Fixed and updated on 22/7/2019
The good, there is a sequel to this story including info I could not publish here for the sake of NOT stalling the chps. Meaning, you get to see how some characters got to know KID is Kaito :3
Review reply:
Loner kid, Hakuba teased this time. And don't worry, just forget about the whole diaper thing as if they aren't used xD It's just a fic... many things don't need to be applied. I never really knew it back then... it ruined my image of Kaito too T^T every time I hear of the word 'coma', diapers are the first thing to hit my mind... hahaha. AND, as your last review to ch 4, the answer is: as I said above, soon you will get to know how Aoko found out. That sequel is dedicated to you. The idea had been roaming in my head since. I dunno if you are reading this again, if you are, look forward to the sequel :D
Ch 5: A Suspicious Doctor
Hakuba stood calmly with uncertain eyes and watched the girl facing him. Aoko stood confused with eyebrows knitted and vague eyes as she glared the man facing her.
"What do you mean: 'it depends on him'?" She raised her left eyebrow as she studied the blond for approximately five whole seconds. He neither flinched nor responded, as the situation itself seemed clear from his view. Aoko rubbed her temples and closed her eyes as she elaborated, "Aoko isn't dumb, Hakuba-kun. Look at him! Kaito is in a coma, what can he do?"
The small tears that hung themselves at the edges of her eyes added more words than her fear of his death. She was positive that Saguru knew what she felt or what she tried to say. He knew how obvious her emotions had always been, he had been lying to himself when he thought she would be okay if she knew beforehand.
After all, there was a strong possibility that the thief would die, Saguru didn't want the sudden news to break her. It just wouldn't be fair.
What Kuroba needed now, was another miracle to survive. Nothing else would keep him from dying before nightfall. And that was only four hours away. If he wasn't flying from that height, he wouldn't have been badly hurt from the crash. 'It's impossible for anyone to live with such injuries. Maybe Kuroba-kun was lucky... especially with us being there to act'
He watched her carefully as she stood in front of the bed and observed Kaito's arms. They were wrapped in bandages and plastered entirely, without an inch of his skin forgotten. He was nowhere near okay and Aoko was aware of it. The doctors could lie all they want and make them think that Kaito was okay, but his classmates knew it was the opposite.
'The opposite, indeed' Hakuba Saguru wasn't a doctor, but his knowledge was enough to determine how 'precise' Kuroba's condition was. He could even read the monitor and the physical condition enough to understand what was going on. It was something he picked up as a detective, which came handy and saved a few lives when he had the chance to help.
"His case is...difficult, Aoko-kun," he admitted after he placed his hand on his face; she then noticed how tired he was. His face was a mess compared to what she was always used to. The detective continued, "But it doesn't mean he won't make it. He just needs to rest for a while, until he gets back on his feet." His eyes drifted from her gaze as they said the unspoken answer. 'It's going to take some time. Nothing is sure now. You have to be patient'
Aoko nodded slightly with her head, then sat beside her fiancé. Her hand held his, fingers clenched together. With evident bitter sadness carved in her eyes, her mouth curled in regret. "Hakuba-kun, do you possibly think the police will allow him to make one move, lay low to get back on his feet?" It was quite ironic, and he knew she was dead-on right. "KID is an escape artist... one who cannot be bound for long" she rolled her eyes away, with a shaky smile, she proceeded. "KID isn't named 'phantom thief' for no reason, you know"
'Yes, his reputation indeed precedes him, both as a thief and himself' his smile voiced it enough for her to smile back.
With her point explained, she proceeded, "Kaito can escape in a blink of an eye, like this!" she snapped her fingers and interrupted Saguru's little smile as he reminded himself of the Kaitou's nature. "And he can do it alone. So don't think he needs anyone to get him out. All those guards outside, won't be of any help when you are against an illusionist." He stared at her serious face, "it's Kaito afterall~ we've all seen what he can do~" her hands were still holding Kuroba's right hand as if they were begging him to open his eyes. There was also the clear message it conveyed, 'I'm right here with you'
The detective closed his eyes briefly and took the seat beside her. "True, but for now, he can't go anywhere if he wakes. Not with those wounds, and not until they are completely healed" he looked away from the bed-ridden teen, "I saw them... and I know how critical they are. There is no way he could get up or walk before a couple of weeks, or at least, until his legs could carry him without additional pain." she glanced away, "Besides, when I said: 'until he gets back on his feet', I meant until he can support being alive without the ventilator. You took it literally, Aoko-kun" he winked.
"Ha ha, very funny," she said dryly as she glared him with half-opened eyes. She remained reticent and focused her thoughts on the comatose Kaitou facing here. In her mind, she bewailed what happened to him. No, she knew it was going to happen eventually, just as Kaito knew it too. 'If only you didn't go after them...' although her classmate couldn't read her deep concealed thoughts, he knew that he had to be beside her now. "Say, Hakuba-kun... did tousan tell say anything about the case?"
He denied, "We're trying to find the organization secretly. They already_ like everyone else_ think that KID died. And that is better, for now, no one will be on his tail. We can keep him as far as possible from them until he recovers. At least here, we can keep him from being discovered... as long as this place stays a secret" to that, she nodded.
"Quite true"
They turned to the unfamiliar voice and saw a person beside the door. His black-framed glasses reflected some mischief behind them. 'How much did he overhear?' Hakuba bit the inside of his lip, then asked calmly, "Who are you?" the appearance of the man screamed foreign, one who Saguru was sure seemed fishy.
"My name is Dave" the doctor began casually, "and I am responsible for that patient," his finger pointed at Kaito, then his gaze turned to the was impressed. For a foreigner (maybe a French man), he was fluent in Japanese. "And you?" The tall, blue-eyed blond man asked curiously, yet no ominous feeling came from him again.
He looked _maybe_ a little innocent to Nakamori Aoko while Hakuba felt something was more to being a nice doctor. He wasn't going to let the white coat or the calm face fool him, yet...Most likely, Jizo and Ginzo checked his file...
'He's already been entrusted with the details, no need to keep anything from him' The inspector's voice echoed in his mind. Saguru sighed mentally, then retorted with a friendly smile. "I'm Hakuba Saguru, a detective. And this is Nakamori Aoko. I presume you met her father?" the girl smiled, to which Dave returned a smile.
"Yes, I spoke to Nakamori-keibu earlier." there was a slight pause after that, "So, you were investigating this case? I mean, the one facing you?" His fair blue eyes were focused, too focused to miss anything. Random hair strands covered his fringe, Saguru did not dismiss it being a wig just yet.
'He's testing us' Hakuba blinked back and faked his knowledge of the scheme. "No, I was just there to help. By any chance, do you know about him?" the doctors couldn't even step anywhere near the room, aside from the one named Shon.
Dave nodded and crossed his arms, then spoke with a lighter tone. "That is only for the doctors, also for the police and guards. I know who Kuroba-kun is" Hakuba sneered at that, so he knew that much. Shon didn't even get a name, so what made this guy so special? "I have been informed of all the details, and Nakamori-keibu gave me KID's case." Aoko was the one to raise an eyebrow this time, "Everyone else_ the doctors_ think that this patient is a Task Force officer"
"Humph, 'Only for the doctors', huh?" Aoko quoted him, "What are you then?"
The man raised a sly grin, "Someone out of that circle, miss." She glared him, "Or a private doctor, you can say. One who knows more than others do, like a certain deal of information that your thief friend here possesses"
It wouldn't surprise them if they would hear his knowledge about the syndicate next. 'Tousan, what were you thinking! Going as far as telling him who KID is!' she pouted mentally behind her poker face. 'Those were supposed to be classified info! Humph...'
"Anyhow, are you two familiar with him?" came another seemingly innocent-spontaneous question. Whoever he was, he was a good actor. His perfect control over his emotions and expressions were indeed enough for them to be wary of him.
'He could be one of them,' the detective was also masking every expression (that would be showing suspicions) from escaping his face or being caught off guard, 'his skills rival KID's, just like them'
Aoko prevented herself from sighing and held back a twitch of her eyebrow. She was sure he wasn't a bad guy since the murderous aura wasn't there. That led her to one thing, he had to make sure they weren't from syndicate or KID's partners. There was no way her father would let anyone near the boy who he considered his son, without precautions and information to expose imposters. 'Get on with it...'
Hakuba kept his act, "He's our classmate, I'm sure Nakamori-keibu gave you that information too. Correct?" he fixed his eyes on the man's face, 'he is testing us. I am positive' he had no intention of being investigated, 'Don't expect us to fall for your game, doctor' his eyes said, serious and determined.
The so-called Dave grinned, "I was just making sure that you're not an impostor," both raised an eyebrow, "or KID's assistants, in the matter of fact. We have to be careful. Anyway, you've been waiting here all night, not to forget, having operated on KID-kun" there was something wrong with how he worded it. Like he knew the thief's age all along.
His musings were cut with Aoko's sudden voice as she was surprised to hear what the doctor said. "Hakuba-kun, is that true?" He approved. "Oh…Kami, Aoko can't believe what she is hearing… no wonder you knew his condition..." the brit added nothing, "Arigatou" her voice softened, and he raised a modest smile.
'Anytime'
The Doctor quickly cut their conversation, as they seemed unaware of what to add. "What you and that old man did, saved the boy's life. He lost too much blood. If you haven't acted out immediately, he would have died in a moment. Now, enough of this, rest while I perform a checkup on my patient"
"That didn't sound so good..." they turned to the girl, "Aoko meant the statement 'my patient', freaky~' They raised a smile as the doctor began his tests. "Aoko is a little curious, how can you be so calm?"
"Oh, you mean knowing he is KID?" he raised with a teasing grin, there came a nod from the girl, "That isn't a problem for me, all I see is an unconscious teenager," he said formally and smiled, "One who is in need of medical attention, so that is more important to me now"
"And don't forget the fact that most people are KID's fans~" Saguru added with a grin on his face, "You have to admit that no one considers him a criminal~"
Aoko laughed, "Is that so~? Aoko used to be the only one then~ If you exclude the geezer, that Suzuki Jirokichi" Hakuba blinked in surprise, "Kaito calls him that, Aoko just found it catchy~"
"And I presume, now you encourage him?" Dave asked with his eyes fixed on the monitor, then wrote down the changes on the clipboard resting on his free hand and turned to infuse a shot.
"Of course! Aoko will always support Kaito, no matter which side he is on!" her eyebrows were knitted and her eyes were persistent. "That's what friends do!" and fiancés...
"That somehow doesn't sound assuring..."
The doctor laughed at the blank face Hakuba gave when he spoke. "No matter which side, huh? That would be interesting...I wonder how things would have been~"
"Aoko doubts he'd be the bad kind of thief~ Kaito's all about entertaining people~" she chuckled. "Nothing can take that thrill away!"
Her sapphire eyes observed every move Dave made, to which Hakuba decided she didn't trust him just because her father did. She had every right to doubt everything, for all they knew, he could slip some poison in the tubes right under their noses as 'a painkiller'. Saguru decided to keep his focus too, two eyes were better for a job like that. 'Something tells me that she knows more,' If Kuroba truly had partners, they could be disguised as his best friend, who would be allowed to come since she was the inspector's daughter and the thief's future wife.
Moreover, since no scans were made on her, she could be anyone.
Why didn't it cross his mind to let the guard check her? The security system would identify her fingerprint on the spot and provide the face of the owner either ways. He shouldn't have forgotten to run the test. Heck, the police should have checked them before letting them in. There was no real guaranty that she was the real Aoko, if KID could impersonate everyone, Hakuba betted the partners could too. After all, it wasn't hard to behave like her, a little stalking would be enough to learn everything about the transparent girl.
Yet so far, he didn't feel it was the case here. With more none-direct observation, he was positive that she was the real deal, despite being cautious and silent for most of the time. But that was to be expected, given the situation they were in now...
Regardlessly, he couldn't let his guard down, not yet.
After a short time, Dave placed the clipboard aside and turned his gaze to give the teens some assurance. "He's somewhat stable for now_ with the machines, I mean. But just in case, I will keep him on painkillers"
The girl's fingers ran past each other, with her face down, she asked with a muffled voice. "Will he make it?"
Dave stared at her pale face for a moment before he gave her the answer. "Nakamori-kun, for now, nothing is sure. Usually, there is an estimated time; if the patient survives them, he might have a chance of making it. However, in Kaito-kun's case... is out-most difficult. Anything can happen... and can kill him on the spot"
'He's too weak to handle anything now' Hakuba added in his head. There was no need to worry her any more than she already was. Perhaps they could fill her in on more when some improvements begin to show. Any at all. Right now, it would be better to not say everything, it would be better to keep their knowledge to themselves and hope the Kaitou survives. There was nothing better to do anyway, the doctors were doing everything they could, and everything else depended on Kuroba.
'No one else can help him now' Saguru observed the monitors.
Aoko wasn't dumb to not see what was going on, yet appreciated their concern and hoped to know a bit more. Anything that could be enough to know what to expect next. 'Don't give up, please, Kaito'
Nothing looked good and the vital readings were continuous cycles of worrying peeks. He was on his own. 'Don't give up, Kuroba-kun' beside him, he saw how the girl watched her fiance. There was a lot of pain and regret in her eyes, and he did not miss the clenched fingers at the edges of her skirt. He couldn't blame her, the sight itself said the boy was in for it. The tons of wrapped bandages weren't going to conceal the bruises, everyone knew they were still there. Saguru sighed, still uneasy about the entire situation. He never pictured it before in his head. Yeah, he imagined Kuroba dead, but not in this state.
Deep down, he regretted not saving him before Jackle got there. No, he regretted not acting sooner. He had chances every day to make the damned thief talk. He just let him 'choose the time' and 'trust him' on it. Those three years could have been history if the fool trusted him. Now that Hakuba had the time to over-think it again, why didn't he even try to approach Kuroba sooner?
Scratch that, the thief was dead-on persistent to keep himself distant.
What was it with thieves and detectives being rivals anyway?
Again, scratch that. Were every good-doers lunatics? Acting on their own (and thinking it would protect everyone that way)?
There were times Saguru wished Kuroba had more trust in him. That he viewed him as a friend, instead of a 'critic' or a person who was trying to catch him... to 'Solve' the mystery. They could have joined forces, much as Kudo and Hattori did.
(At the Mouri Residence)
Mouri Ran was doing the dishes until the doorbell rang.
With a glance at the desk from the kitchen door, she saw her father hopelessly asleep on it. She sighed, ignoring the five empty scattered beer cans beside him. Didn't he have anything better to do? 'Some things never change' she dried her hands and turned to answer the door. "I'm coming!" she looked through the peeping hole and opened the door eagerly. "Conan-kun, oh thank God, you're here! I was so worried" she hugged him then stood up and turned to the inspector. Conan collected his breath. Did she have to suffocate him while hugging him?
"Thank you, Nakamori-keibu. I hope he didn't give you any trouble"
"None at all, Ran-kun" the inspector smiled, "I'm sorry for worrying you about him, we got caught up with something and didn't find the time to contact anyone..." he gave her a broad shaky smile and turned his gaze on the twerp. "Goodbye, Conan-kun" just before he turned, he remembered something. No one was around, that made him a bit worried. "Did you see Aoko?"
"Yes, she was here a bit ago. She left back to Ekoda at three o'clock. Hakuba-kun came and picked her up from there"
"Re-really!" he was surprised, Hakuba didn't mention anything. The best thing to do was to check whether or not she was with the detective. He smiled at the girl, "Thank you, sorry again for troubling you." with that, he left and Ran closed the door.
"Ran neechan, was Nakamori oneesan okay when she came here?" he asked innocently, Ran nodded with considerate eyes.
"Yes, eventually though. She was a bit worried about her dad since he didn't go home last night. Don't worry, Conan-kun, she'll be okay" she smiled warmly and the child smiled back. "Oh, we're going to head out for an hour or two. Sonoko invited us to a party at Beika " her eyes noticed his messy appearance. "Go take a shower or something, your clothes are covered in dirt!" the child approved with a big 'Hai' and ran past the Livingroom-agency where Sonoko sat in front of the TV (which was paused)
'Perhaps she's trying to busy herself with something from watching the news from last night?' He didn't expect to see her down, 'dedicated fan', he mumbled to himself and passed her.
"Oi, brat," his feet took a sudden pause. She wasn't going to leave him alone, was she? With a questioning tone, she proceeded, "where have you been? We were worried about you!" her voice forced a chuckle in his head. Nope, he didn't believe her for a second. She was w-w-worried about him? His ears must have been affected by the chopper's explosion.
He was definitely hearing wrong...
'Yeah, I must be hearing things...' he laughed dryly in his head. The blonde kept her eyes on him, demanding an explanation although he was sure that she saw him with the inspector on TV. "I was with Hakuba oniisan and Nakamori-keibu," he said it like an innocent child with a big flashy wide bright smile. She never fell for it before though, but he still gave it a shot. Most people believed his foolish acts until now, she was just too… he couldn't find a word for it. 'For how long? how long can I keep the act? A lot of people are already on-to me in more ways than one!'
"Yeah yeah, always snooping around crime scenes, as usual. Say Conan-kun,' so she's saying his name now? Huh, that's a rare thing. Oh, he's getting a scolding, isn't he? Maybe a lecture... again? "If you don't quit that habit of yours," here it comes, "you'll become a detective freak in the future"
His head tilted mentally. If he counted how many times she said that, it probably reached the 200th time_ give or take. And yet he always thought of the same response: 'I already am' and he always laughed dryly at it in the back of his mind. Some things were getting old, she should be finding new lectures instead of repeating the same ones every time (and forgetting she said them, again).
She was glaring him with her hands fixed on her hips, he wasn't going to submit to her squinting eyes as they were supposed to scare him. Did she honestly think he would be scared if she gave him the dry cold look?
'She should honestly give up, this is way past old,' He wasn't a kid_ not that the airhead was smart to realize anything_ but he was hoping she would treat him better. He sighed, 'It's never going to happen...clearly' she kept glaring for three whole minutes, which was a record by twenty-four seconds. "Is Kogoro ojiisan here?" The snoring from the man's bedroom answered his question. He laughed nervously at the obvious answer, if the baka wasn't watching Yoko Okino singing, the horse race or getting drunk, he was asleep. Oh and Mahjong too, he can't forget adding that to the list. Though it was unlikely because Kogoro must have been playing last night with his friends since he came in the morning, drunk and got scolded by Ran, Again. 'Ojiisan is so predictable~' his life became boring these past three years. There was hardly anything new going on, aside from discovering KID had something to do with the syndicate he was trying to catch since he was force-fed that poison by Gin.
"Go to your room!" her voice snapped him out of his musings, she knew he wasn't paying attention long before she started to scold him. 'Tsk, what's with detectives and their spacing out? Sculpture Freaks...' she glared him and raised her voice, "Don't do those interrogations with me, brat!" she hissed as she maintained the dry glare for another minute before she turned her gaze to the kitchen. 'Tsk, this twerp never flinches, normal kids would tremble… I don't expect anything innocent from this trouble magnet anyway' she huffed. "Ran, don't forget the popcorn and soda!"
Wrapping her mind around the brat's behavior never really got her anywhere. A moment he was an annoying brat with a serious face and the other he was an annoying brat with a fake smile. 'Annoying' was always a common feeling that she felt and saw, even when the kid wasn't doing anything at all.
Maybe she just didn't like him? Wait, stop. No, he was annoying, it had nothing to do with her attitude towards him. He reminded her a lot of Kudo Shinichi, maybe that was why he was so annoying. 'Runs in the blood huh?' she rolled her eyes away from the small face.
"Alright!" Ran sweet innocent voice said from the kitchen. She deserved better.
'The poor girl... still waiting for the freak to come back,' Sonoko honestly felt bad for her best friend, waiting for so long with only short phone calls and texts from time to time, keeping her from giving up. 'The brat better not be cheating on her' wait, why was she thinking about Shinichi now? Oh right, the small death ringer standing in front of her with no care in the world and a fake confused expression on his face.
He couldn't fool the Deduction Queen, she could see past his acts and nothing he tried could work on her. 'Maybe I should talk to his parents...'
"Go to your room!"
Conan sighed and gave a defeated sad expression, which was completed by a lowered head as he walked away to the room she pointed at when she snapped at him a few seconds ago. He knew she wasn't going to buy the sad letdown expression on his face, he was just pretending to be sad for being yelled at as any normal child would be. But she ignored him much as he expected and watched him as he walked away silently. 'With all the cases he saw, I won't be surprised if he lost all emotions... maybe he is just faking a smile...' she turned back to the movie she had on pause, 'I definitely must talk Ran into taking him to a psychiatrist... We don't need another detective freak!'
The door closed concealing the boy from her sight. 'Heavens, we do not need another detective freak."
Conan walked lazily to the bedroom, grabbed a set of fresh clothes and went to take a warm shower. That done, he slumped on his small futon and crossed his hands under his head. It didn't take him ten minutes to realize that he was bored. He wasn't going to stay with the girls or watch a romance movie_ which he was positive of_ since it was Sonoko's choice. Catching up with the detective boys was a complete no, he needed to rest, they'd just give him more headaches.
So he thought of getting a little shut-eye after last night's pressure.
Then his phone started buzzing. 'H-Hattori?'
Where are ya, ahou!
-Hattori
Conan grunted, he wasn't in the mood to talk to him. "Later, Hattori, I need some rest" he typed quickly before he slammed the cell phone off and shoved it under the pillow. At least the blabbermouth had the decency to leave him be.
Sleep wasn't coming to him, although he had been looking forward to it. But now that he was on the soft mat, he just laid there in silence as he thought of the upcoming strikes. No, there was something more important weighing his mind. He was more concerned about KID, Aoko, Saguru, and Ginzo, to think of anything else. They were alone in S2, and who knew when the black organization was going to set its claws again on them_ or anyone close to them.
When it struck six, he shoved the cover away and texted the blond to make sure everything was fine. The text he received made him relieved, that sneaky thief decided to stick around a bit more. Maybe that would buy him some time to recover with the help of the machines.
Nakamori Aoko and Hakuba Saguru sat beside the bed, more than just boredom written on their faces. Despite the constant alerts from the monitor, they were somewhat assured that there was a doctor right beside them to stabilize the thief.
"Aoko is gonna have a heart attack if this keeps happening..." One hand rubbed her temples while the other hand rested on her chest, 'Kaito can you stop worrying us for just a minute?'
"Tell me about it..." the detective joined with a shaky smile, also worried by the frantic breathing and alarming peeps from the monitor. 'You never stop worrying people, Kuroba-kun'
The doctor sighed, "If it makes you feel any better_ and less worried_ I suggest that you get away from this place for some time"
'Dream on it!' Aoko shouted in her mind, the right answer was 'I won't leave him alone with you', but she wasn't ready to throw accusations just yet. "Aoko won't leave Kaito, ever" Hakuba laughed at the weird face that she gave.
"I am sure Kuroba-kun appreciates your concern, Aoko-kun, but he also wouldn't want you to stay here all the time"
Sometimes Aoko forgot how supportive the detective was when it came to critical times_ not that he didn't have a point...
"Aoko knows... but..."
"It's not like we can go up now in broad daylight, we're just going to the corridor" chances were, the syndicate might be in the forest, and they might spot them and discover the underground hospital.
"Speaking of not going up, forget about what I said. Stay here, it's safer." Dave said, glancing back at her and turning his gaze to the blond. "You do know someone would realize what your absence from school means, right?"
Aoko rolled her eyes away, "Guessed so, but…Nothing we can do about it. If they wanted to follow us, they would have done it months ago. Besides, if they think Kaito died, they won't bother to come after us"
"But they might want to get rid of you. After all, you know they exist"
Aoko shook her head, "Aoko and Kaito never displayed any knowledge about them in front of anyone. The Ravens don't even know he told Aoko about being KID. What they do know is that we are friends and Kaito isn't stupid to tell people and put their lives in danger"
"He did tell you," Saguru said with half eyes, clearly aware of the stupid act both his classmates pulled. Everyone in their school knew they were engaged, chances were, the syndicate knew it too. "Which was a stupid thing to do..."
"Oh please, Kaito was never going to say anything because he would be probably waiting for the right moment. And it's not like he had a chance, Aoko forced him~"
"And you are proud of that?" Dave grinned, "You are terrifying indeed, Nakamori-kun" She smiled. "Should we expect a female Kaitou to show up soon?"
Aoko laughed, "now that would be trilling~" her eyes gave a gleam of mischief to which Saguru sighed.
"Please do not encourage her, Dr. Dave" he fixed his eyes on the thief ahead of him, "We have plenty thieves already~"
"I doubt that a female kaitou KID would be any harm~" something about his grin made the detective sure the girl would take up the mantle thanks to the thrill. If she was anything like the troublemaker_ magician_ the adrenaline rush would encourage her. If only the shadows weren't on their tail, the thought of an amusing heist wasn't such a bad idea. After all, he wanted to see what she could do. She watched Kuroba perform all his life, she must know a trick or two.
The doctor diverted his gaze to his pocket, pulled his phone out and pressed the button accepting the call. The voice directly greeted him and asked without hesitation, "Dave sensei, did you go to room 12 or yet?"
"Yes, and I made my examinations on the boy. Are you coming back here?"
"Yes, I'm on my way, it's gonna take me about an hour or so. Please, don't let my daughter leave before I get there. And if anything happens with Kaito-kun, inform me directly"
"Of course, don't worry"
With that, they hung up, and Dave returned his gaze to the two classmates. He observed the variations on the screen. For a second, Hakuba could see the fear in the man's eyes... or was it regret? He couldn't easily tell.
"All is okay, Tantei-kun. I am just...thinking. It is unfair what happened to the boy. To be honest, I don't think he will wake or even remember what happened. From the test result, it seems, that the head wounds he received are enough to produce amnesia or partial memory loss. But as for waking up, it might be months before he opens his eyes."
"I see," Hakuba took a pause. "Let's just hope he will be okay when he wakes." he turned his sight to Aoko. She was looking down at her knees tightening on her skirt. "Aoko-kun, are you okay?" he asked gently. "He'll be okay, he's Kuroba-kun for crying out loud!" then he softened his tone and gave her an assuring smile.
Aoko slightly smiled to that as she swept that last tear, "You're right. Kaito is tough. KID doesn't fall easily."
The man smiled. 'Kids' he let his eyes wander, analyzing them in the process. 'They never give up. Well, Kaito, don't disappoint them. They are looking forward to seeing you okay and well.'
The door opened revealing a man, not too old, and quite familiar he seemed to the teen detective.
"Ah, Kudo-kun, you finally got out" Dave smiled. "It took you a while." He added a smile.
'Kudo?' Hakuba wondered. 'Kudo as in, related to Kudo Shinichi? Hum, Nakamori-keibu did mention his involvement.'
"I am sorry, Dave-kun. I had some unfinished work" the man turned and took off his cap. "You must be Hakuba Saguru, a pleasure to meet you" and they shook hands. "I am Kudo Yusaku, Shinichi's father."
"Pleasure to meet you as well, Kudo-san"
"Weren't you out of state?" Aoko raised and they turned to her. "What?" she looked at Hakuba. "It's what tousan said, he wasn't supposed to arrive this early"
"Yes, I was. But I came back when I saw the news" Yusaku bid.
"What news?" Aoko posed as she raised an eyebrow. 'Great, you involved yourself, Kaito won't like this'
"That of the Kaitou KID's murder. I have to admit, I was surprised. I knew KID wouldn't fall easily, even if he was new to the profession. So I came to check. It turns out, he did fall."
Dave smiled, then released a glare to which Yusaku retorted with a grin. "Quite expected from you, Kudo. Still in the past."
"Gomen, but what do you mean?" the girl wondered, 'Aoko knows exactly, but Hakuba-kun has to know too'
"Well, I am quite sure that you've heard of the man who named KID... Like his son, he was trying to capture him"
"Yeah, and I almost succeeded. Anyhow, let's see what we'll do with KID's son. The police will surely keep him hidden for a while, I assume?"
"Certainly. He was almost murdered; they can't leave him in any hospital." Dave bid and walked back to the boy. "And your son seems to have figured him out. Well, his identity at least."
Kudo smiled. "And he wouldn't have if Kaito-kun wasn't targeted last night. Besides, he wasn't going to suspect a person he didn't know about or met without a mask. He did let him go several times. Well, let's give the subject a break and let Kaito-kun get some rest. I am sure you three already kept talking like bees over his head." They laughed. Later they sat down, not speaking for about ten minutes.
"So?"
"Bored, aren't you, Nakamori-kun?" Dave asked, keeping his chin on the hand resting on the side counter.
"Yes, very much" She smiled back. "Who knew visiting patients can be this boring, huh?"
"Why aren't you in school?" Yusaku asked and caught Hakuba's attention who seemed to have completely forgotten about asking for the real reason.
She raised a grin, "Aoko got away" Hakuba stared surprised. "Just Kidding. Aoko didn't go because she had a bad hunch, and a friend wanted to meet Aoko at eight"
"Who's the friend?"
"That would be none of your busyness, Hakuba-kun." she blathered, he stared at her with confusion. "Anyhow, Aoko should get going now." she smiled then whispered to Hakuba: "If anything happens, tell Aoko. Watch Kaito please"
"Sure" the latter smiled. "I won't even let him out of my sight. Be careful, Aoko-kun"
"I am sorry, Nakamori-kun, but your father said that you should stay here," Dave said in regret. "You might as well cancel on your friend too."
she looked at her wristwatch then dropped her spirit. "Tousan, wait until you get here" she mumbled angrily and they laughed from their hearts. Scary. "Okay, Aoko will stay, it's still six." She texted her friend immediately, 'got stuck in, gomen'
No worries
Be careful
-1311
Dave got up and walked away, he picked his phone. "Yes? ...Oh, no... I didn't forget...Don't worry, I will deal with it. I will call you later. I have work to do now. Ja na"
Shortly he returned to them, Kudo gave him the serious look, but Dave said nothing. He sat down, with a mien of 'it's okay'.
"Well, it seems quiet here." Yusaku walked to Kaito and observed him for a quick moment. "At least, he's okay." Dave approved.
"Kudo-san, did you know that Kuroba-kun was the current KID?"
"What makes you think so, Hakuba-kun? I was indeed trying to figure out who the first KID was, but it doesn't mean that I knew who the second was. Anyhow, one thing for sure, I doubt Kaito-kun would easily accept this"
"He'll probably pull out another trick and vanish, but he can't get far. Rest assure. And even if, we'll find him"
"What makes you so sure, Hakuba-kun?"
"I have my ways" the young boy smiled. "It's not hard to follow someone. Besides, he won't get too far, not with those"
Aoko said nothing, only averting herself from being sad. 'Keep a good poker face' she thought, Kudo and Dave observed her well. 'Kaito, I am sure you can find your way out, but not now, please. Rest first, then everything will be solved. If not, they'll help you out of here'
Neither Yusaku nor Dave added a word, but Hakuba wasn't even looking. Everyone would realize that the situation they were in was troubling her. It was her fiancée who was caught and lying between life and death.
"He'll wake up before you know it," Hakuba said calmly. "He'll be okay. He won't leave his fiancée behind" and he winked.
"Fiancée?" their eyes widen. "Your_ you're engaged..."
"Y-yes, why? Is anything wrong with that?" she looked confused.
"It's... it's just new to me. Chikage didn't mention anything as good as this"
"Gomen-ne, Chikage-san couldn't tell anyone because we didn't want you know who to figure us out"
"Well, it was the best option. Congratulations, Aoko-kun. Remind me to congratulate Kaito-kun when he comes to"
"Arigato, Kudo-san" she smiled softly.
The doctor was still in shock. 'My! Who would have thought? Just a few years ago, they were kids, playing around. I am sure Kaito cared about her' he looked at Kudo. The latter smiled back.
"Say, Nakamori-kun, how long have you two been engaged?"
"About three months, Dr. Dave." was her reply accompanied by a soft smile.
"Where are you two getting married, in jail?" Hakuba teased, his smile reached his ears.
"Shut up," she said giving the big scary chibi Aoko face. "Aoko will figure it out." she calmed herself down. "If anything, you are responsible for decorating it there, Hakuba-kun" the latter's expression fell. "Of course it's not in prison! And you won't be invited if you continued like this. When Kaito wakes, you can ask him yourself."
"I doubt he'll even tell me when or where." He retorted with a calm gesture.
"Yeah, you are annoying for an enemy. I won't blame him"
"Hey!" Hakuba somewhat raised his voice.
Aoko and Kudo laughed hard, however, Hakuba sat down again and pulled a smile. Well, at least the mood wasn't gloomy anymore.
Meanwhile, Dave got himself busy with his phone, texting someone for about a minute or five, then re-observed the rest.
He then texted, 'I will watch him, just keep a close eye on the partners. I will deal with this case here'
The reply came quickly, as expected.
Don't let anyone figure you out
We only get one shot at this
-Vermouth