Author's Note:My longest chapter ever (beating out the previous record of 4000!). Hope you all don't mind some comic relief.

If your interested in music while reading, play the following: Tenderly, Was, Kurasan, Shadow, Shizuku, Mizu to Densen, and Tentaikansoku. All are DtB OST.

The ancient Greek definition of happiness was the full use of your powers along lines of excellence. - John F. Kennedy

"No, for the last time, I told you I'm not taking that assignment."

"You're broke, you cheapskate. We both are! We haven't had any good jobs for weeks. If you don't take this job I'm going to sue you for sexual harassment." Kiko Kayanuma screeched, ready to lunge out of her comfortable seat on the sunken couch and clobber the lazy, incompetent sack sitting across the coffee table from her. On second thought, she'd rather not damage her nails after a fresh manicure, one which cost her money she could desperately use for some good manga.

Gai Kurasawa shrugged, a smug smile plastered on his easy going face, as always. Sometimes it was infuriating.

"You can't sue me for that, kid. You also know I hate cats." He reached coolly for a cigarette while maintaining her glare, patting the table in frustration when one was not forthcoming. It was then Gai realized he had burned through his entire pack, and he dissolved comically.

"Not again…"

"See? You don't even have enough money to support your disgusting habit." Kiko chattered away while waving her hand in front of her nose. The stench of tobacco had seeped into the furniture long ago, and Gai had never bothered to replace it. "When will we ever get to throw these things away? You scare away clients in a mile radius from the smell of them. That, and your body odor. Ugh, you could use a shower."

Just another gritty day in the heart of this cold city.

Gai dictated to himself, settling back on the couch. They were actually quite comfortable- he had purchased them upon first renting out the small office space. They were something close to valuable because of that, despite better suiting a trash heap.

"Say, don't you have an anime convention coming up soon?" The question cut Kiko's rambling short, and she eyed him with curiosity.

"You remembered?"

"Of course I remember. I'm a top notch detective." Gai grinned, fairly confident the action looked charming, oblivious to Kiko's disgust.

"…Anyway, yeah, it's next week. Why?"

"Why don't you take a vacation to attend?"

"Wait, what?"

"You heard me." He shot back.

"You're asking me to go on leave?" Kiko was incredulous. In their years of work together, this had never happened.

"That's right."

"What's the catch?" Naturally, she was suspicious. His entire PI operation rested on her shoulders; without her charm, drive and wits, it would fail miserably. Not to mention he would smell like death.

"None whatsoever. One week free from here. Whaddya say?" Still, she would not buy it. The opportunity was welcome, but Gai was being far too generous and relaxed about it. He even looked relieved.

"Umm… Okay." Kiko stood, uncertain of how to feel about the development. Rather than continue the awkward exchange, she opted to go outside and get some fresh air. "I'm headed to the store. Want anything? Besides alcohol and cigarettes." She tacked on the last bit quickly, recalling how one time he had neglected to eat because of work and gotten drunk fairly quickly after only one scotch. The vomit stains were… Kiko shook her head.

"Nope, I'm fine. Thanks anyway." He waved at her lazily, seemingly focused on his own thoughts.

"Okay. Be back soon!" Kiko skipped out of the suffocating office, gently closing the door behind herself. She felt a lot lighter with the prospect of a break ahead of her. Still… Gai had been worrying. But maybe she was imagining it. Maybe he had finally learned some manners, and was getting the hang of treating a lady right. These thoughts made her giggle.

My heart aches, but a man has to do what is necessary of him. Leona, it won't be much longer now!

Gai sighed halfheartedly, alight with giddiness. It had all started two weeks ago, when she had stepped into the office complaining about a rent dispute. He had been listening completely, entirely focused on her beautiful face. Okay, maybe not that high up. But damn…

She sucked the breath right out of my tired lungs. That, and some tar. Her hips curved like silk fluttering in a light breeze. She smelled like love. Her eyes, oh her eyes… Eternal pools.

He shivered remembering her features, inch by inch. Eventually, just the sight of her pouted, glossy lips stole his attention. It was too much.

The case hadn't been hard to crack. He had inspected the building, spoken to the grumpy landlord, and interviewed some tenants. In the end, it turned out that a hole by the circuit board in the basement, which he had absolutely no access to but helped himself to anyway, let in a stream of insects, some of which had been interfering with her worn power lines, spiking her electric bill. She had been eternally grateful, and after paying him, he had offered to treat her to lunch on a spur of the moment decision.

Even the city offers an oasis for the perseverant.

The first date, expectantly, had gone great, thanks in no small part to Gai's smooth lines and suave style. Leona was fascinated with him, and kept asking to hear about some of his cases. He obliged, recounting the most exciting and challenging ones, with some minor embellishments here and there. Nothing too wild. By the end, they had both had a hearty meal and plenty of drinks, and both were flushed red, laughing liberally at the smallest of things. In short, it had been the best time Gai had had in years.

It was then that Leona had asked why he was single- that he was charming, funny, handsome, and a string of other compliments that went without saying. He had laughed it off, saying he was dedicated to his work and had never found the right woman, but after he had come home the thought persisted.

"What if I'm in love?" Gai asked aloud. "Could it be? It's a weird thing. Never really bothered with it before."

Suddenly, Gai possessed insight. He felt older. More mature. Hardened, even. A strong man with a tender heart, who had seen the world and what it had to offer. A veteran who sacrificed his personal pleasure for the sake of relieving another's burden. That's what he was. It all felt so right, so true. And it was all thanks to Leona, who had opened his eyes.

"Leona…" The name drizzled off his lips. He wasn't sure if she smoked or drank, but he had committed to cutting those things out of his life. They were crutches. Always had been. Just something to help him along because they were there- it's not like he was addicted or anything. He wanted to be a better man, and for her to see that. Kiko wouldn't understand that, she was too young. He had withheld it and the date from her. No need to raise suspicion; it was all a part of becoming a better man.

Kiko…

They had been partners for years. He remembered when she had just started college, interned for him for the first time. The office and everything in it were still fairly new. He didn't smoke or drink at that time, either. No, he drank coffee. She was still excitable, fresh, full of energy and ready to do some work to get experience and earn that psychology degree.

He remembered the first time he spilled coffee on her when she had burst in without warning as he was leaving. She wouldn't let him live it down for the rest of the week. Then, she had mistakenly assumed he was peeking at her inappropriately (he wasn't, he was reading her shirt), and began to threaten to file sexual harassment. It wasn't his fault she sometimes dressed scantily.

The memories wafted back, slowly, in pieces. They were bite-sized, little delectable slices of happier days when they both still had money. Looking over them, he nodded, suddenly having a new appreciation for their significance. They were partners, whether they ever admitted it or not, and they had grown close over time.

Now, Kiko was an older girl. Almost the age he had started being a police officer. Gai figured he would mark the occasion somehow, throw her a little party for being grown up. It would be a great opportunity to unwind.

I'm starting to think like a dad whose kid is all grown up and ready to leave home.

It was priceless. He didn't think he had it in him. Gai closed his eyes, slowing his breathing. He was asleep by the time Kiko returned from the store.

"Are you still suspicious about me being a generally good guy for giving you a vacation?" Gai grumbled, lightly disappointed she wasn't taking it at face value. He hadn't been totally lying when he offered it.

"Just because I'm asking questions doesn't mean I'm suspicious." She pointed a finger at him, hand confidently placed on her hip. "Isn't that something you always say? 'The truth is never obvious,' or something like that?"

"No, it's 'the truth always lies on the fringe.' Could you at least learn my nuggets of wisdom correctly?"

"Maybe when you start to smell pleasant, or earn money." Kiko grimaced, but he took it in stride. In fact, he had noticed that for the last few days she had become increasingly insulting and snapped more often. He wasn't sure why, but Gai figured it was just a phase and he wouldn't let it get to him. He was too experienced for that.

"Have a nice vacation, Kiko."

"…You never use my first name." She eyed him with surprise.

"So? First time for everything." Gai wheeled around in his chair, burying his face in the local paper and pretending to be engrossed. For the first time in memory, his desk was clean of an ashtray and empty bottles. There were pens in one corner, his business cards stacked underneath, and an air freshener in another. The black phone that sometimes rang, usually with the landlord on the other line, was polished and arranged.

"…See you." Kiko walked out quietly, Gai waving his hand backwards as she closed the door and the office fell silent. It was Monday evening, and the night was fast approaching. Leona would be done with her shift at about this time, and would probably be preparing for their date soon. Gai glanced at the clock hanging on the wall, deciding it would be about time to get dressed and head over to her house. He would still have to pick up flowers along the way.

It's going to be another great day.

Gai started to hum a tune to himself as he gathered his belongings and closed the office for the day.

"Kiko!" Mayuko shouted from across the street, running over to her partner in cosplay and all things anime related. The girls embraced happily, jumping up and down to the amusement of passing pedestrians.

"I can't believe he gave you a leave!" Mayuko pulled back, inspecting her friend from head to toe. "Did you blackmail him or something?"

Kiko laughed nervously. "N-no, nothing like that. You know I don't do that anymore. Actually, it was really weird…"

"Let's talk about it on the way to the convention! I don't want to be late." Mayuko tugged on her sleeve, pulling the two along at a brisk stride. They chatted idly about some of the actors they were expecting to see there, including which booths to hit for certain exclusive collectibles. A bus pulled up, and they hopped on.

"I'm concerned." Kiko mumbled when the two settled down.

"How come?"

"He's been acting different the past week- ever since this one client came in two weeks ago."

"Oh, that's still on your mind?" Mayuko was puzzled. Kiko never talked this much about Gai except when badmouthing him, and she had not once yet expressed worry about her boss. Considering they were about to have a week of fun, it was even more bizarre. "I thought you'd be really excited for the convention…"

"I am!" Kiko stuttered back. "But… I just can't stop thinking about it. He stopped drinking and smoking, and the office doesn't smell so much. He doesn't smell so much."

Mayuko's glasses glinted along with her signature smirk. "I got it."

"Got what?"

Mayuko grabbed her by the shoulders. "…He's in love."

"Whaaaat?" Kiko screeched rather loudly, earning a few exasperated looks.

"Shhh!" Mayuko pulled her closer. "Think about it. That client was a woman, right?" Kiko nodded. "And Gai started acting weird after. Probably all calm and nice and suddenly concerned about hygiene." Kiko nodded again. "And then, out of generosity and a new outlook on life, he gave you this vacation!" She raised a triumphant fist in the air, her deduction flawless. "So make the most of it and enjoy every second!"

"But he must be hiding something. He always does. There's no way he's going to get anything done without me there to solve the cases." Kiko twiddled her fingers.

"What if this convention was a coverup?" Mayuko suggested.

"A coverup for what?"

"Well, what does Gai do after work's done for the day?"

"He usually… Just closes the place and goes home. I'm not sure what he does when he's home, though. I never asked." Openly admitting that to herself for the first time actually struck Kiko with remorse. She silently acknowledged that lately all she had done was chastised her boss needlessly, and in general, never really attempted to understand him or his personal life. It was not a topic that came up, and truthfully, she actually felt like it was a boundary, something she had no permission to ask about.

"You think he's going to see the client again while you're away?"

"…You're right! That would be so like him."

"I think this case is closed." Mayuko adjusted her glasses, offering a sly wink. "Maybe I should become a detective, too, don't ya think?"

Kiko blushed, a little jealous. "Very funny. Let's leave that to me for now."

The two shared a laugh, but Kiko remained uneasy. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't leave it at that. She needed to know for sure.

They arrived at the convention center, the place bustling with life. Many people had opted to come in costume, some of which were extremely convincing. Groups flourished around stands and booths where popular animes, games and mangas were being displayed and items were being sold. A speaker system played a catchy dance tune in the open air as the sound of announcements could be heard in the distance. It was a fantastic atmosphere.

When Mayuko ran over to snap some photos of a cosplayer, Kiko whipped out her phone and dialed Gai's number. She bit her lip as the dialing tone played, over and over.

'Hello, you have reached Gai Kura-'

She flipped the screen closed. Voicemail. It seemed Mayuko had been on to something. Gai would usually answer his phone if she called before midnight, especially on weekdays. She peered at her friend, who was grinning and sucking up the fun.

I'd hate to leave her here alone… But it would be even worse to ask her to come with me. I can't take this away from her.

"Hey, Mayuko." Kiko approached her when she finished. "I'm really sorry about this, but I have to go for today. I can't stay here."

"Why? We just got here!" Mayuko pouted, visibly crestfallen. That didn't make it any easier on her friend.

"It's stupid, but I want to confirm our suspicions, about what you said earlier."

"You'd willingly leave an anime convention to check on your boss?" Mayuko's jaw dropped. "Are you feeling okay?"

"Not really." Kiko blushed, rubbing her arm. "Enjoy your time here, okay? I'll be back tomorrow- we can continue as planned the rest of the week, really!"

"Don't be silly, I'm coming with." Mayuko slapped on her smirk again. It really was a signature move of hers. "I can't leave you alone to unravel this mystery without me. This is starting to sound like the dark, romantic mystery from season 3 of the anime we watched a while back."

"The one with the obsessed lover who went looking for her partner?"

"Yes, the blonde! Oh, it was so cute!" Mayuko squealed.

"Hey, wait, are you saying I'm obsessed?" Kiko's eyes narrowed.

"No no no. But you are looking for your partner!" She teased. Kiko's palm twitched, but she let the temptation to slap her slide.

"So, how do we find our man?"

"Ah… I'm not sure. He's not picking up his phone. Should we check his house first?"

"What, you mean just waltz up, ring the bell, and wait for him to answer it?" Mayuko did her best impression of a deep man's voice. "Hey you two, what are you doing here at this time? Did you drop by to chat, Kiko? Har har har. Well, it was nice seeing you, bye!" When Mayuko finished the excellent impersonation, she noticed Kiko's cheeks were the color of her hair.

"What other options do we have?" She whined.

"You're usually the one with the ideas! So unlike you. Okay, does he have a favorite place he likes to go to? A pub, bar, disco, anything?"

"Not that I know of. We have gone to a certain little restaurant a few times-" Where I saw that really cute guy who ate a boatload, she absently reminded herself, "-but I don't think he would take a date there. Unless his standards are lower than I thought."

"That bad, huh?"

"No, the food is really good! But it's not romantic at all. Kind of dingy, actually. There are better spots to charm a girl."

Hey! If that guy were to take me on a date, where would it be…?

Kiko had seen the man on the streets sometimes, but by the time she worked up the courage to go talk to him, he was always gone. Her stalking efforts ended just about the same. Come to think of it, she actually hadn't seen him for quite a while. It was possible he had moved away, and that made her sad. She really had wanted to get to know him. Regardless-

"I got it!" Kiko was finally starting to get her rhythm back.

"Got what?"

"I think I know where to find him. There's this really great new spot that just opened recently, close by our office. It has a wide view of a park, and it's in a plaza so only people walk around. If someone were to take me on a date- which they should- it would probably be to there." Kiko felt very smug.

"Alright! Then that's where we're going."

The two high-fived and turned to catch a bus when Kiko stopped short.

"Wait… Where's my purse?" Her eyes bugged out, and with dread she realized she had left it in the office. "Oh no…" Kiko moaned. "I paid the bus fare with change from when I went to the store…"

"Don't worry, I've got this!" Mayuko whipped out her own purse, scavenging through the small pouches for yen. There was none. "…Maybe not."

"We both forgot out money?!"

"I am never resorting to that for some quick cash again." The memory floated back to Kiko uncomfortably fresh, the bitter taste still on her tongue.

"Me too." Mayuko gagged, rubbing her throat. "Wasabi is disgusting."

"At least we're here…" Kiko sighed, crouching down behind some bushes and scouting the plaza ahead. Mayuko was huddled next to her.

The plaza wasn't crowded, but there were plenty of people out on strolls or enjoying dinner to liven the place up. Candles flickered warmly on the outdoor tables, where couples chatted and unwinded. The sight of some of the steaming dishes made Kiko's mouth water, as she remembered last eating before leaving the office, and it had only been a snack.

"Look!" Mayuko pointed, speaking low. "There he is!"

Sure enough, the familiar wavy brown hair and square jaw popped into view from around the corner of the plaza. Gai looked relaxed, but he was hard to recognize. Instead of his usual light pants and vest, red dress shirt and brown trenchcoat, he was clad in a sharp black overcoat and matching black suit. Anyone could have easily mistaken him for the typical bijinesuman- businessman working in the offices of the Shinagawa district, one of the many such centers for business.

Kiko had to rub her eyes to make sure she hadn't mistaken him- but the smug smile was hard to miss. Contrary to what they expected, Gai was alone, and walked straight past the restaurants.

"W-Wait, he's not stopping!" Mayuko whispered urgently. "We've gotta follow him!"

The two stumbled out from behind the bushes and did their best to slip behind him without notice, maintaining a walking distance of at least fifteen seconds. All the while, Kiko found herself flabbergasted. For once, Gai looked like an absolutely normal and respectable man, and she was finding it hard to believe. Then, he ran a hand through his hair, rolling his shoulders as he did so.

That's so odd… He's never done that before.

Mayuko nudged her in her stomach. "Where do you think he's going?"

"Probably to pick up his date! What else?"

"I wonder how she looks…"

"Tall, curvy, and bu-"

Kiko froze, noticing at the last second Gai had stopped to pick up a passing woman's dropped phone and they had wandered dangerously close to him. The blood drained clear out of both girl's faces as they wordlessly scrambled behind the nearest thing they could find- a thin tree.

The lady in question was also with a friend, and both giggled as Gai smiled at them and offered the phone back. They were blushing like schoolgirls, whispering to each other about the dashing gentleman when he resumed his walk down the street.

"That was a close one…" Mayuko exhaled in relief. Kiko, however, was short of sweating the green tea she had drank earlier. "Geez, calm down. He didn't notice us!"

Mayuko dragged the unresponsive girl by her hand as Gai started to slip out of sight again.

Ah, what a relief.

Gai felt about five pounds lighter after having relieved his bladder and returning to the table where Leona and him had just finished dinner. Every time he looked her over in her sultry black dress that teased his imagination, his heart skipped a beat. Leona's curly brown locks fell across her shoulders like smooth drapery that framed and hid her pretty face. An intricate charm of a curling leaf hung from a silver necklace on her neck, which looked positively delectable. She was so inviting, easygoing and… Everything.

How did I ever luck out with a girl like you?

"Are you daydreaming already?" Leona's gentle voice settled in his ears, comforting the deepest reaches of his soul.

"I just can't get over how amazing you are." Gai admitted, almost drowsy. It might have been the alcohol, but he was certain it was just her presence.

"Oh, stop making me blush." She giggled, holding her hand up to her mouth.

"No, it's true! You're an oasis in the desert of my heart, Leona. I thought I saw it all, but I was wrong." He leaned forward, taking her hands to her delight. "Someone like you comes along once in a lifetime."

"You say the most romantic things." She cooed. "Why don't we go for a walk? I want to feel the night breeze and rest in your big, strong arms." Leona lowered her eyelids seductively, and he couldn't possibly say no. Nothing in the world could make him deny the request.

"As you wish." Gai raised her small hand to his lips, planting a gentle kiss and reveling in its smoothness.

"What is he doing here?" Kiko peered around the corner, Gai locked clearly in her sight. He had turned onto a smaller, empty street and was headed towards a small canal. Against the old warehouse to his left and cranes across the stream, he was out of place.

"I told you it's like season 3!" Mayuko barely contained herself. "What if it's part of the plan? To meet his date here? It's so isolated, dark and kind of romantic!"

"Mayuko, have I ever told you you're a little crazy?"

"I'm sure you've mentioned it a few times."

"You're crazy."

"Noted! What's he doing?"

"Just…" Kiko squinted, edging a little closer. "Leaning on the railing, staring up at the sky." Mayuko gasped, jiggling around excitedly. "Kiko, I never knew your boss could be so attractive!"

What if I had been wrong about him all this time…?

The idea floated into her mind unexpectedly.

What if, somewhere along the line, we had just gotten into one too many misunderstandings…? Why didn't I ever bother to get to know him better? Where did all those ambitions go when I first joined? And the promise…

'Hey, Kiko.'

'Yes?'

'One day, we'll crack Tokyo's greatest case.'

'Really?'

'Yeah! You and me, understood? It's a promise.'

'You got it!'

They had locked their pinkies together. She had almost forgotten about the event, it was so long ago. That was back when she was still pursuing a degree in psychology.

Heh. So much for that.

"Kiko, look!" Mayuko's voice snapped her attention back to Gai, who had turned part way to speak to someone on his left. The figure was taller than Gai by quite a bit, mostly because of his black tophat which was paired with a red trench coat- an unusual combination. Even with the relative silence around them, Kiko had to tiptoe forward and strain her ears to make out their conversation.

"…seen her?" The man asked in a quiet drawl.

"No, it's hard to tell. She doesn't use her powers often and changes her appearance regularly." Gai informed him with some personal regret. "Hard to track that."

"Keep looking. Our sources nailed her down to this district, and are positive she will be out and about tonight based on her recent activity."

"Got it. What about that incident last week?"

"What of it?"

"Why the bloodbath with the shooters?"

"To send a message. I spared the woman, but I'm sure Brita will think twice before trying that again."

"Seemed a little excessive."

The man shrugged. "What can I say? It's not often I'm given liberty to dispose of enemy combatants."

"Whatever suits you. I'm sure it's better than doing recon. Why can't we just use some Dolls to find her?"

"Because she has her own, and it would inform her if we were spying. It's easier to do it manually with you- she won't know what to expect."

"I don't know… So far, she seems to be staying perfectly calm."

"We'll change that soon enough. Where'd you get the look from?"

"Some guy I passed on the street. He was sleeping on a bench, and I actually kinda liked his facial structure."

"I hope that doesn't mean what you made it sound like."

"Shove it, I told you I'm straight. Part of the job is to blend in, and I have to choose carefully to be easily forgettable, or alternatively, have the option to frame someone else."

"And you think I'm cruel for cutting up some shooters- framing innocent people? Tsk tsk."

"We're Contractors, aren't we? Benefitting humanity isn't part of the deal."

Kiko's blood ran cold. Contractors. She had heard the term before, in reference to people with specialized abilities that they gained from the appearance of the Gates. And from the exchange… The two men she was staring at were exactly that.

"M-Mayuko…" Kiko trembled, hands fumbling to hold onto the other girl. "I don't think that's Gai." Mayuko was stone stiff and speechless.

Did we just overhear the details of an underworld crime?!

Kiko's head screamed with urgency, one being to bolt out of there as fast as possible and the other to alert whatever agency could deal with serial killers with superhuman abilities.

"L-Let's get out o-of here." She stammered, but her legs would not move. Instead, they only shivered uselessly.

"K-K-Kiko!"

The girl looked up, her heart nearly stopping when her eyes met the impersonator of Gai and the other man staring straight at them. The man smiled and began walking towards them.

"No need to hide, dears, you can come out now!" He called to them, a maniacal grin spreading across his pale face.

"You're a little adventurous, huh?" Gai chuckled. "Dark, empty streets?"

"Yes, I trust in you to protect me." Leona beamed at him, hanging lovingly onto his arm. "The best view is away from the streets, where it's dark. I love the stars very much."

"If it makes you happy." His chest fluttered. In that moment, however, a pained shriek filled the air, and it sounded disturbingly familiar.

Gai shook his head, resolving to find out after coming to the rescue. "Leona-" She nodded when he glanced back at her, understanding that it was his responsibility to investigate. They sprinted towards the source of the sound, rounding a corner to a little alleyway that led to a canal.

"Kiko?!" The pink hair was unmistakable, and she was running straight towards them with Mayuko in tow. They had an assailant chasing them, dressed in a red trench coat and wielding swords, and-

What the hell?

A man that looked like a carbon copy of himself.

"Shit." Leona pressed her finger to her ear, revealing a small earpiece. "Jonas, it's him, the operative! We're by the canal, contact Ariel and Bernice immediately! We need her here to pull us out!"

It all happened so fast Gai's head was spinning, but in that moment he had to focus on getting the four of them to safety.

"Follow me!" He hollered, spotting a rusted door that led into a warehouse. It gave with a hard kick, and the four of them scrambled into its dark interior as Kiko and Mayuko caught up, half out of breath. The man in the red trench coat was closing fast. In another three or four seconds he would be upon them.

Leona tugged on his sleeve, guiding them deeper into the warehouses' interior despite the total darkness. They had just barely managed to hide behind a stack of crates when the man stepped through the doorway, the pound of his boots against the concrete audible to their now hyper-sensitive hearing. He made no effort to hide, in fact, openly sending a booming cackle echoing between the aluminum walls.

"Kiko- Kiko, are you alright?" He gripped the girl's shoulders tightly, trying in vain to make out her features; she squeaked a 'yes.'

"Leona-" He turned to her, but she pressed her hand to his mouth.

"Don't speak. Let me handle this." Gai could only make out from the little noise she made that she had pulled out something from beneath her dress. She heaved it over them, sending it clanging across the floor, nearly deafening in the silence.

"Smoke grenade." She whispered before pushing herself up. "Follow me."

Sure enough, a thick cloud of gas wafted outwards from the canister, hissing, as the group moved on to another stack of crates and equipment. In seconds, the cloud had expanded to a thick fog many meters wide that was impossible to see through.

"Leona, what's going on?"

"I don't have time to explain." She answered curtly while guiding them with outstretched hands to avoid bumping into anything. The warmth in her voice was gone- she felt like an entirely different person that Gai was less and less familiar with.

"You're not really a bartender, are you?" Gai interjected, grabbing her waist. She spun around forcefully, throwing his hand off.

"No, I'm a Contractor, and if you want to stay alive, you'll shut up and do as I say. The man that wants to cut us to pieces is an agent of an intelligence organization and he is lethal. I am not prepared to face him alone, and neither are you." All the while Kiko and Mayuko stumbled behind them, entirely silent. Now, they froze up, their worst fears confirmed.

Gai stood in place, stunned. Within a minute his entire magical night had been shattered and his commitments had been turned on their heads. Everything… Had been a lie.

"A… Contractor?" He thought he heard her snicker.

"…Don't take it so hard. It's nothing personal. You're not really my type anyway."

The bitter words cut through Gai like steel, and suddenly his body was very cold. The Contractor behind them faded from his thoughts. All that he could do was repeat the words to himself, over and over, as his dreams burned back to the earth.

Nothing… Personal… Not really… My type.

He stood transfixed, an inexplicable bubbling feeling rising in his throat. He wasn't really sure what happened next, but faintly recalled some words came out of his mouth.

"Will I ever see you again…?"

"Probably not."

"…I love you, Leona."

The single, remaining thought dominated his heart and soul. It was a tiny feather, fragile, the last memory of Leona in his mind. He nursed it carefully, for it represented everything she was and had been, including the two weeks of his life, including tonight, where he felt years younger, like anything was possible again. He wasn't ready to let go of that or face the fact that he had been living in an illusion. It hurt too much, and he knew the moment he stopped believing in her it would crush him into oblivion.

Something soft touched his lips. It was warm and sweet, like the breath that caressed his cheek not so long ago. A single wet tear followed it, but he wasn't sure if it was his or hers. They mixed together into a mellow final kiss. It didn't really matter.

"Leona…?" He whispered. No response. She was gone.

"I'm afraid not, handsome." A new feminine voice reached his ears, a hand planted on his shoulder, and his stomach dropped as the ground disappeared beneath his feet.

He was really depressed after that.

Kiko sighed, stealing a sidelong glance at her boss as he sat, unmoving, in his chair.

When he woke up, he was disoriented at first. He asked how long he had been out, and started telling me how he had the weirdest dream before stopping himself. The incident crept back.

He was back to drinking and smoking, but the cheer and detective edge had left him. He was just tired all the time, never wanting to do cases… I wanted to approach him, to talk to him and try to console him, but I didn't know what to say. It didn't feel appropriate, to intrude upon that very intimate memory of his.

I realized that because he hadn't told me about the budding relationship to begin with.

Mayuko offered her condolences afterwards. She was scared half to death for the next few days, but eventually it passed and it became something of a legend that she hinted at to our friends. Of course, we had agreed to never actually tell anyone the full details.

As for Gai… Well.

"Hey, boss."

"…?" He hardly grunted.

"I can't bear to see you like this."

"…"

"Look, there was no way you could've known." Kiko began uneasily, not sure what would be right to say. But as she let go of her inhibitions, the words flowed freely of their own accord. "So what that she was a Contractor? You loved her, and that's what mattered. In the end, you were a man until the very end, even in the face of danger. A woman couldn't ask for anything more noble." Kiko stood, stepping closer to Gai and resting her hand on her heart which had begun to throb.

"Maybe one day you will see her again, and you two can have a proper ending. Maybe it'll be a new beginning- who knows? Before she stepped into the office, you were shuffling along just fine without her, so this can't be the end for you- for us. We made a promise, long ago… To solve Tokyo's greatest case. And I can't do it alone."

She was standing by him now, close enough to touch. For a split second, she reached out to touch his shoulder, but her hand recoiled at the last moment.

"Please, Gai…"

Silence descended upon them for a few moments, before Kiko finally whispered. "Besides, she kissed you, so maybe it wasn't all a lie after all…"

Gai finally spoke, voice almost raspy. "I wish I could have looked in her eyes when that happened. Just one more time. I wanted to see her while I told her I loved her." Gai looked up at Kiko, whose eyes were watering, a wavering smile on her face. She nodded, stepping backwards and pulling out a small envelope from behind her back and planting it on the desk.

She turned and left the office without another word.

Gai stared at the envelope for a tense minute before tearing off the top and emptying its contents on the table. A small, silver necklace with an intricate leaf slithered out. He gulped, reaching for the necklace when a thought occurred to him.

It was pitch black in the warehouse… How did Kiko know Leona kissed me?