Disclaimer: I don't own MK or DC, or any other manga/anime to be exact. I just like to let my imagination run loose :D

Ladies and gentlemen! I humbly welcome you to the next chapter of this story.

I hope this chapter will provide you with a bit of a surprise. Unfortunately I cannot provide you this time with a lot of action to remunerate you for your long wait. I hope you can forgive me that.

Phew! That took me so long to write. I'm very sorry guys, I had so much work all this time. I was extremely tired and had no energy to write something serious xD And it sure didn't help me write that I had a few ideas how to go with it xD But now it should be fine. I'll still be a bit busy, but at least now it won't be stressful at all, so I should be able to update at least once a week ;)

Thank you for your reviews :3 They really do keep me going when I'm having hard times :D

Kameo1 – Yeah it will be a lot better for him, when he's not so lonely anymore. I figured he might feel so comfortable with them because they provide him so much fun and he can feel that they aren't hostile towards him. But he will still try to confuse them whenever he can x) But more of that next chapter xD

Mists – I just always had the feeling Chikage would be more of a troll than Kaito xD
Honestly I've read so many fics with Conan + dove sitting on his head that I couldn't help myself xD I always thought he should feel about it a bit more unpleased, so the idea just popped up in my head xD

JarayZ – Hi to you too :D I'm glad you liked it ;) I had a lot of fun writing it myself x) And about me being busy – bah nothing big, just work and too many assignments at once. You know how it is ;)

Loyal DC Fan – Well as for Conan vs. Kaito – you can't forget that even in series in the end KID always manages to escape ;) So it kinda does encourage people to show it. Oh come on, what didn't you like about the prank on Shin-chan? ;) It wasn't anything bad x) But then again I understand ;) He's your favorite character, so probably you wouldn't like any prank Kaito would make on him. No worries thou – no pranks on Conan here :D

So without further delay…

Please enjoy and review! :)


Chapter 14: A trapped mind


"Why the hell did you stop him?!" Heiji snapped at Hakuba and averted his attention to the magician above them "Oi! Get down from there fast, before you go into a crash and fall!"

Not waiting for any response he ran towards the fire escape and jumped to pull down the ladder. He started climbing it fast, to reach the same level the other teen was on. The other detectives paled understanding what the Osakan was referring to. Adrenaline rush was often an aim for many thrill seekers and while KID undoubtedly was used to benefit from it, but there was a huge difference in using it in a control matter and turning it on from panic. And since Kuroba wasn't exactly conscious when it kicked in...

They shot their panicked gazes at Kaito, who sighed annoyed, clearly not happy with their reactions, that indicated they didn't fall for his act. With his hands tucked in his pockets, he opened his mouth, but closed it again either not being able to speak or simply deciding against it. The two boys on the ground noticed that it was starting to be hard for him to hold his balance. Panting hard Heiji finally managed to reach his level. He grabbed the wire, but didn't dare to get on it. First of all he didn't know, if it would hold weigh of two people and second... well there wouldn't be much he could do even, if he reached the magician. He had good balance, but not that good and wasn't used to walking on wires.

"Oi! Come on get off that. Sorry for spooking you out back then. You don't have to run ok?"

"Pfff..." Kaito chuckled and turned to him with mocking stare, still unable to fully hide his heavy breath "You think you'd see me here, if I wanted to run? You guys started to annoy me toddling after me everywhere I went. So I decided to see how you manage, if I go to higher grounds." He grinned, but it seemed his eyelids were heavy for him. Probably his vision was getting limited.

"You made your point, so get down now, ok? I still need to make you get this mess of my head!" Heiji added an irritated tone and pointed out at his still sparkling hair. His cap was left on the ground as it dropped during their spin.

The magician snorted "And ruin such a fine work~? Sorry, no deal. But on second thought... I do have an idea how to make it nicer~" He hummed wondering and started looking around casually.

"Oh yeah? Think I'll fall for it again? Think again!" Heiji laughed and moved away from the wire, in case Kuroba was hesitating from getting off it because of his presence there.

The magician hummed cheerfully, grinning at the detective. He closed his eyes for a moment and shook his head, swaying dangerously on the wire. He managed to regain his balance easily and when he opened his eyes again they were slightly more focused. He took a few casual steps towards Heiji, as if he was walking on solid ground, when he suddenly stopped with a pained gasp. He clenched his teeth as his whole body stiffened, curling significantly. Just as Heiji rushed towards the wire, to try and get to him, Kaito snapped his eyes open with a sharp and angered look in them. His grin turned into an annoyed one and he huffed. He spoke trying to bring cheerfulness to his voice.

"Sorry, seems I've gotta run. Don't look for me~"

Detective saw him drop a few marbles on the wire and in Heiji's direction. His vision was cut with smoke. When it cleared Kaito was gone.

"What the hell happened?" Shinichi demanded when him and Hakuba joined Hattori on the roof, where the Osakan rushed after he could see again.

"No idea... He seemed fine when he managed his stress level. He was on his way to me, when suddenly pain hit him. He got angry from it, said he has to leave and ran. Didn't hear him pass me but that doesn't surprise me anymore..." He sighed and took his cap from Conan, who brought it with him.

Hakuba frowned at it and asked "Sudden pain you say? Can adrenaline aftermath cause it?"

Hattori shrugged, tucking his hands in pockets, clearly finished with his inspection of the roof "Pain itself yeah, but not a sudden one. When it drops you just end up feeling again any pain you had before, or the damage you caused yourself during the rush. And about that… I did notice he didn't move either of his arms, even to regain his balance. And he did use his right to throw the smoke-bombs…" He added grimly.

Hakuba closed his eyes cursing in his mind and Conan eyed his friend asking "You think he tore his muscles during his escape."

"Can't say for sure. Depends on how he had them warmed up. I'd doubt it would be that serious, since his body is probably used to sudden movement. He probably only strained it and was just wary of it. Either way it doesn't explain this burst of pain… You know if he suffers from neuralgia or something like that?" Heiji asked turning towards the Brit.

Saguru shook his head, looking around carefully "I never noticed him curl in pain like that without a reason. He rarely does even having one, unless he wants to mess with Aoko that is. Maybe he got shot?"

Hattori threw him an annoyed stare "Oi, you think I'd miss something like that? I didn't see nor hear anything like it. Besides I don't think he would stay there a second longer to talk to me, if that was the case. It's just odd… Like…" He cut himself looking for a word to describe his thoughts.

"Like he received an order? Or was controlled?" Shinichi suggested and received a slow nod, he sighed "Well we did consider that for his last heists…"

"But we already ruled it out and found logical explanations for all his actions." Hakuba disagreed focusing his attention to the boy, unpleased with the speculation "And I doubt there would be any need to shoot at him, if that other party had another means to control him."

"Still there wasn't any signs of a shooter at the 'Moon's eye' heist and it is after that one he started acting odd, right? And having one reason doesn't necessary rule out another…" Hattori suggested with grim expression.

"This doesn't add up at all. There wasn't any time for anybody to intercept him back then. Right after heist he met up with you and was acting normal. Considering the time gap between when he left you and met with me he didn't stop anywhere. And how do you expect him being controlled with pain from afar? And in the end it isn't like he is being shot at every heist." Hakuba pointed out trying and failing to keep his cool.

"I think best we just drop this." Conan proposed rising his arms "It's not like we will find an answer with only assumptions and there's no point in arguing about it. I'm more concerned where he went…" He threw a look in Hattori's direction "Think he'd manage to get home?"

The Osakan shook his head "Doubt it. We're too far away. I don't believe he managed to get over the crash back there, so most probably he somehow re-triggered the rush. But if he did, he will collapse soon. No matter how good he is, his body does have limits…"

"Hopefully then he just went to the safe house he was leading us to…" The boy sighed tucking his hands in pockets.

"You really think we are close to one?" Hakuba asked with a slight shock.

"Aa… I'd say that wire is enough of an evidence that he's often in this area. I suspect it was prepared earlier, just for situation like this, when he needs to make a run for it." He threw a glance at his friend who just smiled confirming his assumptions that the line wasn't just a random one "I can be wrong here, of course and it's just a hunch after all, but it would make sense. He probably wanted to find himself in a safe place or check out some data. Seeing how he managed to ignore our presence is probably the best proof that, just like he said, he doesn't see us as a threat or a nuisance. But at the same time as KID he has to be wary of us. Probably Hatorri reaching to him triggered his muscle memory of that." Heiji just clucked at that and turned away his gaze, Conan showed him a small smile "Don't worry too much. None of us could have expected that. It is still wondering why in that state he took that gun away from the guy."

"He probably wanted to dispose of it. He didn't seem happy about the situation anyway…" Hakuba answered recalling his classmates expression while holding the weapon.

"Yeah… but still makes me wonder how often he did stuff like that while conscious. Anyway, now we at least know why he was so quiet at the first heist of the fatal series."

"You think he did it on auto-pilot? Heh… Kinda irks me to even think he might be able to pull it off, without even trying." Hattori stated with a sheepish laugh.

Shinichi responded with a dryly laugh "Well, probably he wasn't as deep in thought as today and had more control over his actions. But still he did show the same expression as back then. I think it's a good guess to think he might have noticed what was going on in the backstage just before the heist, so he had to think fast how to pull it though… And I'm pretty sure he was conscious again, before the end. It was just easier for him to keep up the act. On the following heists he probably just kept it up, since it helped him to hold the tense atmosphere this way."


They stayed there a little longer talking, before they decided that Kuroba won't be coming back. Not that they really hoped for it to begin with, but it never hurts to try. After that they returned to Hakuba's house so the two detectives could get their hair back to normal. They ate their lunch there and called up Ran and Kazuha. Saguru set up a meeting with Aoko and they all met at a cafe in Beika. The similar girls were thrilled to meet each other and they all managed to spend a nice afternoon together. Walking Aoko home Hakuba asked her to keep today's meeting a secret from Kaito so they could surprise him in the future. Needless to say the girl was more than happy to comply and was looking forward to pulling a prank on the prankster.

After he parted with her he went to check, if Kuroba managed to get home. Chikage was still chirpingly happy and didn't seem to be worried one bit about her son's absence. Knowing who she might be made the detective was more wary of her, so after questioning her they said their goodbyes and he left, figuring he should be able to meet Kuroba on the next day at school anyway. He only hoped that she lied to him and Kaito was actually safe at home.


Hakuba was worried when he saw Aoko enter the classroom alone. When he asked about it, she replied that Kuroba's mother told her not to worry about Kaito. The girl seemed to be used to Chikage's antics enough to not fret about her friend's absence. Hakuba pondered about the previous day, especially magician's escape. Was he safe? If Hattori was right and he went into a crash… Adrenaline rush can last only a few minutes. Depending on how strong it was and how long it lasted, the aftermath could be very hard on one's body. And it was possible that he damaged it during the stunt he absently made.

Buried in thought he nearly forgotten to unpack his books. When he heard the bell he snapped back to reality placing his backpack on the desk and opening it. He blinked a couple of times looking inside, not able to comprehend what he was seeing. There was a white chicken inside. A feathery and if the clucking was any proof to it, alive chicken. Most likely a hen. In his backpack, which he packed himself this very morning. Hakuba sighed heavily. At the very least that was a proof that Kuroba was fine and probably somewhere near. He gently took the bird out, finding that everything underneath it seemed fine enough.

It was when the teacher finished reading out the list of attendance when Togashi ran into the classroom, apologizing about him being late. All eyes turned to the person sitting in his seat, looking exactly like him. The newcomer blinked at his doppelganger who just started laughing with Kuroba's voice.

"Glad you're here~ I started getting worried and decided to help out a bit~" He grinned taking his mask off.

The teacher just sighed and noted Kaito's presence. Everybody took their seats, Aoko scolded Kaito for his antic and it seemed everything would be back to normal, with only a chicken clucking around Hakuba. It was when the detective stood up to read a text the teacher ordered him to when there was a chirp from his hair. Saguru froze at the sound and sighed reaching to his head. He grabbed a soft, little creature and once he looked at it, he confirmed it was a chick. Another one soon emerged from his desk and one from his pocket. The teacher only sighed allowing him to sit down and asking, without much hope, to keep it quiet. Hakuba exhaled slowly and turned his gaze to the innocent looking prankster.

"Kuroba… could you please take these birds away? All of them preferably…" He added wondering how many more chickens were hidden somewhere around him.

Kaito raised his eyebrows "Why do you think it's my doings? I don't even know where you can get chicks… It's not like I'm a 'mother hen'…" He stressed the phrase with a slight smirk.

Hakuba gasped frozen. He sighed closing his eyes and mouth. He was going to kill Hattori the next chance he got.

He heard Aoko's annoyed whisper "Mouu... Kaito why can't you just give Hakuba-kun a rest? And why chickens anyway?"

Saguru looked at Kuroba with slight fear. He definitely didn't want a rumor like that to follow him. Kaito smirked at him fully aware of his distress before answering her.

"I don't get it why does it always end up with me being accused." He shrugged "I would understand, if there were doves involved... But chickens..? I don't know... Maybe they felt like they have something in common with our class detective, so they just came on their own..."

Aoko blinked and looked at Hakuba, before asking "Huh? What do you have in mind?"

"Ah... nothing much. But maybe… Just lately somebody has been clucking too much, around about stuff he shouldn't have..." He narrowed his eyes and grinned at Saguru, who just lowered his gaze, with a sigh.

Well he must have admitted that he expected worse. Then again the day hasn't ended yet. Nor the week… Hakuba rubbed his templates forcing himself to stay calm. He looked at a chick, which just gently pecked his hand. It was actually wondering how Kuroba managed to control all his birds he used for his tricks, so they didn't make a mess. Nonetheless it wasn't something Saguru wanted to think about too much.

Instead he decided to focus his attention to his classmate. And he noticed something alarming. For few last weeks Kuroba was writing in his notebook with his left hand, but now he wasn't writing at all. He was refraining himself from using either hand and if he had to, he preferred his right. Considering that just the other day, even unconsciously, he did all he could to protect that one, it must have meant that now his left was now in even worse shape.

When the bell rang announcing end of the lesson Kuroba stood up and took his leave from the classroom. Hakuba wondered, if it was a good idea to follow him, but he was curious what his classmate was up to. The moment he tried to leave from his desk his head as well as all the birds surrounding him got covered with a confetti blast. When it cleared the detective noticed that the chickens were gone. With a sigh he took out his mirror to check his hair. It was wondering how Kuroba managed the trick without being present, but now detective's hair seemed to be replaced with feathers. Yellow feathers to be exact. Hakuba was mainly surprised they weren't pink. He drove his fingers through his changed hair to notice it was some kind of feathered wig stuck to his head.

"That does suit you, you know~" The detective heard from behind him.

That was to be expected that Kuroba didn't leave actually. Hakuba turned around to place his gaze on the magician "Let me guess. The feathers will change their color to pink, if I'll try to remove the wig?"

Kuroba snorted unamused and rolled his eyes "You know. It's really boring how you don't react to what I do to you."

Hakuba simply chuckled "Well excuse me."

Kuroba just sighed and returned to his seat humming to himself, undoubly planning his next step. There was no point in trying to stop him, so Saguru had no intention to. At least the chickens were gone and it seemed the magician wasn't going to spread any rumors about him. Hakuba didn't doubt that he kept the record nonetheless.


When the school bell announced the lunch break Saguru approached Kaito and Aoko, who just stood up.

"Aoko-kun would you mind if I took Kuroba for a private conversation?" He asked towards the girl and caught a grimace from the magician.

"Uhm... sure go ahead. Just don't fight you guys..." She added with a moan and went to join Keiko.

When she left the magician shot him a deadpan expression "Who said I want to have a private conversation with you..?"

Hakuba simply sighed and turned his gaze towards his stubborn classmate "Because I am going to talk with you, about what happened yesterday and I do believe you'd rather that I didn't do it here."

Kaito just narrowed his eyes annoyed "Oh~? Want me to start talking..? I can always take out the photos too~…" He grinned mischievously.

The detective just sighed not willing to know what photos might his classmate have "Please Kuroba. I just want to confirm something…"

The magician only rolled his eyes at that and stood up. They went outside. Kaito was actually pleased being able to see their other schoolmates reactions to Hakuba's new hairstyle. He was only regretting that he wasn't able to do something more… A chicken costume would be a nice touch. But probably that would be going a bit overboard.

The Brit turned around to face him once they were alone behind school building "Is it true what Kudo-kun deduced? Did you meet with those who target you?"

The other teen clucked his tongue annoyed "We're not talking about this Hakuba. If you want to know more, ask KID and hope he'll answer. So if that is all -"

The detective cut in hastily "Alright then could tell me whyyou left in such a hurry? You seemed in pain..."

"Like I told the Osakan, I had something to do, that doesn't have anything to do with you -"

Hakuba cut in again changing the topic "And why did you take that gun? It clearly wasn't your first time do pickpocket something like that."

Kaito turned away his gaze not feeling comfortable with this conversation "I wanted to get rid of it and I did, alright? There is no need for someone to get shot, because someone else got a stupid idea."

"And what if it was an undercover policeman?" Hakuba suggested.

Kuroba gave him a strong look in return "It wasn't. I wouldn't take it, if I had any doubt about it."

"Is this what you do during your 'errands'?" He asked grimly.

The magician growled back at him "Is this how you think 'acting friendly' should look like? Sorry but I don't enjoy being interrogated and you should know it by now." He turned around and started walking back to the building "Find somebody else to play like this."

Hakuba wanted to stop him, but he only opened his mouth and closed it right after. He turned away his gaze. He clearly did go overboard with his words. He truly did believe his classmate had no ulterior motive and only wanted to do some good with his actions. Only that Saguru worried it might backfire on him bad, if he continued acting like that. He sighed and followed the magician fast, catching up with him before he managed to enter the school.

"I'm sorry Kuroba. I didn't mean to accuse you of anything. I do understand that you didn't mean to do wrong, with what you did. But I'm just worried that…"

"Then don't be. I can take care of myself just fine. And as long as I don't have to save anybody along the way, there is no danger for me. So if you want to help… Don't tag along where you shouldn't." He finished with rough voice and went back to class.

After school was over Kuroba disappeared from his sight. Asked about it Aoko told him that her friend needed to go to do his errands earlier today.


Hakuba was heading home when his phone rang, he checked the number before answering.

"Hello Kudo-kun, I didn't expect you to call. Do you need anything?"

"Well I was surprised when I read the paper, so I was wondering if you know anything about it?"

"The paper?" Hakuba frowned "I'm afraid Kuroba kept me busy and I haven't had an opportunity to read it today. What have you found?"

Conan snorted sympathetically "Hope he didn't go too far with his revenge? Anyway there was a heist notice in the paper…"

"What?!" Hakuba cut in with a shocked shout and stopped in his tracks "This has to be a fake one. He wasn't even using his left arm today, I'm sure he is in no state to hold a heist. But I doubt he will want to leave it, and let somebody use his name…" He cursed under his breath and started walking in Kurobas' household direction.

"It did look genuine and there was a letter of apology attached, explaining he was disgusted with what happened at his last event and promising he made sure that it wouldn't repeat this time again. I've been wondering… Maybe he somehow tricked us and his state isn't that bad?"

"You've seen how he moved. Do you honestly suspect that he was acting? And that he acted his absent-minded state? Moreover I'm sure he wouldn't tell Aoko last week that he was injured, if he was able to conceal it." Saguru said doubtfully.

Shinichi sighed at that "I don't know what to think honestly. Even Hattori was sure something was wrong with him. Damn… It can be that we spooked him too much and now he wants to make himself an alibi. Or something is going on again in the background…" He ended grimly.

"That's what I've been thinking. I'm headed to his home right now. Although I don't expect to meet him there. He said he's going on his 'errands' right after school." He sighed adding "I'm going to wait for him until he returns if I can't meet him now."

"I'd like that too. Could you maybe pick me up, when you confirm if h's home? I know it's a bit of a bother but…" The shrunken detective finished with a sigh not willing to finish his sentence.

Hakuba smiled sympathetically, understanding his predicament "Not a problem at all. I'll call you before I get to the agency."

"Thanks"


It appeared that Kuroba wasn't at home, so the Brit left to pick up his fellow detective. Ran wasn't very pleased with the idea of Conan leaving for gods-only-know how long to prepare for the upcoming heist (which was the excuse they made for her). But eventually Saguru managed to convince her that the boy would be fine under his care. They didn't speak about the matter afterwards as it was very embarrassing for Kudo.

After a brief discussion they decided that waiting in Kuroba's house with Phantom Lady might not be the best idea, so they stayed in the car. Fortunately Hakuba had a travel version of chess, so it kept them busy during their wait. They were playing another game when they heard a knock on the window.

"Hakuba... I know you like to play homeless before my house for some reason. But don't pull children into it. You're giving him a bad example..." Although Kaito looked nothing but irritated and disappointed, he didn't even try to hide the amusement in his voice.

Conan flinched with annoyance at that and Saguru merely got out of the car "You're finally here. We wanted to talk to you."

The magician crooked his head "Oh~? Well too bad for you." He turned around and started walking towards his house "See you at school Yarouba. Don't keep the kid too long up at night."

"Oi! Stop right there you barou!" Shinichi shouted after him slamming the car door.

Kaito stopped briefly and shot him a glance accompanied with a smirk "Watch your mouth Chibi... Or somebody might want to wash it with a soap~"

"Just try it..." The boy challenged him with a growl.

"Who said I would be the one doing it~?" The magician's smirk grew to a grin.

Hakuba just sighed and placed a hand on Kaito's shoulder gaining his attention "Kuroba... Was it you who send the notice? You know you're in no shape for a heist..."

"I didn't send a notice, because... As I've already told you far too many times. I'm not KID. So no need to worry about my shape~" He turned around towards the detective shrugging off his hand.

Conan rolled his eyes "Come on, you practically admitted that you are just yesterday."

"Oh~? And when was that? You mean the monocle? I happen to have a full KID costume~. For cosplay, like probably most of his fans do. And even the whole year saw me in it when I won a ski-costume-competition~ I think I might be able to find some pictures from it, if you're interested. Too bad you weren't there Hakuba. But at least nobody made a fuss out of it~"

"And the information you so gladly shared with us?" Hakuba asked tightening his lips.

"Like I said, I'm a concerned fan, who happens to know for like, most of his life Nakamori-keibu. Is it very suspicious that from time to time I overhear this and that? And I am smart enough to put together some facts. It's not a skill restricted only for detectives you know..."

Shinichi closed his eyes and huffed "Do you want us to start pointing out all similarities and proves, here and now?"

Kaito sighed rolling his eyes "Why are you guys so stubborn? I'm not KID. Do I seriously look like a guy who would run around on top of buildings dressed up in a white suit?" Seeing deadpan looks both detectives shot him made him chuckle "Well... I'll take that as a complement"

Hakuba sighed tiredly "Kuroba, please. Just this once drop the act? I know you are not alright and I'm worried -"

The magician cut in showing an unamused smile "Now why would you be?"

The Brit sighed, tired of repeating himself "I have told you already. I want to be friends with you."

Kaito took a deep breath and looked at Saguru with serious expression "Alright, I'll drop the act for now. You're not my friend. You're only interested in me because you believe I'm KID." He chuckled without any joy "I fully understand your desire to befriend and awesome person like him and it is somewhat flattering that you think I'm him. But then again it is insulting that it seems to be the only reason why you are interested in me. Moreover I imagine even KID-sama himself would hesitate in befriending somebody who's sole interest in him lies in the fact he's a criminal. Especially if that person is a detective. It kinda reeks of a trap you know..." He added with a whisper.

Hakuba gasped pained to hear those words "But it's not like that... I -"

Addressed person cut in yet again with a mocking tone, this time allowing some anger slip out on his expression "Oh really? I asked you to stop questioning me about things that are not connected to me on Thursday. And on Saturday you arrange a meeting behind my back with two other detectives who you first shared with your delusions about me. So they could ask me those questions in your place. And even so you still try to interrogate me. Now tell me again how much you're not interested in me because you think I'm a thief?" He sighed letting his anger go, as he saw how both detectives looked away, feeling abashed "Look, I don't care about little stuff and you know that. I still had my fun. So don't think that I'm mad at you or anything. Maybe somewhat annoyed, but I'm already used to it. But don't expect me to believe in your words, when you openly try to set a trap on me. Simple as that. So if that's all I'm going to bed and best you do the same." He turned around to walk away, but Saguru placed his hand on his shoulder once again stopping him.

Kaito turned around seeing regret and determination in other teen's eyes. He sighed mentally, as he hated driving him to his limit like that. But he still believed it was for his own good. He showed in his gaze only anger and annoyance and spoke with matching voice "What?"

Hakuba clenched his teeth having trouble holding eye contact "Kuroba, it is true that my interest with you started because of KID. And it still does play a major role in it. Because this is what puts you in danger. Don't interrupt me please." He added strongly as Kaito tried to cut in and continued more softly "Let me first say what I want. Although I don't gather evidence, I do know that you are him. Just like Kudo-kun said last time, you do get sloppy sometimes. Last time you left quite a lot of your blood on a tree. And it is not a hair that might be simply misplaced and found somewhere by accident. And please don't try to make up a bloody explanation telling why you, yourself would find it reasonable to bleed on top branches." The magician smiled slightly amused probably finding a few excuses to that, the detective just sighed at that "Don't, just don't. Anyway I helped you clean it up and hid the material I used for it. But just to make sure it didn't belong to any of your pursuers I made some tests. I destroyed the results and the sample, after I read them, so there is no need for you to worry about it. But I do want you to know, that my accusations are not based only on 'belief', as you like to call it."

Saguru exhaled slowly and lowered his gaze "I know that what I have done this weekend was not right and you do have every right to feel betrayed by me. And I know that sometimes I am too persistent with my questions. But honestly you don't give me much choice Kuroba." He looked back at him "I really do want to be your friend, I've been trying to prove it for long time now. But I prefer you never forgive me, than to be able to only see you at your grave. You can't be expecting this whole mess to end with you constantly dodging bullets, until you decide to peacefully retire and just live a happy life, do you? And I want it to be possible for you. You do need help, so please stop being so stubborn. We carry no ill will against you. We won't hurt you, or try to make you pay for what you've done. So if you're planning this heist to make us believe you're not KID... There is no need for that. Don't push yourself anymore."

Kaito huffed looking perplexed. He shrugged of Saguru's hand and murmured "You're giving a goddamn speech at night on the middle of a street Hakuba. Come inside at least..." He added grimacing and started walking towards his house followed by both detectives.

Nobody answered Kuroba's greeting as they entered, but he didn't look surprised. Conan looked around suspicious. "Your mother left?"

Kaito just shrugged heading towards the kitchen "Not sure. I'll check later. You guys want something to drink?" He asked opening the refrigerator.

They both shook their heads, so he took out only one canned beverage and entered the living room where he sat himself on an armchair gesturing them to make themselves comfortable. He took a few sips from the can, probably trying to gain some time and they simply sat on the couch, not intending to rush him. Eventually he sighed.

"So what do you expect from me? I told you already that I don't want any help. And let me add that I have no intention to let you guys meddle with my affairs." He stated grimly not looking at any of them, allowing them to see how uncomfortable he was feeling.

Hakuba lowered his shoulders seeing how his classmate was acting, clearly feeling cornered. He sighed "Cancel the heist. At least until you're healed. There is no need for you to rush it…"

Kaito smirked at this "You have no idea what I'm doing or why. Therefore you don't know what I need. But you don't have to worry. I'm fine enough. And it should be safe. I doubt anybody will be shooting at KID, unless the police will. The regulars rather don't want him dead and will just watch to make sure it's alright and those from last time made their point. They won't be crossing their paths with him, until once side is irked again." He took another sip.

Conan frowned at that and Hakuba asked feeling perplexed "What do you mean by that? The guys from last time got arrested..."

Kuroba just smirked again but said nothing. They were looking at him expectantly, but it seemed he decided to ignore it. Eventually Conan broke the silence "Care to elaborate?"

"No." He sighed noticing that the can was empty, so he simply placed it on the floor and stretched, clearly not willing to say anything more.

Shinichi saw Hakuba tighten his lips and frown. He placed his hand on Brit's arm to remind him that they agreed to not push the thief, if they got to talk to him like that. Saguru calmed down letting out a sight. The boy turned his attention to their host, who he knew was reading them like a book right now. He smirked recalling Hattori's advice.

"So you're saying that despite you could barely move your hand and had to be wary of your leg yesterday, heist at the end of the week is not a problem?" There wasn't any doubt in Conan's voice, it sounded just like a confirming question. Kaito raised his eyebrow slightly, showing interest and settled with a small nod. "Alright. What do you expect us to do?" KID was a guy who could take care of himself and it was clear that he had a plan, so most probably there was no point in worrying about him.

Kuroba smiled wondering where was this leading "I don't have any expectations of you. Feel free to join the merry chase, if you wish to. As long as you don't plan to dig where you're not supposed to you won't hear me complaining."

"No need to take it easy on KID?"

Kaito didn't stop his grin from showing "I doubt there would be any point, if you did."

"Alright hope I won't see you whining, if we kick his behind" Conan smiled ominously, amusing the watching thief "I just hope we'll be able to talk like this again."

"Hum~… Depends on what you mean~" the magician hummed amused.

The boy just smirked, pleased to see that Kuroba managed to relax and got off the couch "It's getting late, so we better get going. See you at Friday."

"See ya Chibi…" He responded, but held back a chuckle seeing how it still irked the boy "But don't think you're off the hook Yarouba… I'm still going to prank you for the whole week." Kaito smirked at his classmate, who just sighed in response.

"It didn't even cross my mind to think otherwise. See you tomorrow."

Kuroba let them out and hummed to himself, wondering how it was going to develop. He shouldn't be happy with the outcome, but then again it wasn't all that bad either. He only had to figure out how to keep them occupied. And this was bound to be so hard, he could laugh. Kaito went up the stairs to thank his mother for staying in her room and not interfering with their conversation.


And that concludes this chapter. No cliffy this time! How is it possible? xD

And yes – next chapter we will get a heist again :D I hope you guys are looking forward to it, just as much as I do ;)

See you next chapter *bow* ;)