Kid doesn't want to face a certain detective. Reed would like to file a complaint regarding cruel and unusual punishment.

"Neh, Kazuki . . . ."

Kazuki looked at Kaito, feeling a twinge of apprehension. "Yeah?"

"You know that favor you owe me?"

". . . Yeah?"

"I'd like to collect."

"All right. What do you want?" This is going to be bad, isn't it . . . .

Kaito grinned at him, practically radiating innocence. "Do the next heist for me."

Kazuki blinked. "What?"

"I've already planned the whole thing, so you don't have to worry about that," Kaito said, waving a hand in the air. "I just don't feel like doing this one, y'know?"

"Wait a minute," Kazuki muttered, frowning at the floor. "Isn't the next one in Beika . . . ?"

"Yep~!"

"Which means Tantei-kun will probably be there-" Kazuki's eyes widened. Oh stars, the airship. Mouri-san. Slowly, he turned back to the magician-thief. "Kaito. My good friend and trusted partner. I know you wouldn't send me to take a beating for you, right?"

Kaito's laugh sounded decidedly nervous. "Who, me? Of course not! Besides, you're an Archetype - you're much better equipped to deal with rogue soccer balls!"

Kazuki stared at him through narrowed eyes. "You are the worst. Ever."

"Eh heh . . . well, you did lose the bet."

"I know, I know. You're still the worst."

"Sorry . . . ."

Kazuki sighed. He'd kind of been wanting to try on Kid's suit, but going up against an angry Kudo had not been what he had in mind.

~o0o~

All in all, it could have been worse. Edogawa had definitely given him the evil eye at first, but eventually settled down to cold determination. There had, however, been several soccer balls.

. . . Sometimes, Reed was really glad he was more or less immortal.

He reached the roof without too much interference, but knew the child detective would soon follow. Best to perform the check and get out fast. Reed stepped up to the edge, then looked back over his shoulder as the door to the roof access slammed open. He sighed in resignation.

As expected, Edogawa stood a few yards away, glaring daggers as he caught his breath.

Reed turned to face the detective, calling up a smirk. He opened his mouth, greeting on his tongue, but Edogawa spoke first.

"You're not the Kid," he stated.

Reed froze. Damn. So much for that plan.

"I have to admit, it's the best imitation I've ever seen," the detective continued. "I don't think even Hakuba noticed."

"Heh." Reed grinned, deciding to go with the flow. It wasn't like he wanted Tantei-kun mad at him anyway. "At least my efforts weren't completely wasted."

Edogawa cocked his head. "Why are you doing this? Are you one of Kid's friends?"

"Nope, sorry." Reed told the lie without even twitching. "I'm just some poor sucker who owed him a favor." He turned and held the gem up to the moonlight; no reaction. The Archetype sighed. Another miss.

"I don't believe you."

Reed's attention snapped back to the tiny detective. "What?"

Edogawa folded his arms, nodding toward the jewel. "He obviously trusts you with more than just his reputation."

Reed lowered his arm; a faint smile crossed his lips. "I think I see why he likes you, kid. Here, catch!" He lobbed the stone at the detective. As Edogawa fumbled to catch it, the Archetype took the chance to vanish. "We wouldn't want to damage your reputation either . . . Kid Killer."

The detective glanced around, sharp eyes searching in vain for the trick. "I've never particularly cared for that title," he muttered.

Invisible as a shadow, Reed smiled.

And that, Kudo-kun, is why I like you.