Chapter 10

The front door of the Kuroba family home swung open before Shinichi even had time to knock. Kuroba stood just beyond the entryway, enthusiastic grin on his face as he ushered Shinichi inside, much to his amusement. "Thanks for inviting me over, Kuroba," Shinichi said, taking off his shoes in exchange for house slippers. "I have to admit, when you suggested doing this project together, I never thought you'd convince Hakuba to actually let me out of his sight."

"I figured you could use some time without your stalker."

As much as Shinichi enjoyed Hakuba's company (and his literary preferences), he had to agree with Kuroba. Hakuba's persistent; he's followed him everywhere but the bathroom and to bed. "Still, what did you tell him to get him to leave us alone?"

"I implied that he'd be reaquaintanced with a rather immovable pink tutu if he tried to butt in." Shinichi snorted. "Of course, he's probably going to grill you for details when you return, but it's a nice price to pay for privacy. So!" Kuroba clapped and a puff of smoke floated from his sleeves. "What can I offer you? Water? Coffee? I could beat up some leftovers if you want."

"No, that's—" Glancing around the room, Shinichi's eyes landed on an old phone, almost out of sight on an end table. "Actually, those leftovers sound pretty good right now; I forgot to eat lunch. If you don't mind…"

"No, it's alright." Kuroba waved off his fake-concern and, miraculously, went into the kitchen. He shouted from inside. "So, do you think we'll be lucky enough to do this again, or will Hakubastard force himself onto our time together?"

Shinichi was already at the phone, dialing the first of 7 phone numbers he memorized before his arrest. They were just in case of an emergency; this counted. He bit the inside of his cheek. "Definitely the second," Shinichi shouted back as he listened to the phone ring. "I don't doubt he's watching my tracking device right this second—"

It connected. A deep voice growled out, "How'd you get this number?"

Despite the risk and anxiety, Shinichi relaxed. "Papa, it's me."

"Shinichi!" Jigen's voice instantly changed from aggressive to concern. "What happened!? Where are you, we'll come get you—"

"I'm fine," he whispered, glancing back towards the other room and trying not to feel irritated. Papa had been against his infiltration from the very beginning, deeming his freedom too much for information that may or may not exist. But Shinichi had to do this. He had to know. "Everything's fine, Papa, you don't need to come get me."

"Then why did you call? I doubt it's just because you missed me."

Shinichi shook his head, a small grimace twisting his lips. "I wish, though I do miss you, lots—" he was rambling, trying to get the words, Papa was going to be so mad—"And really, I wouldn't be calling you unless it's really, really important, and it is, but I'm not sure how you're going to react—"

"Shinichi. Breathe."

"And I think Harper Valentine is in the country," he said in a single breath. Jigen was silent on the other end and Shinichi squeezed the phone nervously. "Um… Papa…?"

"How the hell is she here!?" he shouted.

"How should I know?" Auntie retorted. Oh, he must be on speaker phone. "I thought she was sent to a Brazilian prison."

"It doesn't matter. Shinichi, we're coming to get you now."

"No!" he hissed. "I can't leave yet, not when I've barely even started! This might be my only chance!"

"I won't just leave you in danger!"

"Look, Interpol's already on it. They know she's here and she can't hide forever."

"He's got a point, Jigen," Fujiko cut in. "Valentine's European; she'll stick out of a crowd."

"Thank you, Auntie. Papa, I know you're worried, I am too. But I need to finish this. Please… just trust me."

A sigh rattled through the speakers. "I'm going to regret it… Fine, fine. But if she harms a single hair on your head, you'll be out of the country before Pops screams "Lupin!" Got it?"

"Got it," Shinichi agreed, shoulders slouching. "Thank you, Papa."

"Just hurry the hell up, kid. Having you exposed like this is giving me grey hairs."

"Love you too, Papa." Shinichi returned the phone to its cradle, and just in time as Kuroba took that moment to return.

"Food's ready."

"A-Ah. Thank you, Kuroba." Shinichi and Kuroba went into the kitchen and began to eat their late meal. He blinked in surprise. "This is excellent." And clearly made fresh. He hadn't been on the phone that long, had he? "How long did it take you to make this?"

"Not too long. Honestly, I thought you take more time on the phone, so I just whipped up something fast."

Shinichi choked. "E-Excuse me!?" Panic flooded his system as his pulse sped up. "I-I did no such thing!"

Kuroba laughed at his attempt of innocence. "Your poker face sucks. And there's no need to freak out—" He popped a piece of chicken into his mouth. "I was hoping you'd take the hint."

Shinichi's heart rate slowly returned to normal. He glared suspiciously at Kuroba. "I don't completely understand what you're implying, Kuroba-san."

He set his chopsticks down, sighing thoughtfully. "I can't imagine not being able to see my mom whenever." Shinichi hadn't expected that. "She might be a pain and I only call her a few times a week, but she's still my mom." Suddenly, he crossed his arms and huffed. "Of course, if you didn't, that's okay too. I don't care what you do. I just figured having Hakuba and Interpol constantly breathing down your neck could get tiring."

Oh. "Thank you, Kuroba. My family's doing well." Shinichi smiled, small and sincere.

That seemed to melt Kuroba's icy demeanor as a light flush appeared on his cheeks. "N-No problem. And you don't have to call me that if you don't want to. My first name's fine."

"Alright then, Kaito-kun." Kaito's blush deepened, though he tried to brush it off as nothing. "You may call me Shinichi."

"Shinichi? But that's not your given name."

"It's… more like a family nickname. And Arsène is a pain to pronounce outside of French."

"Shinichi… it suits you," Kaito decided, standing. "Just put your dishes in the sink and I'll clean them later. Do you mind if we work in my room? All my school stuff is up there."

"Sure."

He followed Kaito up the stairs and past a few closed doors, into the last one on the hall. Kaito chattered away cheerfully, not noticing how Shinichi froze in the doorway. "I know it's a little messy, but we're both guys, so what does it matter? Besides, I'm sure you've stayed in worse places during your family's adventures—"

Shinichi couldn't respond, couldn't even move. His body trembled and shook with the strain of a scream that would not come out. It couldn't be. Scenes from years past, 11 years to be exact, flashed through his mind.

He knew the man whose portrait sat on Kaito's wall.

A/N: Yeah, Kaito totally planned for Shinichi to talk with his family, the why will appear soon. And we're finally getting to what Shinichi is doing in Japan!

Also, everything past this point hasn't been formally planned, so I have to work on that soon… but hey, at least I'm updating again!