Chapter 14

It took Shinichi nearly an hour shake off Hattori and by that time, the KID heist was already over. He sighed as he waded through the leaving crowd, Rei strapped to his chest with a baby harness. Honestly, he wouldn't have invited Hattori over if he knew he'd be so clingy, but it was too late to kick him out. He felt a little guilty about leaving Hattori, but he'd make it up to him later… maybe they could all go out to dinner tomorrow?

Shinichi started climbing the stairs to the museum just as Hakuba started walking down. They froze in place, staring at each other. Shinichi was panicking internally; Hakuba had never met him before, not as Shinichi, so why was Hakuba looking at him like that, like he was a criminal!? He kept his face blank and continued up, coming face to face with Hakuba. Shinichi resisted the urge to cross his arms since Rei was in the way.

"Can I help you?" Shinichi asked.

Hakuba narrowed his eyes. "Sorry, you just look like someone I know from my high school. Could I have your name?"

"Shinichi Kudo, Detective of the East."

He enjoyed the way Hakuba's eyes widened. Why was Hakuba so surprised? The other had heard of him before, Hakuba had been his replacement at that one murder mystery mansion with KID—that's it! Kuroba had mentioned knowing Hakuba before, he must have mistaken Shinichi for Kaito!

Hakuba stretched his hand out. Shinichi shook it. "Saguru Hakuba, Tantei-san. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Kudo-kun."

"The pleasure is all mine, Hakuba-kun. My cousin, Conan, told me a lot about you. Your deductions during the Twilight Palace case were quite impressive." God forbid Kaito, or worse Hattori, ever hear him compliment the English detective, but it was the truth. And after all he's done, Shinichi wanted to lie as little as possible.

The other blushed. "Ah, t-thank you, Kudo-kun. Hattori-kun speaks highly of you. But from what I've read, you've never shown an interest in thieves before." He tilted his head. "What are you doing here? And with a… child no less."

"Oh!" Shinichi placed a hand on Rei's head and he cooed before grabbing it. "This is my adopted son, Rei. I'm actually here to take someone home."

"And who would that be—"

"Shiiinnn-chan!" Exiting the museum, Kaito bolted towards him, shoving past Hakuba to hug him. Shinichi patted his back awkwardly—despite having faked their "relationship" in front of Hattori, he felt uncomfortable displaying so much affection in public. And Rei was trapped in between them, so in order not to crush him, they left space that made hugs difficult. "I was hoping to see you chase KID tonight! What happened, where were you!?"

"Sorry, Kaito," the informality of the name felt like glue in his mouth, but Shinichi continued. Why was it easier to say it in his head than out loud? "I got held up by Hattori."

Kaito groaned. "Why did we let him stay with us again?" He turned his attention to Rei. "How's my little man? You driving your daddy crazy?" Shinichi blushed as Kaito continued to play with Rei, even giving him Usa-chan despite Shinichi being positive that he'd left the toy at home. That was the first time Kaito had referred to Shinichi as a father instead of some variation of mother. Warmth flooded his chest even though he knew it was only because Hakuba was present.

Speaking of Hakuba… "Kuroba!?" He shouted, finally recovered from his shock. "What are you… How do you know Kudo-kun!?"

Huffing, Kaito stuck his tongue out at the stuffy detective. "I'm his boyfriend. Honestly, and you call yourself a detective!"

The warmth Shinichi felt spread to the rest of his body and he blushed, recognizing the feeling. Oh no.

Oh no.

It was exactly how he felt towards Ran before being shrunk into Conan.

Shit.

A/N: If you haven't voted for your favorite Kaishin Drabble, the poll will still be up until March 24th, 2017, 11:59 PM .