-FIRSTS-
Disclaimer: The works of Detective Conan and Magic Kaito belongs to Gosho Aoyama-sensei.
Warning: KaiShin relationship.
Warning II: MATURE CONTENT! Reader discretion advised.
A/N: This is a very very long chapter. Also, we're in Shirahama here, what do you expect? Of course the rating's going to increase. (I cannot give up such a juicy opportunity). In case you're wondering, this follow directly from the last chapter (a couple of hours later). Also, It makes reference to Chapter 9 (First Date) and OMAKE in Chapter 7 (First Reveal), read that if you've forgotten why they're here.
First Vacation
Their flight was the most uneventful Shinichi had in a long time. No deaths, no threats, and not even turbulence (yes, Shinichi knows the probability of encountering turbulence on a domestic flight in Japan is relatively low, but his luck tends to skew towards the negative side of the spectrum). With their luggage in hand, they walked out into the hall area to be greeted by a sign for 'Kuroba Kaito-sama and companion'.
"At least you had the foresight of having them omit my name."
"Wouldn't want the whole world to know, would defeat the purpose of a vacation." Kaito flashed Shinichi a smile as he guided them through the throngs of people in the arrivals hall.
They approached and greeted the well-dressed middle-aged man with slightly graying hair at the temples standing in the busy airport. The man bowed to the pair.
"Kuroba-sama and Kudo-sama? Please follow me. We have transport waiting in the carpark." The man was polite, making small talk as he led them to the car.
"The Master and Mistress wishes to invite you to dine with them tonight if you are not too tired from the trip. They wish to properly show you their gratitude for saving the Young Master." He glanced up at the rear-view mirror to better gauge the pair's reaction. The neater of the two had his gaze trained on the passing landscape whilst the messier of the two were engaged in their conversation. "We have a short ride to the Ryokan. I was told the intended stay was for two nights?"
"That was the plan. Do you have any suggested activities we should try out?"
The man proceeded to explain a variety of attractions nearby. All the while, the man saw how one was trying to coax the other to talk and give opinion. The neater of the two did not seem to mind and left the other to make all the arrangements. The man smiled, it was obvious the two were extremely close.
Shinichi paid little attention to the conversation between their driver and Kaito. He had already decided this trip was more for Kaito's sake than himself. Kaito had been very distracted and overly concerned about Shinichi's wellbeing during his bed rest. Although Shinichi had not minded one bit, it was worrisome. Hopefully with this trip, Kaito could let go of what happened and come to the conclusion that this wasn't KID's fault. Afterall, Shinichi was also at fault for distracting the thief and allowing himself to be captured.
"Shinichi?" Apparently, during Shinichi's internal musings, they arrived at their destination. Kaito was extending his hand from outside the door to help Shinichi exit the vehicle.
"Sorry. Was lost in thought for a moment." He took hold of the hand and let himself be pulled out into the cold evening air. "That is not a small Ryokan." He commented.
"I had the same reaction when I first laid eyes on it." Kaito stared at the large traditional structure looming behind the entryway.
The entrance had a wooden arch, with a pebbled path winding through a miniature Japanese garden complete with a small koi pond (which Kaito steadily avoided) and stone pagoda. The pond had its waters feed into the main building, connecting the indoor with the outdoor. Spotlights lit up the surrounding bamboo, projecting a calm and tranquil atmosphere. There was a faint floral scent mixed in with the salty sea air.
The air was warm inside, with a hint of fresh straw from the tatami floor. There was a manned cloak room and shoe locker for guests to store their long coats and shoes. The place was lit with a warm yellow glow, making the areas bright as though it was encased in gold. Chairs were set up along the wall for guests waiting to be served. There was also a small table offering complimentary tea for visitors.
"Welcome to our humble Ryokan." The owner greeted, standing from his seat by the wall. Shinichi supposed he had been waiting for some time. "It's good you can come!"
The man, Ishigawa Kenji as he had introduced himself so long ago, was in his early forties. But running this place must have placed more lines on his face and more grey hairs than any other job as he looked to be in his late fifties. He wore a suit instead of the more traditional style of clothing befitting someone of his status.
"Thank you for allowing our stay at such short notice Ishigawa-san." Kaito greeted in kind, with the same amount of enthusiasm.
"Please, Kenji is fine." He led them to a small sitting area set up next to the check-in counter. "Would you like to join us for dinner tonight? I know it's a bit late and you might be tired..."
"We'd love to." Kaito supplied, cutting the man off effectively.
"Wonderful. Emi would be delighted to hear that." Kenji ushered the pair down a corridor and into a small banquet hall. Shoji doors separated the public area and the private dining area. The windows lining the opposite wall showed a wonderful view of the night sky, the luminous waning moon had drawn the pair's eyes immediately. Small tray tables have been set up with an accompaniment of colourful dishes.
"This is too much." Shinichi protested.
"Nonsense! You saved our son. It's the least we can do." Kenji gently pushed the pair inside the room.
"Just in time." Emi smiled, greeting from behind, holding another tray of food. Her flowing hair had been done up in a bun, held by a decorative kanzashi, and contrary to her husband, she wore a kimono. She gracefully set down the food and motioned the pair to sit. "Kenta was ecstatic when he heard the two of you would be coming."
"Mahou-niichan! Hato-niisan!" Kenta, being a bundle of energy, pounced on the sitting pair. Shinichi managed to brace himself and Kaito had gracefully pulled the child onto his lap.
Shinichi understood why Kaito would be addressed as Mahou-niichan, seeing as he had been perform magic during their brief encounter. But for him to be addressed as Hato-niisan was a bit strange. He looked at Kaito, who flashed him a wicked grin, and decided he might not want to know.
"Did you bring your doves with you?" Kenta looked imploringly at Kaito.
"Not today." Kenta immediately deflated. "However..." Kaito brought both his and the child's hands together then opened it again to reveal a dove soft toy. "I think this was a stowaway. Mind giving it a good home?"
"Yay!" Kenta, now satisfied, pattered to his father to show him the dove.
"Sorry about that." Emi apologised. "He had been quite taken in with the magic and birds ever since he met the two of you. And I must thank you for saving him." She have the seated pair a bow.
"No, really. Please." Shinichi was trying hard to stop her from her actions. "Really, it was nothing."
"No. You helped us a lot." Kenji escorted his son back to the seats for dinner. "It was because of the two of you that Kenta could speak again."
"What do you mean? He was laughing quite loudly on the boat ride."
"He had been silent for a month ever since the tragic death of one of his school mates. He did not make a single sound and was apathetic to everything. The police thinks he might have witnessed the accident that caused him to have this sort of break down. We took him to a psychologist and their reply was trauma and suppressed emotions. We thought maybe a trip away from home would help." Kenji mussed up the boy's hair, looking lovingly at the boy. "The two of you managed to open his heart. He was talking again after the boat ride, actually talking non-stop. He just recently returned to school. For that, the two of you will always have our gratitude." He too bowed low towards the pair.
"Please." Both Shinichi and Kaito were thoroughly embarrassed, it really was nothing special. "It was nothing..."
After the superfluous show of gratitude, they enjoyed their late dinner with Kenta talking to the point where his parents threatened to send him back to his room if he continued. They found out the family lived on premise, in a private wing away from the hustle and bustle but still withing contacting distance in emergencies.
"Come, come!" Kenta was pulling Shinichi to stand. "Tou-san said to show you the Collection."
Shinichi looked inquisitively to the father and son standing near the entrance.
"It's not that grand, but since Kudo-kun is a detective, you might appreciate it. It's a small collection of Detective Samonji memorabilia."
"You go ahead Shinichi. I'll keep Emi-san company." Kaito waved him away as he was deeply engrossed in a discussion about fashion. Why Kaito would have interest in it he could not fathom but he just wished it had nothing to do with him. The Shakespeare dress incident is still quite fresh in his mind.
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"Was there a reason for you wanting to speak to me?" Shinichi asked the man. His son was busy looking for something in particular to show him.
"Am I that obvious?" Kenji scratched his neck in embarrassment.
"Only to me." He observed the man. It was clear he wanted Shinichi to do something for him. Seeing their family so harmonious means it was unlikely an investigation into an adultery case. They mentioned the accident Kenta witnessed but the parents weren't really concerned. There was only one option left. "You wanted a favour from me?"
"If it's not too much trouble." There were hints of an apologetic tone.
"If there's anything I can do. I'll be happy to."
"Yes. Well..." Kenji looked towards the doorway. Shinichi surmise it would have something to do with the wife.
"Is there a special day coming up? Perhaps an anniversary?" He remembered Kenta mentioned the just celebrated his mother's birthday so it wouldn't be a belated present.
"Yes. Although I already have a gift for her. I wanted to do something extra." It was clear that Kenji wasn't sure how to word his request. "Emi is quite a fan of Fujimine Yukiko and the Knight Baron. If it's not too much trouble, do you think I can ask you to help me get their signatures?" He rummaged around one of the drawers to produce a small notebook. It was blank inside. "Emi does some writing on the side, when she has the time, this is one of the surprises I intend to give her." He lovingly caressed the leather bound book.
"It won't be a problem. Do you mind sending it to my home address? I'll make sure to have it forwarded to them when I get back. When is your anniversary?"
"It won't be for another month. But I was lucky that you came when you did." He bowed low once more. "Thank you so much for helping me with this."
"Found it!" Kenta called out as he crawled out of the cupboard. "Look, look. This is the script from one of the episode! I really liked this episode because Samonji met this family and the boy was so smart! I mean it was so funny when he led his useless uncle and gave him all the answers but he still got it wrong. And then, and then..."
Shinichi smiled as he listened to the child rambled. It was the episode based on the book written by the daughter of the late Shinmei Nintaro, Shinmei Kaoru. He hadn't realised this episode was made.
"It's late Kenta. We should let our guests rest." Kenji reprimanded his son. "Really, I just don't know what got into him. The baths should be empty at this time, you should go enjoy it. It might not be a full moon tonight, but it still has a lovely view of the night sky. Stargazing is excellent."
"I'll show you the way!" Kenta tugged on his sleeve. "We'll bring you the Yukata later. Now's a great time since no one's there. And on the way, I'll show you your room. It's got its own baths but the public baths are sooooo much bigger and better."
The boy's enthusiasm is definitely contagious as Shinichi found himself walking along the corridors, ooh-ing and ah-ing at the appropriate time. The father chuckled, no doubt thinking they really look like a pair of brothers.
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Back in the banquet room, when the group had left, Emi pulled Kaito closer towards her as though discussing juicy gossip.
"So, the two of you are a couple." She stated rather than questioned.
"How'd you know?" He really shouldn't be surprised, practically anyone who has met them have guessed their relationship.
"Experience." Her confidence clearly showing. "But something is bothering you."
"You are a perceptive women." He was proud of his control over his emotions and thought but it seems women have an easier time reading him.
"You're not easy to read dear. I see a lot of people coming and going, I just have a lot more practice." She smiled encouragingly. "Tell Emi-baasan what's been troubling you."
"You're no Obaasan but an Oneesan." He produced a paper origami flower instead of the fresh one. She seems the type to appreciate the traditional art.
"Flattery will get you nowhere. A young man like you shouldn't keep everything bottled up."
"I guess I'm just...concerned?"
"You mean scared." Kaito to protest but was cut off. "I can tell. Are you scared someone would take Kudo-kun away or that he would leave you?"
"In a sense."
"You need to put more trust on Kudo-kun." Kaito thought she misunderstood the situation. "And have more confidence in yourself." She reached into her Obi and pulled out a key with a small flower keychain.
"This is...?"
"The key to the eastern private baths. I took the privilege of signing the booking for you to enjoy. It has an enchanting view and it can set the atmosphere." She have him a playful wink. If he were anyone else, he would be blushing at the implication. "But for now, enjoy the public baths. It's not often that they are empty. I'll have Kenta bring you the clothes to change in. Now go, just follow the sign." She was assertive in her actions. "You'll be pleasantly surprised."
Kaito wasn't sure if he should be creeped out by her actions. He hoped there were no towel-origami set on the futons.
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When Kaito entered the main bath area, he recognised the cowlick visible from behind the rocks surrounding the outdoor pool. It seems Shinichi was here before him. He considered sneaking up on his detective but he sensed that Shinichi might attack him if he did.
"Kaito?" Shinichi removed the towel that he had been using to rest his eyes. He turned to see the naked magician standing near the doors. He admired the flexing of muscles as Kaito approached him, taking note of the various scars littered about the visible skin. Internally he scowled, the flawlessness marred by the jagged harshness of discoloured skin. Although he was the same, he felt self-conscious and he sank himself further into the water.
"I have no hope in springing a surprise on you." Kaito lowered himself into the water, sidling up closer to his detective.
He noticed Shinichi wanted to move away, he took this to mean embarrassment so he took the initiative and kissed him on the temples to hopefully calm him. His detective took his actions further by engaging a kiss on his lips. Kaito pulled their bodies closer, suddenly the water felt cooler than the contact of skin. Being in the water as such felt as though he was floating on the clouds. They, of course, held themselves. Not going further than the touch of lips. They do have manners. Instead, Kaito settled on sitting close to Shinichi, forearms touching, he took hold of the detective's hand underwater. Shinichi returned the gesture by wrapping his fingers, enclosing them against Kaito's hands. He leaned his head onto Kaito's shoulders, eyes fluttering close as he felt safe and content.
They stayed still, both taking in the comfort that comes with soaking in the outdoor Onsen. The silence had not bothered them, rather it allowed them to rest their minds for a short while.
"Don't fall asleep on me." Kaito nudged his detective. "Unless you want to be carried out of here as you currently are."
"You're willing to share what's yours with the world?" Smirking, his eyes remained closed.
Kaito loosened his hold of his detective's hands. Instead, he grabbed Shinichi's shoulders to give him some support as he tried to encourage the detective to stand.
"Let's go back to our room."
"Mmmm..." It was clear to Kaito that he was half asleep. Carefully, he maneuvered him to the changing area, helping him into the Yukata before dressing himself. He found a set of keys and a marked map to guide them to their room. He debated internally whether he should carry his detective (bridal style) back to their room but the decision was taken away from him as Shinichi had a sudden bout of lucidity and started directing them down twisting corridors, ride on the elevator and up a small flight of steps.
Their room was quite secluded from the main area. Giving them the privacy and away from prying eyes. It consisted of the foyer, an ante room, the main bedroom area, a patio with two pairs of wooden geta set along the wooden path leading outside, and a standard bathroom. The ante room, foyer and bedroom were all separated by shoji screens and doors. The tatami floor felt warm to the feet, no doubt there were heated pipes running through them. The closest actual wooden door in the foyer leads to the bathroom to ensure hygiene. The ante room has a low table, a tv set, the standard safe and mini bar set up, and a wall decorated with traditional Japanese art scroll. Moving further in, pass the second set of shoji doors, revealed the actual sleeping area.
"I'm not sure if I should concerned or surprised." Shinichi mumbled still half asleep. There were two futons laid out on the floor, side by side, too close to be considered as platonic but still far to leave some tatami exposed.
"The women in our lives are quite peculiar. They are scarily perceptive and/or highly eccentric. I guess Emi-san falls into the and category." Kaito sat down on top of one of the futons. They had not bothered turning on the room lights, only relying on the small rice paper lantern situated at the head of the futons. It gave off a yellow glow, making the features of the room softer. Shinichi, with his face already relaxed, looked even more vulnerable in this setting. He hesitated near the doorway. Although he was tired, he wasn't sure whether Kaito would be comfortable sleeping so close to him.
Kaito took matters in his own hands, literally, took hold of the nearest wrist and dragged Shinichi over to the futon. He was gifted with a soft smile as his detective snuggled into the blankets.
"Good night Kaito." He whispered. Not waiting for a reply, his eyes closed and he was quickly asleep.
"Good night sweet prince." Kaito rested a kiss on his forehead before he turned off the lantern. Leaving them with only the soft glow of the evening light filtering through the closed windows. Kaito kept his eyes trained on the detective, memorizing all the curves of his profile and listening to the soft breathing. His own hands had unconsciously reached over to play with the stray strands of hair spread haphazardly on the pillow. He smiled when his detective reached out to grasp the hand and tucked it between his cheeks and the pillow.
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Apparently, Emi also helped them plan their activities as they were jumped on by Kenta the moment they entered the dining area, where the other guests were also having their breakfast.
"Mahou-niichan! Hato-niisan!" The boy leapt and landed on Kaito's back. "Good morning."
"Kenta!" His father scolded.
"It's fine." Shinichi helped the boy off Kaito's back. The boy then went to hug the detective at the legs.
"You're quite enthusiastic this morning. What about school?" Kaito bent down and ruffled Kenta's hair with affection.
"I'm going as soon as I give you mother's note." He whispered into Kaito's ears, secretly handing over the note. "Mother said you'll enjoy it very much."
The implication nearly made Kaito blush. Looking at Shinichi, he saw a slight tinge of pink rising in his cheeks. He knew his detective must have heard.
"Emi wanted to make sure the two of you would have a wonderful time. If you haven't planned for anything in particular..."
"Please give our thanks to your wife. We haven't really decided what to do so we might go with her plan." Kaito took a look at the note, the places listed were all mostly the ones their driver had told them about last night. He was glad that it didn't include the aquarium or any water activities.
"After breakfast, the car should be waiting for you out front."
"So, where are we headed?" Shinichi tried to snatch the note out of Kaito's hands but the magician vanished it out of sight, leaving the detective with a pout. Not being able to hold himself, Kaito leaned over the table and kissed him on the cheeks to cheer him up.
"Don't worry. This would not be a repeat like last time. I asked for help remember? So I do have an indirect hand in planning." He placed another closer to the corner of Shinichi's mouth, tasting the bitterness of coffee and the saltiness from the miso soup. "I promise nothing would happen. And a gentleman never goes against a promise."
It was a promise Shinichi knew he would keep no matter the consequence. He just hoped the day would be crime free.
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Their first stop was to the nearby art museum, which boasted of its Buddha statue collection, and they visited the nearby Kanki shrine.
"What are you wishing for Kaito?" Shinichi saw the intense concentration on his magician's face.
"Do you know what this place known is for?" He replied, eyes still closed in prayer. Shinichi decided to follow Kaito's actions and threw in his own coin to make an offering and prayer. After a moment of silence, Shinichi looked up and saw a glitter in Kaito's eyes.
"Well? Are you going to tell me?"
"Shinichi, you should know better than to ask people about their wishes. It won't come true otherwise."
"I never took you for the kind to leave it up to luck and wishes. I thought all magicians make their own, and other people's, wishes come true. Especially the wildest kind."
"That we do. But I still want to pray here." Kaito turned back to the main temple, staring at the closed wooden doors as though his gaze could penetrate it so that he could gaze at the holy statue inside. "This shrine claims to be especially effective for marriage and fertility." He gave a playful wink at Shinichi's direction.
His detective's face instantly changed to a vibrant shade of red.
"K-K-Ka-..." Stuttering and speechless, Shinichi froze in mid step, nearly tripping if not for Kaito's steadying hold on his shoulder.
Kaito took this opportunity to bring his detective into a hug, mindful of their behaviour in public once more, since they are at a scared location. Visitors were trickling into the courtyard, they were at an easily viewable spot.
"I don't ever want to leave you. Nor do I want you to ever leave me." He whispered, his voice tickling Shinichi's ear but he did not pull away. Instead, Shinichi leaned in closer, mimicking Kaito and wrapped his own arms around his magician's back. They rested their cheeks against one-another, both burning just as hot.
"Ba'ro." He said with much affection before breaking away from the hug. He smiled brightly and took Kaito's hands to intertwine them together as they made their way back towards the carpark.
They were then driven to the cliffs, to see Engetsu-jima, Senjojiki, and Sandabeki. They were treated with a guided tour to the underground caves where Kaito tried to avoid being too close to the water.
"It's really a shame, we could have gone for diving or a trip on a glass bottom boat..." Shinichi joked, enjoying the wince from Kaito. Even the mere thought of fish had sent shivers up Kaito's spine involuntarily. Kaito could imagine how close those scaley horrors would swim near the glass window of the boat. He, like anyone confronted with their worst fears, clutched onto the nearest thing, which in this situation was Shinichi's arm.
"Shinichi~" He whined, "stop being mean." He was using his detective as a barrier between him and the sea.
Shinichi tried to repress the giggles from forming. It ended becoming a wide smile, slightly creepy, very KID-like, and nearly identical to the look Kaito gives before bombarding the classroom in multicoloured smoke.
"Shinichi..." They were slowly approaching the elevator to take them back up to ground level and away from the caves and water's edge.
He could not help it anymore. Kaito was just too cute when he was acting like this. Shinichi wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him closer. He landed a light brush on Kaito's crown, breathing in the citrusy shampoo as he nuzzled his hair. Their tour guide had long since left them to explore on their own after telling them the story to the place.
"I'm sure our new destination would be more more enjoyable than this one." He murmured into his hair.
"If not, we can always asked to be driven back to the Ryokan and make this more enjoyable ourselves." Kaito teased. He felt safe with Shinichi so close, leaning on each other and sharing the body heat under the windy sky.
For lunch, it was packed bento at Heisogen park. Though Kaito, as usual, made a performance out of it. After they choose a bench overlooking the green turf, Kaito produced a small white handkerchief (with KID insignia embroidery on it, when asked, Kaito only smiled sheepishly in which Shinichi guessed it was something he did in his free time) and showed his detective. Shinichi played the 'gullible' spectator, even though he knew Kaito definitely has something up his sleeve. Kaito scrunched up the handkerchief in his hands, held it at a grip, faced down, then pulled the fabric out. What he pulled out was longer than what he started with. Kaito looked up expectantly, possibly looking for an applause, but Shinichi was not impressed by these sorts of child trickery. Kaito then showed his audience, because by now there was a small group of children drawn by Kaito's action, before laying it on the space on the bench between Shinichi and himself.
"One. Two. Three." He counted as he tapped the surface. He pulled away the fabric to reveal their bento boxes with cutlery, cups, and a thermos of hot tea.
"No confetti, silly strings, or fireworks?" Shinichi picked up the thermos to see what they have been given. There was a floral scent from the tea.
"So hard to please." Kaito shook his head comically. He showed his palms and the back of his hands towards the audience and the sitting detective, to have them confirm he was not holding anything. He then rolled up his sleeves, to bare his arms, before clapping both hands together. When he showed his palms again, facing upwards, there was a mountain of origami flowers of all shape, size, and colour. He let his audience take one each before throwing up in the air. The audience expected the paper flowers to rain down, but instead, it burst into fire (and scaring some of the smaller children) and candy rained down instead. The children scrambled to grab their share of sweetened goods before being herd away by their parents. A few mothers actually have an origami flower tucked behind their ears.
"Well? How did I do?" Kaito looked at Shinichi, all wide-eyed and hopeful, like a puppy looking for a praise.
"I've seen better." He teased with a snarky smile. "The man in white performs better than you."
"But I bet he won't do this trick." Kaito leaned over, fully aware of the lunch set up between them. By now, all their audience were gone and the were alone under the shade of the tree overlooking the vast area of grass. When Kaito was a hair's breath away, he reached over and pulled Shinichi by the neck so their lips could meet. Shinichi remained as he were, closing his eyes as he enjoyed the moment, allowing his magician to explore the inner caverns of his mouth. He was willingly giving up control for the duration of the trip, allowing Kaito to indulge himself.
"I brought down the heaven and its stars for you, did you manage to see it?" Kaito asked when he released the detective, now with deep crimson lips. "Or have you figured out this trick as well?"
"Maybe." Amethyst and sapphire met, both eyes dilated and holding a bright twinkle. "But I need to see the trick again to confirm my deduction." Shinichi reached out and cupped his magician's face to steal his breath away once more. When he pulled away, he brushed the stray stand of hair out of Kaito's face and gazed lovingly into his eyes.
"You've brought down the stars alright. They're now resting in your eyes." Shinichi placed a soft peck at the corner of the eyes, where normally his monocle charm would be dangling.
"Cheesy."
"I learned from the best." Pulling fully away, he handed a bento box to Kaito.
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Their lunch passed with much food stealing and playful banter. Afterwards, they took a stroll around the park before dropping off the empty containers with their driver. They were told there was some time before their next activity would be ready, so the pair decided to visit the nearby Kishu museum and the Folklore museum.
"Thank goodness it's mainly statues and pottery." Shinichi commented as he viewed the artefact, understanding its cultural meaning but not necessarily appreciating the art of broken pottery.
"You worried that someone might come an steal it?" Kaito could easily see that a majority of the display pieces in their current room were mainly replicas. He assumed they were all taken for repairs.
"No. But I was more concerned there would be a robbery if this hall was full of gems rather than broken pieces of clay." He rested a hand on the glass, staring down at a broken plate, eyes unfocused to the point that Kaito knew his detective was lost in his memories.
"Shinichi." Kaito wrapped his arms around his waist, head leaning on the detective's shoulder and looking down at the same sight. "Stop thinking of what can and what has, focus on the what is." He whispered into the ear. But this time, his detective was not reacting.
Shinichi suddenly felt a chill, he gave an involuntary shudder and it had nothing to do with his magician blowing air into his ear. He quickly dislodged Kaito and turned around, eyes frantic. Kaito was on full alert by this action even though he felt no threatening presence but he was never as paranoid as the detective.
Surveying around, there were no suspicious character. Nor were there anyone dressed head to toe in black. Shinichi unconsciously rubbed his arms, as though to restore circulation and heat. Kaito sweeped his eyes towards the exit first on instinct. He just managed to catch the door swinging shut and a glimmer of blond disappearing through the glass doors. He walked closer to his detective, hesitantly touching him on the shoulders. Shinichi flinched and nearly jumped back.
"I'm sorry Kaito." He kept his gaze on the floor.
"There's nothing to apologise about." Kaito hugged his detective, bringing Shinichi's head to rest on his shoulders and rubbing circles at his back. "Nothing would happen. I promised you that remember?"
Shinichi nodded. It was just his luck that when everything was going great, something like this had to happen to kill the mood.
"Now, I believe there was more on our itinerary that Emi-san arranged for us. It would be a shame to have it all go to waste." Kaito led them to the same doors he spied earlier. "Put whatever has happened behind us for now. Examine it later. You're supposed to be resting and recovering." He tried to reassure Shinichi, who still had a haunted look on his face.
The trip to their final activity of the day was made in silence, nearly scaring their driver if not for Kaito's silver tongue (it has more than one use). Kaito had tried many things to stop Shinichi thinking but it seems the detective was stuck inside a spiraling black hole. At one point, Kaito had taken out a black marker and started drawing on the back of Shinichi's hands and the detective only gave a small shudder. (Shinichi has a KID doodle at the center of the back of his hand and Kaito, in a fit of spontaneity drew one on his own hand so they would have a matching pair.) Deciding enough was enough, Kaito took drastic action. He pulled the sitting detective by the left hand forcefully, causing Shinichi to fall over onto his lap. Shinichi was about to complain when Kaito's mouth descended on him, stealing his breath away. The kiss was messy and forceful as Kaito was determined to snap the detective out of his thoughts. One of Kaito's hand was bracing his detective's head where the other was roaming around the stomach, and effectively holding Shinichi in place. Shinichi tried to squirm away, tried to say that the driver would notice their fooling around but he was held down firmly, mouth silenced by needy lips. The hand bracing his head and neck was in such a tight grip that Shinichi feels it would leave a mark. Kaito could feel the resistance waning from his detective as Shinichi succumbed to his ministrations. He continued to nip at the detective's lips, who inadvertently let out a low moan. He knew it was wrong to do something like this, but Shinichi was too caught up in whatever his head had conjured and Kaito was desperate.
"I'm sorry." Kaito apologised when he released Shinichi from his actions. What he did was not a playful nip, or the exploratory endeavours. It was inelegant, nothing like him. He expects to see anger in his detective's eyes so he tried to avoid it. He closed his eyes, keeping his head low and letting his fringe cover them. The hand bracing his detective's head was automatically playing with the stray strands of hair by the ears. The other was held still as if frozen and immobile, only staying its place so Shinichi would not fall onto the ground.
Shinichi kept himself steady, trying to process what had happened and what went wrong. He promised himself that this trip was to ease Kaito's anxiety, to stop his magician-thief from worrying. But what he had done was exactly the opposite. He should not have let the ominous feeling overcome him. Realising his own mistake, he lifted his hands and slowly, gently, pulled his magician's face down towards him. His kiss was sensual and slow, landing at the corner of the cherry lips. He let Kaito pull back slightly, so that they could see each other's eyes. Shinichi kept his eyes steady and soft, which surprised Kaito. Kaito, buried his nose into Shinichi's hair, hugging him as though the detective was his lifeline.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Kaito kept repeating, voice muffled by the hair.
Shinichi reached out to loop his hands to encircle Kaito at the neck.
"It's alright. I understand. And I'm sorry as well." He comforted. This particular incident was both their faults, Kaito should not be blamed for his actions. Shinichi understand that it was because Kaito was worried that he let his own actions run wild.
What happened inside the car was kept inside the car. Both did not speak about it when they stepped out onto the tarmac. They were driven to the airstrip, no doubt for a scenic flight. Unfortunately, both parties were somewhat lacking in the enthusiasm department. However, their need for physical touch was still there as both kept themselves within hand distance, but hands were just brushing against one another instead of the usual grip. They were given the customary introduction before directed to the plane and handed the headsets for communication. Their pilot was trying to have the pair excited about the flight, but it didn't help that Kaito is a regular to flying and that Shinichi has his own license for small aircrafts. Still, when they got up into the air, their focus were drawn out the shared window and all else was forgotten in favour of the captivating view.
Shinichi was the first to notice the child-like look of wonder on Kaito's eyes, light dancing across the amethyst orbs. They managed to catch the beginning of twilight, where the sun was preparing to retire for the day and when the moon was starting to show its face. The sky was tinted in a mixture of blue and orange, colours reflected by the sea water. The view was spectacular but Shinichi's gaze was drawn to Kaito's face instead. On impulse, he reached across and grasp the hand on the knee, he leaned closer to the shared window, sharing warmth as shoulders pressed close with cheeks nearly touching. Kaito turned, a warm smile and his attention directed towards Shinichi. He too saw the wonderment in Shinichi's eyes, tinted with a slight longing. He leaned his head, tilting a little, to give his detective a chaste kiss. Kaito gave a squeeze to their connected hands, understanding what Shinichi was trying to convey in his expressions. The comfort between the two returned and all else was temporarily forgotten. They did not need words to communicate, touches and looks alone were more than words for the two. Shinichi rested his head on Kaito's shoulders, eyes still trained onto the window to engrave the moment into his memories.
"I love you." Kaito had turned to say to Shinichi, with the sunset in the background and the two up in the air. Flying, both literally and emotionally as the words were heard and said for the first time. Kaito saw the widening of the eyes, blue pupils dilating as his detective took a sudden intake of air. The three magical words had left Shinichi breathless. Kaito decided this was one of the best magic trick he had done to elicit such a wonderful reaction from his audience. Gently, he caressed Shinichi with the free hand, brushing away the fringe with the back of his KID doodled hand, and earning an amused look from Shinichi. Fingers trailed along the side, down the jaw bone, and lifted the detective's face at the tip of the jaw. There was clear expectation to what was to follow as Shinichi slowly closed his eyes. The meeting of lips brought forth an explosion of colors, hands instinctively tightened and nails digging into the others palm, indirectly marking each other. This kiss was unlike the ones shared between them. Neither needy or possessive, it was like sharing a warm blanket, encompassing and safely ensconced into each other. The touch left a tear in Shinichi's eye. Kaito saw the lone tear sliding down his detective's cheeks, leaving a trail of wetness that he carefully wiped away with the pads of his thumb. Kaito did not panic, knowing full well this was not due to sadness. The joy in the smile exchanged was brighter and more emotional than any sunset or sunrise can evoke.
They stayed in each other's arms for the rest of the flight, with Shinichi playing with Kaito's dexterous hands laying lazily on his shoulders. His detective was tracing the lines on his palm, light feather touches that tickled as fingers trail along the ridges. He kneaded, grasp, entwined, and overall fiddled around, as though trying to memorize the bone and muscle structure through touch alone. Kaito couldn't help himself but pull the detective's body closer as their flight was coming to an end and the aircraft approach the airstrip.
"I take it the two of you had fun?" Their pilot commented as they exited the craft. The pair blushed simultaneously and quickly made their way to the waiting car.
By the time they arrived back at their lodgings, the sky had darkened with stars crawling out, streetlights flashed into existence on the road. Entering their assigned room, they found the path from the entrance to the bedroom area and beyond to be lined with a sprinkling of tsubaki petals of various colours. The flower path led up to the patio, as though guiding them to the outside. Hand in hand, they walk down the wooden path and staircase. Their destination was a cave structure, an onsen with steam rising from its water surface sat at the center. Around the pool of water were lit candles and an array of flower petals. To the side was a small alcove, hiding behind a screen, for changing and showering. Baskets and Yukata was set up, ready for use.
"I think Emi-san was having too much fun." Kaito let out a chuckle as Shinichi let out a strangled sound.
"Th-this..." He stuttered out, not sure what he wanted to say, only that his brain had frozen itself.
"Let's just relax and enjoy it shall we?" He led the stunned detective to the alcove, turning around to undress. He could hear the rustling of fabrics as he wrapped a towel around his waist. He waited patiently in the water as Shinichi shyly made his way out from around the screen, grasping tight at his towel. He did not remember the detective being this shy yesterday when they shared the baths. But then this is a private bath without any possibility of people walking in on them.
Kaito admired the toned body as Shinichi approached, not disguising his stare. He can see the beauty in the scarred but lean body. Strangely enough, his skin tone was not as pale as Kaito thought, it was light bronze, a healthy colour. His gaze swept over to the abdomen area, he had felt hard muscles before but he did not expect to see traces of a six-pack. Unconsciously, he licked his bottom lips at the sight. The well-defined legs tested the waters before plunging in. Kaito waded to meet the detective halfway in the pool, he dragged them towards the edge, looking out into the entrance, pulling on Shinichi so that he was sitting in front with his back using Kaito's chest as support. His own arms wrapped possessively around his detective's waist and chin resting on the bare shoulders. The heat and steam clung onto the hair, condensation dripping down the neck. It was tempting Kaito as the drop made its agonizingly slow journey. However, Kaito was never one to deny himself of temptation, so he bent over and licked the droplet off. Shinichi hummed in response, head resting on Kaito's opposite shoulders, leaning back as far as he could. This gave Kaito access to more skin areas he peppered him with fleeting kisses.
Shinichi's hands, which was resting at his sides, went to seek out his magician's leg. Hands stroking the outside of the thighs, slowly up from the knee, to the pelvis, then back down. His slow movements drew a gasp from Kaito, who paused from his actions and leaned his forehead at the nape of Shinichi's neck. Hands stilled as both bodies were trying to cool itself from the burn of touches.
"You're going to be the death of me." Kaito breathed out, trying valiantly to hold himself so their actions would not get out of hand. If Shinichi made so much as a small movement towards his body then all manner and decorum would be thrown out the proverbial window and Kaito would devour his detective then and there.
"I wonder how long can your control last." Shinichi said playfully. He turned around so that he could kneel in front of Kaito. Legs barely touching, Shinichi lifted his arms so his fingertips was just a hair's breath away from Kaito's skin on his torso. He moved, both his arms and the water, as though trying to draw out each individual muscles of the body.
The water waves felt ticklish against his skin, and it was torturous not being able to feel actual pressure. It seems Shinichi was enjoying tormenting the magician, going by the grin on his face. Kaito decided to take things into his own hands, etiquette be damned, and tackled the detective. Pulling on the outstretched hands and closing in on the space between with quickness most often seen during his heist escapes, he pushed their bodies together and dived underwater. Lips met as they plunged beneath the water surface, breathing through each other's mouth to ensure they would not drown. Shinichi had one of his hands trapped between their chests, but the other hand soon found its way to the magician's back, clawing and scratching for attention. Kaito had one hand bracing the back of Shinichi's head, fingers rubbing at the ears, so that the detective would not be banging his head on the rock surface covering the onsen pool's floor. His other arm circled around the back, hand resting on the hip bones and nails digging into the supple skin leaving crescent marks.
Only when they feel their shared oxygen was running out, did they actually emerge from the water, breaking surface and their lips, panting heavily. Kaito had a dopey and satisfying grin gracing his face when he saw the look of intense want from Shinichi.
"That...that was..." Shinichi stuttered.
"Intense." Kaito finished the sentence for him. He took the detective's hand in his, examining the palm as his fingers brushed against them. "We're going to prune up if we don't leave the waters."
Their underwater activity had left them with hungry stomachs, which growled at the most inappropriate time, breaking the atmosphere.
"We should go and eat too." Shinichi's comment elicited a hearty laugh from Kaito. The two stepped out of the steamy pool and rinsed off before donning on the provided yukata. The basket held both their clothes, and Kaito gentlemanly offered to carry it back towards their room.
The climb was chilly as the Sun had fully set. The patio door to their room remained unlocked and the petals were cleared from the floor. The futons had been laid out, this time closer together and not even leaving a sliver of tatami seen. The ante room had been set with a standard Kaiseki course, the mini bar now filled with different types of juices and soft drinks.
Kaito whistled as he set down the basket, impressed by the level of detail and the amount of work that went into providing for their stay.
"They really shouldn't have..." Shinichi reluctantly sat down on one end of the table. They haven't done anything to deserve such extravagant treatment.
"Let's not waste their hospitality by staring at the food." Thankfully, there was not a shred of the gill-bearing aquatic craniate animals lacking limbs or digits.
Generally, each plate in Kaiseki course would only be served after the one before was finished. In their case, to give them the privacy, all the courses were laid out on the table, allowing them to pick through their meal. Once finished, they packed up the plates into the provided container and left it outside of their room, ready to be picked up.
They relaxed after their satisfying meal. They found a pack of Hanafuda cards in the nearby drawers and started playing as they digested their meal. However, Shinichi quickly found out anyone playing any sort of card games against Kaito is bound to lose. A full game of 12 sets, played three times each alternating to shuffle, and Kaito still won all three games. Knowing when to cut his loses (Kaito had racked up three favours from Shinichi and he was dreading the day the magician would cash out), he called quits. Instead, they stretched onto the tatami mat side by side like a pair of content cats. The TV was on, showing a generic game show that neither were paying attention to. Under normal circumstances, they would be bored yet in the presence of each other, they were quite happy to just lie down and do nothing. Kaito turned to rest on his side, hand tucked by his head, stupidly smiling.
"Hmm?" Shinichi did not bother to move but turned his head towards Kaito.
"Just thinking..."
"Did it hurt?" He teased. Kaito's hand stretched over to take hold of the hand on the floor. He lifted it to his mouth and gave it a kiss on the knuckles. "Aren't you playful tonight."
"What can I say, must be the drinks." Another kiss on the back of his hand.
"There weren't any alcohol..."
"Then I must be drunk on you." This time, he placed one inside the palm.
"My, my. Adding under-aged drinking to your list of misdemeanors?"
"How about one more then?" Kaito rolled over and on top of Shinichi, straddling the detective beneath him. He lifted both hands so they stretched out atop of Shinichi's head. Kaito used one hand to secure the wrists and the other to lift the chin. Leaning down just enough so lips barely meet and the slightest puff of air could be felt.
"And what's that?"
Kaito looked into the detective's expectant blue orbs, seeing it brighten and sparkle with anticipation.
"Disorderly conduct." He leaned in close, softly whispering into Shinichi's ear then place a kiss where the ear meets the jaw. "So, are you going to arrest me now Meitantei-san?"
"If I do," Shinichi let out a moan as Kaito continued peppering kisses on his cheeks then a final one on the tip of his nose, "I'll have to arrest myself as well."
"Oh? And why's that?"
Shinichi gave him a come-hither look, to which Kaito responded willingly, and leaned in closer with his ear.
"For one account of resisting arrest." Heated air vibrated with the breathy voice. Shinichi playfully licked the shell of the ear before giving it a nip at the top. He then blew air across the damp skin and Kaito instantly melted, hands loosening around the wrist. It allowed Shinichi to reverse the situation, now with him in the upright position. But his legs were still trapped between Kaito's. Shinichi wriggled on the tatami until his legs were free, he stood up with his head cocked to one side as though contemplating the consequences. Slowly, and with a sly smile on his face, he moved back and away from the sitting magician.
"A naughty detective, for going against the law." Kaito's face split into a KID patent grin. "I guess it will be up to the thief to take matters into his own hands." And he pounced, landing on top of the detective and the futon.
The bedroom side of the room was not as dark is it should be with the shoji screen filtering the ceiling light from the ante room.
"Kaito." Shinichi's fingers fiddled with the yukata fabric pooling around them.
"Hmmm." An absentminded reply, Kaito was more interested in brushing away the strand of hair and tracing his detective's facial profile. He noticed the sudden silence and looked back into the captivating blue eyes. Kaito wasn't sure if he read Shinichi's expression correctly until his detective gave him an encouraging smile. His hands moved across his detective's torso at the affirmation, coming to the knot in the obi. He pulled on the end, slowly, action mimicked by Shinichi at the same time. When Shinichi's knot came lose, his own yukata slid from his shoulders and revealed his bare skin.
Kaito's fingers felt like hot metal as it pushed apart the yukata from Shinichi's chest. But it was soon soothed by the wet kisses. His breath hitched when Kaito's tongue touched on one of his recently healed wound around his shoulders. The skin around the area was still sensitive. To distract himself, he too began exploring Kaito's neck, nipping and sucking where he fancied. It seems Kaito was enjoying it as he suddenly moaned into Shinichi's body halfway through whatever he was doing. And not to be outdone, Kaito resumed his attack with renewed vigour. The tickling kisses caused shivers to run down Shinichi's spine. Taking his distraction, Kaito moved towards giving his detective's neglected cherry lips the deserved attention for the wondrous sounds it makes. His hands, however, did not stop its exploration. Further and further it ventured down the torso and hips, caressing his back and thighs. Shinichi was lost in the magician's silky touches, mind stuck in a haze.
"Mine." Kaito growled possessively.
Shinichi dared to look into the glowing amethyst and saw that Kaito too was lost in the midst of the haze. His body jerked when he felt something foreign, a strange feeling, but it was soothed by a whisper in his ears promising nothing but utopia and heaven for the future. He relaxed, giving in fully to Kaito. Kaito reached up, right thumb brushing across his cheeks. Shinichi threw his head back with a gasp when the feeling increased. To distract himself, he took Kaito's right hand to his lips, licking the tips of each finger. It was not enough, he began sucking on it, coating it liberally with his saliva. Kaito let out a hiss but took the message. The sense of foreign-ness was easier to bear this time, warmer and less jarring. Shinichi was slowly becoming used to the sensation when Kaito hit a spot, the spot, causing him to moan. He felt bereft when the warmth left him, he wriggled about hoping to quench the dissatisfaction. Both were bracing themselves, anticipating for what's to come. This time, Shinichi felt a sense of completeness with the overwhelming warmth that entered him. The feeling of discomfort was only for a short moment when pleasure followed. Kaito's warm weight was comfortable, but still Shinichi wanted more from their connection, he began clawing at his magician's back, pushing them further towards one another. One of his legs hooked over his magician's back, Kaito's hand that was bracing his back began to grip harder on his flesh. Shinichi arched back, still wanting more from their connection. Their movements were as synchronous as their needy moans and heady breaths echoing in the dark room with only the static sound from the TV. The two saw a technicolour explosion simultaneously, drowned by the sensation of weightlessness. Kaito was like a blanket on top of Shinichi, arms wrapping them together, not minding one bit they were on top of the futon and blanket with a disarray of fabric pooling around them. He was sure the look of his magician's satisfaction was reflected in his own. Laying a gentle kiss on his magician's temple, he carefully maneuvered them into a more comfortable position before pulling the blanket from next to him to cover their sweat drenched bodies.
They slept within each other's embrace, dreaming of pastel warmth and floral sweetness.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It was still dark when the two woke from their slumber. The TV was once again broadcasting some reruns of drama.
"Morning Love." Kaito's voice cracked. He laid a sleepy kiss on his detective's eyelids.
Shinichi blinked and returned the gesture on his magician's cheeks.
"We should probably clean up." He gave an involuntary shiver when he tried to stretch.
"Then I have just the location." He rolled to get up from his position. Grabbing onto the nearest blanket for modesty and to ward off the cold. He located another basket, holding the yukata they wore on their first night. Discarding the blanket, he changed, handing Shinichi his set of clothing, and led them out of the room.
"Where are we going?"
"Somewhere that promises to take our breaths away."
"Another suggestion of Emi-san?" Shinichi shook his head. "She watches too much prime time drama."
"I think it's her way of thanking us." He unlocked the door which revealed a standard changing room and shower facilities. None of the fancy flower and candles that they saw yesterday, which they are thankful for.
This time was an outdoor bath, fully exposed to the elements. The side walls were surrounded by bamboo plants, lit up strategically with directed spotlights. Directly in front was the sea view, water shimmering in the morning twilight.
Sinking down into the warm waters, they relaxed and gaze into the glowing darkness.
"Has this been up to your expectations so far?" Kaito turned towards his detective.
"Better than." Shinichi rarely gives out compliment so hearing this, Kaito beamed brighter than the stars in the sky.
"I still haven't forgotten about my reward for the good behaviour in school." He added slyly, fingers playing with his detective's hands.
"You're insatiable." Shinichi landed a kiss at the tip of Kaito's nose just as the Sun was peeking up from the horizon. Actions momentarily forgotten, their eyes were drawn to the sunrise. Stars slowly began to fade out and the sky was tinged with a yellow-ish orange glow signifying the beginning of day. With intertwined hands, they leaned against each other and admired the view set out before them.
Kaito spared a glance to look at Shinichi's profile, his focus was first drawn to the eyes. He never realised there could be so many shades of blue. He remembered the spark of cobalt blue from the flight, the lightened sky blue when embarrassed, and not forgetting the lapis blue shining last night when they shared the bed. He wondered how many more different shades he would be privy to or elicit from his detective. Grabbing harder onto the shoulders, he silently vowed to the rising Sun to never let go of this precious gem.
-TBC-
Translations:
Ryokan: literally means "travelling house", though we know it as a hotel-sort structure.
Shoji doors/screens: rice paper doors/screens.
Kanzashi: hairpiece/hairpin (google if you don't know what it looks like).
Mahou-niisan: Brother Magic
Hato-niisan: Brother Dove
Yukata: Japanese light robe, different to kimono which is the more traditional and formalised robe
Obi: Belt holding the Yukata/Kimono
OMAKE: Asking a favour
Shinichi called his parents as soon as he returned home from their trip around the Kansai area.
"It's rare for you to call me Shinichi, should I get your mother?" Yuusaku was the one to pick up the phone.
"No, it's fine. I just wanted to tell you that I'm sending something over."
"What's this about? Evidence or something you want me to verify?"
"Neither. I'm doing a favour for this couple who's...helped us out in Shirahama. If you and 'Kaasan can sign the book, maybe leave a short message or something, that'll be great. The recipient's name is Ishikawa Emi."
"Oh? You don't normally ask for something like that. What's so special about this person?" Yuusaku paused, then realised what his son had just said. "You said -us-, who's the special someone?"
"...No one special...just a...um...good (?) friend..." Shinichi stuttered out. It wasn't as though he was ashamed of Kaito, but he this was something he knew his parents would try and traumatize him over. Either that or they'll be making a huge spectacle of it. "I've attached the return address with the parcel. Just send it back to them when you've finished, before next month if you will."
"Hm...Shirahama...what day would this Ishikawa Emi be celebrating their joyous occasion?"
Trust his father to be able to deduce so much from several lines of conversation. He dutifully gave the date of the Ishikawa's aniversary.
"Well then son, talk to you soon then." His father was unnecessarily cheery in his salutations and Shinichi wondered if he should be afraid or go hide for the rest of the year.
-OMAKE: END-
