Trembling hand reaches out to touch the sickening paled face, almost jerking back at the coldness of it. Kaito traces the face, the face that he know every inch of it but now it feels extremely foreign to him.
"I'm so sorry... Even after I've told you to believe me... But he lost too much blood and..." Haibara chokes as she continues to weep.
Shinichi is dead?
Dead?
...
"It can't be..."
"Kuroba-kun..."
"IT CAN'T BE!"
Chapter 21: Choice Made for the Future
Yusaku enters the room to see Haibara standing a few distances from the surgery bed where Shinichi is laying and Kaito with his head buried in the former's neck. The novelist moves to the shrunken scientist to pat her on her shoulder before moving to the magician. "Kaito-kun."
"He can't be dead..." Kaito's voice sounds hoarse as he makes no move to face Yusaku.
"He is."
"He can't be dead!" Kaito shouts. Still not standing back up but his body starts trembling.
"Shinichi is dead, Kaito-kun."
"NO!" Kaito turns out to grab hold of Yusaku's suit. His eyes red with tears. "It can't be... Shinichi can't..." The magician's knees buckle and drops down to the floor.
Yusaku sighs as he kneels down to put his hand on the weeping magician's shoulder. "Shinichi is dead... But there is a way to save him."
Kaito immediately jerks up at the news, even Haibara stops her tears and looks at the novelist. Yusaku just smiles at them before he moves over to Shinichi and takes out the moon pendant. The indigo gemstone is glowing, on and off like a pulse. "Kaito-kun, do you have your pendant with you now?
Kaito nods as he takes out his sun pendant which is glowing too like Shinichi's. Yusaku motions for the magician to come closer to the bed. When he did, the glow on both pendants get brighter. Yusaku places both of the jewellery together as the glow starts to merge and instead of blue and indigo, it turns red. Blood red.
Kaito's eyes widen. "Could... could this be?"
"Yes. The one you have been searching for."
"Pandora... But how... Why?" Kaito looks at the glow. The gem that he had been looking for.
"Toichi actually found it but instead of destroying it, he decided to 'protect' it."
"Protect? Why did he need to...?"
Allow me to explain.
Kaito and Haibara gasp at the female voice that resonates in their mind while Yusaku smiles. "It's been a while, Pandora."
It sure is. Kudo Yusaku.
"What is... happening...?" Kaito places a hand on his temple as he looks at Yusaku who just smiles.
I was once saved by your father, Kuroba Kaito. For centuries, I have been on the run from the hands of the people in black. Those who helped me were able to hear my voice, but all of them died from protecting me against the organisation. I was in despair when they kept me locked up to await the arrival of the comet. Until 20 years ago, your father, Kuroba Toichi found me and had protected me ever since.
"20 years ago? Even before I was born? But then why is Oyaji still going on heist as KID?"
To misdirect the organisation from finding me. To make them think that Touichi had yet found me. After you were born, I did told him to destroy me as I did not wish to bring harm to all of you. But he insisted that he won't kill me, even if I'm just a stone. He told me that I had live enough in misery, he wanted to show me the happiness of living in this world. I did. Those days with Toichi and his family, even with Yusaku's were the best years of my existence. Until one day, Toichi decided to make me into two pendants that will be given to the both of you, Kaito and Shinichi. Exclaiming that the organisation would never thought I will be two jewelleries instead of one.
Kaito turns to Yusaku who give a nod. "I helped Toichi to make it too."
"Then the reason...that Shinichi and I were together..."
Is the love that you have for each other that brought you both together. By no means it is my power that draws you together. You are already in love with Shinichi even before I was given to you. Though I admit that I did some pushing.
"The memories... You showed it to us through our dreams..."
Yes. Though we have hardly met, I love the both of you as much as I love Toichi. As family. He showed me what love is and it hurts me to see you and Shinichi suffer. But I'm waiting for the right moment to reveal the memories to the both of you. I kept them, fearing your young minds have no capabilities of handling the pain of losing Toichi and each other. I am so sorry...
Nobody say anything until Kaito reaches out a hand to touch the pendants and smiles. "Oyaji already accepted you as part of the family, what else can I say? Well, thank you I guess... For watching over us all these years..." He can feel the red glow warming his hand as if saying its thanks. "But what do you mean that you can save Shinichi, Yusaku-san?"
The novelist just smiles sadly before Pandora speaks again.
You are aware of my ability right? Kaito.
"You mean... immortality? But that only works with the comet isn't it? And one must be alive to drink it right? It works for the... the dead as well?" Kaito has a hard time admitting that his beloved detective had passed away, as he holds onto Shinichi's hand.
As centuries have passed, the telling of my power had been constantly altered. Those who drink my blood will gain immortality but it is in my will whether or not I will give it to them. And only with their agreement. If one side of the party did not agree, the process will not be complete. As for the comet, it is true that I will shed the drop of immortality if I am shined against it but it is against my will. And it will end up killing me.
Kaito clenches onto Shinichi's hand as he looks at the detective. "I..."
My power does not work on the dead but I am willing to give my life to bring Shinichi back. It is my gratitude for making me a part of both of your families. All I need now is permission from you, Kaito as Shinichi's soul mate and Yusaku's as his parent. But Kaito, when the process is done, not only Shinichi, you will be immortal as well. This can only work with the both of you doing together.
The magician turns to Yusaku who just smiles at him as he brushes his hand on Shinichi's fringes. "The day me and Toichi made Pandora into the pendants, we have already prepared ourselves if such things ever happen. As parents, we just want the both of you to be happy. No matter what choices you make."
Kaito smiles back as he faces Pandora again. "Alright. I will do it."
Permission granted. Thou shall be granted of your wish.
The red glow floats out of the pendants, forming into a small of liquid ball and float towards Kaito.
Drink some of it and pass it to Shinichi too.
Kaito nods as he opens his mouth to allow the liquid to go in. He can feel some of the fluid down his throat as he leans down to kiss Shinichi, delivering the rest of it to the detective. When the final drop is delivered, Kaito feels his body growing warm and his bones seem to ache all over. Haibara moves over to support him as he pants hard.
Your body is reconstructing itself, it will be over soon. I must say my goodbyes now.
"Pandora..." Kaito feels his vision blurring.
Please live to your fullest, Kaito. Along with Shinichi. Goodbye.
The words echoes in his mind as darkness takes over him.
.
.
.
Feeling a hand brushing his hair, Kaito moans as he yearns for more of the familiar feeling.
"Kai?"
His eyes snap open at the call and they come in contact with a pair of blue eyes. Shinichi's eyes, who looking down fondly at him. "Shin...ichi?"
The detective chuckles as he leans forth to hug his magician. "I'm here."
"Shin..ichi... Shinichi... Shinichi...!" Arms tighten around him as he pats Kaito on the back, trying to calm him. "I thought you are... I thought I will never..."
"I'm sorry you've lost me once... But I am right here with you now. Forever." Shinichi kisses Kaito on his cheek before leaning back and kisses him on the lips.
Lips joining and breaking. Some short, some long but all are longing and filled with love. They lean their foreheads together and just smile at each other. It is then Kaito remembers what happened. "Shinichi... about you..."
Shinichi smiles. "I'm aware of our conditions. Pandora told me everything before she vanishes." He looks down at his pendant.
"Do you... resent me for making this choice? To exchange someone else's life for yours. And the fact that we will be immortal from now on..."
Shinichi grabs hold of Kaito's hands and sighs. "I did." He feels the hands tense as he gives them a squeeze. "Not at you. But at myself for dying. For leaving you."
Kaito wants to retort but Shinichi stops him. "Pandora explained the situation for me and told me not to blame myself. She told me to use this life given to me to its fullest. To be happy with you and our children."
"Shinichi..."
"I love you Kuroba Kaito. For all eternity."
They hug as Kaito chuckles. "I love you too Kudo Shinichi. For all eternity. Literally."
The detective joins the laugh. "Theoretically, we can still die." This makes the magician sits back and gulps at him. "She gave us her ability so we both are sort of Pandora now. We can die too under the same circumstances as what she just did for us. We will stop growing around a certain age which we do not when. And for the comet issue, it works for us too."
"Well, we will think about it when the time comes. But till then I will not allow you to leave me again." Kaito pouts as he leans in to kiss Shinichi on the cheek. "Oh, have you seen the twins?"
"No... I just woke up before I realised you are here unconscious too. How are they?"
"They are gorgeous! Let's go and meet them!"
At the same time, the door slides open and Haibara walks in. She gasps before smiling in relief. "The both of you are finally awake." She moves to them and yelps lightly as Shinichi draws her in for a hug. "K-Kudo-kun?!"
"I'm sorry for scaring you... Sorry for dying..."
"Baka..." She weeps into his shoulder as Kaito too pats her on the head. After a while, she steps back to wipe her tears and smiles at them. "It's been two day since Pandora gave her life to the both of you."
"Two days?! H-How are the twins?" Shinichi asks in panic.
"They are both doing really well. Very healthy I must say. Yukiko-san and Chikage-san are helping with the breast feeding until they are ready for powder milk or solid food. Come on, they miss their parents." Haibara smiles as she motions for them to follow her.
She brought them to the nursery room and towards a crib which the twins are laying in. "We tried to put them in separate cribs but they cried when we did."
The couple leans against the crib as they look at the twin bundles. They both reach out a hand to place them gently on the bundles. Sensing the touch, the twins turn slowly to face them. Their eyes blinking their sleepiness away and look intensively at the couple before them. They make a few more blinks before smiling and make small giggling sounds.
Kaito picks up the pink bundle first and turns to Shinichi. "Christie. Meet your mommy."
Shinichi takes his daughter gently, maneuvering her in his shaking arms to provide a better position as he looks down, this time closer at his baby girl. Her hair are kind of wavy, which definitely inherited from her father but a certain strand stands at the back of her head just like his own cowlick. As for her eyes, they are like his. Blue and alert. Now he has the idea why Kaito loves his eyes so much as he can see it in his daughter's. Christie giggles as Shinichi leans down to kiss her on the forehead.
"Shinichi, meet Conan." The detective turns to Kaito who is currently holding up their son. Conan definitely inherited his silky smooth hair but he too has a cowlick like his at the back of his head. He is just like a copy of Shinichi except for his eyes that are his favourite indigo colour from Kaito. Full of curiosity and joy. Shinichi leans in to give Conan a kiss on the forehead too. Kaito circles an arm around the detective's waist to bring all four of them closer. He kisses Shinichi and grins. "Thank you Shinichi. For giving me a family."
"It's not a one man job. Thank you too, Kai."
Haibara smiles at the lovely scene as she leaves the room in silence, allowing the family to have some bonding while she proceeds to make some calls to the others.
.
.
.
"Shinichi, are you ready?" Ran closes the door behind her as she giggles at the blush on her childhood friend. "I still can't believe that you are willing to do this. Kaito-kun must have worked his magic as usual."
"Tell me about it. The longer I sit here, the more I wonder why did I agreed to do this in the first place. I mean, I don't mind the occasion just this... dressing..."
"Oh come on, you can't quit now. Any girl dies to wear it during this month."
"I rather they don't do that, especially today." The detective points out before speaking in a soft whisper. "But then we will have fewer guests to see me in this if they did..."
"Shinichi!"
"Joking! And about this whole June Bride thing, I think Kaa-san chosen this day because it falls on his birthday. And if one think that they can only be happy just because they marry on this month, then they are idio..."
Ran places a hand on the detective's shoulder to stop him and smiles. "I know you are nervous but you need to calm down."
"Calm down? I am..."
"Shhh... Breathe. Come on, take a breath." After the detective did what he has been told. Ran smiles as she holds out a hand. "It's time." The detective takes her hand and stands up. "I am really happy for you Shinichi."
Shinichi returns the smile. "Thank you Ran. It means a lot coming from you."
"Let's go. He's waiting."
.
.
Everyone stands up as the organ starts to play. Standing on the isle is Kaito, dressed in a full white tuxedo with a blue rose on his chest pocket. His hair is combed back on his left side. He bits onto his lower lip as he can feel his hands sweating. He never gets nervous in any occasions, be it performing or holding a heist. Alright maybe on that day when Shinichi is giving birth but that had more fear and anxiety. But he admits that he is getting the jitters now.
Calm down Kaito. He can see Aoko mouthing to him and giving him a thumbs up sign which makes his eyes roll. But it calms him down a little as he smiles and mouth back a thanks.
The door opens up as the Detective Boys walks out as flower boys and girls with baskets in their hands. They throw blue roses petals as the walk and following behind them is Yusaku and Shinichi. Everyone gasp at the sight of the detective, not in disgust but in surprise and awe. Shinichi is dressed in a white wedding gown, it is layered on the chest area to hide the fact he is a he. Blue roses are dressed on top of his head that connects to his long veil. In his hand is a bouquet of blue roses as his other hand is on Yusaku's arm.
Kaito feels all the nervousness leaving his body as he sees the beauty in his detective. Yusaku smiles at him as he takes his son's hand and joins it with Kaito's. "Kaito-kun. I am entrusting my one and only son to you. Don't disappoint me."
"Tou-san..." Shinichi rolls his eyes.
"I won't, Yusaku-san. Never." Shinichi blushes at the declaration. Yusaku smiles before stepping back and joins Yukiko, Chikage, Agasa and Jii at the first row of benches. In the ladies' arms are Conan and Christie who are now two months old. Almost all people they know from the 1st police division were present. Inspector Megure, Takagi, Satou, Shiratori and others. Some 2nd division are present with Nakamori Keibu in lead along with Mouri Kogoro and Kisaki Eri. Even the FBIs are here. The Detective Boys stand at their respective place, the boys standing with Hattori and Hakuba behind Kaito while the girls stand with Ran and Aoko behind Shinichi. Kaito lifts up the veil and folds it to the back as the couple smiles at each other.
"You look gorgeous Shinichi."
"Thank god cause I can hardly breathe through the corset and the heels are killing me. You look really dashing too Kai."
All the guest settles back down as they await the priest. "Dear families and friends, we are here today to bare witness to the joining of these two gentlemen. If anyone here likes to make and objection, you are welcome to do so."
Somehow everyone just laugh or giggle at the notion. The priest gives a cough before he faces Kaito and continuing. "Kuroba Kaito-san, will you take Kudo Shinichi-san as your husband. Though sickness and all hardships, you will always be with him?"
Kaito smiles down fondly at Shinichi. "I will."
"Kudo Shinichi-san, do you accept Kuroba Kaito-san as your husband. Though sickness and all hardships, you will allow him to be with you?"
"I do."
"Well, since the rings have already been exchanged. You may both kiss each other."
Both of them leans in to complete the vow and the moment their lips touch each other, confetti mixed with blue rose petals burst out from every corner of the church. Everyone is surprised but all have an idea who is behind it as they all applaud. "Congratulation! Kuroba Kaito and Shinichi!"
The newlyweds grins at their families and friends as they proceed to the church entrance for photo taking. Everyone steps forth to give their greeting and wishes while the ladies wait anxiously for Shinichi to throw the bouquet. Ran catches it as she kneels down on one knee facing Aoko who gasps at the action. Everyone quiets down as Ran smiles at her girlfriend. "Nakamori Aoko. May I have the honour of asking your hand in marriage?"
Aoko tears up before leaping forth to hug Ran. "Of course!"
Everyone claps and cheer as Kogoro and Ginzo wipe their tears of happiness as Kisaki pats them both on the back. All of them congrats the couple as they all gather together to have their photos taken.
.
.
.
Giving a kiss on each of the sleeping twins' forehead, Shinichi makes sure their blankets are well tucked before switching off the lights and closing the door.
"They are finally asleep?" Kaito asks as he sits in the living room looking through the congratulation cards and gifts they have received. They are currently in one of the private villa owned by Yusaku in Okinawa. Before the wedding, they have decided not to fly to other countries for their honeymoon as they have children with them. They can do it when the twins are older and they have quite the 'time' for them to do that.
"I swear they are becoming more like you. Always trying to seek my full attention and even for their age, they are mischievous in some ways. Can't imagine what they will be like when they are older." Shinichi settles beside his husband on the sofa and looks through the gifts as well.
"Really? I thought they were more like you. Especially their eyes, so intense and full of concentration. It's almost like you can see them working something out behind those eyes." Kaito puts a arm around Shinichi's waist and draws him closer.
"Then they are like you. Who is always working out some sort of plan." Shinichi smirks as he leans against the magician.
"Well, you and I can't deny the fact that I always have a good plan in mind."
Shinichi gets up and kneels on the sofa, catching Kaito's attention as the magician puts down the card he is browsing through. The detective slides his finger from Kaito's cheek to the jawline and down his neck to his chest, feeling the heartbeat beneath it. "And what plans do you have in your mind now?"
Kaito smirks before he slips an arm around Shinichi's legs and heave him over his shoulder before moving to their room. Shinichi lets out a laugh when Kaito sort of kicks the door open but not too loudly to avoid waking the twins. He drops the detective onto the king size bed before climbing on top and over Shinichi. "How long has it been?" Kaito asks as he hovers his lips over and along his husband's neck before stopping at the ear, giving it a kiss.
Shinichi lets out a sigh as he feels a hand sliding underneath his shirt. He too starts to unbuckle the magician's belt. "Hmmm well let's see... I have the twins for almost exactly nine months... and after that we spent most of our timing planning for the wedding for two months with our mothers forbidding us from having any of this..." The detective licks his lips as he slides the zipper open and tracing his fingers along the bulge. "Looks like someone is really excited here."
Kaito groans as he too teases Shinichi on his nipple as he sucks and nips the collarbone in front of him, making the detective moans. "Then I guess you won't mind me fasten up the pace." With that, he snaps his fingers and both of their garments are gone. They both moan in pleasure as their bare bodies meet each other. They share a kiss while Kaito starts to play with Shinichi's entrance, who gasps at the sensation and at the same noticing that the magician's fingers are already covered with lotion.
A finger prodding at his entrance as if teasing him before stretching open the rings of muscle and enters. Shinichi sighs as he had longed to feel Kaito inside of him, and with this thought, he reaches out too to grab hold of the magician's length. Giving it long and hard stroke, he can feel it getting harder and the groans Kaito make just drives him to make the magician cum at least once first. Shinichi cries out a little as he feels two fingers stretching his entrance while another hand has circles itself around his own throbbing manhood, pumping it. The double stimulations are almost too much for him to handle at the moment that he pauses at his stroking on Kaito's length.
Kaito smirks as he kisses Shinichi. "There there. I know you are feeling real good but you shouldn't slack now."
With that, Shinichi feels the third finger joining and the pumping motion gets stronger. Shinichi cries out before he bites onto Kaito's shoulder and continues his work on the magician's length, this time with both of his hands. Both parties increase the pace of their respective hands. Their pants increase, signalling them the coming of their climax. But they both stop before they reach their peaks. They lean in for a kiss as Shinichi circles his legs around Kaito's waist as the latter enters him. Both sigh when the magician is fully sheathed and with their hands entwined with each other's, they start to move.
The sensation is driving them wild. With every touch and thrust, the heat is back on and increasing. They cannot get enough of it as they repeatedly join again and again. Leaving marks, claiming each other, rides after rides of pure ecstasy and lust.
Looking down at the detective lying beneath him, Kaito smiles fondly as he kisses him. "I love you Kudo Shinichi."
Shinichi chuckles after he returns the kiss. "It's Kuroba Shinichi now. And I love you so much."
They both smiles as the night continues.
TBC...
Haha, looks like I've scared you guys from the previous chapter~ But Shinichi needed to die.
One more chapter to go guys~ Thanks for hanging out with me for so long ^^