-FIRSTS-

Disclaimer: The works of Detective Conan and Magic Kaito belongs to Gosho Aoyama-sensei.

Warning: KaiShin relationship.

A/N: Apologies for the short chapter. Too much to do, not enough time but I want to get this out. Enjoy~!


First Compromise

Two nondescript cars stood in front of the large manor and its occupants exited the vehicle when they saw Kaito and Shinichi approached on foot.

"Children, play nice." Kaito joked at the icy atmosphere between the two pairs of agents. On the left stood Jodie and James, on the opposite side were Fujie and his assistant.

"This was a bit unexpected James-san." Shinichi commented as ignored their intense dislike for one another in favour of unlocking the front doors. "Do come in." He tagged on as an afterthought, keeping up with manners and all.

The house had gathered a nice layer of dust ever since his parents left again for their trip, it always does. But especially now since Shinichi had moved out. He would have stayed but it was too bothersome to make the long trips to the University and the house was too big for just the two of them (it had been big before when he lived alone but he always had his head stuck in a case to actually acknowledge it.)

"Do excuse the mess." Shinichi added as he directed them all towards the large kitchen area. He made a fuss of searching for cups and tea bags.

"It would have saved you the trouble if you had not suddenly changed the meeting place, Kudo-kun." Fujie took the left side of the island counter top at the center of the kitchen whereas James took the right. But instead of taking the remaining seats, Shinichi chose to stand with his back leaning on the kitchen counters. Kaito made himself comfortable by actually sitting on the kitchen counter top, earning him a disapproving gaze from Shinichi.

"There's not enough space for all of you to fit into the apartment." Shinichi took a sip of the weak tea. It was not exactly the truth but he had no desire to let these people inside his apartment. As much as they sweep for bugs and whatnots, it was still a location known, apparently, to The Organisation, which makes it dangerous. Kaito had suggested moving again but Shinichi had reasoned with him that 'you should understand, hid a tree in the forest' to which Kaito had protested but still agreed as he knew it was easier to hide in plain sight. That and because they could easily control things that would happen around them.

"And I don't fancy having to explain things twice." Shinichi, at least, knew the importance of shared information even if the two parties did not.

The agents all looked at each other with much distrust, though Shinichi had expected the situation.

"You need to work together if you want to bring them down, even if I have to lock your two organisations in a closet to post things out." Shinichi turned to face Jodie and James, "I know there's bad blood between you guys and the Japanese, particularly since they started aiming at Akai-san in order to further their own plans. But it would be better for everyone if you could at least put that matter aside for now and sort them out later."

Shinichi waited until James gave a brief nod, though by Jodie's scowl, things would definitely end badly. Shinichi was more than happy to accept this arrangement, so long as they would not have a show down where he could see (or interfere), they can destroy several buildings for all he cares. This feud is just too petty in his mind.

"As for you Director Fujie, I have told you beforehand that I don't work exclusively for your agency. You should have been able to predict this outcome seeing as you have managed to find much information about myself and my associates." Shinichi could not help but make a stab at the blatant disregard to people's privacy by the intelligence agency. "And it is in your best interest to find a solution to this messy disagreement."

Fujie reacted to Shinichi's stern face by extending his hand out for a shake with the FBI.

"Temporary truce. We can overlook your presence and involvement on Japanese soil for your continual cooperation on this case."

Shinichi sighed as he shakes his head, why must the man insist on having the last words.

James shook the hand before settling down for business. "I'm assuming there's also another reason why you would want us both to be present at the same time of this discussion?"

Shinichi nodded. The thought had been stuck in his mind ever since last night, though he cannot ad too sure of his deduction, which was the reason for wanting to meet up. "Fujie-san? I think it's safe to say that you've found something highly interesting from last night's scene? Possibly something from the garbage refuse area."

"Our forensic," Fujie was quite forthcoming with this bit of information, "found human remains there. It belonged to more than one individual. This is why we wish to employ you to help with figuring this out."

Shinichi hummed in response, he had suspected it to be so. The smell from the garbage chute was a familiar one, a smell he often comes across and has grown used to it. Though it was too pungent to be recent, which must mean there had been an accumulation.

"It's not really that surprising now." From his side, Kaito piped up as he drank his share of hot chocolate. "Unless you people really only thinks they're dealing with rainbows and unicorns."

Kaito was given a dirty look by Fujie's assistant. He only shrugged and grinned, showing his teeth like a satisfied cat. He do love riling up the stiff ones, they have such good reactions.

"That isn't much of a surprise." Shinichi followed through, ignoring the hostility.

"No, what has us concerned is that none of these identity matches our database of missing people." Fujie looked straight into Shinichi, voice grave and heavy.

"Maybe they're not Japanese. It wouldn't be the first." He motioned towards the two Americans in the room. "Have you tried sharing this information out? After all, I doubt you have a complete database of all the missing people in the world..."

Shinichi was once against disgusted by The Organization's action. However, he had to wonder what was the point of the office in down town. The place had high traffic, and would be risky for dealings of the shady kind. Keeping such an office, as an outward appearance may be all nice and good, but they were definitely doing their dirty work there as well.

Fujie looked as though he swallowed a lemon, face scrunched up with distaste at he suggestion.

"Maybe in the future, when we have exhausted all our resources." And by that, Shinichi could see Fujie meant if he were unable to sort this mess out for them. "Kudo-kun, we'll leave you with this." The Director took out a USB finger, its surfaces void of any decor. He slid it across the table top.

Picking it up, Shinichi looked at the object before setting it back down with a questioning look.

"They're reports from our forensics about the crime scene. See if you can make heads or tails with it. We currently have the media reporting the building's collapse was due to a combination of gas leak and electrical failure. It would be unwise to let people know it was a deliberate action."

"What do you want me to do with this information?" At first, Shinichi had assumed it was because of all the bad air between the Japanese and the American that they had not wanted to bother sharing the information, hence the need to go through Shinichi. But it seems that the PSB just doesn't trust the FBI.

"See if you can find any information about our strange, disposed goods and try to find a link between them." He made a move to stand up to leave. "Don't bother showing us out, we know the way."

The two seems desperate to leave as soon as possible. No one made a move to stop them. When the door finally clicked shut, Shinichi tucked the USB into a small coppery bag before pocketing it into his jacket. He turned to face James.

"Well?" He asked the pair of agents.

"I'd say it is strange that they found multiple bodies there. We can dig up our own data to see if there would be any matches." James took a sip of the offered drink. "But I wouldn't count on it. You're probably better off contacting other agencies for... Let's just say backup. Try somewhere more populated. You might have better chances."

"You mentioned something you want my opinion through the phone." Shinichi tries to divert the conversation.

Jodie took out a scrap of paper from her purse.

"This came through our mail." She pushed it towards Shinichi. "You said you have a way to contact Conan?"

Shinichi flipped over the piece of paper and took a deep breath. Kaito immediately hopped over to where Shinichi stood. He too hissed at the sight of the note.

The elegant script was strangely lacking in any character though it was full of flourish. From the dark ink to the carefully crafted paper (Kaito could tell it was handmade, probably by special order seeing as the fibers were too coarse to be machine made), it was all chosen to serve a purpose. Most likely to flaunt their power.

Apprentice Holmes,

Let us meet before the Reichenbach falls, before Holmes himself take up beekeeping in Sussex Downs. I'd love to discuss with you about the Minister of Persia.

I await for your communique.

Though the note was unsigned, neither did it tell them where to meet. But by the look on Shinichi's eyes, he seemed to have all the answers. It was clear that each word was written with deliberation. Grammar, spelling, punctuation, everything seems to have more than a single purpose. It was things like these which sparks Shinichi's interest, ignites the little fire behind his eyes despite it promising a grim ending through the heavy message.

Kaito couldn't help but feel amazed and be drawn into the deep blue eyes of intense concentration. Of all the times to become enamoured once more with his detective, Shinichi would always shine at the most dire of moments. It was one of the things that draws Kaito in.

-TBC-


A/N: As usual, because it's short, I feel like I've cheated you readers, hence OMAKE (haven't been doing these lately...)


-OMAKE: Conan's (?) Classroom-

In a well furnished sitting room, the fireplace burned and the smell of wood permeated through the air. In front stood two chairs and a small table, where one was occupied by a short figure holding a hardback cover book.

Conan: [Flips a page of a worn novel]

Kaito: So... [Sits down at the big comfy chair conveniently located next to Conan and opposite the fireplace]

Conan: [Ignores Kaito and continues to read]

Kaito: That's loaded with a few Sherlock reference. Care to explain?

Conan: [Continues to ignore Kaito, flips another page]

Kaito: [Annoyed] HEY! [Jumps up, struts over, and pokes at Conan's face] Answer me Mini Holmes!

[Conan wobbled, then creaked. His head then turned, 360 degrees, before staring at Kaito again with a deranged smile and burst in a flourish of confetti]

Kaito: !

[Off to the side, large velvet curtains fluttered. Kaito stalked over]

Kaito: [Flips curtain] Oi!

Shinich: [Tries to cover his giggles] Sorry, couldn't resist. Conan was busy today and asked me to take over for him. Did you like Hagase's newest gadget?

Kaito: [Mutters] Can't believe you ripped of MY prank

Shinich: Excuse me?

Kaito: [Sweetly] Nothing dear. Now, will you explain what that was all about? [Points up]

Shinichi: Other than for a change to prank you?

[Kaito nods]

Shinichi: Well, I'd say google it but I know you wouldn't be bothered. Though if I said anything, it would be spoilers. Let's just say the note was deliberately written and it was checked multiple times to make sure nothing, and I mean nothing, was left out. I mean you even hinted to it just now!

[Kaito raises a singular eyebrow]

Shinichi: Yes, you did, just now actually. So, yea, maybe next chapter all will be explained. Come to think of it, me being here is already another clue.

Kaito: Uh-ha, whatever you say Dear. Whatever you say.

[Kaito boxes Shinichi towards the wall]

Shinichi: Kaito...? What are you thinking?

Kaito: You need to be punished Dear, for the stunt just now.

Shinichi: [Stuttering] H-hey...it's just a harmless prank...

Kaito: [Full blown grin with tooth and all] And so is this.

[Smoke bursts around them. There was a flutter of wind and hurried steps.]

Shinichi: [Coughs] Wh-what have you done.

[Shinichi looks down, realises he was no longer wearing his suit. He was, once again, clad in female clothing. This time, he became a French maid with a short black skirt, white apron tied with a neat bow at the back, a small dainty white ribbon headpiece, a white garter strapped to his left thighs, white thigh-high socks and black low heels]

Shinichi: [Tries to cover his skirt front, face ablaze with embarrassment, shouts] KAITO!

[A camera clicks...actually several clicks]

Shinichi: [Shouts] GET BACK HERE! [Shinichi runs off in the direction he last heard the noise, ignoring how the camera clicks seems to be following him along with the whirring of propellers]

-OMAKE END-