The Kaitou Kid finally catches up with his (stalker) back-up.

The Kaitou Kid landed on the roof with barely a sound, eyes fixed on a shadowed figure. The person in front of him (potential ally, information gatherer, Riddle) was not yet aware of his presence. Kid stood silent, taking the opportunity to finally study the enigma he'd been tracking for the past month.

His mysterious helper (and that was a problem - Kid was supposed to be the mysterious one) was dressed in a short, hooded cloak and a pair of old-fashioned boots that stopped just below the knee. The cloak was decorated with sharp-angled patterns in shades of blue or green - it was hard to tell the exact color with only the city lights to see by.

The figure tensed, then turned to face Kid. For a moment they simply stood there, examining each other with invisible eyes.

"So," Kid said at last, "it seems I've finally caught up with you." He smirked, shoving his hands in his pockets. "You've proved quite the challenge, and a very interesting Riddle." The last word was spoken in accented English.

A smile flickered over the other's face. "Riddle, huh? Coming from you, Kid-san, that's quite the compliment."

His - Kid was now sure the figure was male - voice was younger than the thief had expected. "Heh. It's well deserved - I have to admit, some of your methods have confounded even me."

The figure sketched a shallow bow.

"Much as I'd love to know how you've been anticipating my launch sites, I won't ask you for your secrets." Professional courtesy and all that. Kid's eyes narrowed slightly. "I will ask for your motive."

The figure hesitated, a slight frown appearing. ". . . I've seen your fashion-challenged stalkers."

Behind his poker face, Kid flinched. Somehow, he had a feeling the other wasn't talking about Hakuba.

"I thought you could use some back-up." The figure shrugged, as if he wasn't talking about going up against trained killers to help someone he'd never officially met.

"If you've seen Them, you should know how dangerous that is," Kid said quietly.

"I know."

Kid shifted slightly, taking one hand out of his pocket. "Then you won't be offended if I'm somewhat . . . skeptical."

The other sighed. "No. Although, I'd kind of hoped you wouldn't be. It's not as if I can prove my intentions."

You already have. But . . . "I can't afford to take risks."

A slight nod. "Would you like me to stop?"

Kid paused, considering. "If I said 'yes'. . . ."

"Then I would." The other smiled. "But I'd still come watch. Can't blame me for being a fan, right?"

Kid blinked, then laughed. "I don't understand why people insist on glorifying larceny."

"Come on! As if you don't do your best to put on a good show."

The other full-out grinned, and for a moment Kid had the impression he was looking in a mirror.

"You have a mission. That much is obvious. But it's also about the audience, isn't it? Your fans. Your task force." The smile was still there, but it was gentler now. "Your tantei."

Poker face, poker face. "You've been watching me rather closely, haven't you?"

"Well, when you put it that way . . . ." The other gave a short laugh. "Now I feel like a stalker."

Kid grinned. "Indeed. You should be ashamed of yourself." And I'm a total hypocrite.

"Let's pretend I am - you never answered my question."

Kid tilted his head slightly. So much for stalling. "I don't mind the information, but I'd prefer to know I'm not being followed."

The other raised his hands. "I only follow you at heists. Nowhere else, I swear."

That possibility hadn't crossed Kid' mind, but now that it had, he was hard-put to keep his panic under his hat. Good intentions or not, if the other had followed him home . . . .

A quiet voice interrupted his thoughts. "On my life, Kid-san. Nowhere else."

". . . Very well." Kid crossed his arms. "But from now on, if you're going to watch, I want you where I can see you."

The figure grinned. "You mean I get a front-row seat?"

"Up to a point." Kid held up a finger. "You're not coming inside with me - at least, not until I know you won't slip up."

"So, a limited partnership with opportunities for advancement." The other nodded. "Seems more than fair."

Internally Kid sighed. He really shouldn't be doing this. He knew that, but there was just something about this, this Riddle that demanded attention. He was close now - he wasn't going to lose the chance to solve it.

. . . Great, now he was starting to sound like Hakuba.

"Oh - I suppose I should introduce myself."

Kid blinked, refocusing his attention.

"Although, I didn't think you'd come looking for me." The figure rubbed the back of his neck. "I haven't actually thought of an alias."

Kid couldn't help it; he started laughing. "For someone who claims to know so much about me, that's a rather large mistake!"

The figure huffed. "Yeah, yeah, my bad. I didn't expect you to catch me." He looked away, arms folded. "So: name. Let's see." He tapped a few fingers against his lip. "You said I was a 'riddle'. . . rii-dle. . . riid." He nodded once. "Let's go with Reed."

Kid smiled slightly. "Well then, Reed-san, see you next heist."

The Kaitou Kid tipped his hat and vanished in a swirl of white silk.