Hello friends!~ Have a early Merry Christmas! You guys surprised me by how quickly you reviewed. I better be careful to not make any promises I can't keep (; Well despite my uncertainties for the timeline you guys convinced me to get this written. Sorry about how short it is but hopefully it's enough for now~

Bunnyz-chan - Oh man is that a plot hole? It crossed my mind but since there's so much going on it's hard to tell what needs mentioned and justified and what doesn't. I'll try to fix that though =/ Somehow... I'm glad you liked my portrayal of Heiji and Conan. They were kind of difficult to write especially Heiji xD

DetectivePandaThief - *waves back* You are allowed to comment on whatever chapters you feel like; it's not weird, but weird is good too :D Thanks!

Minervana1 - I feel you on the laziness. Thank you for reviewing this one! I'm glad my overly sadistic imagination can entertain someone else.

Picu - I'm glad you think so! Merry Christmas to you too!

Emptydarkneification - Ahh yeah I think it's cause he realized something was wrong from the start. I'm happy you think that. Yeah slow building will eventually reach the point of complete mental breakdowns hehehe~

Thanks for the continued support friends!~

Warnings: None I think (Let me know if I miss any triggers)

Disclaimer: I don't own Detective Conan or Magic Kaitou

Chapter 10

Violet irises fluttered open as Kaito came to. He stayed still for a moment, the cool sensation of his cheek pressed against the bathroom tile and an encompassing agony registering in his hazed mind. He pulled himself upright, stumbling to the sink as he fumbled with the yellow container, sliding the pills down his throat. He stretched out his arms, finding himself stiff and aching from collapsing after getting sick. Greasy strands of hair fell into his eyes as he looked in the mirror, and he decided he needed another shower. This time he ignored the marks, keeping a reasonable temperature as he washed himself; afterwards he rid himself of the vile taste coating the inside of his mouth.

He headed towards his doves, easing his concerns about their well-being before dashing up the stairs to his room. After changing into a comfortable outfit, he realized it was already ten thirty in the morning: Aoko was sure to stop by later, demanding why he'd missed two days of school without telling her. He huffed in both annoyance and fondness as he shoved a couple of chocolate bars into his pocket and headed into KID's room. Well, he might as well get some work done at least. They were wrong if they thought this would stop him. If anything, he was more determined to find Pandora. He couldn't allow anyone else to get hurt.

His eyes glazed over the printed information, textbooks, and blueprints, a map of a museum slipping out of his hands. He shook his head, popping another piece of chocolate into his mouth as he flipped to the next page. The lights blurred and spun over his head; he felt himself swaying, his back inching closer and closer to the ground...

Ahh… Kaito coughed, pulling himself upright atop crinkled papers as he rubbed at his eyes. He hurt, and he frowned as he looked at his phone. It was three ten now… the narcotic must have knocked him out. He grimaced, coming to the conclusion he would have to stop taking it during the day if he wanted to get anything done - or not raise anyone's suspicions. At least it was Friday and he'd have the weekend to recover, but he wasn't looking forward to dealing with Aoko or Hakuba or Akako… His eyes widened and he grit his teeth as he remembered her warning, slamming his fist against the floor before falling back, staring at the indent in the stack of papers. A look of surprise crossed his face before he shook it off, stumbling out of KID's room at the sound of pounding on the door.

"Kaaaiitttooo!" He could hear Aoko's shout through the door. "I know you're there!" Kaito gripped the doorknob, rolling his eyes at the fact she had no proof he was home. His reflection was visible in the glass of the door, and he froze as he realized the marks were visible. He covered them and threw on an oversized jacket to hide the cast, reminding himself to keep his masks up as he opened the door with a bored expression.

Aoko glared as she saw Kaito looking like he couldn't care less about missing school. She shoved past him, ignoring his shout of protest before turning around on him, hands on her hips and eyes threatening. "Where were you?!" Kaito narrowed his eyes, tilting his head up with petulance.

"I've been busy." He stumbled to the side, wincing in pain as she nearly hit him with her mop. She rested it on her shoulder, glare informing him that was not a satisfactory answer.

"Ow, Aoko! It's been two days! Why do you care?" He hopped over the couch as she tried to hit him again, glaring at her from behind it.

"Why does Aoko… Because you're always sleeping in class and missing school more than you used to…" She trailed off, and Kaito looked at her in surprise, watching her sweep her shoe along the carpet. "Aoko knows you're working on your magic tricks… but you should still come to school!" Ahh… she was worried about him. He smiled, about to offer reassurance and show her a new magic trick; then he froze as she gripped his arm, tugging him out from behind the couch so he could face her properly. A heaviness sunk in his stomach, his breath catching and becoming trapped in his throat. He yanked away from her grasp, almost knocking her to the ground. A coldness settled over his skin, the warmth her concern brought him overwhelmed by a sense of panic. "I've been sick," he muttered, trying to ignore the pounding in his ears. Aoko stared at him, confused by his reaction and tone of voice. Then she narrowed her eyes.

"Idiots don't get sick."

"Well this idiot did," he replied automatically before realizing what he said. She stepped back, looking at him with unease. Feeling self-conscious, he slid his injured arm closer to his back.

"Kaito…?"

"Ah ah what I mean is…" He looked up at the ceiling, scratching his cheek with a silly grin on his face. "…of course I can get sick, it's not like you never get sick. Ahoko." He smirked at her. She didn't take the bait.

"You know what - Aoko is right - idiots don't get sick."

Kaito frowned, staring at the fiery look in her eyes. "Aoko…"

"So get better so you can go back to being an idiot." She stuck her tongue out at him, but there was a softness in her eyes as she left his house. He gaped at her in shock, before closing the door and falling against it. They always were trying to make sure they acted the same way as always around each other. He supposed he had been acting out of character. He raised his trembling fingers up to his face, only partly surprised when they came away wet. His lips curved upwards but it was flawed, cracked, empty. Alright Aoko. I'm still the same idiot as always. I won't make you worry about me…

Maybe I'll write the next chapter on the plane, but no guarantees on a new one before the new year. Please review as always. They make my day ^^