Number of words including Author's Note: 4330

Chapter Seven

Harley Hartwell went to his client's place for investigation, his client originally asked him and Jimmy but since the other detective is not around, he went alone instead. It was pretty rare for him to work without Jimmy, since they have been solving different cases together since they both met in high school. He was really excited to work alone until he met Sebastian Hainse on his client's place, it turns out that the British Detective is a friend of his client.

They were asked to solve the mysterious death of the client's husband, since she believes that her husband was murdered instead of committing suicide. The two of them starts investigating the crime scene when Sebastian suddenly brought up a topic that is not related to the case,

"Hartwell, as Kudo's closest friend, can I ask you something bit personal?"

It caught Harley's attention and had to look at the British Detective, who is currently busy finding some clues,

"Maybe, it depends on your question" he answered and went back on finding some clues that will help them solve the case

"Do you think Kudo also has interest in Rosalia?" the other detective asked, he was expecting him to ask that and by simply observing Jimmy, the answer is too obvious, but he prefer for it to be revealed directly by his friend.

"Why do 'ya ask?" he asked back instead of giving Sebastian the answer the he wants to hear.

"For confirmation," he said and looks at the dark sinned detective, "The answer to my question is already obvious though, and I just can't believe that we were talking about the same girl."

"Neither do I, it was a huge coincidence"

Harley sat on a chair to rest and drinks the tea that his client prepared for him.

"Why won't he just try to find another girl? I am pretty sure that he can, he's famous after all."

Harley frowned from what he have said and gave the British detective an unbelievable look, he always tease his friend for his odd behaviour ever since he met the magician but honestly, he supports him a lot.

"Why don't 'ya find another instead?" the dark skinned detective argued

"Well— I'm already courting her, I don't know about Kudo tough." Sebastian said and sat on the other chair, "and there are other beautiful ladies out there, I do not see the reason why we have to argue over one" he said, trying to make more sense. He doesn't know how to explain it, but he really is sure on what he feels about the lady, that's why he won't just give her up.

"And I already asked Rosalia for marriage, I even talked to her parents about it, all I need know is Rosalia's approval." he said and crossed his arms. Harley on the other hand, almost spit his coffee from what he just heard.

"Marriage?!" he exclaimed at the British detective,

'Damn, no wonder he was so confident'

"But isn't it too soon?" Harley asked while still looking at the British Detective.

"Yes, but I gave time to think about it, I'm proving to her that I worthy of being her lover. It is better to do it earlier than regret it afterwards." Sebastian explained.

"But knowing Kudo, he would not just let the mademoiselle go that easily" stated by Hainse who continue drinking his tea, "lately, his behaviours are so odd, smiling whiling thinking of something, I can see him reading the letters sent by the mademoiselle every day at work. I've never seen him act like that before, so I was sure that he is really serious about that lady, especially tat this is his first time to actually fall in love with someone. Kudo usually ignores those ladies who like him and keep on sending romantic letters to him."

Hearing what Harley said, he can remember how Jimmy and Rosalia stared at each other during their dance at the ball. He knows very well that he's in competition with Jimmy right now to win the magician, he knows that he will be a tough rival, especially the way that how possessive Jimmy is to Rosalia.

He flicks his tongue in annoyance, 'They are not even loves'

He didn't replied to the French detective and just focus on solving the case that letting jealousy get him.

After successfully solving the case and proving that the client's husband actually got murdered by one of their households. The both decided to leave together, Sebastian should be glad that they managed to bring someone's death to justice, but he was dismayed when they saw two familiar pairs, walking happily together.

He can feel the no good green monster slowly enter his body while watching the two enjoyin each other's company, hand in hands with a bright smile on their faces.

"Rosalia..." he called the lady, which caught the attention of the two. Jimmy and Sebastian boh shared the deadliest glare that they could give to each other. Jimmy felt himself get annoyed as he suddenly pulls Rosa closer to him,holding to her waist tightly,starting to be possessive unknowingly to himself.

"Monsieur Sebastian...and monsieur Harley? What are you both doing here?" Rosaia asked, noticing how the two gentlemen glare at each other.

The British detective turned his gaze to the magician and respond, "We just finished solving a case; it happened that Hartwell's client was an acquaintance of mine. Why are you with Kudo?"

"I invited her to go out with me" Jimmy said calmly

"Well then, are the two of you finished? I'll take her home now if yes" he said and holds Rosalia's hand gently

"No we are not, we actually just stared. Are you not tired of solving that case? You should probably go home instead of disturbing someone." Jimmy said firmly, while glaring at the other detective.

Rosalia gulps when she felt the tension building up agin because of the two detectives so she decided to speak, "Monsieur Jimmy, Monsieur Sebatian. Will you please calm down" she daid, the two shared one last glare before looking away at each other.

Jimmy sigh and looks at the magician, "I apologise for acting like that mademoiselle" he said sincerely

"It's alright, monsieur. How about the two of you come with us instead, having more people is more enjoyable while having a walk around, right?" the magician said and looks at the other two detectives.

Jimmy was about to complain when he saw the excitement on the lady's face, he decided to keep it in instead that made Sebastian smirk.

"You're definitely right; Hartwell and I need to have to breathe fresh air after solving that nasty case after all"

Not being able to disagree, Jimmy ended up walking beside Harley while looking the Sebastian and Rosalia talk right in front of them, he couldn't do anything since Sebastian Hainse is basically courting Rosalia, he has the advantage to assist her and grab the chance to show off, while he on the other hand is still a friend to his magician.

"Oi Kudo" said by Harley who leans closer to Jimmy's ear to whisper something, "I heard from the Brit that he asked her for marriage"

Jimmy grind his teeth together and sigh deeply, "I know," he said, good enough for Harley to hear.

"What is your plan now? 'Ya knew and you're not even doing anything?"

"Hartwell, I can't just do the same method that he just did! I'm not that 'experienced' to just confess all of the sudden"

Harley kept quiet to think, while both he and Jimmy watch Sebastian doing his suitor duties to Rosalia. The cow-licked haired detective remained his blank expression as he watches them.

Rosalia glimpse at Jimmy while talking with Sebastian, he noticed that he suddenly became quiet while keeping his blank expression with him. She stops walking and called him, "Monsieur Jimmy!"

Rosalia walk towards the cowlick haired detective, hands on her back while holding the rose that the detective gave her before Harley and Sebastian saw them.

"Are you okay?" she asked and lean closer to his face to check him out, Jimmy felt his face burn, realising how close the magician's face is to is right now, he looks away and scratch his nape.

"Are you sick?" she asked worriedly and put his hand on his forehead, Jimmy quickly shook his head.

"There is nothing to be worried about, mademoiselle" the detective said and gently remove his hand from his forehead. He ruffled the lady's hair and grins widely.

"We must enjoy this day 'together' and make it memorable for you." Jimmy said and looks at the lady that is currently pouting after her hair got messed. He glimpse at the British detective who is now frowning after he accidentally got the magician's attention, while Harley on the other hand is trying to keep his laughter to himself.

"In that case, show me your brightest smile~" the magician sang gleefully with a bright smile.

'If we were not interrupted, I am probably the happiest man in this world' he thought and just gave her a smile. But for the second time for this day, Sebastian interrupted them again and holds the lady's hand.

"Why don't we go to a place that suits your name the most?" the British said that made the lady tilt her head curiously while looking at him.

"Where is that place then?" she asked and Sebastian wraps his hand around her shoulder.

"That would be a surprise, milady" he said and starts walking again with Rosalia beside him.

Pressing his lips together, Jimmy let out a deep breath before walking again

'This is getting ridiculous.'

He thought while looking at the magician who is now smiling bright while talking to the British detective.

'I hate it when she's smiling like that to him yet what rights do I have?'

For some reasons, he suddenly felt the bitterness coming from his own thoughts, knowing that she smiling brightly and not because of him.

"Oi, Kudo, what in the bloody hell is happening to 'ya?"

He was brought back to reality when he felt someone pat his shoulder, he turn around and saw his friend, smiling teasingly at him.

"You are in deep thoughts again let me guess, it's about— ouch! What was that for?!" Harley exclaimed when Jimmy suddenly stomps on his foot before he could even continue talking. Jimmy didn't answered his best friend and just continue until they reached the place is Sebastian talking about.

They reached the peaceful place where there are different colours of roses; tall trees are around the place with the birds singing happily, there are different and beautiful butterflies, flying freely on the area.

Sebastian was right; the place indeed suits the lady's name.

Jimmy looks at Rosalia who is now smiling brightly, her azure eyes are full of amusement, while she walks around the place to have a good look.

'Seems like she's really excited' he thought while smiling softly as he watch the lady. He was about to walk towards her but he stopped when the British detective holds the lady's hand and kissed the back of it.

"I know that this place is beautiful but it's nothing compared to you, mademoiselle" Sebastian said which made the magician blush in embarrassment. The both walk around the place to roam around.

While Sebastian is walking, he noticed that there's something wrong with the lady, she's looking around like she's trying to find something.

"Is there any problem, mademoiselle?"

He asked but got hushed by Rosalia. He kept quiet and watches the lady.

Rosalia heard a chirping sound from the ground, she looks around to check whereit was when she saw a small baby bird on the ground, looking above, she also looks above and saw a nest.

'It fell out from its nest. Good thing it's alive' she thought while looking at the bird the is now on her palm.

She looks the nest again and notice how high it is. She don't want to ask for the detectives' help since she don't want to be a bother, she just sigh and decided to climb the tree herself.

"Just wait, I'll bring you back from your nest." She said and the bird chirps happily as an answer. She chuckles and holds the bird tightly and carefully climbs the tree.

"Rosalia! What are you doing?!" Jimmy exclaimed worriedly when he saw her, she noticed what she's holding.

'A little bird?'

He though as he walk towards her with Sebastian and Harley,

"I need to put it back on its nest!" Rosalia said, loud enough for them to hear. She sat on a branch below where the nest is.

"You're safe no, just be careful next time." She said and smiled softly, he gently pets its head before putting it back on its nest. Her eyes widens when she heard that the branch where she's sitting at is cracking, she closed her eyes when it suddenly break, preparing herself to fall and hit the ground.

But instead of feeling pain, she felt strong arms wrapped around her tightly and protectively.

She was stunned didn't expect someone to catch her,

She opens her eyes slightly to look who caught her,

.

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.

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It was Sebastian, his eyes are now closed and slightly flinching. She stares at him and noticed how close their face are right now, she looks at him worriedly looks at him, knowing that he got hurt when he fell down to catch her.

He opens his eyes, golden brown orbs looks at the lady in front of her worriedly. He notice the worried expression from the lady, there are hint of guilt written on her face. A soft smile formed on his lips as he moves her bangs that is covering her eyes as he touches her cheek an wipe her tears away.

"Are you alright? You didn't got hurt, right, Rosalia?"

"I'm the one who's supposed to as you that!" Rosalia's voice slightly cracked, Sebastian sighed and kissed her forehead.

"Don't worry about me, as long as you are safe, it's fine" he said and gave her a soft sile, Rosalia decided to get up and helps him stand.

"I'm really sorry for causing you a trouble, Monsieur Sebastian"

Sebastian chuckle and pat her head,

"It's okay, there's nothing to be sorry about it"

On the other hand, Jimmy just walk away from the scene, he was glad that the lady is safe, after all, that is all that matters but he can feel it, the heavy feeling on his chest, the feeling of being tabbed by thousands of needles on his chest.

This was supposed to be a perfect day for Jimmy, he finally got a chance to ask the woman he likes to have some time alone with him, but they ended up being with Harley and Sebastian Hainse, suitor of the magician.

This day has been nothing but a bad day for the cerulean eyed detective, he was trying to grab a chance alone with Rosalia but ended up failing, knowing that unlike Sebastian Hainse who has more opportunities than him, he decided to let the two enjoy the day, carrying the heavily feeling that he felt for the first time, letting the green monster that attacked him— for the first in his existence consume him.

"Oi Kudo, you don't look so good. Why don't you just go home?" Harley said, trying to lift up the heavy aura that surrounds the person beside him.

"I can't— I promised Rosalia's father that I'd take her home" he answered, not minding to take a look at his friend, keeping his usual cold frown with him while looking at the magician in front of them that is holding her right shoulder.

'Scary.'

Harley thought to himself.

Rosalia noticed the unusual mood of the cowlick haired detective that made her concerned, 'He wasn't like that earlier when we left'

She wanted to ask him what happened but it will be rude if she would just leave Sebastian Hainse who is currently talking about his life in London, after all, he saved her life— she looks above the sky and noticed that it's already getting darker.

"Monsieur Sebastian?" she cut the detective from speaking and stops walking, Sebastian gaze as her.

"It's getting late, I'm supposed to be back home before 8" she said and gave the detective an apologetic smile.

Sebastian pulls out his pocket watch and nods, "you're right, you should be home by around seven. Well then, I'll take you home"

"Thank you for your offer Monsieur Sebastian but my father is expecting Monsieur Jimmy to take me home, he asked for my father's permission for today anyway" Rosalia insisted, an gave him an apologetic expression again.

Sebastian looked at Jimmy and noticed his sudden mood; of course he knows the reason behind it, the reason why he has been so quiet this whole day.

"Alright then, I shall take my leave now. I enjoyed this day, mademoiselle" Sebastian hold the lady's hand and kissed the back of it.

Rosalia and Jimmy are now walking back to the lady's house, Sebastian and Harley had to walk back together since they have to walk on the same path.

Rosalia is finding a way on how she could open up a topic, it's weird because even of the both of them are now alone, the detective is not saying a single word.

'is he mad?'

She questioned herself, trying to figure out the detective.

"Rosalia" he said and turns his gaze to her. Rosalia's eyes suddenly widens as she stops waking, after hearing the detective talk to her after the incident, "could you lift up your right sleeve above your elbow?" he asked and gets something from his pocket

"W-what?" she asked confusedly

"Just do it" he said, he nods and obeyed him— slowly lifting her right sleeve above her elbow.

"Just as I thought, you wounded yourself" he said as he move closer to her and tie his clean handkerchief tightly to her wounded elbow, "it's not that serious but you keep on holding your elbow to somehow ease the pain and hide the blood, you were obvious though." He said as he continue on walking, was just staring at the detective and didn't move, the detective noticed it and immediately turn around to face her.

"Monsieur Jimmy, are you..."

Rosalia called the detective and paused, he turned around with a blank expression while looking at the magician.

"are you...mad?" she finally asked, but the detective just turn around and continue walking again.

"No, I'm not." he simply said as he continue walking, she frowned because of that and walked faster until she's finally walking beside him.

"But you've been so quiet this whole day, are you sure?" she asked again while still walking fast to catch up with the detective.

Rosalia holds the male's wrist when she didn't got any response from him, looking at the detective who didn't bother to look at the magician.

"Why are you not answering my question? If you are we could talk about it" she said softly, Rosalia didn't expect to receive such cold expression from him. For some unknown reason, she suddenly felt shivers run down to her spine.

"Do I really have to answer it?" he said, this day made him realised that his feelings for the lady has gotten stronger— he finally felt the feeling of jealousy. He stare at the lady, trying to calm himself down despite of the anger and jealousy that is circulating inside his body. He didn't want to end up shouting at the lady just because he's jealous.

But the more he remembers what happened this day, the way how she looks laughs when she was with the British detective, and the way he holds her, he can feel his heart being stabbed with a hundred needles, he can feel the anger and jealousy consuming him— he know to himself that this isn't like him, he never experienced this before, he wanted to keep the magician for himself, even if if it's a selfish thing to do, but he know that he doesn't have any rights.

"Is it even important to answer it, Rosalia?"

"I...I wanted to know the reason" she said gently while still holding the detective's wrist, not minding that she stuttered due to cold stare that is visible from his cerulean eyes.

"What is no point of answering it, since even I, cannot even understand myself right not?

"If you at least try to tell me, maybe I can—"

The detective cut her off from speaking with his laugh, his bitter laugh. The magician just stared at him worriedly.

"Can't you understand? It's your entire fault!" he exclaimed and looks at her; eyes are filled with strong emotions that she couldn't understand. The magician was stunned, trying to find the right word to say when the detective spoke again, "Ever since that day I met you, I always feel distracted, and I caught myself thinking about you every single day. Every time I'm with you, I could not help myself but to stare at him even if I'm already drowned by those azure eyes of yours and blinded by your natural blindness..."

The detective paused while looking at her, staring straight to her eyes that are now filled with confusion, "I am known as a great detective, I can deduce anything, people's job, where someone went, the thing people ate, how the culprit killed someone, who among hundreds of people is a thief— but you, I couldn't even deduce what you'll do next, and if your mind is hard to deduce your heart is trice harder to deduce, every time i try, I'll end up losing by your bright smiles."

Rosalia wanted to say something, but she couldn't think of anything— her face is now flushed by the things that detective have said, while staring at those sharp cerulean orbs.

"And that British bastard, I didn't hate him but I hate the fact that he is always near you, I know that he is your suitor but I hate the way he act and the way he hold you, I hate a lot when he's talking to you and I hate it more when you are looking at him instead of me, my blood is boiling knowing that the reason of your smile is him and not I, it is even foolish of me to be affected even though you were safe, I was glad but I couldn't throw away the heavy feeling inside my chest. I am not a selfish man, but why do I want to keep you by myself? I want to make you stay with me for life and lock you up in my arms, as a punishment for stealing my interest— including my heart, thief. Is it selfish if I do that?"

Jimmy asked with eyes full of hope.

Rosalia gasp, "Monsieur Jimmy..." she stares at the detective, "are you saying that, you...are in love with me?" she finally asked.

The two suddenly went silent for a while, they are staring at each other's eyes with the moon giving them light that makes their moment even more intense, the both can hear their heart beat, that seems to be talking to each other until the detective suddenly broke the silence,

"I've always thought that I will forever drown myself with cold cases, until I met you, and got drowned by those eyes of yours, and the moment you smiled at me, you have already stole my heart without me noticing it. So what do you think is the answer for your question, Rosalia?"

Rosalia is speechless once again when she confirm her assumption, the sudden confession made her cheeks tinted bright red.

'This is happening too fast'

She thought, processing what's currently happening in his mind that made her heart skip a beat. She has to think something to say, but staring at the gentleman made is just making her think each words that he said. Jimmy is already blushing, eyes are full of hope and love— but it also has a hint of sadness.

He is expecting an answer,

an answer that only to her can hear,

he is still hoping and waiting.

Rosalia knows exactly what she should say, however she do not know how she should say it. All that she knows right now are the things that the detective said and her face that is currently burning in heat. She just let out a soft chuckle and walk towards Jimmy as she holds his cheek.

The detective is still staring at the female magician, preparing for her answer.

She gave him a soft smile and lean closer before she speaks, "Do you know how long I waited and hoped to hear that from your own lips, great detective?"

The wind blows towards the two, the detective wants to jump in joy, he wanted to ask her for a direct answer but he couldn't since his eyes are locked to her azure orbs. They were just staring at each other, eyes to eyes, with the moon and stars above watching the two that makes their moment more alluring and romantic.

The detective smiled and lean closer to the magician, he can now smell her sweet scent of roses— and now, the next thing they know is their lips are now locked with each other. The night sky watch two individuals bond together, as they share their first kiss under the moonlight.

NOTE: Finally, Jimmy confessed his feelings! The only thing that can make a dense detective is to push him, right? Anyway, what do you think about this chapter, is it a bit too cheesy? Share your thoughts!

-Dark Knight