Aoko Nakamori is a precious cinnamon roll that deserve love and acknowledgement. And If Aoyama-sensei isn't giving her that then I will!

Also, why the hell is Aoko never shown to be a KID Killer fan even in fanon? We have a Anti-KID person and there's an adorable grade schooler who's known to outwit the thief. Of course she'll be a fan.

I want more hilarious debate between a KID-fan!Kaito against KIDkiller-fan!Aoko. Get a grip dcmk fandom! This is goldmine!

I don't consider Magic Kaito 1412 to be absolutely canon, but they do give out a few good scenes now and then that I make reference in this fic. The Specials are better in my opinion. But putting that aside...

I believe in equality. Including equal suffering. And what Kaito did in Movie 14 was an ass-move so I make him taste the same suffering that Ran and Conan felt.

Reference to Rouma Reverse Heist

Chapter 7

"What is that bastard planning now?"

Those were the hushed words unbidenly came out of Shinichi's mouth when Sonoko told him and Ran about the return of three stolen items at an upcoming date that hasn't been notified. He would think such a notice would have reeked of fakeness, but Inspector Nakamori must have confirmed its authenticity and only a smug thief like him would do something as crazy as this.

But even with that vague advance notice, nothing was fishier than the shady combi that even a third-rate detective like Kogorō would be able to smell it from a mile away. Much less, their insistence that KID would be stealing the dubious authenticated Ryouma Gun Belt even though it's well-known that the Moonlight Magician only steals (or give back in this case) exactly what's on his advance notice and never strays from his own writing.

'But if the insurance is only a pittance, how else would they benefit from getting that gem stolen?' Shinichi having little experience with general thefts or frauds would not have much idea of any ulterior motives involved.

But the most curious behavior was of Kaitou KID's. He was already known for handing back the gems that weren't his target, there was no need for him to make a show of returning the three stolen exhibits. Much less after finding out that the theft was done by another kaitou, the Showa Woman of Twenty Faces, Phantom Lady.

'I'll have Agasa-hakase research her next time.'

Judging from the situation, it was almost certain the organizer, appraiser, and KID have their own ulterior motives for this Ryouma Exhibition.

'Mysterious as always, KID.' Conan could only smirk at the various strings being pulled from behind the curtain. They can try to hide as much as they want, but the boy won't let a single one of them walk away from a crime.

'I dare you to walk in this museum, I'll be waiting on the other side to tear your mask apart.'

. . .

"I spy~ with my little eyes~ a pain in the ass~ coming my way~" But Kaitou KID was grinning from ear to ear after spotting his little critic in the middle of casing the location.

Kaito hadn't been sure that Tantei-kun would join him in this heist since Jirokichi Suzuki isn't the owner of the "target" this time. But with Tantei-kun present, there'll be a 50-50 chance he'll let KID off easy by the end of the day.

Kaito likes to think he knows Tantei-kun enough that he won't try to catch a thief who's done no crime. But then again, he can't guarantee that the little brat wouldn't play mean. 'I can still feel the bruise from that hellball last time.'

"My, my, this won't be an easy job," Jii said after spotting the same shrunken detective. Both of them disguised themselves as part of the officers standing by in the museum. "How shall we handle the little heckler this time?"

"Nothing."

"No, nothing?!" Jii sounded shook

"To be exact, we're gonna let him find out our intention. He won't meddle with our 'reverse heist' once he roughly figures the reason behind it."

"Is, is that wise? What's to say he won't try to capture you?"

"Not to worry, Jii-chan. It's not like I'll be showing him my disguise, and I still have my backup plans just in case." Kaito reassured his partner in crime.

'Bocchama… aren't you letting your guard down a bit too much around this detective?' But seeing Jii's young charge happily getting ready for their show, it was a wonder if his young master is self-aware that he's about to meet their natural enemy. "Would you care to at least enlighten this Jii?"

"Now where's the fun in that?" Kaito grinned cheekily. "But more importantly, it's about time that KID sent his next notice to the Senior Advisor."

"Ho~ and what will be written this time?"

"I have it ready beforehand. The perfect line to honor the nationalist hero, Sakamoto Ryouma, and clean up the dirt they've played using his name."

After Jii promptly sent the letter, Kaito watched from the shadows as Tantei-kun practically ran out and had a silent staring battle at the cloudy sky after hearing his latest message.

'But that's only one-third of the cipher. You better use that big brain of yours to decode the rest, Meitantei. Kekeke, have fun figure me out~'

The next day, Kaito found out that being a fat man was far more exhausting than usual since there's actual weight behind KID's disguise. During his prep for his show, he gradually gravitated toward the space for the return of the treasures that the old geezer prepared especially for him. Complete with a sign and everything simply to deadpan at the silly thing.

'Jeez, Kaitou KID is an elusive magician. Even without knowing the sensors, there's no way I will do something as simple as…'

"...appear where the sign is, right?" A too familiar voice coming waaaaay too close for comfort and Kaito almost choked at his own spit. Kaito was hyper-aware of his disguise and acting while glancing down at the shrunken-teen right beside him. Having hadn't noticed Conan, the thief reasonably thought he had snuck unto him.

'Oh great, the brat is making me paranoid.'

But just to be certain, Kaito triple-checked his disguise in the bathroom. Spotting any flaw that might have given him away before he got ready for the main show. It was a complete coincidence that Tantei-kun came to research his mom in the next stall. But well, Kaito thought that was just perfect.

'Should I give him a bit more hint?' Kaito used a stopper on the door to his toilet and just as the detective was measuring the size of the stolen pistol, the thief showed him the exact replica of the famed S&W model. 'I bet he's in for a real shock for me to appear this early in our game, kekeke.'

"You– how did you get the gun here? Did you get past the gate?"

"Ah, once you pull out the lead from its inside grip, I can easily slip through. Really takes off the load too. Though the numbers is still numerous, it was a pain even while carrying skeletons." He returned the fake pistol back into the shoulder bag, "As I said before, this time I only came to return the stolen items. So don't get in my way, Meitantei."

"Wa– wait!"

"See ya~" Kaito left out of sight before the little detective could chase after him. After all, he can't get himself caught before the main show. The thief giggled at the image of Meitantei frustratingly missing the great kaitou from only one stall away.

He and Jii then worked together slipping the counterfeit Gun Belt to all of the members of the task force before the time for his heist came, appearing in his iconic all-white suit in the middle of the room, being surrounded by people from all corners.

'It's showtime.'

The crowd, as expected, leaped and cheered in excitement that Kaito can never get enough off. 'Don't forget your poker face, Kaito. Right now you're a gentleman thief.' He thought while bowing in gratitude to his audience for coming to watch a humble magician like himself. Then with his magic, he washed away the disgusting lies to reveal the clean truth that Phantom Lady entrusted to Kaitou KID.

'Be sure to hang those two out to dry, Nakamori-keibu.'

While everyone was busy dealing with the drama inside, KID had slipped away toward the exit. He tried not to look like he was running away and was busy failing to dry himself when the KID Killer appeared addressing him. Without calling him out, simply stating his deduction of the counterfeiting case and Phantom Lady's unsung heists as if it was a given that the unremarkable middle-aged man was the phantom thief.

"...isn't that right, Ryouma-Wannabe Kaitou-san?"

'Okay, this is creepy even for me. How the hell was he able to single me out among the crowd? Even by deductive reasoning, this is almost sorcery-level.'

Of course, Meitantei was kind enough to shed some light on the tricks and methods he used, which then led to his disguise. Honestly, just once Kaito would like his disguise to actually fool him. But then he wouldn't be worth challenging if it was that easy.

'Perceptive as usual, Meitantei. I really can't slack off around you, huh?'

Kaito didn't even notice the transmitter stuck on him. Had Conan stayed silent, he could have followed the young man close enough to find KID's identity even if Conan intended to let him go in the end for the sake of his Ryouma-fan mother.

Again, the detective never ceased to surprise Kaito. His actions become more and more convoluted as time passes until Kaito can't tell whether he's still trying to catch KID or not.

It was funny how their encounters had turned into this. From a (not so) simple pair of thief and detective clashing against each other turned into… well… whatever the hell they are.

Granted, Conan was still trying to pursue him and get in his way as long as KID was still a criminal on the opposite side of the law. But the game has changed.

Meitantei came to mostly care about figuring out the mechanisms of his tricks to quench his own curiosity. Kaito respected that side of him as he usually enjoyed the merciless yet friendly challenge he gave. But in the same line, the detective respected his effort enough to put their chase to rest the moment his show was over.

It ends up being a thing between the two of them and no one else.

'Even though this guy should want to know my truth the most. But well… the same thing can be said for me.'

Over time, rather than winning over the Great Detective. Kaito began to look forward to his presence at the end of his heist. Greeting him with a triumphant gaze of someone who had seen through everything, and a pleased grin commending him for a well-delivered show.

At some point, winning didn't matter as much as seeing the dazzling smile of a satisfied critic.

In front of such an expression, KID forgot to be a thief and became a simple magician.

. . .

Unbeknownst to one Kaito Kuroba. His best friend, Aoko Nakamori, was among the visitors who came to the museum. She and her friend, Keiko, were hung-up with the Ryouma Boom together. Of course, Aoko also came to support her father in any way and booed at KID. But they came a bit too late and the Exhibition Hall was too crowded for them to even enter.

"Aaa~ and after coming all the way from Ekoda. We couldn't even see KID," Keiko sighed sadly.

"Who cares about someone like him?" Aoko huffed.

"You say that but I know you're curious too, this is the first time Kaitou KID made a show of returning stolen items from another thief."

"Well, well of course Aoko is curious." the girl stammered out, "If all of KID's heists were anything like today, Aoko might actually like him."

"Hmm~" Keiko smirked and eyed dubiously at her friend.

"What?"

"Nothing~"

"If you say so, since we're here anyway, let's go greet my dad–"

"RAN!" Somebody yelled before Aoko was pulled into a one-hug by a stranger. "Where have you been? You took so long from the toilet that me and the brat went looking for you."

"Ah, no, you've got the wrong—"

"I think you've got the wrong person, Sonoko-neechan."

"Eh?" The three girls glanced down at the source, and Conan was as usual looking up with a curious gaze.

"After all, she's wearing different clothes and her hairstyle is a bit different too." Though Conan was a bit surprised at how much she looked like Ran.

"Oh, you're right. Sorry about that–"

"OMIGOD, ARE YOU THE KID-KILLER?!" The mistaken girl crouched down to be eye-to-eye with the child. Conan reasonably was taken aback by being faced with a pair of excited eyes.

"Err, that's right."

"Kawaiiii~" and then she promptly glomped him into a hug that was almost reminiscent of Ran's first meeting with 'Conan'. From beside him, Sonoko smirked without lifting a finger to help as he was being assaulted by his fangirl.

"You're Edogawa Conan, right? Aoko has always wanted to meet you!"

"That's, that's right. What about Onee-san?"

"Me? I'm Aoko. Nakamori Aoko and this is my friend, Momoi Keiko." Her pigtailed friend waved in greeting.

"Nakamori…" Sonoko mused aloud, "Wait, then could it be you are Nakamori-keibu's daughter?"

"That's right!" Aoko confirmed with a playful salute.

"No wonder you're a fan of this uncute brat." Sonoko snickered, and Conan glared at his friend's remark.

"That's not true," said Keiko, "There's a lot in our class who's a fan of both of them. While they say, KID is cool and mysterious, they don't think they can say no if Conan-kun ever asked them to catch the phantom thief with that big round eyes of his."

'Haha, don't worry, that's not going to happen,' Conan inwardly deadpanned.

"Conan-kun is a hundred times better than the likes of Kaitou KID." Aoko scoffed at the name of the thief, "That crook should do the world a favor and get captured already."

Conan gulped at her words before nervously side-eyeing his childhood friend, 'This is bad, if she says such a thing near her…'

"HUH?!" Sonoko raised her voice, full of irritation, "Are you sleep-talking?! KID-sama is a grand and magnificent magician! He makes miracles and grants dreams to everyone. Don't equate him with other crooks!"

"A crook is a crook, even if they wear a tacky white cape and a silly top hat!"

"You really don't understand! That 'tacky' cape is exactly why he's a cut above the rest. He's a magician, not a crook!"

"A real magician doesn't steal things just for laughs and giggles! Don't be fooled by him."

"But…" Here, Keiko piped up, "KID always returns the jewels he stole, so it's not like he's harming anyone."

"That's right!" Sonoko wrung Keiko to her side as if to gather her ally, "That's what makes KID-sama a gentleman thief! You say good things... Momoi-san, right?"

"Just because he returns them doesn't make stealing right. Don't you both know something that basic?!" But Aoko was left ignored as the two high school girls went deep into conversation regarding the thief, making her pout. "What is with everyone? KID this, KID that. What's so good about a criminal?! They should all be ashamed for encouraging him. Kaitou KID is better off getting caught and rot in the slammer for the rest of his life."

Conan — who'd been standing silently aside from the impending catfight — flinched at her strong vehemence of the matter that she kind of scared him, "I, err, don't you think that's a bit much for a petty thief? Kaitou KID is not a total bad guy, and he did save my life a couple of times after all." He tried his best to bring down her ire, but only stoked the flames instead.

"Conan-kun too?!" Aoko crouched down and exclaimed in disbelief to the child's face, "That damn villain has his fingers wrapped around almost everyone."

'Please don't say it like that,' Conan thought miffly. But then he noticed her trembling fist had stilled, and her anger died into one more subdued. Biting her lip as she lose the bright vibe she had before.

"Is Aoko… is Aoko the weird one for not liking him?"

Conan blinked and began examining the sad expression of hers. Her friend seemed partial to KID while also implying a lot of her classmates to be big KID fans. If she's surrounded by people supporting the thief then it's no wonder if she's feeling pressured and second-guessing herself.

'Being the Inspector's daughter among those people must not be easy either.'

"It's okay, Aoko-neechan," said Conan, "You're not weird. Thieving is a crime, so thinking KID is in the wrong is not weird at all. I can guarantee it."

"Eh?" Aoko gaped, "But, but before you said KID is a good person?"

Conan nodded with childlike eagerness, "That's right."

Aoko wasn't sure what this apparent child was getting at, and felt like she was purposely being led on into confusion. "Conan-kun, I don't understand. If what KID is doing is a crime then he's not a good person, right?"

"That's not necessarily the case. Good people do bad things sometimes, right? For example, Kogorō-occhan often steals Ran-neechan's share of the cake, and even though I know I'm in the wrong I often lie to Ran-neechan when I don't want her to know where I'm going to play with my friends. We both did bad things, see?"

Aoko sweatdropped at the childish notion, "Ano~ Conan-kun, I don't think you can equate them with criminal acts."

"But, but, me and Kogorō-occhan apologized, and Ran-neechan always forgives us. That's why... I'll definitely catch KID."

"Eh?" Aoko was taken off guard by the sudden lower shift of the child's tone, and his bright expression became more solemn but also determined.

"I'll catch KID, then he'll stop being a phantom thief. If he stops being a thief, KID will simply be a good person. I'll catch him, and make sure he properly apologizes for his bad doings. That's why… that's why... Aoko-neechan doesn't have to force herself to hate him if you don't want to."

Aoko's eyes widened at the sympathetic smile Conan offered her. He shared words she didn't know she needed to hear until it was said and Aoko felt like a weight in her heart was lifted. Tears started building up in her eyes and without thinking, she tackled Conan into a hug.

The boy was surprised and embarrassed at having close contact with a girl and ended up tongue-tied on how to reject her advances before hearing Aoko's whispers.

"Thank you," she said.

Aoko finally let go and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Then Aoko will leave KID's capture to you and Dad. With both of you on the job, it's only a matter of time before you pound some senses into him!" She said, her smile looked far more refreshing and lively than before.

Conan laughed awkwardly as he thought back to all of Nakamori's strategy that mostly involves dogpile, chasing after dummy, and cheek pinches.

"But boy, how did you know how Aoko was feeling?"

Conan's laugh froze and his eyes wandered away, "Ah… lucky guess?" He ended with that cliche excuse.

"Oi, Brat!" Sonoko yelled, "I just called Ran, she's waiting for us by the entrance. Let's go!"

"Okay!" Conan ran to Sonoko's side then waved childishly to the two high school girls, "Bye-bye, Aoko-neechan, Keiko-neechan."

"Ah, wait, Conan-kun! Before that, can we–"

After fulfilling her request, the two groups went their separate ways. But Conan made one last look at the girl with a pensive gaze, thinking of how he grasped her feelings.

'I can't help it.' Conan thought back with a fond smile, 'Seeing her all gloomy with a similar face to Ran, I ended up thinking that just like her, she doesn't have a hate bone in her body.'

. . .

The next day...

"Kaito! Look— Look— Isn't he just the cutest?" Aoko shoved her phone to her childhood crush in class.

"Huh? Who— GEH?!" The high schooler leaned back in shock at the picture of his annoying rival, giving a peace sign with an obviously forced smile alongside his delighted childhood friend. Their faces were cheek-to-cheek and way too close for Kaito's liking.

"You– Isn't that the KID Killer?!"

"That's right! This is Edogawa Conan. Isn't he adorable?"

'Him? Adorable?' Kaito only thinks back of killer soccer balls, exploding motorcycles, shooting tranquilizers, and that demonic grin of his. Adorable is the last word he'd ever use on him.

"Actually, Aoko and Keiko bump into him at the Grand Suzuki Museum. I've always wanted to meet the boy. Lucky, right?"

Kaito scoffed, "Who cares? He's just one brat. Nothing at all compared to KID-sama."

Aoko huffed, "Well this 'brat' managed to see through your precious 'KID-sama' magic every time. An internationally wanted thief can't even stand a chance against him, as expected of KID Killer-kun."

"Keh, KID-sama is still uncatchable! So what if he's lucky enough to spot a trick or two, there's no point if he doesn't catch the magician."

"But what's a magician if the secret's blown by the end? That goes to show that KID isn't anything special."

'Damn, she raises a good point for once… wait…' "Aoko, did you admit KID is a magician?"

She tilted her head, believing her words weren't out of place, "Aoko thinks she did. So?"

"I just realized but you never address him as one before. Also, you sound... different?"

"Eh, in what way?"

"How should I say it… usually you sound way angrier when talking about KID." 'Kind of like Nakamori-keibu,' "Did something happen?"

The girl blinked in thought at her childhood friend's words before nodding. "Yup, recently Aoko realized something about her feelings with Kaitou KID."

"EH?!" 'Feelings… eh… what… What feelings?! Don't tell me… could it be...' Kaito's teenage mind was a mess. He leaned forward expectantly, his heart drumming loudly as he was both excited and nervous to hear his childhood friend's answer.

"At first, Aoko was angry. Not only because KID keeps making fun of Dad, but he claims to be a magician too. Even though magicians aren't supposed to cause harm and make people happy. It's like he's insulting Kaito as well."

"Aoko…" Kaito's chest tightened at having caused distress to his best friend. Of course she not only thought about her father but him as well, even though she didn't need to be so considerate of Kaito of all people. It simply makes her all the more precious.

"But recently somebody made Aoko realize that there's no point in getting angry with him."

The young man gulped, "Why, why is that?"

Aoko had a wide grin on her face and chuckled, "Because Kaitou KID is a big idiot."

"...hai?"

"As she thought, that arrogant cat burglar needs to be taught a lesson. Or else the world won't understand his idiocy for what it is."

"HAAAAAAAAAA?!" Kaito was so confused how she came to that conclusion, he almost slipped out of his chair. "Oi, Aoko what do you mean by that?"

But Aoko simply laughed at his reaction and didn't elaborate further. As if keeping a precious secret that's only for her. What's more the other girls in her classes found out about her pic with KID Killer and began to gush about the boy, and the magician's mood plummeted by the seconds.

"I'm so jealous of Aoko~ you get to chat and make friends with him."

She nodded, "Conan-kun even promised he would catch Kaitou KID for her. Had he been older, Aoko might have fallen for him," Aoko joked the last bit.

But her tone went straight over Kaito's head, and the young magician turned stone-cold at her remark. Since Kaito is the only one who sees him as his actual self instead of a simple clever kid. The image of Shinichi Kudō and Aoko cheek-to-cheek like the picture unbiddenly came to mind, and Kaito had the urge to go over to the next town just to strangle him.

'I'll remember this, you damn brat!'

. . .

On the next town over, Conan Edogawa made a large sneeze and thought nothing of it.

AN: I always thought that Aoko isn't someone who hates people easily. Heck, when Akako tried to goad her by saying she likes Kaito. Aoko's first reaction was to think he must be lucky to have a pretty girl to like him, even though she has the same crush.

I think her hatred for KID comes from the neglect from a kaitou-obsessed father to the point he went depressed when KID went missing the first time, and the constant sermon Nakamori must made about thieves, right and wrong, and the damn KID that makes the girl follow his example.