming through his scattered processes and taking no prisoners. Shinichi wondered if Kaito had any idea how completely and utterly distracting and ultimately counterproductive to his cause physical contact was proving to be at this point.
Left with no more space to retreat, Shinichi pressed a palm against Kaito's chest to stop his advance. He felt Kaito's knotted muscles flinching under his palms before Kaito shifted back slightly at the pressure. His expression didn't change much except to further shut away the little Shinichi was able read.
Shinichi briefly bounced around a few flippant replies he could make to try to wave off his actions and even worse reactions. Most would say he didn't owe the thief anything all things considered, but Shinichi wasn't most people. Kaito had put his life and his heart on the line to be honest with Shinichi and the detective wasn't in the habit of undervaluing the truth. No matter how frustrating he'd managed to be in the process, his intentions had been good and he'd done his best. If Shinichi wanted to see where this went, the least he owed Kaito was some honesty in return.
"Kaito, I'm sorry," Shinichi forced out. It wasn't as hard to say as he'd thought it would be. Kaito cocked his head in an invitation to continue. "What happened up there was my mistake…" Kaito abruptly drew back, giving Shinichi the space he'd been hoping for.
"Of course. Don't even think twice about it," Kaito shrugged not giving anything away in his expression or body language beyond the ever present tension. Shinichi wasn't sure if he wanted to smack Kaito or himself more for cutting off his explanation and probably taking away the worst interpretation of it. They both knew he was miserable at this kind of thing, and Kaito wasn't making it any easier by closing off every time he was confused. It wasn't like Shinichi had a much better idea what he was feeling than Kaito anyway.
Ignoring his own discomfort, Shinichi grabbed the front of Kaito's shirt and dragged him back into the now not so looming position he'd held before the detective. Kaito regained his footing as Shinichi's grip tightened. Shinichi was satisfied to see surprise breaking through the forced apathy Kaito was trying to hold on to and decided to take advantage of the thief's recaptured attention. "If you would please listen when people talk, you idiot thief, I was trying to tell you…"
Kaito yelped as he was ripped from Shinichi's grip and hauled backwards like a rag doll. Shinichi blinked at the empty space. Kaito slipped out of the hoodie to a crouch on the ground before spinning into a standing position between Shinichi and his attacker.
Shinichi heard Kaito growl, "Oh, for… you!" to himself. Shinichi stepped to the side to get a look at the interlopers and added his own annoyed growl at the sight of a befuddled Satou holding Kaito's jacket while Nakamori looked at her in a constipated hybrid of pride and annoyance at his budding escape artist. Hello~ misplaced anger management. I don't know what they thought they were interrupting, but I'm seriously learning to hate their timing. I'm going to have to do something about that.
Shinichi was as far from a good mood to deal with these two as was possible. If anyone deserved to deal with a confused and angry Kudou Shinichi, it would be the two in front of him now. Shinichi flexed his mental claws and pushed in front of Kaito to stroll over to the officers.
"How nice of you to join us this fine evening, keibu, keiji," Shinichi droned while he made it clear that despite his words their presence was anything but a pleasure. The two stiffened defensively at his tone, turning to face the irritated detective that had called them out.
"Watch it Kudou," Nakamori snapped back. "If you want to act like a brat, don't expect any more favors from us."
"Promise?" Shinichi snorted. "Because I have to say, your idea of a favor clearly leaves something to be desired."
"Kudou-kun…" Satou abruptly cut off whatever defense or denial she was about to make at the reminder of his earlier cryptic accusation before he'd cut off their call. Along with Nakamori, she was currently having her first personal experience on the receiving end of Shinichi's 'reserved for criminals' stare of imminent destruction. It was not a comfortable position to be in. Lacking impressive physical abilities, training, or real authority when confronting dangerous criminals on a regular basis, it was all too easy for Shinichi's coworkers to forget that he'd developed the stare down into his own trademark interrogation tactic. People preferred to think it was his reputation and intelligence that disturbed most criminals and not that a teenager was capable of breaking grown men by force of conviction and presence alone.
"I don't know what you've been told," Nakamori managed to gather himself a bit. Refusing to make eye contact with the glaring detective, he instead shifted his gaze to level his own glare suspiciously on the shifting magician behind Shinichi. "But there's nothing going on that would concern you that we can confirm…"
Of course you can't confirm. Heaven forbid you actually know something where KID is concerned.
"Besides," Satou defensively chimed in. "We we're going to bring it to your attention that there might be some particularly… unusual behavior on a certain phantom thief's part towards you. It was unanimously decided among our departments that Takagi would be the best person to break the news to you."
"Takagi has been in a mandatory training course for the last four months and won't be back for another two," Shinichi deadpanned. "I don't suppose that's why you decided he would make such a wonderful 'volunteer'?" It partially explained Satou's decision to move from moody but avoidable to a bane of his existence recently. It didn't excuse it though.
Satou and Nakamori both ignored his accusation though Nakamori muttered something to the effect of "already had to play freaking matchmaker" under his breath. Deciding to follow Nakamori's lead for once, Satou also turned her nervously drifting eyes into a glare on Kaito.
Shinichi pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration and dropped his head at their stubbornness. Kaito didn't even pretend to be bothered by the officers' attempt to drag him down with them. Shinichi allowed the reluctantly amused thief to drape himself over the detective and shifted forward to compensate for the weight on his back. Kaito's head rested on his shoulder and arms wrapping around his shoulders steadied their leaning bodies.
Humming in pleasure at the position, Kaito enjoyed the much improved view and absently chided the flustered duo, "If I waited for the police to work up the nerve for that particular conversation, poor Shinichi would probably lose his virginity before his ignorance. Forewarned is forearmed and all. Do you want KID to win? And while I'm sad to say my own undying devotion seems to be one sided, perhaps the dear detective will be a bit more willing to humor me once he's taken care of my competition."
Shinichi blinked in confusion as the most glaring inconsistency in Kaito's behavior became clear. Almost everything Kaito did threw him further into confusion, but this particular habit throughout the day had been niggling in the back of his mind. For all the thief's confessions of romantic intention and determination, he'd been maneuvering to back off and avoid Shinichi without suspicion simultaneously. Did he want to declare war on or call for a surrender of the detective's affections? It didn't make any sense.
Unless… he's planned on losing our 'bet' from the start. Why would he want to do that? He was basically bargaining away any chance to influence Shinichi's feelings anytime soon in exchange for a few hours to improve the impression he'd left in previous encounters. It was a pretty stupid tactic to take. Shinichi couldn't develop more than the seeds of a new relationship in a few hours and any ground Kaito gained would be undermined while Shinichi stewed over the evidence.
Did Kaito really think Shinichi disliked him that much? It was a lot to take in, but he was sure that with a little time he'd be able to adjust to the situation. He was undeniably curious and unfortunately attracted as well when it came to his new interest. It was just how to pursue his interest that confused him. He could safely confirm that Kaito was basically incapable of undervaluing his own charm and abilities, so the only possible explanation was…
The smug bastard is underestimating me! Shinichi's head snapped up to glare at Kaito out of the corners of his eyes. He zoned back into the conversation to catch the tail end of Nakamori's defense, "…even if we weren't talking about KID! It's not like there's any proof."
Shinichi's frustration, confusion, and above all anger suddenly crystallized with a brilliant clarity as his fisting hands crumpled around paper and plastic inside his pockets. He smirked as the unnerved Kaito froze, and Shinichi's mental voice sang in a disturbingly similar impression of Ai's "I have a possibly fatal and certainly painful possible cure" voice.
I've got a pla~n.
"Nakamori-keibu, when have I ever made an accusation without any proof?" Shinichi tauntingly lifted his hand out to reveal the bloodied, razor tipped signature playing card he'd appropriated in the park.
Shinichi kept his mad scientist cackle confined to the inside of his head and smirked as Nakamori's surprised shout covered up Kaito's own quiet, "Eep!"
I may very well be going insane, but if I'm going down, I'm taking you all with me.
A/N: For all the people, anonymous and otherwise, who reviewed and reminded me I had this hanging out there, thank you. I'm glad you've stayed with me this far. Also, thank you to nataeiy1 for beta-ing this chapter as well. Hopefully, the next and likely last chapter will arrive in a matter of weeks instead of months.