Notes: Fixed, updated and added on 22/7/2019

Chapter Japanese list:

Ossan: old man. Suman, Gomen/Gomen-ne: sorry.

You are probably aware of other Jap words (kami, Tantei)

Reviews reply:

Loner Kid, yeah sadly she already knew. that's how I planned to keep her on the helping side. I will write a story about how she found out someday, hopefully, that will happen when I finish this story. I cannot assume when, but I will say how all partners became aware of KID's identity.

Guest, thanks, I didn't realize it until you mentioned it way back then. Turns out, the Wikipedia that I took the info from didn't put the U in Kaitou and kept it like Kuroba's name. Thanks for telling me~

And now, chapter 4, Enjoy :)

Ch 4: Aoko's Secret

The monitor's and ventilator's sounds filled the room, although they weren't high, they were a bit distracting for Hakuba and Conan, who were trying to think of something. For sure, the sounds brought comfort to them, the magician was still alive. And as long as the monitor displayed the vitals and the ventilator pumped the oxygen, their thoughts were peaceful and with less fear clouding their minds.

Hakuba observed the four white walls for a while, merely thinking of everything that currently happened. Now that they had the time to think of anything aside Kuroba's condition, he realized that they were idiots for showing their faces just like that in the helicopter. The syndicate must have recognized him and Conan; their faces appeared in many newspapers and TV news countless times before. Heck, they might be looking for them now.

Hakuba made a ruckus with his investigations when he first arrived in Japan, even took the KID case while he was there. And no doubt, people that investigated the thief (like Snake), must have looked up some information about him and realized his connection to superintendent Hakuba. It would be a child's play, Saguru was as famous as the brat, Edogawa Conan_ sort of. He wasn't cursed like Conan, who stumbled on murders daily, and took all the attention from the channels (as the KID killer).

The child was present at every crime scene that Megure and others have been on (Death Magnate) and solved them with the highest level of wits, that he always threw on someone else. ' X person solved the case' and 'told' him to say how the crime went.

Most people whom he encountered were stupid enough to believe him, yet some were smart enough to realize something was unnatural about him. His intelligence was too odd for a small child. Odd indeed. Not to forget, he was the 'KID killer', that should have attracted the syndicate's attention with the slightest ease. Hakuba was positive they had looked them up, just in case, because they were connected to the famous Kaitou KID.

However, since no one 'suspicious' went to look for them or ask anything about them_ Conan heard nothing from baka Tantei or Haibara, and Hakuba heard nothing from Baya or his father_ they assumed their cover was still secure.

Then again, they were away from the media and home since the heist, so who knew if the crows were searching for them or not?

If they kidnapped someone to lure them out...

That wasn't assuring at all.

Then the door opened, catching their attention, and two familiar figures walked in with steady slow steps. Conan's eyes widen, 'Oh great.' Funny how he always ran into them. He honestly didn't expect it. Wait a minute, this was their jurisdiction being a homicide ( why were they in Ekoda so early?), though, KID's case wasn't theirs and the one in charge of it was already with them.

That only lead to one answer...

'Backup' Conan narrowed his eyes, cursing his luck silently. It didn't look like they noticed him, perhaps it wasn't late to hide yet. To his misfortune, the two cast their eyes on the old man who was covering him from their view. Jii stood up eagerly and ruined the plan the small detective had in mind. Conan bit his lip, 'Great, just great'

Hakuba grinned, clearly aware of what occupied the boy's mind.

"You must be Konosuke-san. I am inspector Megure Juzo, from division 1" they shook hands. Jii nodded and returned a smile. "I spoke with the doctors earlier, you did a great job back there"

"Thank you, inspector. But I wasn't the only one that helped," He turned to the detectives, "it was thanks to them that the boy didn't die" Megure narrowed his eyes and Conan laughed dryly, panicking slowly. Hakuba remained silent. "They are quite capable in First Aid. Very practical too" coming from a retired doctor, Megure decided to not worry. At least the man didn't mention Hakuba's operation on KID.

"Megure," Ginzo said, standing up with his hands in his pockets. Finally, someone he could speak to aside from the kids in the room, sitting like sculptures. Tsk, Detectives. "Did it go well?"

"Oh, Nakamori-kun! Yes, everything is going smooth. The hospital brought a new doctor, he'll be looking after KID. Anyhow, how is he by the way?" Meguri bid as he looked at the thief. Before he could comment on anything, the voice beside him spoke.

"Oh, so this is KID!" Takagi said surprised and eager, "I thought he was older!"

Nakamori ignored him completely and turned back to the inspector behind the police detective. "He's still unconscious. I don't know much, but his condition is quite critical. He has only a little time to hint out if he will make it"

"You can't be serious!" Hakuba's wide eyes said and Conan showed derangement on his face too.

'Kaito Bocchama!'

Nakamori turned, sighed, then added slowly. "I am sorry, Hakuba-kun. But I am not sure of it myself. Kaito-kun took a lot of damage; he won't recover in a month or so. It's best if he stays down for a while."

'He has to stay down for good...' Conan didn't want to admit it, but they were right.

Ginzo recalled what Dr. Shon told him in private, and the voice flew past his thoughts again to his dread. 'There is a strong possibility that he won't live to see nightfall'

"Nakamori-Keibu, will the hospital keep him in a chemical coma?" Takagi, who was now standing in front of the bed, said eagerly. When the inspectors stared at him with half eyes, he scratched the back of his head. "I mean, to keep him from escaping..."

Ginzo sighed, "For the meantime, no, he is already in a coma. However, when he wakes, we all know that nothing can keep him down. So, it's either that they will drug him or paralyze him, Takagi-kun"

"Now it's too early for backup plans. Anyhow, Takagi-kun, don't forget to identify people before they come here. They will also have to do the scan, any fake will be easily identified. Just make sure to stick close to catch them" Megure continued, speaking with his serious tone again. 'Don't mess up' said his eyes.

"Yes Keibu, you can count on me!" Wataru nodded, raising his right hand to his head. "Oh... which reminds me..." he whispered something and the inspector sustained. "Okay, I will inform you as soon as I am sure of it."

"Okay, but be careful. You and Sato will take the mission."

"Yes sir," Takagi sustained and closed the door behind him.

Megure then pocketed his hands, and spoke to Jii, "Since Kuroba-kun will be staying here for a while, you don't have to worry about him. If any anything comes up, we will inform you"

Konosuke nodded, "Thank you, keibu"

Ginzo felt his phone vibrating in his pocket, "Excuse me" he said walking to the door, yet didn't leave the room. "Aoko," he said, staring at his watch. 8:30, "is anything wrong?"

"Ahh, no, Tou-san. Aoko was just checking on you. Are you coming home tonight?"

"I don't know. I will stay for some unfinished cases. I will probably come back in the morning. Are you calling from school?"

"No, Aoko didn't go today. Aoko didn't feel well." he heard familiar female voices from her end, in addition to cars. "Aoko's with Ran-chan and Sonoko-chan. Do you need anything?"

"No, don't worry about me, Aoko. Oh! Since Ran-kun is with you," that caught the mini detective's attention, who slapped his forehead with his palm, "tell her that I'll bring Conan-kun back before lunch."

"Okay, no problem, just don't let him get in trouble. Tell him that it's Ran-chan's orders~"

"Sure, now, go have fun with your friends. Goodbye dear" and they hung up. As he turned, all eyes were on him. "What?" he held in confusion, 'can't a guy speak to his daughter in peace?'

"Is Aoko-kun okay?" the young Tantei raised, "She could be_"

"Don't worry Hakuba-kun. I didn't tell her anything about Kaito-kun, the syndicate won't suspect in her"

"I see" the detective silenced himself and sank in his musings. They forgot to call them. No doubt that Ran was going ground Conan for disappearing like that, and Aoko...well... she definitely wouldn't use a mop or throw a desk at him tomorrow at school.

Those were restricted to Kuroba, the idiot who always liked to taunt her by flipping her skirt. Eventually, she started wearing shorts, and he never tried after they_

Saguru shook his head, 'it's not the point now. I doubt Aoko-kun will be aggressive with anyone aside Kuroba-kun, he earned her anger.'

But who knew how she would react...

"Ne, Aoko-chan, did your father tell you where he and Conan-kun are?" Ran asked with worried eyes, her hand clutched at her skirt. She turned her gaze back to the stores at her left. Aoko was walking between her and Sonoko, with the latter to their left, glancing profoundly at every store (clothes stores). They even saw her sparkling eyes when she saw a blue dress matching the heels that she bought two minutes earlier. She would have rushed in, had it not been for Ran and her stabbing glares.

Aoko returned an apologetic smile, "Gomen, Ran-chan, he didn't. Aoko didn't want to be pushy, he doesn't like to mention work-related things." With that tone and a deep moment of observation, Ran knew the girl spent all her time alone. So her father was that busy? Probably. Aoko then smiled, waving her hand off as if it was nothing worth mentioning. "It's probably another case. But he'll bring the kid over before lunch, so don't worry about him." she paused for a brief moment, "Arigatou for skipping today, Aoko appreciates it. Aoko needed a distraction..."

Ran gave her a warm smile, nodding back with a face that said 'it's fine, that's what friends do'.

"Speaking of Conan-kun," Sonoko began, throwing her eyes at the traffic sign they were going to cross now. Why did they have to walk this far again? 'Oh right, to cheer Aoko up'. Once the light became green, they stepped and crossed the small distance. What was she going to ask? Oh right, the brat who was responsible for keeping her up all night, crying for her beloved idol, "why did he involve himself in yesterday's case?" her hands were now crossed behind her head. 'Noisy death magnate brat'

"What case?" Aoko said curiously, her right hands adjusting the shopping bag in her left hand. Her eyes stared confused at Sonoko, who held back a twitch that was followed by heavy hands on Aoko's shoulders. Aoko could have sworn the girl lost a nerve.

Then came the answer the 'breakdown', "KID-sama's murder!" Sonoko said sobbing, nearly strangling the poor girl on the way. "How could you easily forget..."

"Gomen-ne~" and Sonoko shot her a death glare. Aoko softened her gaze, "KID escaped Aoko's mind completely. Oto-san said that Conan-kun and KID always challenged each other to see who gets to defeat who." She laughed at the idea, "it's funny how a small child caught KID's interest. It's amazing how smart Conan-kun is, being the only one who got as near as catching the sneaky thief." Ran nodded while Sonoko snorted.

"Oh please! As if the brat ever stood a chance! No one can catch my darling KID-sama~" her eyes were in the shape of hearts, with her hands clasped together until she fell on the ground because she ran into a pole. "My darling KID-sama who is now dead..." Ran helped her up.

Aoko laughed at her response, completely ignoring the second sudden breakdown. "Funny how you are sad for a criminal's murder. Aoko is disappointed!" she laughed, "Anyway, what's Conan-kun interested in, other than crimes?" Ran was about to open her mouth and say soccer, but Sonoko's voice interrupted her, again.

"Trust me I have no idea!" Sonoko frowned at the expression Ran gave her, "Weird brat..."

"Sonoko! How many times do I have to tell you to not call Conan-kun a brat!" Ran gradually blamed her, Sonoko only huffed back. "Besides, he's just a smart boy, he likes to investigate. That's all."

"Yeah, just like that detective freak of yours" Sonoko snorted, 'Idiot detectives' Ran was going to get her revenge, even if she was going to wait until Aoko leaves after nightfall. If she stayed that long, which was unlikely...

Nakamori turned a deaf ear to what they were discussing, whoever that 'detective freak' was, Ran loved him. But comparing that said detective to the boy she only saw in the newspapers, didn't help her in understanding their behaviors. On top of that, she was introduced to him and Mori Kogoro last night. She shrugged the entire situation away from her thoughts. She had more important things to worry about; and with her transparent side, she couldn't hide her concern.

The sadness in her eyes caught Ran's attention, as she immediately turned to her. "What's wrong, Aoko-chan? What's bothering you?" Ran raised worried. Maybe she didn't have the right to intrude like that? She shrugged the idea off and continued without eying the girl. "You seem...um... sad"

Aoko shrugged, "N-no, Aoko is fine." Ran glared her, it was clear Aoko wasn't fit to be a liar.

"Oh come on, you can tell us~" Sonoko gave a kind trusting smile, wrapping her arm around her shoulder. "So, so, what happened?" The messy-haired girl wavered to answer, unsure of how to explain it. Sonoko's eyes spotted something shiny. "Oh!" she held the girl's right hand. "Oh! This ring is beautiful!" Aoko blushed, "Who's the lucky guy?" the girl smiled and tucked her hand in her pocket. "Come on, don't be shy!" Sonoko grinned, "I can already tell that you two are on good turns~" to that, Aoko laughed.

'If only she knew...'

"So, Aoko-chan, who is he?" Ran asked, a little curious.

"Kaito~"

(Ekoda high school, class B-2. The first period)

Professor Konno Erika walked into the classroom, impressed to hear no quarrels neither Nakamori nor Kuroba. Wierd, their voices should have reached the hallway when she reached the stairs. She hoped it wasn't another prank. Embracing the worst, she sat down, glancing at the seat where her everyday troublemaker sat. "I see empty desks, What is Kuroba up to this time?"

Akako let out a sudden answer without thinking, "He's" then paused, everyone stared at her waiting for her to continue. "He's... um...He's still in Rome performing tricks and stuff... with his magician friends, and his mother too. They flew there last night, straight from Vegas" her voice became more confident with the last sentence.

The teacher gave her mental image of Kuroba a flat glare, then sighed, "He was supposed to come back today!" she rubbed her temples, "Well, did he say when he was coming back, Koizumi-kun? It's been two months since he left" the girl watched her with a blank face, "I haven't heard of anything from the principle since his sudden departure"

Koizumi shrugged, she knew what happened thanks to her crystal orb. "No, he didn't say anything, Konno sensei." she took a short pause, "You see, performing takes a lot of time, and... he's probably doing some now"

"Let's hope he'll be back before the Exams" Erika opened another book, flipping it's pages mid-way.

"Exams!" everyone dropped their faces. Exams were never pleasing (even for Japanese students), and they were done from the last week!

"Huh? Nakamori Aoko and Hakuba Saguru aren't here either?" Konno looked from the book, wondering if it was anything serious. "I understand Kuroba-Kun's situation, but Nakamori is always the first to come here. And Hakuba is never late!" silence consumed the room to the point she could hear crickets. She gave a frustrated sigh, "Why aren't they here?"

"Come to think of it, I haven't seen her since Wednesday," said Keiko, placing her finger on her chin. 'It's already Friday now, I wonder what she's up to' she placed her musing aside, noticing the teacher stare fixed on her, "She left me a message this morning, saying that she won't come today. But she didn't say why or when she was coming back. She said the principal knew" The teacher sighed again, why wasn't she told too?

Akako caught up with a theory, mumbling to herself. She didn't check her orb since she left school, so anything could have happened in the past hour. "Maybe she's with_" Keiko brought her finger to her lips, a low 'hush' passing through her teeth. "Oh right~!" Akako being Akako, she laughed as her hand covered her mouth. Keibo tapped her face with her palm, grateful that the teacher didn't hear anything.

Erika noted the three student's absence on her paper, then fixed her eyes on her book. "Let's begin today's lesson, open page 249, today we will be discussing..."

Akako wasn't paying any attention to the lesson and she was only glancing at the board every ten minutes or so. From the edges of her eyes, she saw Momoi looking at her from time to time, clearly waiting for an opportunity to discuss something. During the lunch break, Koizumi headed to the roof without anyone noticing her. She took a quick peek at her crystal and was disappointed when she saw Aoko with two girls, somewhere in a house or an agency.

Akako decided to check on Kuroba, yet a figure behind the door alerted her attention. Since her back was to the stairs, she snapped her fingers and the orb disappeared. Once the steps became closer, she turned with a smile on her face, "Ara, Keiko-chan. Anything wrong?"

Keiko flumped over words, "It's just that I... I am sorry, but I need to talk to you about something." Fortunately, the bell chose that moment to ring. She turned her gaze back to the red-haired girl. "Can we walk home together?"

"Yeah, sure~," Akako said with a grin, Momoi smiled, and they returned to the classroom.

ِAkako was walking silently alongside Keiko, without fixing her gaze on the brown-haired girl. They left the school's grounds five minutes ago, and the girl didn't say a word yet. "So, what was it you wanted to talk about, Keiko-chan?"

For a moment there, Momoi wavered. "It's... it's about Aoko and Kaito-kun..." that indeed caught the witch's interest as she raised an eyebrow. Keiko cleared her throat, "It's really odd that Aoko didn't come today. You're right; maybe she went to see him. It's been two months since she last saw him..."

"And they'd been engaged for some time" added with a smirk. To be honest, she didn't like to admit it, but the two did match. Besides, she got bored_ eventually_ from trying to get Kuroba under her spells. Three years had to teach her something!

"She misses him~" Keiko's chirping voice brought the witch out of her musing.

"She would die for him" Akako laughed, making that weird haughty laugh of hers again. Momoi glared her, then smiled softly. "It's true~ she loves him a lot. I am surprised Kuroba-kun proposed to her. Anyhow, he's gotten a lot busy lately."

"Yes, being a rising magician and all, I hope he comes back soon. We all miss him too" she looked sad then blushed. "I mean, it's fun with him around. Too bad it's our last year here..."

"Yeah, I do agree. High school is boring without his daily antics, a little laugh is good once in a while."

Keiko laughed, "You mean all the time~" she adjusted her backpack, glancing at the sky. She didn't walk with Koizumi before, she didn't think the girl would hang out with them. ٍٍShe was a little worried about approaching her since she was transferred to their school. Of course, Aoko pulled her into some conversations now and then, but she never sat alone with Akako before. Today was remarkably odd and silent for everyone, and the last thing Keiko thought of doing, was walking home with her.

"Who would have thought those magnets would attract!" not that she didn't know it already, the two's eyes showed it well.

Keiko smiled, adding an amused laugh. "Everyone knew that, Akako-chan~"

Koizumi raised a smile, "I'll keep her trip a secret~ don't worry~"

Keiko smiled back, "Arigatou," she turned her gaze and saw the familiar street, "Oh, here's my stop, see you tomorrow, Akako-chan"

The latter gave a smile, nodding back with amusement dancing in her eyes. "Ja na~," they waved and parted each on her way. 'Such a shy girl' She grinned and turned back to the street to her mansion.

"Nakamori-kun," inspector Megure began, exiting the administrator's room with his hands behind his back. At least he didn't look pissed. "My work here is done, so I am heading back to my station. If anything happens, just inform me and I will be here fast."

Ginzo turned his gaze away from the door to Kuroba's room, "Sure, Megure. Suman, got you caught up in this too" the man only shook his head. "I will fill you in on Kaito-Kun's case later" with that and a nod, Megure left. Ginzo returned to the room where the two detectives and Konosuke were, making sure that everything was going well. "Conan-kun, I will drop you at the Mori residence now."

"Hai~," said the boy with his childish tone, eyes closed with a bright ear to ear smile. "Did Ran-neechan say anything?" he asked with some concern in his voice, followed by a wide childlike blink.

Actors..."No, she's with my daughter now at the agency. They finished shopping three hours earlier..." Conan shot a surprised blink at him, "Don't ask... they're probably trying to keep her company..." that seemed to answer the mini detective's interest.

'Oh, just Ran being Ran... making sure everyone was happy and distracted~' he inwardly raised a soft smile.

"Nakamori Keibu," Saguru's voice stepped in, "I... um...I believe Aoko-kun should know about Kuroba-Kun's condition"

Ginzo tucked his hands into his pockets, a habit he usually did when he felt un-eased. "I can't tell her, it's too risky and I don't want to add another person to the involved list, Hakuba-kun. It's bad enough that you and Conan-kun were dragged in"

Hakuba narrowed his eyes, discomfort slipping through. "Shikashi, Nakamori-Keibu, considering she and him... she has to know"

The noisy brat stepped into the conversation, much to Ginzo's horror. "Hakuba-oniisan, what are you talking about?" Conan said with his usual curious face. Ginzo sighed, definitely tired by the act. 'Is there a connection between them? Don't tell me they're_

Ginzo let out a heavy displeased sigh, "He means that... since my daughter and Kaito-kun are engaged, she should know what happened to him." Oh, the pure horror slipping on Conan's face. "I know she will freak out when she hears that he is in the police hospital... but she will freak out more when she realizes that he is KID," Ginzo said showing some hesitation in his hand, rubbing it against his neck. "She's already worried that Kaito-kun went to Vegas for performing" he didn't need to add any more, "I know that we can't keep this from her. He's her future husband_"

"What if something happens to him?" If he dies...

Hakuba seemed more than just worried when Conan threw that question. The dulled shine in the small eyes added more worries to his currently pilling ones. Seriously, he did not need to worry more about Kuroba.

Hakuba wasn't accustomed to seeing the inspector sigh so often, "I guess it's won't help us if we delay it any further..." With another sigh, Ginzo proceeded, "We should tell her" now he sounded more convinced.

"You're right, Nakamori-keibu, delaying won't solve anything" Saguru bid, Edogawa sustained.

"I am! Ahh, of course I am!" Ginzo said suddenly.

Conan's head tilted 70 degrees. 'This guy is unbelievable…' he laughed dryly in his mind, 'just like ossan~'

"Alright, alright, I'll tell her..." and stepped towards the door, waiting for the call to be picked up. Unfortunately, a voice message asked him to leave a message. He sighed. "Aoko, if you're not busy, can we meet today? I have something important to tell you..." with that said, he slammed the 'end call' button and shoved his phone into his pocket.

"She's not answering? That's weirder..."

"Hakuba-kun, would you stop doing that? I am already worried enough here!" the first sustained silently, "say, does Mori Ran know about K_" Jii was still in the room, "Conan-Kun's... L-location?"

"No," both said at the same time, aware of what he had in mind. Seriously, why were these detectives good face-readers? As if Kaito-kun wasn't enough.

"Okay then," Ginzo said determined and turned his gaze to the child and old man, "Let's go, Conan-kun, Konosuke-san. I'll drop you off at your homes, then I'll go pick Aoko." Konosuke did waver for a moment. "There's nothing to do now, Konosuke-san, it's best to leave everything to the doctors and hope he makes it" eventually, the old man nodded.

"Conan-kun," Hakuba said and the boy turned, "be careful." his determined eyes were caring more than just the plain words. The child smiled, nodding back. "Nakamori-Keibu, I will stay here with Kuroba-kun until you come back" changing the persistent detective's mind was like trying to move a mountain. Ginzo didn't want to add any more headaches, so he agreed and they left.

Hakuba remained in the room alone for nearly fifteen minutes without interruptions, his thoughts fixed on what the next move should be. He didn't want to leave Kuroba alone in his vulnerable state_ even if doctors were there_ and preferred to watch over him by himself.

He glanced for the tenth time at the monitor since his pocketwatch struck three o'clock and the vitals were still weak. Kuroba didn't make a single move or improvement_ not that Hakuba expected it to happen so soon_ but it would have brought some ease if he did. The IV was connected, supplying him with everything he needed. The ventilator was also still connected, keeping him alive for as long as possible. Saguru knew the effort of breathing was beyond the kaitou, one that would take a few more days until the teen becomes capable of breathing on his own. Broken ribs did not help him either.

Everything he had been through recently did not make anything less troubling for Hakuba. The assault attempts had gradually increased in the past year, far often than necessary. That made him more on edge, trying to keep the security high to prevent the killers from approaching KID. He had to do it secretly, blaming the need for guns on 'better security measures', especially with big gemstones. Everything went in his favor when museum owners wanted 'strong' security, despite their knowledge of KID being a harmless kaitou. Lazers and traps weren't going to stop killers manipulating police files and evidence.

Almost immediately, his calm thoughts were interrupted by an incoming call. He stared at the icon for a moment, 'I wonder why she is calling me' within the third ring, he answered.

"Hakuba-kun," she sounded worried, and Hakuba tried to remain contained. "What's wrong, Hakuba-kun? Tou-san said that there's something important, but Aoko can't reach him. Where are you?"

He wavered to answer, "Aoko-kun, it's about Kuroba-kun" silence grew on her end, he could have sworn she went through cardiac arrest. "He's fine, I'll come and pick you up in ten minutes"

"Are you sure Kaito is okay?"

"There is something you should know" well that sure didn't make anything sound better.

He didn't answer her question, she wasn't dumb to miss that. "Alright. Waiting for you, just give Aoko thirty minutes to reach home"

He nodded and took his belongings, heading to the surface outside. 'I need about thirty minutes to reach her too, it's best if I hurry' He walked for nearly ten minutes until he reached the main roads, then took a taxi to his mansion. Immediately, baya drove towards the Nakamori residence.

Once they reached the place, Hakuba picked her up and returned to Station two. He Led her downstairs as she asked billions of questions about the underground place. He didn't tell her anything, including the presence of police officers who were scattered about. "Wait and you will know" clearly, that made her worried. "Kuroba-kun, had an accident earlier, last night." They reached the elevator and went to the floor Kuroba was in.

Her eyes widen at his answer, "Oh, Kami!" her tears almost fell, merely hanging at the edge of her eyes. "Is Kaito..."

Hakuba stopped near a door. She stood there anticipating the worst, as he slid his hand on the knob, opening the door slowly. "See for yourself"

Aoko watched, standing shocked for a complete minute, then her hands covered her mouth. She went inside quickly, followed by Hakuba. "Kaito!" she called, but he didn't wake. He looked so pale and weak. Too weak. Her tears ascended one after the other, running down like a stream. "Aoko thought it was true...Aoko knew they got to you"

He blinked surprised, "What are you talking about, Aoko-kun?"

'Oh… Forgot you were here... Aoko slipped~' she didn't turn, 'Time to recruit a lie~'

She wiped her tears, "Aoko knew that Kaito was... Aoko knew... but thought they didn't get to him…" she added each with a shaky break, her hands glued strongly to her eyes. Being Kaito's fiance taught her some skills.

Hakuba's face lit with fear and horror. No, no, this didn't mean anything good! She was already involved! "Nani! You knew he was_ is..."

She sniffed and nodded, "Yes, Aoko knew that he is KID. Aoko knew it before he proposed, he told Aoko a little...then he left because they targeted his mother..." Hakuba's eyes widen. He didn't know Chikage was targeted. 'Aoko you Idiot, he didn't know' she gave herself a mental slap. 'Aoko thought the old man mentioned Chikage-san's accident' she sighed mentally. Someone was going to strangle her for slipping.

Then his voice prevented her from thinking, "How long have you known?" He asked rather serious than curious. No doubt he suspected something was going on. She had to think of something and quick.

She brought a hand to her eyes in an attempt to wipe the last tears. She hesitated for a short moment, his eyes never left her, clearly analyzing how she was dealing with the sudden news. "Almost three months ago?" he frowned, "Gomen Hakuba-kun, Aoko had to keep his secret. Aoko knew you suspected him of being KID, but we needed to keep everyone safe..." Saguru figured he didn't have the right to intrude any further, as the pressure itself was hard on her. He narrowed his eyes, truly hoping she would stop crying. "Hakuba-kun..." he snapped out of his musings when her voice cut in, "is he going to be okay?…" her tears ascending again much to his discomfort and it was troubling him to see them. "Will Kaito make it?" That way she could cast his attention away from her knowledge. She had to show how worried she was for her fiancé, otherwise, her knowledge would be compromised.

Hakuba said nothing, he fell for the crying act as she expected him to. "I don't know..." he bid after a moment of silence. "It rests on him to decide" He silenced himself right after that, carefully thinking of how he should word it out, without wanting her to collapse. He asked her to sit down, which she did eventually after he insisted. She kept her sight on the boy; watching him 'sleeping'. "There is a strong possibility that he won't make it..." Her tears fell again, but she tried to contain them, at least that was what he thought.

Kaito was still and even if he could talk, the tubes would prevent him. Saguru was aware that the police had the Kaitou bound to the bed. Of course, he only noticed the sheets when he pulled the cover for the shivering teen.

Her eyes observed the multiple scars and wounds on his face, regardless of the few thousands that she could see on his arms. The rest were covered by the blanket. It was too early to determine if he was going to open his eyes, which was going to take months before he does.

The entire situation was hard on the girl. He knew it was too early to tell her, yet he still had to. For all he knew, Kuroba might die any minute now. And to be honest with himself, he didn't want the girl to see Kuroba dead. Spending some time saying goodbye might ease her pain if she was prepared. Not that it would make any difference, she would break down anyway.

"He just needs to rest for some time. He'll be okay, I am sure. " he wasn't sure he meant it, but he smiled anyway. "Don't worry, Aoko-kun, Kuroba-kun is strong, he'll wake before you know it!"

"Demo, he's..." she stopped herself from stating the obvious. "He's gonna be in big trouble…and he won't like it!" She smeared her tears. 'He won't like it at all' deep down, she was trembling. She wanted to check on him, but she was too afraid to see him like that, dying and in the hands of the police.