Author's Notes: After seeing the Phantom Thief AU art that somachos made on tumblr, I was inspired to write this! Go check out the art! I hope that you all like it! Please let me know ^.~ Obviously I don't own YOI or make any profit!

Under the Cover of Eros

YOI Phantom Thief AU

Chapter 14 - Hey There Detective

"Ok assholes! What's my codename gonna be?" Yurio smirked, happy to finally get the attention from the grossly emotional men in the room.

Phichit released Yuuri and glared, Yuuri sighed, and the Leo/Guang-Hong mass sandwiched on a single chair, stopped making out. All eyes fell on Yurio, except for Yuuri who was hanging his head. He hadn't told Phichit about Yurio's insistence about joining them all in a life of crime and he was hoping that he wouldn't have to.

"Kid, while I can appreciate your enthusiasm, you are not a part of this," Phichit huffed while putting his hands on his hips.

"This isn't a game niño," Leo sighed and shook his head.

"We can't let you get involved in this," Guang-Hong said with a frown.

"Too late assholes! I already am involved in this!" Yurio growled indignantly and motioned towards the room. "The second I found that stupid duffle bag I was involved, now if I don't say anything, I am an accessory to your damn crimes! So yeah assholes, think of a kickass codename, because I'm in!" The blonde youth seethed. He stomped over to the nearest chair and flung himself into it. Yurio took out his phone and began to absentmindedly flip through cat pictures.

The adults in the room just stared in disbelief. None of them, except for Yuuri, was used to his brash manner and petulant ways. Leo and Phichit looked to Guang-Hong, the only one with any real knowledge of the inner workings of the law. He frowned and nodded, in acknowledgement of Yurio's claims. Then, Yuuri walked over to the disengaged youngster.

"Yura, why do you want to be involved in this?" He asked with a solemn face, not wanting to give away any of his own feelings on the matter.

"Because I get what you're doing, and it's a wonder that you idiots haven't been caught yet," Yurio huffed and stuffed his phone back into his pocket to stare up at Yuuri. "And if you really want to get people's attention, you need to think bigger, flashier!" Yurio grinned.

"Like what?" Phichit asked as he sat back down across from Yurio.

"I don't know, some event, with lots of people or something," Yurio huffed. Clearly it would be up to him to be the mastermind from now on, these idiots were useless.

Guang-Hong perked up as an imaginary light bulb blinked into life above his head. "I might have something," he grinned and paused for dramatic affect. When everyone was looking at him with interested expressions, he continued. "Tomorrow Captain Feltsman is holding a press conference to discuss the 'ongoing threat that the elusive Phantom Thief Eros poses to our fair city,' he announced with exaggerated hand gestures and an imitation of Yakov's scruffy voice. "And I just so happen to have the venue, guest list, and seating chart," he smiled as he pulled out his phone.

Yuuri's normally gentle demeanor began to morph slowly into something else. He felt himself fading away, only to be replaced by a much more confident and cocky existence. He had skillfully crafted the Eros character, piece by piece, and he found it increasingly easier to slip into his shoes. He let the feeling wash over him, drown him, consume him, until there was nothing left of Yuuri Katsuki, and only Eros remained.

"Well well, they are having a party for me?" Eros's chilly, seductively deep voice responded as he cocked his hip and snickered. "It was so rude of them not to invite the guest of honor," he preened and fluttered his eyelashes. "Storge!"

"Yes boss?" Leo responded automatically. He knew that when Yuuri was Eros, there was no other way to speak to the man. Leo wasn't an actor and didn't understand Yuuri's methods, but if Yuuri needed to immerse himself fully into his character to get the job done, then Leo was more than happy to play along.

"I think that we're gonna have to crash their little soirée," Eros cooed with a wicked sneer.

"Sounds like fun," Leo nodded with an amused smile.

"Agape, do you think that you could cook up a little present for each of our dear friends of the press for me? Something that they will get a bang out of?" Eros asked as his lips curved upwards into a simpering smile.

"No problem Eros, I think I've got just the thing," Phichit winked. Having known Yuuri so long he could guess what the other man was planning.

"Eros, just so you know, the mayor will be there as well," Guang-Hong added while scrolling through his phone.

"Even better Philia," Eros clapped and skipped over to place his hands on Guang-Hong's shoulders. Eros leaned down and whispered something into the other man's ear.

"No problem, I can get those tomorrow morning," Guang-Hong nodded.

"Goodie!" Eros squealed in delight. When he looked up and saw Yurio, he paused and tilted his head to the side. "What's wrong Anteros?" He purred and sauntered over to the teen with his hands on his hips.

Yurio didn't know what the fuck was going on! One minute they were all talking normally, and the next everyone had lost their god damn minds! And what the actual fuck has happened to his sensei? Yurio had never seen him act like this and he seriously had concerns that his teacher was possessed by an evil spirit or something. All he could do was stare, with his mouth hanging open. "What the fuck are you on? And who is Anteros?"

"Well child, I am Eros and you are Anteros," he stated matter-of-factly with a sweet smile.

Ok, it's time to call the little men in white coats for this crazy nuttjob! Yurio didn't have the foggiest idea what Anteros was or why Sensei had lost his damn mind, but he was starting to get upset. Just then Phichit stepped in.

"Eros, why don't you and Storge start going over some details and I will take Anteros with me to help get started on my end of things?" Phichit said conversationally. He could see that the kid was super confused, and he couldn't blame him really. But, Phichit didn't want Yurio to break Yuuri's concentration, not when he was clearly on a role.

"Hmm, good idea Agape," Eros nodded and scampered off towards Leo and Guang-Hong.

Phichit smiled down at Yurio and motioned for him to follow Phichit to the backroom. Yurio looked confused for only a moment, before he got to his feet and walked with the older man silently. Phichit closed the door behind them and exhaled loudly.

"What the hell is going on?" Yurio whispered fiercely. He was completely lost at the moment and wanted some damn answers.

"Ok, so for Yuuri to become a thief, he needed to create a character for himself. Yanno almost like a secret identity? Except Yuuri has some acting background, so he really looks at it as method acting. He becomes Eros, so once he has assumes his character's persona, it's best not to address him as anything but Eros, lest he loose his concentration."

"That's batshit crazy," Yurio frowned.

"Maybe, but it works for him," Phichit shrugged, "it's gotten us this far."

"So you're telling me that he completely changes his mannerisms and personality and actually thinks that he is this Eros guy?" Yurio asked, needing clarification.

"Yup, that's what I'm saying," Phichit nodded. He hoped that he could count on the kid to not screw this up! This meant so much to all of them now and they needed to see it through to the end. "When he is like that, only address him as Eros, NOT Yuuri," Phichit stressed, because it was important for Yurio to understand if he was going to apart of their little group from now on.

"Otherwise it will what? Throw him off?" Yurio asked and received a nod. "Ok, I get it, I don't want to . . . . break his concentration or anything."

"Great!" Phichit said enthusiastically and clapped Yurio's shoulder. "Thanks," he smirked.

When Yurio looked into Phcihit's dark eyes he thought he saw simple love and compassion, but he had to make sure, for Uncle Vitya. "Hey you don't have . . . .yanno feelings for sensei do you?" He asked with a scrutinizing glare, intent on seeing the other man's reaction.

Phichit looked shocked and then keeled over in a fit of laughter. After a minute or two of tear inducing giggles, he wiped his eyes and stood up straight to face the crazy teen. "Hell no!" He laughed again. "Yuu-chan is like my brother dude! We grew up together, we're best friends, and would do anything for each other! Anything except that! Gross!" Phichit made a fake gagging noise and stuck his index finger into mouth for added affect. He snorted and looked straight into Yurio's concerned emerald eyes. "You have nothing to worry about, Yuuri only loves your uncle kid. Trust me, he's been a goner from day one!"

"Really?" Yurio asked skeptically.

"Really," Phichit smiled, "Since they started dating, I have never seen Yuu-chan so happy."

"Alright then, just checking. I mean I get his motive and Leo's motive and even Guang-Hong's motive, but until now I didn't really understand yours," Yurio sighed. Evidentially this guy just loved sensei as a devoted brother, nothing more. Good! "Wait he called me Anteros, what the hell is that?"

Back when Yuuri and Phichit first starting thinking about codenames, they heavily researched Greek mythology, they found it fascinating. "Anteros is the god of requited love and Eros's brother in Greek mythology, I think it's a good name for ya kid," Phichit winked. "Didn't you just respond to someone's advances and gain yourself a boyfriend?" He snickered knowingly.

"Wha . .requited. . .how did you…" Yurio stuttered in response.

"Well now that we have that cleared up, I need your help," Phichit grinned mischievously. "You any good with electronics?"

…

[Yuuri I'm out, finally, I'm sorry it's so late. thanks for letting Makka out earlier, I'm headed your way to pick up Yura]

When Viktor received no response on the way to Yuuri's, he assumed that they had gone to bed, after all it was after 1 am. Viktor was beat! All he wanted was to crawl into bed, preferably with Yuuri and Makkachin, and sleep for days. However, as it was, he only had about eight hours before he was expected to be back at the office. Damn it!

Luckily, Yuuri had given Viktor the code to unlock the door downstairs to allow his access to the upper floors. Once Viktor arrived, dead on his feet, he punched the code in and opened the door when it buzzed. He shuffled up the creaking stairs, past the ballet studio, and up to the third floor where Yuuri and Phichit lived. When he reached the landing, he found that the door was mercifully unlocked and he let himself in. Carefully he took off his shoes and put on a pair of guest slippers, almost falling on his face due to his lack of sleep. He padded as quietly as possible past the kitchen and into the living room. There he found his nephew asleep under the kotasu snuggling a snoring Makkachin. He couldn't help smiling at the sight of his nephew and his loyal dog blissfully asleep and safe.

Viktor decided that as long as Yura and Makka were fine here for the night, then he would be too. There were two bedroom and a bathroom. Viktor had never been in Yuuri's room, so he had a fifty-fifty chance of choosing the right door. He closed his eyes and took a chance on the door located furthest from the living room.

BINGO! He thought as he opened the door quietly and could make out a Japanese flag and a poster of a poodle attached to the wall, even in the dark. Viktor shed his coat, shirt, and tie as he approached the bed. He kicked off the slippers and decided at the last minute to take off his slacks too. Now, only clad in his boxers, Viktor gently crept into Yuuri's bed. He raised the blankets just enough to allow himself access to the warm interior of Yuuri's domain. Happily, Yuuri had a larger bed than Viktor would have thought, and he fit next to the dozing man with room to spare. He gingerly scooted a pillow closer and laid his head on it with a relieved sigh. Sweet God he was tired!

"Hmm? Vitya?" Came a garbled voice.

"I'm sorry solnyshko, I didn't mean to wake you," Viktor yawned. "Do you mind if I sleep here?"

"Of course not," Yuuri sighed sleepily and wrapped an arm around Viktor to pull him closer. "Mmm, that's nice," Yuuri yawned and nuzzled Viktor's hair. "Goodnight Vitya," he said right before he began to snore softly into the Russian's silvery locks.

"Goodnight solnyshko, I love you," Viktor sighed happily and closed his eyes. The last thought he had before sleep took him, was how lucky he was to have Yuuri in his life.

….

Viktor, Yakov, Guang-Hong, and Mayor Sara Crispino were waiting for the press conference to begin. They were in a small side room off of the larger banquette room where the members of the press and a handful of police officers were waiting.

"Does anyone want a bottle of water?" Guang-Hong asked dutifully. During all the commotion earlier in the morning no one had noticed when he had slipped out of the office for an hour or so. Now, he was determined to make sure that everyone thought he had been there the whole time.

"Yes, thank you," Mayor Sara smiled and took the offered beverage. She had been the mayor for little over a year now. The fact that this criminal was still at large in her city was a blight on her impeccable reputation. If she wanted to run for a higher office someday, she needed to get this issue resolved as quickly as possible.

"Thanks Guang-Hong," Viktor said quietly as he took a bottle of water. He had to leave Yuuri's apartment early this morning to get Makkachin home and Yura off to school, before heading to work himself. He would much rather be snuggling with Yuuri or talking to Yuuri or staring at Yuuri or kissing Yuuri or touching Yuuri or on top of . . . he sighed and took a sip of the water, finding that it couldn't quench all of his thirsts.

Yakov who was standing next to Viktor shook his head curtly in refusal of Guang-Hong's offer. "Ready?" Yakov asked as he glanced down at his watch. It was 1:58 pm and Yakov was a punctual man. When he saw everyone nod, he lead the small group through the door and into the waiting sea of ravenous reporters.

….

" . . . is what we intend to do!" Yakov answered the question gruffly with a clenched fist under the table. He was attempting to control his temper and not lash out at every snotty comment from the damn press. Vitya was sitting next to him, looking calm and collected, it made Yakov want to punch his stupid pretty face. He was about to say something less defensive when all the lights, except the one over the front table, suddenly went out.

"My my my, having a party all about lil ol' me and not even bothering to send me an invitation," came a deep sultry voice from every corner of the room. Just then every door slammed shut and locked tight. "How ruuuuude," the voice sounded slightly menacing as it purred out the final word.

"Damn, it's Eros!" Viktor shot to his feet and desperately tried to see into the darkened expanse of the room. He would recognize that husky voice, laced with seduction, anywhere. "You men, fan out and find him!" Viktor commanded the four officers that were standing nearest to the table. "Show yourself!"

"Certainly detective, but first," the voice paused and all the lights went out. "I'd like to give the lovely members of the press a little present," the disembodied voice cooed and the lights above the seated journalists burst into life. "Everyone please lean over and carefully take a look under your seats, but I warn you, don't try to leave your chairs or touch your present" the velvety voice instructed.

A collective gasp broke out across the room as the group of reporters complied and found their 'gift.' One woman from a local popular vlog cried out in terror. Another man screamed and reached for his phone, only to find no signal what so ever.

"You don't like my presents? What a shame," the voice sneered. "But sadly you won't be able to use your phones, wouldn't want anyone to ruin my fun and call for party crashers."

"So Eros, is this what it looks like then?" Chris asked cooly as he huffed and crossed his legs. When he looked under his seat a minute ago he saw wires, blinking lights, and other ominous mechanics that clearly looked to be a bomb of some kind.

"As long as no one tries anything heroic, I promise no one will be harmed," Eros's voice rang out in answer.

"Is it a bomb?" "What do we do?" "Help!"

"We are all gonna die!" "Why?" "What's going on?"

A din of panicked cries from the members of the press filled the air. Viktor pulled out his gun and Yakov followed suit. They were on their feet and headed towards the reporters when the voice came back again.

"Please calm down, I truly mean you no harm! I just needed to speak with you all and this was the only way to ensure that I wasn't captured in the process."

"Well," Chris folded his hands in his lap and smirked. "Here we are, what did you want to say?" He didn't see how screaming and crying would accomplish anything. Chris's instincts were telling him that he wasn't in any real danger anyways. Eros didn't seem the type to harm people, at least, he hadn't so far.

"I need all of the officers to kindly put away your firearms and sit down."

Viktor and Yakov saw no other alternative and reluctantly holstered their weapons and slumped back down onto their chairs. The other police officers around the room took a seat in a few empty chairs scattered along the perimeter of the room and a hush fell over the partially lit space.

"Very good," the voice hummed.

A lone officer remained standing in between the front table and the rows of chairs that held the captive members of the press. His head was angled towards the ground and he wasn't moving. He reached one hand up to his hat, while his other hand clasped his uniform in the center of his chest. A knowing smirk then graced his face in the semi darkness. In one fluid motion he threw his hat off and ripped away the uniform to reveal and shining tight black costume. The figure tore away at a piece of flimsy flesh colored material over his face and let it fall to the ground. He quickly ripped away the trousers and lithely pranced towards the front table.

The minuscule light in the room was still able to illuminate the svelte figure as it approached. Viktor noticed that this time, Eros was wearing a dark black mask over most of his face. His smoldering blood red eyes were visible through the oval openings in the mask and it looked like Eros was wearing heavy eye makeup. If possible, it only served to make the thief more attractive. Eros's lips were stained bright red by lipstick and his hair was slicked back perfectly. Viktor seriously doubted that anyone in the room could deny Eros's obvious charm, dripping with raw sex appeal.

"Hey there detective," Eros winked and struck an alluring pose in front of the table.

Author's Notes:

According to Wiki, Anteros was: "the god of requited love, literally "love returned" or "counter-love" and also the punisher of those who scorn love and the advances of others, or the avenger of unrequited love. Anteros was the son of Ares and Aphrodite in Greek mythology, given as a playmate to his brother Eros, who was lonely."

I was looking for a codename for Yurio and I didn't really like the other forms of love, nothing really fit. I was tempted by the numerous suggestions for "kitten" lol, but I didn't really like the word for kitten in Greek or Russian. SO, as I dug deeper into Greek Mythology, I found Anteros. He was Eros's brother and still a god of a form of love! I felt like it was perfect for my Yurio.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and comments about Yurio's codename.