Deception

by LostInTheMystery

CONTINUATION OF MANIPULATION: Caught in the middle of chaos from old and new wounds, companions erase lines and battle shadowy figures in the dark with the faces of friends- friends out for blood. - Conan and Heiji as co-main characters - M for violence.

36. Wine, Women, and Song

SOOOO sorry this took so long. Looking over some of the more non-action chapters, as well as writing them and getting everything I want in my normal life done... it has been taking a while.

I will try and not let it go more than two months before posting a chapter. I'm sorry about that, again

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Chapter 85: Wine, Women, and Song

Saguru was confident in the measurements and ratios. "This mixture is quite durable though it may feel awkward at first." He took the mold he had made and set about pouring the viscous liquid into it. He had already added some coloring to it and had intended to ask either Kaito-k-Kaito or one of their mothers to do any touch-ups.

"It's fine." Shinichi became used to glasses fast enough. This would be no different. He didn't see how he could be wearing a prosthetic so soon anyway against healing skin but if K2 wanted to try anything, he wasn't above it.

Saguru turned to Kudo and motioned to the bandage. "May I?"

"Go ahead." He didn't really care. Being visually appealing to someone else, aside from basic clothing, wasn't something he cared much about. That was why he had short hair. He never needed to take care of it for it to lay he way it did.

Saguru put the gloves he had been using down and knelt to eye level, carefully removing the bandages. There was still some scabbing that would need to be washed off but the rest was closing in nicely. "I know you had little time for this to be tended to once we left the first hospital but it is actually healing very well. I would like it cleaned once more before I apply it and, while this one will by no means be permanent, it will be fixed on so it will keep the wound covered while it continues healing without impeding treatment."

Shinichi leveled a look at him. "I said go ahead. That means just go ahead with whatever you want to do." He closed his eyes simply because he was bored now. It had been interesting for a while but that had been in the creating and watching K2. He could care less about the subject now.

Saguru did not bother with the nod as he had closed his eyes and simply reached for some supplies. After cleaning off the area toughly and disinfecting it, he wiped it dry and reached for the two items still in the bag. One he had found most embarrassing to purchase while the other was more a placeholder while the gel set. After placing a few pieces around the opening, he carefully pressed the temporary form to his head, bracing it with his hand. "That will suffice for the next 36 hours while the gel sets."

It didn't feel all that funny. In any case, it would only help- like the glasses which were in his room. He had gotten sick of caring them but they were close if he needed. "Thanks. You really didn't need to go through at the trouble. We're supposed to be relaxing, not working."

Saguru shook his head. "This type of this is how I would relax." He stood and started cleaning up, placing the mold in the fridge as he glanced at Kudo. "Should I worry that Hattori or Mouri-san will try to eat this?"

Shinichi couldn't help laughing. That was either an authentic question or he had just heard the guy make the first joke he had heard from him- ever.

Saguru shut the fridge and looked over. He had only been half serious but the reaction it had elicited made him unable to keep from smiling. "That is a no, unless you were picturing their face upon tasting it."

"I was picturing them trying to eat it." Shinichi smiled, looking up at him. "Now that that's done, what do you want to do? I spent my time with Ran the other day and, while it's nice and everything, I was thinking of just going out, maybe finding something less sedentary to do."

Saguru gathered the last of his things into a few of the bags as he thought about it. "I had thought to take Watson outside for a bit later today, though we have time if wish. Did you have something in mind?"

"Nothing in particular. Take him out then before it gets to late. You can never trust him in a new environment, especially when the sun goes down." Shinichi stop himself from wanting to touch the side of his face and turned to go find something to do. It was nice to have his books back.

"Let me know if you wish to join. I did promise I would teach you." Saguru called before heading upstairs.

Eri was growing tired of remaining in the house. Without work to do she found she had no real interest in being alone, and Yukiko was too much for her, even on a normal day. With a call to her bank and some arrangements she set up a money transfer for herself and headed out. She liked to set her own pace and Ran would have more fun with those her own age than going browsing around town with her.

Yusaku looked out the window of the library and could see Kaito-kun and Saguru-kun, the later on the beach. While it wasn't the ideal moment, there were two of them now and he folded the novel closed, the only placement he needed was the page number in his head. Leaving the quieter room he ventured out into the sun, needing to shade his eyes as he smiled at the two on the patio deck. He wore his sandals out and trod to where Saguru-kun was standing. Now all he had to do was work his way back. Hattori-kun wasn't far either and he'd check with a few others as well. "Saguru-kun." He'd noticed what the boy was doing and the reason his eyes were turned upward. "You really should wear sunglasses if you're going to do that."

"It is brighter here then I am use to, though I do not want to impede my depth perception." Saguru let out a whistle and raised his left arm for Watson's return.

"I don't think it would effect it too terribly and you're eyes sight is more important than a matter a few feet in judgment, don't you think?" Yusaku took a step back so as not to confuse the bird while it returned to its caretaker. "I also have a question for you if you are not too busy."

Saguru nodded as he took on the added weight. Where just a couple days ago, he could not have lifted his arm this high on its own, now, it was nice to have Watson settle on it with no need to consciously adapt. He stroked the feathers as he addressed Kudo-san. "What is it?"

"I found it enjoyable enough to do with my son and, considering he can not participate at the moment I wanted to see if you and a few others would like to go to a firing range with me? It would have to be in a day or two, of course. All of you would need to attend a class for a few hours since I doubt any of you have permits, but once you pass that I'm sure my friend will let us have a few hours to ourselves."

"I would." Saguru looked over. "I had one for hunting though obviously in England and not under my new name."

"That'll be fine. You'll give your information over and the actual permit won't come for a few weeks. I'll see who else would like to come and see what time the classes." Yusaku excused himself, pausing to look back. "This may take some time. Will you still be out here?"

"For another half hour. After that I have to go in and make a call." Saguru looked back. "If you would, it would be less suspicious coming from you if you ask Kaito and Aoko-san to dress somewhat formally."

"I do not think that, even coming from me, going to a class like this is a viable excuse but I will attempt to stretch it." Yusaku didn't ask for what reason. He went over to the two sitting on the deck, knocking the sand from his sandals. "I'm asking you both this. I'm setting up a small event, which wouldn't take very long except for the preparation. Are either of you interested in go to a firing range?"

Kaito opened his eyes to the sun, shutting one of them. Go shoot a gun with a bunch of other people at a piece of paper? It did sound kinda fun but not overly exciting. He almost laughed when the guy had said both of them. Aoko liked to draw, not fight. While she was somewhat like her father, it was in personality only. "Maybe."

Aoko was shocked at the question. "Me too?" She looked at Kaito then back.

"Yes, you as well, Aoko-chan. I see no reason why I should differentiate between the males and the females. My wife would be insulted if I did." Yusaku smiled to the girl. "Of course I will ask permission from your father first but I need to know if you wish to come along."

Kaito looked away from Aoko, letting her decide. He just watched the beach. He didn't really care though he doubted she'd go for it.

Aoko shook her head a bit. "That's OK. I'm fine with a mop."

"It would be for entertainment, not to learn how to protect yourself, but very well." Yusaku left them, not wanting to bother the other children while they were having fun. He'd ask Mouri-kun and see if any of the others wanted to go as well.

Kaito didn't like just sitting there. He was happy but... Looking at Aoko he smiled. "Hey, I gotta go the bathroom and do something. See you after?"

"OK." She smiled at him before looking over at the things Kuroba-kun was doing with Watson. Outside, you could really see Watson's abilities and Kuroba-kun's as well.

Kaito tapped her on the shoulder as he got up. It was easy to see where her eyes were. "Go on. I think he'd like showing off anyway."

"Maybe." She wasn't too sure about going over with Watson circling so close to him. She didn't want to be a distraction... or a target.

"Not maybe. Go." Kaito pulled her up a little, urging her up while he went inside to go to the bathroom.

Aoko walked slowly toward them, watching the bird circle and turn with each sound. Sometimes he used words, other times whistles, and sometimes she didn't hear a thing and Watson turned sharply or dove.

Saguru was glad he had worked on simple motion. Being outside, he was able to test it in a larger environment and Watson was taking the motions even after he stopped using any sort of verbal command. He looked over his shoulder when Watson had dove to skim the air above him and heard a gasp. "Aoko-san." He looked back up and a whistle brought Watson banking in mid air and circling to land. "I had not realized you were coming over here. I had not intended for you to be startled."

"That's OK." Aoko looked at Watson as he landed on Kuroba-kun's arm. She wasn't sure what to say now and just shook her head. "Keep going. I didn't mean to make you stop."

Saguru nodded and sent Watson up, putting him through a few more tricks and even sending him to perch on the railing before coming at them low to take a piece of meat he had tied with a string and swung for him to catch.

Kaito went to the bathroom, washing his hands as best he could, and going out the front door instead of the side. He kept walking once he was out, sighing. He couldn't relax around others and he didn't know why. Even strangers were too much so he kept going, trying to find where there weren't a butt load of people.

Yusaku came back out. He had a list now though it would be too late today and the others were busy, so signed them up for a class the next day, sans Hattori-kun, since he hadn't had the chance to speak with him. He came back out and over to Saguru-kun to inform him that he could stay out and about with his hawk. He had not gotten a real answer from Kaito-kun but the boy seemed to have vanished. "Saguru-kun, the classes will take place tomorrow but I'm afraid I didn't make your arrangements. If you want I can try again later."

"That would be fine with me," Saguru said as Watson came toward them.

"So long as it doesn't interrupt anything." Yusaku smiled to them, letting the kids be by themselves. The bird, though, was a beautiful creature out in the open compared to his only views of him being in the cage and the small time it had free roam of his hospital room.

Aoko watched Kudo-san leave before looking at Kuroba-kun, who had turned toward the house. "Is something the matter?"

Saguru shook his head. "Watson has been more or less cooped up for a week and, while I want him to exercise, too much is not good after that length of time. I'm going to get him some water and let him have a breather."

Aoko nodded. "OK, not pushing him too much." 'Even if you all do that to yourselves.'

Saguru went into the house, Aoko heading off while he took Watson up to the room he had been in and watered him. Returning downstairs, he headed to the front room, seeing Mouri-san changing the channels still. "That will not help. A majority of these channels are in English."

Kogoro huffed and threw the remote down. "How's that help me? Can't understand a thing they're saying."

Conan smiled, still reading his book. "You have to expect language barriers when you go to another country. I doubt many would even understand you if you went outside."

Saguru nodded. "Learning foreign languages are beneficial. English especially. If you ask, they may have movies or shows in Japanese that you could watch, rather than local shows."

"Of course we do. It's my mom." Shinichi felt the need to make it clear again just who his family members were before speaking to Occhan again. "Watch what you pick though." He turned the page in his book. "Ask my mom." He and his dad didn't usually touch the movies here. Most of the ones they had, had her in it anyway. He'd seen several so much he could quote the whole thing.

Kogoro grumbled a bit because he'd have to go find her, but if he could watch something in proper Japanese, fine.

Saguru watched him leave and looked down at Kudo. "I had thought it odd at the Agency but is that really all he does between cases?"

"No," Shinichi said as he looked up at K2. "He drinks too."

Saguru shook his head and looked back to where Mouri-san had headed. "I had though that he and your father had done that as a relief." He turned back to Kudo. "I have a phone call to make and I suppose you can handle him well enough."

"It's not as if he needs much watching and Ran's around here somewhere." Shinichi waved him off. "Go do whatever you want. You don't have to look out for him or me or anyone."

Saguru walked outside to the porch and pulled out his cell. After making the arrangements he hung up and smiled. It was something he was certain they would both enjoy.

Ai took a stifled breath. Great. She'd gotten out of bed all of once and it was enough to tell her that she wasn't feeling well. Since she'd woken up so late she'd simply made a sandwich, used to being independent. The room was so warm though and everything so stuffed that she hoped the illness wouldn't linger. Her feet touching the carpet as she got out of bed to get something to drink made her notice how weightless she felt. She was careful then to use the handrail when she went down the stairs. She opened the fridge and noticed they had a very small selection, likely due to their unexpected visit. She took the milk, which felt to heavy for her and put it on the table, pulling out a chair to get a glass.

Chikage looked over at the little girl and saw how tired she looked. She reached up, grabbing a glass and shaking her head. "I suggest you get back to bed."

"Okay." Ai took the glass back and just used the chair to get up on the table and pour the milk. She got back down and put it away before going back to the glass and reaching for it instead of getting up on the chair, hesitant to lower it to herself at the table height but she didn't care. She had to reach her other hand up to steady the glass, just drinking it here. It would be better than having to come back down to put the glass away.

Chikage went back to cutting the chunk of brick cheese and cucumbers. Putting a few slices of each on a paper towel, she turned. "Here. This is light but it's something."

"Thank you." Ai finished what was left or most of it before putting the glass down and accepting the food. "Can you put the glass in the sink for me?"

Chikage nodded and took the glass, rinsing it out. "I suggest you stay upstairs in bed for the rest of the day. I can bring up something at supper."

Ai nodded simply out of seeming like she was listening. She was planning on going back to bed anyway. She left the room, eating a piece of the fruit and grateful for it, going back upstairs to her room. She had to get better because Kudo-kun had a way of getting into trouble, even when he wasn't left alone.

Chikage smiled sadly. She finished up and laid everything out on a platter, calling out to Shinichi-kun since he was sitting right there. "If you want to have something light, you may want to take some now before anyone else gets here."

Shinichi looked up. Mouri hadn't gotten back yet and Saguru-kun was off making his phone call. He got up and went into the kitchen, looking at the snacks. "Can I have a plate with enough for three?" It was far easier for her to reach then he and she already had the food out.

Chikage nodded and loaded a plate. "There. I'll leave it here if you see anyone else come in. I'm going to find out where some of the others are."

"Okay." Conan took the plate and went back into the living room, putting it on the table. He got first share before going back to his book.

Saguru returned to the house and saw the food on the coffee table. "I thought Hattori took more than enough food."

"Huh?" Conan looked up from the book. He didn't know what K2 was talking about but he wanted to get back to where he left off. "Your mom made that. Have some. It looked like she had a lot more."

"Ah. With the platter over there, I had thought you intended that for yourself." Saguru walked over and sat, taking some of the lunch for himself. As he ate, Mouri-san returned with a stack of tapes and a huge grin.

"HA! Found a bunch of movies to watch. Oh, lunch." Kogoro piled the movies by the TV, shoving one into the player before going over to grab the plate and sitting in the chair.

"Occhan that's for all of us and if you don't put it back and just take a few I'll tell Ran," Shinichi warned. He knew the man had no fear of him but the fear of his daughter was enough.

Kogoro looked over with a piece in his mouth and another in his hand, looking around quickly before sliding it carefully back onto the coffee table.

Shinichi nodded, going back to the book. K2 hadn't had much and he reached over, getting a piece of cheese since it was closer and turning the page as he ate it, hoping he'd be mentally able to drown out whatever movie it was.

Chikage looked into the library and saw Kudo-san reading. "Like father like son. Think you can tear yourself away long enough to come have some lunch?"

Yusaku smiled and put the book down. He was nearly finished with it in any case and the ending wasn't as engaging as he had anticipated. It was far too predictable. "That sounds wonderful." He got up. He hadn't had much time to finish it but he'd get to it again later tonight, engaging or not. He didn't like to stop a book halfway. He walked out with her, going to grab something to eat.

Chikage motioned to the platter. "I'm going to see who else is hungry." She headed off and found Asano-sensei who nodded and headed off before catching the sound of laughter and going out back to find Yukiko and most of the others outside by the swimming pool. "Lunch is ready."

Kazuha laughed, swimming away from Heiji. He could be really fast in the water too but only when he cheated and kicked off the floor could he keep up with her. She swam to the side of the pool, hearing the word 'food' and feeling how hungry she was from swimming and/or running away from Heiji.

Heiji grinned and grabbed the side of the pool, pulling himself out and grabbing one of the towels Kudo's mom had brought out. "Ya comin' or not?" He asked Kazuha. They'd been the only ones still in the water since the other two had climbed out to lay in the sun and were already on their way to the house. "I don' wan' there ta be nothin' left."

Kazuha didn't succeed in stopping him. She laughed and got out on the side with him, ignoring the latter. "Ya better not eat all of it, Heiji. Yer gonna get so fat ya won't be able ta run away no more!" She wanted to catch up to Ran-chan too. She felt kinda bad Kudo-kun hadn't gotten in the water but his mom was really kinda fun.

"Like that'll never happen. Face it, Ojisan ain't an' he eats more 'en me." Heiji wrapped the towel around his waist and headed in, going for wherever the food was left.

"Yeah right," Kazuha said under her breath. "So he kin eat enough fer twenty and ya can only eat enough fer eight. That's still way too much food." She dried herself off, putting her hair back up in a tie so it wouldn't get her wet all over again and followed him inside. It was better Heiji ate more right now anyway. Somehow he could pull it off and never gain a single pound.

Ran stepped back when Hattori came over, knowing he was almost as bad as her dad. She saw Aoko-chan coming over and smiled but the look she gave her seemed off. She looked at everyone there before walking over to them.

Kazuha came up behind Ran. "Come on. We kin take a plate outside an' eat by the water."

Ran nodded. "Sounds good." She looked at Aoko-chan who was filling a plate. "Aoko-chan, what to join us?"

Aoko looked over at the two of them and nodded. She hadn't seen Kaito since he went in the house so she had to guess he'd taken off again.

Nakamori came in from where he'd been wandering outside, seeing a big chunk of the rest of the people were swarming the kitchen. He saw his daughter going off with the other girls and looked at Kudo-kun's wife. "Thanks for taking care of the kids."

Yukiko flashed a bright smile. "It's more fun outside when others are with you so I don't mind." She held up her plate. "Make sure you get some."

Chikage came down the stairs, not finding Kaito or Kisaki-sensei. She smiled at Yukiko's comment. "I can make more."

Yukiko waved a hand. "The breakfast eaters said the first round was best." She turned to go outside and relax in the shade, not wanting the cheese to get hard under the sun.

Nakamori took some of the food, seeing as Chikage was the one who had prepared it. "I can help you cut some up if you need it." It was easier to do them both at the same time and something as simple as this wasn't a problem for him.

Chikage smiled. "That's alright. After me, the only ones that haven't gotten any are the two that aren't here. They can fend for themselves or wait for supper. Hattori hinted we might get Saguru to make it."

Nakamori smiled. "I didn't know the kid could cook." He took a few of the pieces, more cheese than cucumber, and looked at her. "You cut them up but did you eat any?"

"I had a few of course and gave some to Ai-chan. She's not feeling to well, so she's back in bed to rest." Chikage looked at him with a small smile.

Nakamori huffed and made sure there was some still on the plate. "Well have more or they'll go to waste." He walked into the living room while the others were outside. He didn't mind being with the girls but it was hot out there and he preferred to be inside on days like this. Mouri-kun had some movie on so this seemed fine.

Saguru looked over as Nakamori-ojisan joined them. He nodded, finishing the last piece he had taken.

"Hey kid." Nakamori sat down next to Saguru-kun, close to the end. He would have liked the armrest but he preferred the kid over the distance. "Heard you might be making dinner."

Saguru looked at him then at Kudo. "When did you tell the others?"

"I didn't," Conan said, putting the book down with a smile. "When he said that I thought you did."

"I had not said anything about it since you asked." Saguru looked over at the inspector.

Nakamori shrugged. "Heard it from you're mom because Hattori-kun had said something."

"I didn't say anything," Shinichi said before he could be accused of it.

Saguru shook his head and looked at Kudo. "I suppose he is passing it around in the hopes I will." Turning to face Nakamori-ojisan and disregarding the shushing from Mouri-san, he nodded. "I was asked to cook and with the word spreading, it seems I will."

"Hey, you don't have to if you don't want to." Nakamori wasn't trying to pressure him. "I can help with small stuff but Aoko would be better and I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you asked her."

Saguru shook his head. "Aoko-kun and Kaito have dinner reservations this evening, though they do not yet know it."

Nakamori reached over to shake the kid's shoulder. "Who panned that? You or you and you're mom? Either way, don't spoil the kids. They'll have to start learning how to fend for themselves once they can, if they want to live together."

"Just me, and I am planning on telling them to consider it an engagement present. Kaito refused my offer earlier so I would not worry about that."

Nakamori was confused for a second. If Kaito-kun had refused his offer, then the kid already knew what was happening. He took it as a misunderstanding about what Saguru-kun was talking about and just nodded, sitting back and thinking about that. Aoko was engaged. He still wasn't used to it and he probably would never be. She was so young still. He hadn't gotten married until he was twenty-one. She was still seventeen.

Saguru looked over at the TV, wondering how to convince the two of them to go and enjoy the meal. He stood and nodded. "I just realized I have one last thing to attend to, so if you will excuse me."

Nakamori nodded to the kid. He'd only just sat down and Saguru-kun was leaving. It figured. "Go for it kid. You might forget it again if you wait." He was like that, though he didn't the young detective shared that fault.

Saguru headed off, getting his new laptop from the room before going to find Kudo-san.

Yusaku was typing. That book was terrible and his mind didn't have enough to settle for something so mundane so he was working on a story line of his own. He looked up more at the movement in his vision that the sound that soon accompanied it. "Hello Saguru-kun."

"Kudo-san. I was wondering if I might use your printer."

"Of course. There should be more than enough ink." Yusaku put his laptop down. The printer and fax machine were in the corner, mostly because he needed to keep things safe from his wife. He took it out, putting it on the table in the room. "Do you want to use it in any room in particular?"

"I simply need to print a few pages so if it is no trouble I can do it and be done. I just added a translation to a menu." 'And deleted the prices.'

Yusaku plugged it in after unplugging a lamp and waved his hand to it. "Feel free to use it to your hearts content. I doubt I'll be needing it." He handed over the cord that connected it to the printer after plugging the other end in.

"Thank you very much." Saguru nodded and took it, plugging it into the computer and bringing up the pages. He had them printed and stacked them. "I appreciate it." He was interested if Kudo-san was working on a new book but did not want to interrupt further.

"I said it before, if I can get something for you feel free to ask while we're here. I don't believe I will be seeing much of you afterwards though do call in if you're in need of help or to simply have a conversation. My wife isn't one to sit still for long so I can't guarantee my location."

Saguru nodded. "It would be a pleasure." He unplugged the printer from his laptop and gathered the computer with the papers. "I will leave you to your work."

Yusaku waved his hand to Saguru-kun as he finished, leaving the printer out in case he needed it while they were there and sitting back down before getting his laptop, reading over what he had.

Saguru returned the laptop and folded the papers before returning downstairs and sitting back on the couch.

Nakamori wasn't very interested in the movie. It had enough action but it had a love story in it as well. Some dramas were okay but he had missed the beginning of this one so he was having a hard time playing catch-up with the storyline. The kid came in and sat back down but he didn't seem interested in the movie either. "What's that?"

"The menu for the restaurant." He held it out for Nakamori-ojisan to see. "With a few modifications."

"Modifications?" Nakamori looked it over. Some of the items on the menu were new to him because he was in a new place. Others were things he would never think to mix together. Saguru-kun had translated them, which helped a lot since he couldn't read enough English to understand some of the words. He barked out a small laugh. "You don't want them to see how much this costs?" He had to figure the kid had some money with how he acted but he didn't know how much he had to throw around and, recently, the kid had gone from being self-persevering to an apologetic giver. "You don't need any help with that, do you?" He didn't have much to give but he didn't know how much the kid had either.

"It has already been covered." Saguru gave a small smile. He may have been taken into their family but he felt they were equally entitled to what he had, even if none of them seemed to realize just what that entailed.

Nakamori let it rest then. Either the kid had enough money or he already had help. He sat back, trying to watch the film but that was a lost cause. He wasn't good with kids either. He was fine tagging along but he had nothing to put to Saguru-kun to do. One thing came to mind but he didn't know if the kid would want to or where they could go here. "Hey, want to go fishing?" There had to be some place around here and if Kudo-kun was being generous he'd take up any help.

Saguru looked up. "I never figured you as an outdoorsmen."

"I never really get out much. When I do of course I like to go fishing. Aoko knows how too. Taught her when she was just a little girl." Nakamori looked at the kid. "I guess there's a lot you don't know about me but I don't know a lot about you either. Wouldn't be fun if I did."

Saguru nodded at that. "Surprises on both sides, of that I am sure. I should remind Aoko-kun to be dressed and call Kaito. They need to be ready to be picked up at 5pm."

"Go for it, kid. Best time to go fishing is in the morning anyway. So were you interested?" Nakamori didn't like his daughter with Kaito-kun, alone. He had to get used to it though and fishing was calming. Easier than catching Kid in any case and that's all he ever really did with Saguru-kun.

"It has been some time but yes, I would."

Nakamori smiled. "Go find her then. It's getting pretty late."

Saguru rose and went out the back door, seeing the girls by the water. "Aoko-kun," he called as he went over. "It is getting rather late and you ought to get changed."

Aoko looked up in surprise. "Changed? Why?"

Saguru returned the look. "Kudo-san did not tell the two of you? He was to let you and Kaito know that the two of you should dress rather formally this evening."

Aoko shook her head. "He only asked about the trip to the firing range. He never said anything-oh Kaito took off too."

"I will call him. I am certain he will be able to be ready fairly quickly upon his return. You may want to change."

Aoko rose and took two steps before looking back. "Wait. Why just us?"

Saguru shook his head. "You will find out later. Just please hurry, you must be ready by 5pm." He watched her enter the house with Kudo-san's wife close behind. Pulling out his phone he dialed the already familiar number and waited for him to pick up.

Kaito was laying it the grass. It was nice and quiet here, even if it was someone's back yard. There weren't many people around. He laid there for a long time before that silence was broken by his phone. He picked it up with his eyes closed and put it to his ear. "Yeah?"

"It just came to my attention that Kudo-san had not got around to telling you before you slipped away, but you need to be here by 5pm to go to dinner. Formalwear also."

Great, it was his brother. Kaito took his phone away to look at the time and put it back to his ear. "Why? What's going on at five? Do I have to?" He didn't really care about a fancy dinner if they wanted to go out and it was nice to finally just relax- or what he'd call relaxing. He liked the crowd but so many people for so much of the time was just a lot to deal with, even unconsciously.

Saguru sighed. He knew it would be hard to get him and now, with nothing to fall back on, time to let a little be known. "If you do not make it, Aoko-kun will be alone as the reservations are for the two of you."

Kaito frowned. "Two of us?" He sat up in the grass. "Why would it be just the two of us?"

"It is an engagement present, though some is still a surprise. She is already changing so you should hurry."

His brother had been busy. Kaito got up, still keeping the phone in his hand as he headed back. He had a bit of a walk but it wouldn't take too too long. He stretched as he did. Engagement present. That was... kinda nice. He'd have to take Aoko out himself at one point too. They'd never even really had a date that was anything close to something that required 'reservations'. "Okay, and what do you mean formal wear. I didn't exactly come prepared for something like that. The closest thing I have is what you wore last night."

"I had anticipated as much, though I had also thought you had been told and had perhaps found something. I can see what is here and hope it fits."

Kaito let out a quiet laugh and smiled at the phone. "It's me. I can get anything to fit. I'm sure it having been Tantei-kun's place at one time that there's probably some ugly outfit or two that you wouldn't mind wearing laying around." He still smiled. He'd made a deal with his brother, though there were still things he had to play catch-up telling him. "Hey, by the way, I thought you should know. Aoko wouldn't be all that surprised if I did wear those clothes. I'm going to marry her. If I do... things kinda have to be like they were for mom and dad. I kinda had to tell her what I usually do on the weekends."

Saguru stopped halfway down the hall. "I take it she took it well, unless you have a rather large lump on your head."

"Completely unharmed. I wouldn't say 'well' but a lot better than I would have thought." Kaito had to pause there. "What is with all of you accepting that so easy? I get Hattori-kun because he felt 'morally obligated' and, at the same time, never really met me before, but what's wrong with the rest of you? It's not like I'm telling you I have a funny birthmark."

"If you recall, I figured you out awhile ago. Something in your actions over time made me curious." 'Though I would rather not bring up the time I saw how being Kid affected you.'

Kaito frowned, thinking. He didn't really do anything as himself to make Saguru curious. Maybe he was talking about Kid. He did know that the detective had been curious about him in that way since the moment he first saw him. "I still think it's weird. Ran-chan too. I had expected to be hospitalized if either of them found out. Now they both know and I don't have a mark to show for it. It feels weird." Kaito was smiling though. "Aoko's just full of surprises. I thought you should know anyway. You're the first I'm telling- again. I should be there in like thirty minutes if you don't need me to sprint."

"With how fast you are able to change already I do not believe you will need much time unless you wish to shower since you were in the ocean earlier."

Ick. Right. Kaito needed to shower. Aoko did too though unless she already had. He hoped she hadn't. "Nah. It's just saltwater. New clothes and washing my face is fine. I'll see you soon then and... thanks."

"You are welcome." Saguru hung up and set off to speak to Kudo about the possibility of loaning a suit.

Yukiko headed back downstairs while Aoko-chan was washing up and saw the orchestrator of the plot. "Did you get a hold of Kaito-kun?"

Saguru turned and nodded. "Yes, although I need to ask your son if he can borrow a suit as he does not have one that he can wear at the moment." 'Seeing as it is Kid's and recognizable by all here.'

"Oh, don't bother. Come on. Besides, he's got his cute little outfits for right now and the ones he has wouldn't fit him." Yukiko grabbed him by the arm and headed to Shinichi's room to see what one would be perfect for tonight.

...

Kaito walked in, seeing a few of the others watching TV. It wasn't until he was inside, in the AC, did he realize how warm it was out. It was nice though. He might get a nice coloring by the time they got back. He also realized that he was really hungry and licked his lips before forgoing the kitchen and it's ice cream contents and going to figure out where his brother stashed himself.

"-ot only that it will match perfectly with Aoko-san's dress. Oh, they will look so cute together." Yukiko held a dark blue tie up to the collar then a light blue.

Kaito came around into the room they were in and couldn't see much at the angle, and even after it took just a few seconds to catch his brother's eyes and him with something that looked a lot like his own hairstyle. He laughed. He'd gone and dressed up as him before, but Kaito never thought Saguru would return the favor. Whatever outfit he was holding, Kaito had a bad line of sight and he was facing Tantei-kun's mother. "You've never looked better."

"Not my idea and this, I believe, is for you to wear."

Kaito looked at the outfit. It wasn't terrible and it wasn't like he hadn't worn something like that before. He took the clothes from his brother and laid them out on the bed, looking at them. That wasn't right. He looked at the dark coat and at his brother. "Wanna go shopping real fast?" He didn't mind the tie and the shirt but he was gonna go out and buy a coat.

Saguru looked over at Kudo-san when she made a small sound. "It may be faster with just the two of us."

Kaito smiled and looked at her. Why not? He didn't really know Tantei-kun's mom and he wasn't too picky about who he went with at this point. "It would be faster, but it wouldn't be as fun." Kaito smiled to his brother. "Come on. It can't hurt to have more eyes." He held his finger up to her. "I want a white coat though so anything else can wait." He just wanted to wear white. Almost like he had too.

Yukiko smiled and clapped her hands. "Oh, that's great. Shin-chan almost never lets me go with him. So, white coat, dressy, your size. I know where to try. Pick which tie style you want so we can keep the style and cut right."

"I want this one." Kaito took the light blue one. He didn't want to wear anything dark and blue and white went together. "Do you have a lighter blue shirt too or can we buy it?" He smiled. Kaito was used to shopping with his mom and Aoko. Tantei-kun was just mean if he didn't shop with his mom.

Yukiko put a hand to her lip then snapped her fingers and went to the closet, pushing aside a few things. "Here we go. I think I got him to wear this once- Nope, tag's still on it. Like it?"

Kaito smiled and took it, trying it on over his shirt. He wasn't going to go out wearing it while he went shopping. It fit. Tantei-kun either hadn't been that much younger than him at the time or Kaito was smaller. Either way, it was fine. He put it on the bed with the tie. "Thanks."

"Great. You may as well keep it though, it looks good on you. I knew it would look good on him and you look so much alike."

"We really should go if we are going to return in time."

"Yeah, yeah." Kaito held his brother's hand, more out of habit now. It wasn't a terrible habit. He tipped his head to Tantei-kun's mom. "Lead the way if you know a store." And you can drive now without Nakamori-ojisan breathing down my neck.

Yukiko bounced ahead, only stopping to take the keys from Saguru-kun before getting in the car.

Kaito let go of his brother's hand, looking at him. "Wanna sit in the back with me? If not you're fighting me over the front."

"I am perfectly used to the backseat." Saguru opened the rear door and climbed in.

Kaito shoved his brother in. "Move over then." He'd rather be in the back with Saguru anyway. He just didn't know if he would literally take back seat. Kaito had to open the window once they started off. Flying was so much better, though a lot more fickle, than driving.

When the car pulled away, Saguru found himself holding tight to the door and grateful for the seatbelt, though he wondered if she actually had a license.

Kaito couldn't help the laugh, the wind wiping into his face once she got out onto the road. Kaito wasn't sure if she was racing because she wanted to or because his brother said they didn't have much time. He stuck his head out the window. Maybe driving wasn't so bad compared to flying.

Yukiko pulled into a spot in front of the store and turned the car off. "We're here."

Kaito shook his head, some of his hair trying to blow one way in general. That would look really funny. He messed his hand over it to make sure it wasn't. Smiling to his brother and getting out, he held the door open, letting his adrenaline fall back to normal levels. That was fun

Saguru climbed out and looked at Kaito. "It does not surprise me that you enjoyed that."

"Why should it? I like roller coasters too." Anything that had speed tended to be really fun. Besides, he hadn't felt like he was in danger. The adrenaline was purely from the energy. "If I was afraid for you, I would have said something. I can tell her to go slower on the way back, or you can. I don't think we're in that much of a rush."

"No. And at that rate, this trip's travel time alone would be the same as a normal driver to reach here." Saguru turned to follow the person he now believed rivaled Nakamori-keibu driving after Kid.

Kaito smiled more, walking after his brother. He figured with the eagerness of before that Tantei-kun's mother would already be finding clothes. He knew their mom was the same too, just slower.

Yukiko waved to the store clerk before going to the back and scanning the selection. She pulled down three but put one back and was reaching for the next size when she heard the others reach her. "Here. I have three nice ones. Which do you like?" She held them up for the two of them to see.

Kaito looked the coats over. Some had styles and he didn't really like that. He went and grabbed the one from her that just looked like a normal white coat. "Sorry," he said with a smile, thinking she'd been expecting him to pick one of the more eccentric ones. "This one's great. How much is it?" And will it fit? It looked like it would.

"Oh no. The dinner may be from Saguru-kun but this." Yukiko said, hanging the others up and taking the coat before he could see the tag. "Is mine."

Kaito looked at her, smile there but downgraded. "Fine." He wasn't used to other people buying his clothes, just his mom. He had been trying to get Saguru used to that though too. He'd accept charity this time. He wasn't going to get used to it though. This was kinda like a present, not any need. He really did need to get a job for himself or something. Yuck. Work. Maybe he could be an understudy somewhere. "Thanks."

Yukiko smiled and nodded. "Good, just need some slacks now and you're all set."

Kaito shrugged, following after her. He didn't need to say they had to be white. Nothing else would match. He looked over at Saguru, thinking of something. "You know, if we're here and you like something, why don't you get it? You haven't really gotten to do any of your own shopping and while I'd love to keep putting you in the clothes I bought, I figured you'd want some of your own."

Saguru looked around and saw something that did make him smile. It was a display in the corner and he could not help but think the outfit would go well with his new coat. "It would take awhile to find something in the proper size and I refuse to be the reason you are late. I can return later tonight or tomorrow."

"I can come with you," Kaito offered. There wasn't much else really to do. He kinda wanted to be back home playing video games but he wasn't going to tell his brother that. Tantei-kun didn't seem to ever be a child, even when he was one. The closest Kaito had seen to any type of fun entertainment was a puzzle or two.

Saguru nodded. "Very well." His attention was drawn to Kudo-san who was waving to them.

"Here. Plain white and the material is light so you won't be too hot and it's got those inner pockets to make it harder for pickpockets to get your things. What do you think?"

Kaito rolled his eyes and looked at his brother. She couldn't be serious? It wasn't like he had to carry any of his stuff around and he could just use Kid's pants now. He couldn't really tell her that though. Besides, these looked thinner than his dad's. He felt them with his fingers, not distrusting her but wanting to. "They're fine. Thanks again."

"Great. Then you're all set. One more suit for you." She spun and went to the register, swiping her card without a glance and taking the clothes. "Let's get you back and changed. I bet word's passed and the others will be waiting."

Kaito smiled, heading back with her and taking his brother along with him. The car ride back was just as entertaining, though he had asked her to slow down for Saguru. Apparently the word 'slow' didn't exist in her dictionary. When they pulled up he was starting to feel nervous. "Where exactly are these reservations for?"

Saguru climbed out and looked at Kaito. "As it was stated at the store. Dinner. The rest you will find out either right before you leave or once you get there."

Kaito looked at him. "Fine." He shut the door and went in with him. It would only take a few seconds for him to get dressed.

Aoko fidgeted again, looking at her reflection. The sound of a car pulling up and the voices meant Kaito was back. The dress Kudo-obasan passed her was one that she admitted looked pretty... very pretty... but it should be on some movie actress or a model. It seemed to shimmer or change colors in the light. She was grateful Kaito had relented on the deal because she doubted anyone wouldn't notice. Footsteps caused her to turn quickly and see the woman standing there, smiling and waving her over. She took a deep breath and followed her to the stairs.

Kaito watched Tantei-kun's mother head back towards him with Aoko. He looked at her, smiling. She was his opposite in some was and that was what made them so perfect. While he had gone for light colors. she had dark. It wasn't black but the purple was dark enough that it was close. It reminded him a lot of the sky at night, when the moon was right. It was perfect. Aoko blushing and looking like someone had put in her in someone else's skin was cute and he had some color to his own face, watching her come towards him.

Aoko wasn't sure what to think as she came down the steps. Don't trip and fall was up there. She had to smile at Kaito's choice. The white and blue... was he trying to hide it anymore? "Hey."

"Hello," Kaito said, bowing to her and taking her hand in his. "It seems we have dinner plans. By the way, you look beautiful."

"Ah... so do you. I mean-" Aoko blinked a few times and shook her head.

"I've been called worse," Kaito said with a smile. He kissed her hand and turned to his brother. He was the one who knew where they were going.

Saguru held out the papers he had printed that afternoon. "A copy of the menu with the translations under each entry. As to the exact place, you will see when you arrive."

Kaito took the paper in his bad hand. His fingers shook but mostly from trying to stay closed enough to hold it up and not want to crush it if he twitched the wrong way. Kaito's eyes tried not to look at the part that said 'seafood', skipping along. Some of the meats, and only food they really had on there, were expensive dishes he'd heard of before. "Are you sure this is okay?" He looked at Saguru. He'd pictured something nice but you could get something special without having to spend a lot of money.

"Yes. Everything is taken care of. Do not limit yourself. Enjoy." A quick double honk caught his attention. "Go ahead."

Kaito wanted to roll his eyes. There was no way Tantei-kun's mom had handed the keys over. She'd gone right upstairs and he really had been a few seconds getting dressed. If someone passed him he found it hard that he'd missed it. That meant they had a ride. Kaito was used to some things but having money thrown around him was not one of them. He kept his smile through the unease. If he did anything he was going to see if he could talk to his brother after about a money cap on things. "Thank you."

Kaito knew he had probably thanked him before but he did it again, walking outside with Aoko while opening the door and trying to hold the paper at the same time, going with her instead of holding the door open. They were small enough and he'd rather hold her hand. The black, fancy-looking car outside told him enough. Yep. He'd try and stop Saguru from spending more than he had to. He would have liked to pick Aoko up if he could have. He really did have to remember to talk to Tantei-kun's father. He really did need his arm and he kept forgetting about it.

Aoko was surprised, looking around the car as they left. "Kaito. Is this really OK?"

Kaito opened the sun roof before he stretched out, more than enough room. He put an arm around Aoko's shoulder. "I have no idea but I think Saguru would feel worse if we turned down his offer." He kissed her on the cheek. "Plus I never really did take you out on a nice, dinner date before."

Aoko smiled and leaned against him. A thought came to her and she giggled.

"What?" Kaito looked at her, hearing her laugh. He had expected her to still be a little mad at him, even if they were going out to eat. She wasn't and it was, somehow, like it had been since they day they had come here. He still didn't see how he had said anything particularly funny though.

"I thought how funny it'd be if he was like some secret rich person or something. Like in The Prince and the Pauper."

"He is rich, if his house says anything about it." Kaito shrugged a little. He'd seen what Saguru could throw around, mostly because of what he knew as Kid though. Aoko really hadn't seen much of him like he hadn't- not normally. "If I didn't think he'd be fine after I wouldn't have let him do this." He put his hand near her neck, running a finger down the side of her cheek. "I love you."

Aoko was surprised at that and was about to ask how he knew that when he continued. She smiled. "I love you too." She put her hand on his and smiled. "Wasn't the pauper a thief too?"

"I think he stole food. I'm more like..." Kaito paused, not caring to think about it as he leaned close to her and put his nose against her cheek. "I'm more like the luckiest guy on earth with the most beautiful to-be wife going out to eat a nice dinner with her."

Aoko shifted and turned her head a bit to try to look at him. "I guess you could be the luckiest if I don't order one of those seafood dishes. The snapper looked good."

Kaito tensed. He forced a smile back, looking into one of her eyes. He didn't know what she was really feeling. "You wouldn't really do that, would you?"

"We'll see how lucky you are-" Aoko said, knowing she wouldn't but still. Suddenly, they pulled up and she looked up out of the skylight. "Wow."

Kaito looked out, seeing a building that looked like any one of the multiple story ones in Japan did. There was something at the top he could just see but he had to move to see it and he couldn't really do it through the side window or the sunroof. It looked like an office building, which confused him. He got out, helping Aoko with him and looking at it, then back at the menu in his hand. "Is this right?"

"I don't know." Aoko looked around. "Maybe there's something written somewhere..."

Kaito left Aoko for a moment and knocked on the window to talk to their driver. He knew enough English to handle just about everything. After showering him the menu he received an explanation, going over to Aoko. "It's on the top floor," he said with a smile, more than a little teasing in his words. "I guess it's separate from the building." He held her hand. "Let's go."

Aoko let him lead her, hearing people talking but only understanding a few things here and there. They got on an elevator and she stayed close to Kaito. "Why would a restaurant be on top of a business?"

"You've never seen that before?" Kaito looked down at her. He'd seen it a bunch of times. "Larger business will do it for their employees but it's open to the public. It's not all that common but it's not unheard of. Usually it's because the workers can afford it." They tended to be expensive. He'd never eaten at one himself except for when he was little and with his dad. He didn't remember much back then. He was a kid. He didn't really know how to 'sit still.' The elevators opened and Kaito lead her over, stopped at the desk and seeing the dozens of other people around them. There was a raised floor in the center and all the tables pushed close against glass windows. He smiled. He liked this already.

Aoko looked around and felt like she was spinning. "Kaito, are we spinning?"

Kaito looked close, seeing the woman smile to them as he turned from her and looked closely. "No, some of us are though."

Aoko looked closer. The people on the outside were moving around between the two of them and the windows. She could make out the sun dipping toward the water through one of the windows and pointed. The view was breathtaking. "We really get to eat supper here?"

"Apparently?" Kaito told his last name to the hostess, obviously waiting for something. She smiled and looked down at something before asking them to follow so Kaito pulled Aoko along after her. Most of the tables were set for bigger groups. She lead them to one that was right up against the window on the moving part of the restaurant, setting the menus down. This table, and a few others, were set just for two. "Thank you." Kaito pulled out the chair for Aoko, helping her sit before sitting down himself and looking out. "Wow."

Aoko looked out the window and nodded. "It's like the world is turning around us."

"It is," Kaito said, reaching his hand over to her though she'd have to reach back for him to make contact. He smiled.

Aoko looked back at Kaito and saw his hand so she reached out and took it. "We really need to thank him for this. Eating with a view like this... it's amazing."

Kaito looked at the menu after he had a good enough look at the sunset, the buildings around him all new to him. He hadn't been over here with his mom. The waitress came over to them. To save his pride he pushed the menus they had been presented to the side of the table and looked at the one his brother printed up. The first appetizer made him flinch but he tried not to show it. "Can I get a California Roll?" Fish were one thing. As long as they were cut up, shrimp were okay. He just had to pretend they weren't shrimp. Kaito wasn't exactly sure on his pronunciation, though he figured over-pronouncing was better than not being understood. He looked at Aoko. "Want an appetizer? You can share mine."

Aoko glanced at the menu and nodded. "I was curious about the one that looks like he says is 'breadfruit'?" And it wasn't like scallops were fish...

All Kaito said was 'the one with breadfruit' to the waitress and she knew what he meant. When she asked him what they wanted to drink he defaulted to coffee. He wasn't going to order soda here. It felt weird. He didn't really like too much tea though. "Aoko, what do you want to drink?"

Aoko took a deep breath and looked at the person taking the orders. She could do this part. "Soda polese."

Kaito giggled to himself but the lady walked away. He wasn't really up on talking to her about pronunciation. This wasn't school and she was understandable. He held her hand a little tighter. He wasn't really used to dating Aoko, though all he really cared about was that he loved her. Maybe all that romance stuff didn't matter that much. This was nice though, and this kind of thing was making her - and him - happy enough. He could get used to it. "Love you," he said again, not really sure what else to say.

Aoko smiled when the woman left and then looked back at Kaito. "I love you too. Still and no matter what."

No matter what. Kaito couldn't really believe that but he'd seen it, was seeing it. She'd gone from not only accepting him but for gushing over the glider. That was something he never expected. He didn't really know she'd wanted to do so much with her drawings before though either. So far, she didn't know much about anything. He'd save anything that she needed to know for when it came up. He wasn't going to ruin this. He looked out the window, the soft lights inside easy enough on the eyes to see the outside while it got dark. "You too, Aoko. I'll help you, whatever path you want to go down." Just not my path. It'll be hard enough to shake my brother.

Aoko's smile widened. "I'm happy about that." She hesitated but looked at him. "I didn't get to tell anyone much about it. There are a lot of options, but since I'd still like to be close to dad and I know most of the people he works with by now- I don't know how dad'd take it but one thing they do that they'd train me for is sketching... for the police."

Kaito looked contemplatively at her. Huh. That would be kinda cool. Aoko wouldn't really be in any danger and, if anything, maybe she could even help him. Of course, Kid wasn't going to be the same thief that most everyone knew and loved. He didn't really know what he was in for himself now. She had his hand, or he had hers, so he didn't want to have to let her go. Instead he just rubbed his thumb on the side of her hand. "I'm sure your dad would be more than happy about that."

"He didn't look too thrilled."

"That was because he though you were going somewhere, likely far away in the country side, to paint nature." Kaito raised his eyebrows. "Alone with me."

"Maybe on vacations but I could never stay away." Aoko smiled. "I don't think it'd be fair to your mom to always have to cook for him."

Kaito laughed. "You're dad's not that helpless. We could go away, just for a while." He didn't really feel like traveling either though. He was a very 'stay at home' person. If anything, maybe even territorial. After they did get married though, he needed a little time away from his mom and her dad.

"Fine, something besides noodles." Aoko said with a small laugh and nodded. "Where to?"

"Hm?" Kaito looked at her, and then back out the window. "I'm thinking about going to England. I don't think Saguru's been there since his mother died." He'd been thinking about that for a while. They'd have to go back to school first, but there would be time afterward.

"Hmmm, lucky she raised him so he wasn't like his-... Well, I guess Hakuba-san." Aoko shook her head. The person she knew and the man that was suppose to have been his father were so different it didn't seem like they could be related. "Anyway, if we did, I wonder if he'd tell us where his old house is?"

"I wouldn't want to do that. I mean, he's still very upset about it, even if he doesn't say anything. Going back to the neighborhood is one thing but I don't want to upset him more, especially because I wanted to go with mom too." Kaito shrugged. "It would be up to him. Right now, this is about us." He looked back at her. "Let's let friends and family wait until we're done, okay?"

Aoko put her other hand on his as the waitress came back with their drinks and the appetizers. "OK."

Kaito was up to 'different' but apparently Japan and Hawaii were different in a lot of other ways. He looked at the large, two story green thing on his plate. He could see lots and lots of cucumbers, that was for sure. "Wow. Thanks," he said before letting go of Aoko's hand, her still holding his. He couldn't trust himself to eat with his right but he didn't really know what he was eating right now. He needed a fork for this thing, that was for sure.

"Thanks." Aoko smiled and nodded as she looked at her plate. "So... breadfruit is a fruit?" She took a bit and tried it. "Wow, this is... I don't know. Different but good. Want a piece?"

"Sure." Kaito went for his own first, seeing it somewhat fall apart. The fancy plates were new. He tasted some of his own. It wasn't bad. If anything, it tasted very cold but, since all of it was cold, it should have. He took some on his fork and held it out to Aoko. "Trade?" he asked with a smile. He wouldn't be relinquishing his fork.

Aoko reached out to take the fork before smiling and extending the breadfruit as she took the bite off the utensil.

Kaito smiled, eating off her fork too as soon as she did what he had been hoping. Hers was warm. It was nice comparatively. He pushed his into the center of the table. "Wanna share?"

Aoko put a hand to her mouth and nodded, sliding her plate over next to his.

Kaito raised an eyebrow, not sure if Aoko was going to be sick or something, or just chewing. Heh. Maybe she didn't like it. He ate one of the pieces of cucumber on the side with his fingers, smiling at her. "I guess I'm supposed to say something more romantic to you, but I'm not really sure what to bring up. I don't want things to be different, at least, not in any forced way." He took his finger in some of the drizzle that was on his plate and reached over to put it on her nose with a smile.

Aoko smiled and missed that he had something on his finger until she felt it on her nose. She ducked her head to whip it off on the napkin and eyed him. "I'm sure they have mops here too." She took a couple of the cucumber slices off his plate and ate them. It was good but she wanted some of the scallops too.

Kaito rolled his eyes. He kept mostly to his own food while Aoko went to hers. He only stole from her when he wanted something warm. The waitress came over to them only seconds after he had his second bite, asking them what they wanted for dinner. Kaito looked back at the menu, thinking it over. He would have ordered the chicken but he knew that, somewhere, unless Hattori got at it, there was chicken back at that house. "Can I get the ribs?" He didn't usually eat those. He didn't know anyone who did. It was fun to try something new and it sounded like something he'd like. "Aoko?" If she couldn't pronounce it, he could.

"The Du...ummm. Duke Lore Ange?" Aoko looked at Kaito. "It has an l separate from the rest of the word. I never saw that before."

Kaito looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "What in the world did you order? It sounds like you just said someone's name." He looked over at her menu. "Point at it for me."

Aoko pointed to the one on the menu. Tea Smoked Ginger Duck l'orange. "It sounds good but that word...a typo?"

"No. It's a way to pronounce things, or spell them, or, ah. Hold on." Kaito turned to the waitress so she could walk away. "And the duck." After she smiled and asked them if they needed anything else, Kaito shaking his head, he looked over at her. "You know how the signs here are weird? I can't read them to save my life but that's how it is. Just a different way of referencing something. So help me if I know what it's references though. Something with oranges I guess."

"Oh, well, still sounds interesting." Aoko blushed. "So, duck it is." She smiled and took a bit more of Kaito's roll.

Kaito smiled, using his finger and stealing from her plate as she did from his. "I don't know. I've never had duck before. I've had beef but I never really had ribs either. We can share that if you want to," he said with a smile.

Aoko nodded. "Be like getting two different things." She rested her chin in her head and saw as the turning put the sun that half buried in the water right behind Kaito.

Kaito ate, though this was weird. It was so little food, likely for a lot of money. He'd never been to a place like this and that made him quiet. Now that he had his hand back though, he put it in front of her as they were finishing, triggering a small explosion as a rose appeared between his fingers. He had to be careful of the candle again as he presented it to her. "I knew something was missing." He got up and put it behind her ear, adding a clip so it wouldn't fall out.

Aoko gasped in surprise before reaching up to touch it lightly and smiled. "I'll never get tired of that either,"

"Good." Kaito smiled, going for some more food. That was something he did. He'd translated it over to Kid but it hadn't been Kid's. It had been his and Aoko's first and, in his mind, it always would be. "Flowers are too pretty to get tired of. Of course they don't compare to a princess."

Aoko shook her head as she ate the last scallop. She'd have to keep the menu and see if she could figure out how this was down.

Kaito wasn't a big fan of seafood and it was funny that they had both gotten it. He left most of his shrimp for her since he didn't like them that much, mostly going for the mush of everything else. Their plates were brought almost exactly at the time they finished. These people were good. Kaito stared at, again, something he wasn't used to seeing. It kinda looked like a big square instead of ribs. He looked from his to Aoko's, thanking the waitress as she walked away and, only after, poking at his with a fork. "I guess everything's new here."

Aoko shrugged, looking with interest at the pieces of meat that were coated with an orange-brown sauce and orange slices as well as the sweet potato. She cut a piece and decided to just try it. "Mm." She looked at Kaito, trying to smile without being rude. It was orange like Kaito said, making it tangy with the ginger mixing well.

Kaito took his fork, breaking it apart where the bone was. He picked it up with his fingers and took a bit. Hm. It was good. Tasted like something he'd eaten before but he couldn't place where. He licked his fingers and smiled at Aoko. "It's not like different is bad."

Aoko swallowed and quickly cut another piece. "You should take a drink first and try this. You were right about the orange."

Kaito didn't see why he needed to drink first. If there was orange all over it, it would be overpowering his other tastes anyway. The meat was good but it didn't have any strong flavors. He didn't even bother with a fork as he reached over and snatched one of her pieces. He ate it. It was definitely strong though. He had to cough just because he wasn't ready for that. After that, and he had a chance to chew it, he didn't think it was all that bad. Licking his fingers and then wiping them on his napkin, he cut a piece of his off and handed it to her. "It's not bad." Not bad but not his cup of tea, so to say. He liked sweet over sour. "Here."

Aoko tried the meat and nodded. "Never had meat with a sweet taste to it. It is different but good."

Kaito smiled. He liked it. It was still all fancy, like it didn't want to be eaten. He was unwarrantedly careful with it, tying not to get anything messy while he ate, giving her another piece. He didn't really want any of hers are refused with a smile. The sweet potatoes weren't bad though. The peppers were okay by comparison to the other two.

Aoko looked out at the now dark sky and lit-up city. The ocean was still visible with the moon reflected in the surface. "The view is still as nice as the sunset."

Kaito looked out at the windows and nodded. Thought it was strange, he preferred the artificial lights than the real ones. A city could be just as beautiful as a landscape. It was funny hearing Aoko say that though. "I can give you a better view. How about tomorrow night?"

Aoko looked back at Kaito, then out at the city. "You said you took your brother so it will hold two." She looked at him again and nodded. She was curious now to see the view without a window... even if that meant no floor to stand on either. "Tomorrow."

Nothing. No comeback or snide remark. Again, she had just accepted it. Kaito smiled. "That's what I said, isn't it?" He ate some more of his food, with his fingers. That felt weird too with how everything was all delicate and stuff. Forget that though. He put his fingers in his mouth once he was done, looking wide-eyed and innocent at Aoko for eating everything.

Aoko shook her head. He still tried that, even after all this time. She took the last few bites and smiled back. "I guess that's why she left that." Aoko nodded to the small square package that was poking out from under the plate. "She knew you'd need it."

Kaito shrugged. "Eh." He still opened it though and used it, cleaning his hands off. He looked at Aoko. This time it was up to her because he wanted just about everything on the menu. "What do you want for dessert?"

Aoko took a bit of time to look though the dessert section before looking at him. "I think I'll try the crem brew-lay. What about you?"

Kaito didn't want to look. He was practically drooling over the desserts. "I was thinking of the one with chocolate and caramel." Yeah. He didn't know why it was called a turtle but he didn't really care. It had a BROWNIE.

Aoko smiled. "You and chocolate." She doubted she could finish the dessert if it was anywhere near the size of the appetizer. The waitress came and took the dessert orders as well as the empty plates.

Kaito licked his lips when she went away. There was always room for dessert. He really wanted it too. He also wanted to be sitting next to Aoko rather than across right now. "Chocolate is a harsh mistress," he agreed though. It was hard to say no when it was right in front of her. His lip turned up devilishly as non-too-innocent thoughts came to him. Him, Aoko, and chocolate. He wondered what would happen if they mixed all three. Maybe he'd mess around with that idea.

Aoko raised her eyebrow and shook her head. "I'm not sure I want to know but with the sugar rush I know you're going to be on I think I will." She leaned forward. "Kudo-kun is still out of bounds. He's still small and hurt."

"Don't worry," Kaito said, his eyes shining as he put his finger in front of her face. "I only have one target."

Aoko pursed her lips, wondering who. He had gone so easy on Kuroba-kun. Nothing like he used to be. "If you are deciding to start in on Kuroba-kun again, just remember he can see again."

"Nope," Kaito said with a smile. "Him I'm saving for tomorrow. Did you forget already? Someone promised me something tonight."

Aoko felt herself flush. "I didn't forget..."

"Well then, why ask?" Kaito said back with a smile. "I have one purpose tonight, and the sun has been down for a while now."

"It's not like you couldn't have done something on the way upstairs."

Kaito relaxed back in the seat, raising an eyebrow. Was she afraid of how he felt now, just because he didn't feel her up this time? He laughed at the thought, shaking his head. "You know, you're something."

Aoko tipped her head. "What? He'd likely still be awake when we get back." She shook her head. He wasn't making sense. She thought he would be happy at the compliment that he could pull of one of his tricks before they reached the room. She looked up as the desserts arrived and made sure she was the first to thank her. "Thank you."

Kaito smiled at Aoko. He got it after a second. Kinda. Aoko could be confusing sometimes. She already thanked the waitress though- and since when did she encourage him for something like this? All those thoughts came to a standstill once he had the dessert. There was ice cream and the brownie and the caramel and he didn't care what he had or hadn't been thinking, or even had a thought about sharing until after he'd had a few bits and looked at Aoko, barely stopping himself. "Want some?" He didn't care much for her custard or whatever it was, but he could give up some of his if all she wanted to do was try it.

"Sure." Aoko swallowed, enjoying it and took a bit off the top with the melted sugar and smiled. "Fair's fair."

Kaito rolled his eyes and smiled. He took some of the vanilla ice cream and brownie and extended the spoon to her, putting hers in his mouth as he licked his lips. It wasn't bad. He stuck his tongue out anyway, "thanks," and went back to eating his own. "The rest is mine though," he added with a cheeky smile.

Aoko shook her head. The term 'death by chocolate' went through her mind, she thought it was a flavor of ice cream but it would work for the dessert Kaito had. The mango pieces had a crystallized glaze and it was like candied fruit, very sweet but not over the top.

Kaito finished before Aoko. He figured he would. He may have had more on his plate, so to speak, but he had a much bigger sweet tooth. When the waitress came over to take away their dishes he stopped her, asking for a cheesecake with the caramel and chocolate on it with the nuts. He'd seen something like 'any way you want it' on the menu and wasn't sure he could get it like that. She told her he could and that was all he needed to know. He asked for it to go and smiled at Aoko while she walked away. "I have to guess Saguru paid for it ahead or somehow. She didn't bring a check. We can leave whenever you want after I get this." Sitting here was nice but there were a lot of people and he didn't like to take up a table if all they were doing was sitting there. Tomorrow night he'd be showing her around the city and that would make up for leaving.

Aoko nodded. She was thinking they should do something for him. "I guess it's more his style than the marshmallows last night."

"I have no idea," Kaito said with a shrug. "All I know is the guy likes tea. I figured if he's not interested then he could pass it on to someone else." He smiled. "How did you know I wasn't getting it for my mom or something?"

Aoko shook her head with a small smile. "You said your brother paid ahead of time. I just guessed that's why you brought that up."

"Yeah. I figure if he's paying, might as well get something for him too. I'd get something for mom, I would, if he wasn't the one footing the bill." Kaito looked out the window while he had the sight. The lights could be so hypnotizing.

Aoko watched him for a moment. He was still the same prankster with that thoughtful streak that he sometimes showed. Like the little boy that time. But the way he looked out at the night sky, she wondered if that was the little bit of him that was Kid.

Kaito turned when the waitress came back, thanking her and making sure their bill was paid, along with her tip. She smiled and said not to worry about it, probably because it was. He waited for her to walk away and hooked the bag on his bad wrist. He could at least hold his fingers to keep it from sliding off. He stood and held his hand out to Aoko. "Let's go. I promise you we'll live the night up tomorrow."

Aoko took Kaito's hand and stood, going with him back to the elevator. Aoko suddenly thought of something. "We took awhile. Do we need to call to say we're done so we can get back?"

Kaito stopped before they got into the elevator. He wouldn't have. While they were still up there he got on the phone and called his brother.

Saguru was surprised when 'Kuroba' came up on his phone. "Hello?"

"Hi. We're heading back home. And hey, thanks again by the way. We don't need to like, call the driver or anything, do we?" Kaito my as well ask. He had another question, just in case. The phone call gave him time to think.

Saguru shook his head. "The driver would be waiting outside for you."

Kaito thought. Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow. He should wait for Tomorrow. One thing at a time. "Okay, just wondered." He could now, could ask him. But it could wait. He smiled. "Really man though, thanks a lot for today." They did really kinda need something more 'normal'.

"I am glad the two of you enjoyed yourselves." Saguru paused a second before asking. "Was that all?"

"Yeah, why?" It was better to know that before going all the way down if they could stay and look at the view longer. "Never had someone call you up for something this simple?" It was a joke but only after he said it did he think that maybe it just wasn't. "You have a phone right now and that's what it's for so don't just sit there expecting me not to call you."

"While I understand you calling me, you are on a date and yet, after receiving my answer, rather than hanging up, you thanked me again and became defensive at the question."

"I wasn't defensive," Kaito said defensively. "Forget it." He hung up on his brother. Gesh. He put his phone in his pocket and took Aoko's hand again, leading her into the elevator they were in front of. "Come on. He said the driver would be waiting for us."

Aoko waited until the doors shut before looking at him. "Kaito, did he?"

"Did he what?"

Aoko shrugged a shoulder a bit. "Get called just because. Not for a case or something like that. You asked and then went off about being defensive."

"I don't know. He pointedly ignored and then insulted me," Kaito said, turning his head away. "If I had to guess though I'd say I was right but maybe I'm not. He and his mom seemed really close. I could just be saying it because of what I saw of his dad- or know I guess. I didn't really see him all that much."

"Unless he thought you did that first. Could it be that she was the only one that did? You said it was still sore and I know my mom is, just like your dad."

"I didn't say anything about my dad," Kaito said under his breath so Aoko couldn't hear him. He never did and he never would. Why would he, no matter how true it was? This was Aoko. "I didn't mean to hurt the stupid idiot." He was still turned away from her and he kept it that way. He didn't mean it as insult either, whatever he had said wrong.

Aoko sighed and wrapped her arms around his arm. "I know. I bet he does too." She squeezed the arm a bit and smiled, glancing at the bag. "At least you have that for him."

Kaito couldn't help the small smile as he looked down at her. She was so close that it didn't take much effort to rest his forehead against hers. He still didn't know what he had said wrong. "If I ever say anything stupid to you on accident, or on purpose, I don't mean it either."

Aoko made a noise in her throat and shook her head a bit against Kaito. "That doesn't mean I won't still get you with a mop."

Kaito smiled more, letting the tension in his shoulders go. "Just try and catch me," he said with a laugh to his words. The elevator was opening and they had to start moving so she had to let go.

Aoko eased up a bit so they could walk out but kept her hold on his arm. "I have."

"You have tried. This doesn't count. This isn't catching me. This is having me, and me you." Kaito stopped walking to lean over and kiss her on the forehead. He smiled a little more. "And this is the one thing I'll never escape from."

Aoko sighed happily as they walked outside. "I know I won't have to stop you, but I would."

"I wouldn't dream of running, not unless you told me to. Not from you anyway. You're dad's a whole other story." Kaito laughed, not able to open the door to the car that had, indeed, been waiting for them for her.

Aoko smiled and reached for the door. "Either way, you are being taken to the 'big house' by a Nakamori."

Kaito laughed again, getting the joke and letting Aoko go in first. "So I am. Too bad I'm escaping it tomorrow night, and with the same person who is bringing me in."

Aoko laughed and had to let go to buckle in. "Only to be taken back again."

Kaito got in, closing the door. He really didn't need a seatbelt and he figured that, cops daughter or not, she couldn't argue when he put his arm around her again, using her as a way of keeping himself safe. He turned towards her, his hand going to her cheek and running over her lips. "If you're taking me in, it's kinda like I'm stealing you."

"Living up to your reputation?" Aoko asked with a small smile.

"You'd better believe it," Kaito spoke softly, leaning over and kissing her lightly. "I've stolen what men could only dream of, you. No jewel I've ever held in my hands could compare."

Aoko sighed and put her hand on his, blushing. She'd known about most of them either from her dad or even just the news. "Prove it. What's the closest?"

"Closest?" She wanted him to compare her to the gems? "There isn't even a runner up." There never was and never would be. For Kami's sake, Pandora was somewhere nearby, or maybe in Japan by now. He hadn't rushed off to find it. He had thought about it but everything was so confusing and with his brother and mom having- It was still nothing compared to Aoko. "Even the most expensive and rare stone on this planet wouldn't compare in my eyes."

Aoko looked at him before smiling and leaning close.

Kaito smiled and held her close, tempted to say something about her personality being more of the 'diamond in the rough' kinda but figured better to leave things where they stood. He looked out the window as they drove back. So many impossible things had happened, and yet he had been the one to start them all. She knew he was Kid and still loved him- was going to marry him, and the detective that had been nothing short of a rival and class pain was doing things like this for him had become his brother. Looking back at it that way it was definitely weird, but only looking back. Looking ahead he couldn't imagine anything less.

Aoko enjoyed the ride nestled again Kaito. When they reached the house, Aoko saw scattered lights on inside.

Kaito waited for the car to stop, scooting around her and opening the door for Aoko, grabbing the bag off the seat where he left it. He took her hand once she stepped out, closing the door with his foot and walking her in. "I'd carry you if I could," he said with a light laugh. "Can you go upstairs and I'll meet you? No, better yet, come with me. We'll go see Saguru." She'd probably want to thank him too anyway.

Aoko smiled then nodded as they headed up to the front door. "I want to at least thank him since the dessert was your idea."

"Our idea. You and me were together, right? Here." Kaito handed the bag over to her while he opened the door. "Give it to him. I think he'll think something's up if I do."

Aoko walked in with the bag but was rather surprised. "Smells good in here too. Did they order in?"

"How should I know?" Kaito asked skeptically. Then again, maybe Aoko did think he would know. He was Kid. He was also a human being and no telepath.

Aoko looked in the kitchen where Obasan and Co-Kudo-kun were doing dishes. "Hey. Where did you get supper from?"

"Mostly, due to height issues, Kuroba." That sounded so weird but Shinichi was getting used to it. The whole Kuroba family was weird enough that this didn't take much trying.

Aoko was surprised. "Wait, as in Kuroba-kun?" She looked at Obasan who just smiled and nodded.

Kaito raised his eyebrow. Well, was that funny. He probably missed out on a laughing fit from Hattori. To bad he missed the food. Saguru didn't really seem like someone who could cook but, really, he wouldn't put it past the guy. "Where is he now?"

Chikage tipped her head. "I sent him off since he cooked. I'm not sure where he went."

Kaito nodded. "Okay." He took Aoko's hand, going back into the living room. "Hey, any of you guy's seen my brother?" He figured that would be faster than walking around the whole house.

Heiji looked over and pointed toward the hallway. "He went that way, past the stairs- so either outside or in one of the rooms that way."

"Thanks." Kaito saluted him - he could do that with his bad hand - and headed down the hallway with Aoko. He checked in the rooms that were open and had to let go of her hands for the ones that weren't. He was just three 'doorways' down in the end, reading a book. "Hey there mysterious patron."

Saguru looked up and saw the two in the doorway. He nodded at Aoko-kun before looking at Kaito. "I had the idea from you last night."

"Well it was a pretty good idea." Kaito smiled, going over and just because either Ojisan hadn't or Saguru's natural hair was getting the better of him, he messed it up. "Seems we like thinking about each other."

Saguru had raised the book to try and block when he heard those words and tried to put it back down without him seeing. He had a better view of Aoko-kun and saw the bag she was holding. "I take it you were unable to finish dessert."

Kaito waved his hand to Aoko, a smile on his face. It was kinda funny. His brother was afraid he was going to try something.

Saguru raised an eyebrow as Aoko-kun came over, smiling. She held the bag out to him and he reached forward to take it.

Aoko waited until he looked in the bag, but Kaito wasn't saying anything. "It was all good and we didn't have any leftovers. That is actually for you. Arigatou."

Saguru withdrew the container and opened it. He shook his head. "Of all the things I would believe you figuring out about me, how could you have found out I like cheesecake?"

"Lucky guess. Really." Kaito smiled. It was. He had no idea what Saguru liked. "Glad you do like it though."

Saguru nodded. "Yes, arigatou." He was tempted to put it in the refrigerator for later but it actually looked really good. He stood and smiled. "I believe it would be best to eat this now rather than risk Hattori or Mouri-san finding it."

Kaito laughed. That would be awful. Not really a thank you gesture then. "Go for it." He took Aoko's hand, looking over at his brother. "I'm gonna bother you tomorrow but if you can," he winked, "Don't let our mom or her dad bother us?"

Saguru shook his head but gave him a small smile. "Our mother is one thing. Nakamori-ojisan said he was going to his room so I have no real way to distract him without alerting him."

Tsh. Well, that'd be fine. He could still lock the door and he could turn the tv on, just for noise. He smiled and pulled Aoko out of the room, wanting to grab something from the kitchen first. "See ya tomorrow. I think you're bunking with mom tonight."

Saguru shook his head again but followed them to the kitchen area. "Have a good night." He grabbed a spoon and sat down to eat the dessert.

Kaito laughed lightly, opening the fridge door and slipping something out of sight. "I would have eaten that with a fork. Oh right." He knocked him with the back of his hand before going back to hold Aoko's. "Sorry if I said anything before. I didn't mean anything by it." That was going to bother him but he'd trust Aoko's judgment on this, since she was the one who had sensed something was wrong when he hadn't.

Saguru looked over at him, slightly surprised he had brought that up. "I know. I had not intended to upset you either you know."

"You didn't. Just making sure everything's okay still." It was. His brother seemed fine. If he'd said something bad enough, he'd figure it out tomorrow. "Catch you later."

Aoko smiled when Kaito and Kuroba-kun seemed to make up as faster than the phone call. Kuroba-kun nodded and waved as Kaito took the lead and they headed upstairs. Reaching the bedroom, Kaito stopped and let go off her hand to shut the door behind them.

Kaito locked the door. Once it was closed he slipped his coat off, going over to the TV and turning it on, just to be safe. He smiled at Aoko, loosening the tie he was wearing, which was weird to begin with, and smiled. "Do you need any help getting out of that?"

Aoko smiled slightly, shaking her head and started lifting it, needing to take it off over her head and wanting to be very careful with it.

Kaito half shrugged, taking off his tie and shirt. He also took off his pants, raising an eyebrow at Aoko and going up to her, stopping her before she could put anything else on. He brushed his hand across her cheek. "It's tonight and there's no one around now."

Aoko leaned her head against his hand, putting hers against the back of it. She looked at him and nodded, letting her hand move along his arm to his shoulder. "So... what were you thinking about at the restaurant?"

Kaito leaned in and kissed her, pushing her back towards the bed and taking a step as she took one backwards. He made sure she didn't fall, pulling way after a second and running his hand behind her ear and over her back to the strap on her bra. "You need to take this off first. I wouldn't want to damage it."

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AN: They are still young and unmarried. Nothing explicit happens but I will be cutting out the 'make out' scenes, as some people might be uncomfortable