-FIRSTS-

Disclaimer: The works of Detective Conan and Magic Kaito belongs to Gosho Aoyama-sensei.

Warning: KaiShin relationship.

Warning II: Some mature content?

A/N: A monster of a chapter, that's why it's a late update.


First Moments

The week long cruise was coming to its end, much to many of the participants sadness. The Suzukis delivered much more than everyone expected, the food and entertainment was spectacular. The small side trips were thoroughly enjoyed. The group of teens kept mostly to the ship, playing in the overly large pool and participating in the water sports. Kaito snapped a lot of photos, all of which were promised to be shared with Yukiko upon threat of death (but to be honest, there will always be a few selected photos for his own perusal). The girls had fun gossiping nonstop by the pool with the boys diligently serving them drinks (both Shinichi and Kaito were roped into serving Ran and Sonoko whereas a bunch of strange males were busy making Akako feel like the queen. The only independent woman was Sera, who actually went to grab fingerfood and drinks from time to time to relieve the boys of their tasks).

During one particular lunch, or possibly a tea service Kaito wasn't too sure, Shinichi's mood began to change. Though not many would have picked up on it. Kaito was placing down a plate of savoury snacks besides the coffee when he confront his detective.

Shinichi looked up, trying to wave off the concern.

"It's not something to be waved off." Kaito was grateful their friends had decided to leave them to some private time. They had been teasing the pair relentlessly after the dance performance. There had also been a few requests for teaching lessons, which Kaito did find time for (and under the supervision of Shinichi).

"It's probably nothing..." Shinichi eyed the food with suspicious eyes.

"Do you think it's poisoned?" Kaito picked up on the look, carefully prodding it with the fork.

"No. The Suzukis used actual silver made cutlery instead of stainless steel. Something about authenticity of experience." Shinichi took the fork and cut off part of the quiche for a bite. "I know silver won't detect every poison there is but it does serve as a deterrent since it's so well known. No one would be stupid enough to kill someone with food, eaten with these cutlery, on this cruise at least." He looked back at the buffet spread before picking his head. "Just paranoia, nothing more. I supposed it's because any form of relaxation I find would ultimately be laced with the stench of death."

"Melancholy does not suit you." Kaito reached over to smooth the creased eyebrows. "Remember back a long time ago, when I said I'll always offset your bad luck? I mean it." Though, silently Kaito wasn't sure how effective his luck would be in the presence of four detectives. Last time in Osaka with only Shinichi and Hattori, there was one death and one hostage situation. Here, out at sea, things can become haywire really quickly. 'I just hope Koizumi's prophecy would not come true.'

"Then what do you suggest to take my mind off things?" Shinichi asked innocently. But Kaito of course had to take it the wrong way.

"I can think of a few games we can play." For added effect, Kaito wagged his eyebrows.

"Kaito!" Shinichi exclaimed, trying to hide the blush. But his voice had drawn many stares from the surrounding guests. Shinichi ducked a quick apology.

Kaito snickered.

"All your fault." Shinichi pouted, garnering another bout of laughter from his magician. The pout turned to a scowl and Shinichi rose to leave the table.

"Sorry." Kaito grab hold of the wrist. He presented a stem of purple hyacinth with batting eyes.

"Do you always expect to apologise?" Shinichi took the sprig then tapped Kaito's head with the flower. "You're not supposed to anticipate yourself doing wrong."

"But My Dear, that's where you're wrong." Kaito clicked his fingers, smoke erupted from the flower stem. When the smoke disappeared, a red rose took the place of the hyacinth. "The apology is my love in disguise, to tell you how much I treasure you and your opinions."

Shinichi hesitated, cheeks blooming in colour, then resigned to sit back down. He could never be angered when Kaito pulls the cheesy stunts.

Kaito breathed a sigh of relief, for a moment he thought his detective was about to walk out on him, especially since he managed to rope in help to redecorate their room to something a bit more romantic (and for once nothing lewd or naughty, it was just plain sappy romance consisting of candle lights, scented room, and lots of flowers). A relaxing, romantic night that would include a private dinner without any interruptions. Should things escalate, well it would be all up to Shinichi. It had been some time since he did anything romantic and he figured Shinichi could use a pick-me-up.

They stayed out on the deck, enjoyed the sun and view, played a few games of soccer on the mini turf. People were awed by Shinichi's skills and Kaito's flamboyant play. The other team lost pretty quickly and was soon exchanged for another team. Kaito managed to coerce Shinichi to the spa with him, stating they were sweaty and smelly, but when Shinichi protested they didn't have anything clean to change into, Kaito produced a small rugsack containing their needs.

"What are you planning Kaito?" He asked, all cleaned up, wrapped in the fluffy white dress robe, sitting in the waiting room for their booking, which Kaito apparently made in advance.

"Shinichi Dearest, do you doubt me?" Kaito sounded sincere, acted sincere, but his eyes were anything but sincere. Shinichi all but have him the patented Look, complete with questioning eyebrows and suspicious glint. "Well, OK, I concede that I might not have the best track record but I never intend for harm. Only pleasure."

"That's what I'm suspicious of." Shaking his head, he took the cup of offered vegetable juice from Kaito's hands. "For whose pleasure?"

"Both of us of course!" Kaito leaned in for a chaste kiss on the cheeks. "Can't you see, this is what we need now, some relaxing couples activity."

"You booked us a couples massage." Shinichi was wise enough not to take a sip out of the talk glass, else he would have choked and spit out everything, making them sticky all over again.

"You make that sound like a bad thing." Fake crocodile tears began to weld along the rim of Kaito's eyes.

Shinichi hesitated, Kaito tearing up, even in jest, always spells disaster and humiliation. Shinichi had to quickly do some damage control.

"No! I don't mean it. I mean it's just unexpected. I'm just surprised you know..." Shinichi began rambling and bumbling, not once had he took notice of the gleam in Kaito's eyes, replacing the sad defeated looking with mirth.

"My Dearest Shinichi, will you make it up to me then?" It seems his mother was right, shed a few tears and men will become weak against it. Though he really should have known seeing as Shinichi also had the same effect on him.

"Yes, anything...wait I mean most things...some things? But yes, I'll try." Shinichi managed to save just in time before Kaito uttered off a single request.

Kaito giggled, leaping into Shinichi's arms and proceeded to hug his detective.

"You're too cute!" Kaito began laying butterfly kisses along the jaw line. "Too adorable!" He whispered close. "Absolutely, undeniably, delectable." Kaito nibbled at Shinichi's earlobe.

"Ka...Kaito," Shinichi whimpered, "not here. Too showy. Public."

Kaito pulled back and laughed. Not the dainty giggled or the confident smirk, but an all out laugh.

"Oh Shinichi." Kaito dove in for some mouth-on-mouth. Shinichi had wanted to complain but they do have some time before the booking so why not indulge themselves.

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"You've outdone yourself Kaito." Upon entering their room, Shinichi could barely recognise anything. At its center stood a table complete with white table cloth, burning candles, and a bouquet of red roses sitting inside a delicate vase. Food was placed underneath the silver covers, and Shinichi could immediately tell the dishes would still be fresh and warm. Kaito was a perfectionist so little things such as this does not escape him. The lights in the room was off and soft velvet curtains hung on the the plain walls. It gave the room a glamourous feel.

"Glad you liked it." Kaito received not only the gentle smile from Shinichi, but also a brief kiss on the cheeks. He strolled over to the bouquet, plucked out a single stem, before handing it to Shinichi.

No words needed to be exchanged when Shinichi took the flower, giving it a sniff, then tucked it into the lapel of his jacket. His eyes were shining brightly even under the soft candlelight.

"I'm not forgetting an important date am I?" He took a shy, hesitant, glance towards Kaito. "An anniversary or something like that?"

"Nope," Kaito lifted the covers to reveal their meal, "just felt like spoiling you."

The chicken Schnitzel turned out to be wonderful. Shinichi was pleasantly surprised again when Kaito produced a lemon meringue tart from seemingly out of nowhere. The scent of coffee on the brew permeated the room, mixing nicely with the previous scent of orange blossom. Shinichi was enjoying the tart when Kaito leaned over to press his lips on the corner of his mouth.

"You had some cream there." Kaito licked at the edges. Shinichi blushed but did not bother to push him away. They were inside their own room so there was no need to be shy about public displays. But Kaito, for once, did not push things further. Sitting back down on his seat, Kaito kept one of his hands interlaced with Shinichi's as they made small talk (gossip) about anything that came to mind (their friends).

"I wouldn't have thought Kyogoku-san would pop the question so soon. Especially since Sonoko has not yet graduated." Shinichi stirred a single spoon of sugar into his coffee.

"Technically, we're all just waiting for the graduation ceremony. We've all received the results and have passed, so we have graduated. Hence this trip as celebration."

"Well, at least it'll be a long engagement. I don't think Sonoko's parents want to marry off their youngest daughter this early. We should have enough time to look for their present or something..." Shinichi muttered something along the lines of "picky woman" and "why can't they follow western tradition and give us a list or something."

"I think both are insecure, what with Suzuki-jou always pinning after KID and not being sure whether her boyfriend still loves her. It's a great way of making sure they'll remember who they cherish most." Kaito did not hold back the shudder as he remembered the conversation between KID's number one fan and himself. "What about you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Are you... ok... with how we are now?" Not that Kaito was insecure, but every now and then when he sees other happy and normal couples, he could not help but wonder if Shinichi might be better off with a female partner. He knows he feels most comfortable as he is now, never having to lie about the other aspects of his life, being able to share his thoughts and act like himself without a mask.

"Kaito... you're... you're not regretting are you?" Shinichi looked afraid, shrinking into his seat as though to hide himself away from his magician. It was as though the words became physical.

"No!" Kaito abruptly stood, "it's just sometimes, like when we're on a cruise like this, we have to watch our surroundings and I was wondering, if you're regretting... or something." Kaito realised the nonconformity of their relationship can make them insecure about their standings with each other.

"That time, back at the school trip, I made my choice. Of all the people to spend a lifetime with, you'll be..." Shinichi seems to be stuck for words. Kaito looked expectantly, it was not everyday that the great Kudo Shinichi pours his heart out. "You're the one that makes me feel safe and happy. Despite everything that I see, all the deaths that surrounds me, you lighten up my day with just a single word. Each time you call me, by name or otherwise, it's...I don't know how to say it in words but it feels as though I own the world."

Kaito widen his eyes, his detective thought so deeply of him.

"I just...if you say you want to break..."

"No! Never!" Kaito had to cut in partway, stop Shinichi from going down that road. He regretted bringing the topic up seeing as it is causing so much strife, "I'm not leaving you. Not now, not in this life time, not in any life time. We're meant to meet and be together I believe, so together we'll stay. I'm sorry to bring up something like this."

Kaito walked over, pulling another rose from the vase. This time, a smaller bud instead of the fully bloomed. He then knelt on his knees, taking Shinichi by the hand, and started to interweave the stem of the flower around Shinichi's left index finger.

"This is not an engagement," he pulled another stem, similarly a rose bud, and handed it over to Shinichi. "But I realised that after everything we did, all the things we've been through, and even after my confession that time, I've never formally asked you." Kaito paused for drama, he saw how Shinichi's breath hitched. "Will you, Kudo Shinichi, be my boyfriend?"

"Do you really need to ask you silly thief," Shinichi leaned forward to kiss Kaito on the lips, "yes. Yes I will. Now hurry up and sit down so I can ask the same of you. "

Kaito laugh, but instead of exchanging places, Kaito only held out his hand towards Shinichi.

"You've asked me once before, I said yes already." Kaito's eyes never left Shinichi's, staring intently at the burning blue. He could feel confusion beneath all the happiness. "You gave me a choice back then, not exactly in words, but it was still a choice."

Shinichi blushing at the old memory. He could not believe he did something like that, letting the thief into his world through riddles. 'What was I thinking?'

Carefully, Shinichi weaved the stem around Kaito's left index finger with the rose bud sitting center, proudly showing itself to the world.

"A shame that it'll wilt..." Shinichi looked back at his own, matching flower. Kaito's dexterous hands made the stem sit flush against his skin whereas the one Shinichi made for his magician was wobbling at every movement.

"Who knows, I am a magician." With a toothy grin, he took hold of Shinichi's outstretched hand to pull himself up.

They stayed by the couches, watching random movie-on-demand. At times when the movie became too boring, they will cuddle closer together and chat about nothing in particular. Letting the set-top box choose for them, they paid little attention to the content, rather, they basked in each other's presence. From time-to-time, Shinichi would take hold of Kaito's hand and start playing with it, intertwining their fingers, giving a massage, tracing lines, anything that strikes his fancy. And Kaito let him, feeling comfortable with his detective. By the forth movie, Shinichi had drifted off on Kaito's shoulders, halfway into an action film. Kaito placed a delicate kiss at the temples before carrying his detective to the bed. He quickly changed their clothes before joining his detective in dreamland.

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They sat at the usual table in the large dinning hall, Kaito still perusing the buffet spread and Shinichi nursing his first cup of coffee for the day.

"You should have something other than coffee." Kaito placed down a selection of pastries.

"You should listen to Kuroba-kun." Ran was right behind the magician holding a cup of red juice. "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, coffee is not a nutrient source." She had switched to, what Shinichi terms as, the 'Ran-neechan mode', a tone that is borderline motherly but still stern.

"Good morning Ran, pleasant sleep?"

"Hmm..." Ran's gaze was analytical as she looked between the pair. "You two seems awfully well rested today..."

Shinichi blushed at the phrase, quickly catching on to what she meant. Kaito snickered, rather loudly, ignoring the internal debates of Shinichi as he ponders how his innocent childhood friend turned out like this. In a vain attempt to change the subject, Shinichi pointed to her glass of juice.

"What's that?"

Kaito nearly laughed out loud. Trust his detective to find the more inane topic.

"Oh this? You want to try some?" Ran offered out her glass but was met with refusal, shrugging her shoulders, she settled back in the seat. "The sign says it's vegetable juice."

"Strange colour."

Kaito had to nod in consent. The juice was far too bright, probably with a tad too much red fruit and vegetables. Though, the fluorescent green version isn't any better.

As the rest of their friends arrive, the group chatted quietly, though they did earn a few interesting looks from the other guests. One group of older ladies took a look at their table and started giggling. Kaito could not erase the image from his mind.

Kaito tried to ignore the strange, directed, looks and focus on the food and his detective. He noticed Shinichi had the contemplative look on his face again. His detective had completely ignored the conversation around the table, his gaze was rather focused on the buffet spread.

"Was there something in particular you wanted?" Kaito was just about to get up to grab something to drink. "Come with me?" He did not wait for an answer but pulled Shinichi to his feet. The girls giggled whereas Hattori wagged his eyebrows. Hakuba kept his eyes glued to his morning cup but there was a slight twerk on his mouth.

'What is it with female and giggling?' Kaito thought as he pulled his detective along.

Kaito left Shinichi at the buffet tables, after pressing an empty plate to his hands, and headed towards the drinks bar. He kept a careful eye on his detective, making sure he wasn't bothered (hitting upon) by anyone unsavory.

"Cute brother you have." The guest next to him tried to make conversation. The man was waiting in line with him for hot drinks. He kept glancing by the food spread. "Do you happen to know his preference type? I saw him dancing back at the dinner. He's very skilled." There were was an unholy glint in his eyes, one that signals to Kaito that the man would jump on his detective provided the chance.

"He's not my brother." Kaito had to reign in the anger, "and he's taken." Gritting his teeth, Kaito quickly took the coffee and chocolate towards their table before joining Shinichi at the food spread. He restrained himself from tackling the detective into the food and settled for a hug from behind, but still startling the detective perusing the selection.

"You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Shinichi had a hand on his chest. Kaito noticed the still empty plate set on the counter.

"You haven't picked out anything yet." Frowning, Kaito picked up the pair of tongs and nudged it into Shinichi's hands. "The lettuce looks fresh." He pointed, which Shinichi diligently selected a few leaf to add to the plate. Kaito nudged his detective to move with him along the counter.

"Why don't you pick?" Shinichi attempts to move away, though it was futile seeing as Kaito had a firm grasp around his waist.

"You looked like you wanted some action when we sat by the table so no. You'll be serving me this time." Kaito poked at the cheeks when Shinichi let out a sigh. "Unless something here triggered your paranoia again, in which case tell me and I'll investigate with you."

Kaito knew full well that if Shinichi was bothered by something, he'll try to find the source of it.

"Ba'aro," Shinichi smiled fondly at his magician's sensitivity before turning back to the food spread, "have you found it odd?"

Kaito hummed, waiting for Shinichi to lay out his suspicion.

"Rhubarb is not a common ingredient in Japan and yet..." He looked at the salad bar, the drinks bar, then finally at the hot food area. "There's an unusual amount of that stuff here. And not just breakfast, yesterday at lunch as well."

"Maybe the ship is having a themed dinning event, you know, like lobster night or something. Or maybe the Suzukis enjoy the vegetable." Kaito picked up Shinichi's hand with the tongs then moved them over to the tomatoes. "Or it could simply be a case of surplus."

Shinichi's frown stayed in place. Kaito had to flick at his detective's forehead to break the spell.

"Stop with the pessimistic thought. The more you think something bad will happen, the more likely it will happen. Think positively." Kaito encouraged as the shuffle further down the counter. "Now, what do you feel like having? The waffles looks delicious and the hashbrowns looks so tempting..." Kaito carried on his running commentary with injections from Shinichi. Kaito breathed slightly relieve to have been able to draw his detective away from negative thoughts so promptly. His detective seems to succumb to depression and negativity easier these days.

Shinichi followed diligently behind his magician, picking up random foodstuff, though his mind is still preoccupied with thoughts on the strange abundance of the vegetable. But he does not wish to worry Kaito so he'll have to keep his thoughts silent for now, unless something comes up.

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The girls, or specifically Sonoko, declared they will be holding a volleyball match. One with punishment to the loosing side. Kaito was not insane enough to jump into the young heiress' ploy. It was clear that this particular game was set to encourage two particular individuals to build their confidence.

Kaito sat on the deck chair, pulling his detective flush against his chest (Shinichi had struggled and resisted but Kaito's persistence pulled through) as they observed the match between Aoko and Kazuha.

"Did you happen to overhear the conditions set by Sonoko?" Shinichi leaned his head back. If his magician did not mind, Shinichi would take advantage of it.

"No, should I?" Kaito did not hold back as his detective practically offered himself to him in this position, exposing his long, pale, neck. Kaito started to pepper down feather light kisses along the flesh.

"Kaito!" Shinichi tried to sound harsh but it came out more like a cross between a growl and a moan.

"You wouldn't want to draw attention to us now..." Kaito continued his teasing as his hands started to explore. Shinichi fought back, trying to trap Kaito's hands with his own. "Are you thinking of bringing out the handcuffs?" Kaito whispered softly, earning a shudder permeating through their connection.

Kaito had pickpocketed his detective to relieve him of the metallic implement just in case.

"I'm thinking of silk." Shinichi produced a handkerchief from his pockets. Kaito recognised as one of his.

"My my, naughty detective, impersonating a thief." Kaito watched Shinichi as he tied the material around his wrist, ending with a bow instead of a dead knot. "When did you pick up that particular habit I wonder."

Shinichi ignored Kaito's comment, instead he was focused on how the handkerchief stood out against the slender hand. "The colour looks nice on you." They ignored the cheering in the background. "Sky blue is a good colour." Shinichi carefully tugged on the material to smooth out the creases.

"I think the colour suits you more." Kaito clicked his fingers, the handkerchief then appeared tied to Shinichi's wrist. His detective peered back at Kaito with pleading eyes. Even without words, his detective could convey his request to release him. "Dearest Angel, looking at me like that...you're making it hard for me to control myself."

Kaito landed a kiss directly onto the detective's pouting lips. He relished in the plumpness and smoothness of flesh, only to be broken out of his enjoyment by a strange sense of being watched. It seemed his detective also caught onto the gaze as he broke away from the embrace to sit on the deck chair next to Kaito. Inconspicuously, Kaito glanced around the area to pinpoint the feeling. He had a feeling the gaze was directed at him. He noticed Shinichi doing the same.

"Shinichi." Kaito took hold to the nearby hand, trying to offer comfort by stroking his thumb against the back of the hand. "It's probably curiosity that caused the gaze. After all, you do make a stunning picture." Shinichi blushed as he laid a look of disbelief on Kaito.

As Kaito did not feel any ill intent from the gaze, he decided to let it be. There will always be people who would want to look.

Another cheer came from the play area, Kaito took the time to look at the score. It was in Aoko's favour. "Looks like Toyama-chan will have to pay the price. Maybe you could offer some advice." Kaito beamed at his detective. He had a hunch at what the scheming heiress would ask of the girl.

Shinichi looked up in confusion.

"I bet Suzuki-jou will ask the losing party to confess." Kaito pointed over at Hattori and Hakuba who seemed to be sitting under the guard of Ran and Sera. "You could go over to give the girls some pointers to how best to capture a detective's heart."

"Shouldn't you go then?" The hidden message of Kaito having stolen Shinichi's heart laid unsaid. "After all, you're supposed to be romantic."

Kaito wasn't sure if his detective meant him or his alter ego. But he tugged Shinichi up from the seat to approach their friends anyways.

"Good timing." Sonoko quickly pulled Kaito away. "Do you have roses on you?"

Kaito produced a stem of rose with a pop.

"Isn't it a bit predictable?" He handed over the flower.

"Detectives, I've learnt, are dense." She glared at the trio of boys chatting up a storm, no doubt about a case if the bored look on Ran and somewhat interested look on Sera were anything to go by. "Unless the message was staring in their face, they won't know what hit them."

"You'd be surprised how perceptive they are sometimes..." Kaito waved when Shinichi looked over. "They're not really the type to show their affections. But when they do..."

"You would know." Sonoko elbowed Kaito with a foxy look. "So? The juicy details?"

"Suzuki-chan!" Kaito mocked embarrassment.

"Come now, you're more than welcome to call me by name Kaito-kun. We do share a common interest in a particular gentleman thief." She playfully winked at Kaito, "and besides, who else can you complain about a certain detective if not for Ran or myself?"

"Sonoko-chan, you really are a schemer."

"We girls need to stick together and with you making a wonderful woman on the dance floor, I've decided to induct you into our ranks."

"Oh Sonoko-chan, you shouldn't have." Kaito acted like the gossiping ladies often seen on the streets, giggling and laughing as they talked about their next door neighbours. The interaction between himself and the young Suzuki continued in that direction for a few more minutes before they couldn't hold it any longer and began laughing loudly, earning strange looks from the bystanders.

"Kaito-kun, you are such a laugh!" She tried to hold onto the giggle.

"I am aren't I?" Kaito cast a glanced at the game, it looks like the Osaka couple will be up for a show. He wonders if Shinichi is giving Hattori some advice to preempt the attempt. "I should probably relieve Mouri-chan of her duties so she could help you make sure Toyama-chan goes through with her confession."

The girl stayed close to the gated entrance of the mini volleyball court, hoping to catch the Osakan girl in case she wanted to run. Kaito let himself smile, 'nothing like love in the air' he thought to himself. It was a rare occasion that he allowed himself to become so sappy but it must be the because he was feeling content, so normal, as though he was just a normal teenager and not anything else. Being physically away from the source of their nightmare, the Organization, and away from the continual pressure of their prescribed role (for him as KID, the magician, or prankster and for Shinichi the detective and saviour) enabled Kaito to rest their minds before beginning a new chapter in their lives.

"Mouri-chan!" Kaito called out on the approach. He attacked Shinichi from behind, latching onto the waist as he rest his head on the shoulders. Shinichi was startled for a second, nearly loosing his balance, but Kaito was quick to steady him without anyone noticing. "I'm here to swap with you." Kaito held out his hand for a high-five.

"I'm trusting you to keep an eye on this lot. Don't let them out of this area." Ran returned the gesture as she headed off in Sonoko's direction.

"What were the two of you talking about?" Shinichi's curiosity must be burning if he voluntarily started the conversation about the heiress. Kaito took this as a chance for some light teasing.

"Girl Talk. Mostly about you though. She was interested in how things went with us." Kaito wagged his eyebrows for added effect.

Shinichi blushed a pretty pink and Kaito took this chance to snap a picture.

"Please, save it for the bedroom." Hakuba reminded them they were in public. "I really do not need any more ideas."

"Really? I find their interaction quite entertaining." Sera was grinning ear to ear.

"Are all females into this type of thing?" Hakuba gawked at the female detective.

"You make it sound so bad Hakuba." Kaito pretended to cry into Shinichi's shoulders. "It's as though you find me sickening. And I thought we were friends." Kaito whimpered.

"Urg Kuroba..." He looked towards Shinichi for help, only receiving an amused look in return. "Please stop. I mean it doesn't bother me and..."

Hakuba, being weak at handling these types of situation, fumbled around for something to salvage the situation without having to cause a scene. Shinichi could feel Kaito laughing on his back, though on the outside, it would look like he was weeping. Hattori was trying hard not to laugh at the desperate expression on the blonde's face.

"Kudo, how do you put up with him..." Hakuba tried to bury his face in his hands.

"Oh Hakuba." Kaito said between snicker, "you need to learn to loosen up." Kaito peeked out from burying into Shinichi's shoulders. The grin on his face looked as though his face was trying to split in half.

"Kuroba, please don't do something like that. Heaven forbid the day you really became upset because of me. I'll never live through it..."

Kaito looked at Shinichi in confusion, hoping for some explanation seeing as his detective had a knowing look on his face.

"What he means is that he's afraid I might do something even worst than you can come up with as revenge for hurting you." Shinichi scratched his cheeks in nervousness. "Protectiveness runs both ways you know..."

Kaito wasted no time to kiss his detective senseless. Who cares about the public opinion!

Shinichi melted into Kaito's attack, tasting sweetness from their shared breakfast. He heard a series of sharp whistles close by, likely from Hattori and Sera. They only broke off when they ran out of air.

"So," there was a devilish look on Sera's face, "what's the record so far?" The voice was more teasing than inquisitive in nature. Shinichi nearly blanched at the words but opted for doing an imitation of an overripe tomato.

"I don't know, haven't timed ourselves before. Maybe we should try it again." The mischievous grin on his face triggered a flight response in Shinichi, who tried to release himself from the vice-like grip. "Now, now Shinichi. Since we have an impartial judge, we might as well try to set a record."

"Kaito!" Shinichi renewed his struggle though he was saved when he saw Ran approaching. Sonoko actually had a video camera in her hands.

"Seems like there's a bit of action going on here." Sonoko turned the camera in their direction, capturing Shinichi's struggle on film.

"Don't you dare!" Shinichi growled, though no one was sure who the recipient of the phrase should be. Kaito took it as a challenge and tightened his grip.

"Isn't there something more important than us to film Sonoko-chan?" Kaito turned to the sitting tanned detective and smiled conspiratorially with Sonoko. The girl aimed the camera at the Osaka couple.

Kazuha was fidgeting, shifting her weight from side to side. She opened her mouth to say something but then didn't utter a sound. Hattori raised his eyebrow, wondered if the girl was coming down with something.

"Oi Kazuha, ya ok or somethin'? Not hurt'ya feet did'ya?" He asked out of concern for the girl.

"What? No ya Aho! Why'd'ya even think tha'?! Can't'ya just get a bit more patient?!" Kazuha, it seems, wasn't able to hold back that fiery temper, especially when nervous.

"Why'd'ya need ta yell at me for? I didn't even do a thing!"

"Why'd I even bother! I should've not listen! Should've bartered for somethin' else." Kazuha muttered to herself, but it was loud enough for Hattori to hear.

"Kazuha, what d'ya mean by tha'?" He reached out to grab her wrist but was flung aside with force.

"Here!" She threw the rose into his face, Hattori barely had the reflex to catch the flower. "Loveyadon'tmakemesayitagain." She tagged on in a hurry. By the time Hattori managed to decipher the message, Kuzuha was already walking away with her face in her hand.

"Did she say..." Hattori looked to his surrounding friends for clues. Both Kaito and Shinichi, along with the other girls, had the urge to either facepalm really hard or throw the Osakan detective overboard.

"Run after her!" Shinichi decided to help his friend out by pointing out the obvious.

"O-oi! Kazuha! Wait up!" Hattori's voice wavered slightly, probably from the shock, but he broke into a run in the direction Kazuha had been running towards.

"At least your plan worked somewhat Sonoko-chan." Kaito turned towards the cameras, "did you capture everything?"

"It will be featuring in the final video no doubt, one of the highlights of our trip!" Sonoko was snickering loudly. "And so will that wonderful performance at dinner. I think that's a highlight as well."

"Can I grab the raw video off you?" Kaito piped up enthusiastically. Shinichi dread what the magician would do with the video. Kaito must have felt the gaze as he laid a comforting kiss at his temple. "Don't fret, I'm only securing a copy for you mother as a gift."

To Shinichi, that sounded even worst.

Kaito laughed at the horror on Shinichi's face. Only he would be this terrified at his mother possibly having blackmail material.

"Darling, it's either the video or every photo that I took on the trip. And when I say every, I mean every, it includes those I took of your sleeping face, and by the pool, and when you were staring into the sunset..." Kaito whispered into Shinichi's ear. From the corner of his eye, he could see his detective's eyes widening by the centimeter at each revealed word.

"Video. The video would be better." Shinichi huffed out with resignation. He did not bother commenting on Kaito's new habit to capture him on film.

Kaito was glad his detective thought that way, though he would still be sharing some of his photos with the eccentric actress seeing as he was also promised some child photos of Shinichi in return.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They enjoyed the poolside barbeque without the Osaka pair, though they were all curious as to how things went with the semi-forced confession. They at least had the decency to grab a plate of food for the two as they waited for their return. As they speculated the progress over drinks, the pair returned with crimson cheeks.

"I take it you made up and made out?" Shinichi took this as a chance for a revenge for all the times Hattori made fun of him.

"O-Oi!" Hattori's face flushed further, turning away and pushing Kazuha into the closest chair that happened to be next to Ran.

"But you're not denying." Kaito so helpfully pointed out. "So Shinichi was right. Too bad we couldn't catch it on film. But at least we have that age old recording."

Kaito's grin only signified something highly embarrassing was about to happen. He took out his phone again.

"Oi Kuroba, what'cha think ya doin'?!" Hattori made motion to grab the device but Shinichi was quick to intercept.

"Hattori." Shinichi caught on Kaito's ploy quickly, "since you've confessed, it wouldn't matter..." Though Shinichi was wondering which part of the conversation did Kaito save on his phone. He weighed the pros and cons, but the fun from teasing the Osaka detective won out. Shinichi gestured Kaito to start the voice recording. The group listened with baited breath as Hattori's recorded voice rang through the table. Both Osaka natives cheeks bloomed in colour, Hattori more so than Kazuha.

"Ya mean all tha'?" There were traces of disbelief in Kazuha's voice.

"O-of course. I wouldn't'ave said it if it weren't..." Embarrassed, Hattori averted his gaze as he scratched his cheeks. "Oi Kuroba, delete tha' file now! Ya've no use for it anyways."

"I don't think so Hattori. Toyama-chan might want a copy, don't you?" He turned towards the girl, who was definitely having an internal struggle. Kaito took pity on the girl, after all it wasn't in his code to make ladies uncomfortable. "No worries Toyama-chan, I'll keep a hold of it until you want it."

They were having fun when all of a sudden there was a scream. The detectives were quick on their feet as they rushed to the source of the sound. Akako gave Kaito a meaningful look before returning to her conversation with Aoko, which had the magician quickly leaping onto his feet to chase after his wayward detective.

The sight he arrived to was thankfully blood free. Apparently, one of the hospitality staff had fallen down the staircase and the patrons were simply shocked that it happened. Hakuba was controlling the crowd with Sera while Hattori was checking for concussion. Only Shinichi was standing to the side, observing the scene instead of helping out.

"Shinichi?" Kaito called out before laying a hand on his detective's shoulders. "What's on your mind?"

"Something's not quite right with this picture." Shinichi looked left and right to pinpoint his sense of unease. "He's not a new staff, they have strict policies to follow so the staff wouldn't be overworked. His complexion isn't one of sickness so why did he collapse all of a sudden?"

"You suspect poison?" Kaito looked around the floors for signs of a syringe.

"Most likely, though it would have to be from somewhere else. If he was poisoned just now, someone would have noticed." Taking a look around the hall, there were many guests roaming about, majority of which were curious at the sudden turn of events. "A slow acting poison, most likely ingested during break. Disguised as something common or at least commonly seen in the food so it didn't strike him as an odd occurrence."

"Then lets head down to the kitchens." Kaito waved at the three remaining detectives, gesturing they were leaving. Hattori looked at them with raised eyebrows but Hakuba opted to wave the magician away, indicating he had the place covered in case something happens. Sera had her hands full trying to calm some of the more sensitive female in the guests, though there was one female guest that was trying to hit on her and maybe that was why Sera is having difficulty. Kaito tugged Shinichi in the direction of the performance hall.

Before opening the heavy set of doors, Kaito donned a dark cap to cover his facial features. Shinichi could see he did something to his posture, his steps were no longer the carefree, lighthearted steps, rather it was more controlled, purposeful, and deliberate.

"I thought you said the kitchens." Shinichi questioned with a tint of surprise.

"Not everyone can go where the staff eats. I happen to know someone on the performance troupe and they'll be able to get us in." Kaito opened the grand double doors with a flare, revealing the practicing theater troupe.

"Hey! It's off limits now!" The man, presumed to be the manager of the troupe, shouted in their direction. Shinichi was about to apologise but Kaito beat him to it.

"Is Furuhata-san here?" Kaito kept a hand on the bill of his cap.

The young actress stepped out from behind the male lead.

"It's you!" There was surprise in her voice as she jumped down from the stage. Her cropped auburn hair swayed as her large brown eyes zoomed into Kaito. She tackled the magician into a hug. "It's been so long!" She turned back to the manager to shout, "it's fine Manager, I know them. Can we take a break while I talk a bit?"

The Manager waved her away but had insisted the rest of the troupe to continue to practice. The young actress tried to argue with the Manager but apparently he was just teasing and called the rehearsal off, giving them all effectively time off until the performance this evening.

"I hope I'm not bothering you." Kaito offered the young actress a white rose, teeth showing in his smile. A flash of silver flashed at the corner and Shinichi noticed the triangular piece with the clover emblem, the decorative chain to the KID monocle.

"Of course not. But what should I call you by?" She looked between the pair. "Aren't you the Eastern Detective Kudo Shinichi? Why are you with...?"

"You can call me Kaidou. And you don't have to worry about him. He's not here to catch me." Kaito waved off her concern.

"Then Kaidou-kun." Her smile was extremely warm and giddy. She seemed to be overjoyed at learning Kaito's moniker. Shinichi wasn't sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing. "What seems to be the matter? For you to come and approach me, especially since I've only seen you at that single performance."

Shinichi looked to Kaito for some elaboration.

"This is Furuhata Megumi-san, an up-and-rising star of the theater world made possible by yours truly." Kaito took a bow.

"Yes, I really have to thank you." She turned to tackle Kaito into another hug and managed to land a kiss on the cheeks. "If it wasn't for Kaidou-kun, our play would have been a real flop and the troupe would have been disbanded. Did you know Reiko-san quit straight afterwards? She said that she was being upstaged by me and..." There was regret in her voice. "Anyways, that's all in the past now. By the way, we're doing the same play again, though without you it won't be as spectacular." She hugged Kaito tighter by the arms. Shinichi tightened his fists in his pockets, internally scowling at the actress's action but for appearances sake, neither himself or Kaito outwardly reacted.

'Stay professional.' He chanted to himself in his head. 'It's all for show.' Shinichi tried to ignore the proximity of the young actress with Kaito.

"I'll see if I can ask a friend to come by later," Kaito offered and turned to look at Shinichi as though waiting for approval. He carefully extracted his arm from the girl, letting out an unperceivable breath of relief.

"I'll ask Kaito then." Shinichi caught on quickly, knowing the magician-thief was suggesting himself but it still did not answer his question on how they met. Kaito seemed to have picked up this unvoiced question.

"I met Furuhata-san during one of my heist." Kaito was itching to soothe the worry marks on his detective's face.

"Green Dream." The actress nodded with fondness. "Though we weren't able to borrow that gem this time. A shame. But we did make a replica." She was gravitating towards Kaito again. No matter how far the magician edge away, the young actress insisted on maintaining close distance.

"It was an... interesting ending to the play though. And your voice did ring beautifully in the hall." Kaito was being courteous even if he felt the girl to be too forward for his taste. That was a main reason why he didn't flirt back. He wondered when the girl's character change, where was the shy and nervous actress he had seen at the beginning?

Furuhata giggled, covering her mouth delicately. It looked as though she wanted to flirt back but was aware of Shinichi's presence.

"So, do you want to tell me what a thief and detective want with approaching me?" She moved away from Kaito and approached Shinichi, looking up at the detective through her lashes. "Maybe an investigation? Could I be your assistant for a while?"

"Um...I don't see why not for today... as long as it doesn't mess up your schedule then I guess you can tag along." Shinichi was weak against requests made by the female population in particular and this time, it made Kaito nearly scowled when the actress latched onto his detective.

"Well? What is you request?" She was peering at him with such wide, innocent eyes that made it impossible to not answer her question. It was like looking at an older version of Yoshida Ayumi, only without the headband.

"We were wondering if you can bring us to the staff cafeteria." Kaito spoke to distract the actress from Shinichi. In Kaito's mind, it was like stepping back in time as he saw an overlap image of the young Ayumi hugging a reluctant Conan.

"Are you here because of what happened to the head chef then? It was quite sudden but I never would have thought the news got out to the guests." Placing a finger on her chin, she started to ramble off the incident as they walked around to backstage. There was a nondescript door to the side, possibly leading to the staff areas. "Well, it was bound to come out sooner or later but he was lucky that it was food poisoning and not something more serious..."

"Can you give us more details?" Shinichi urged.

"Shouldn't you know of it? You are investigating the case aren't you?" She looked suspicious. Shinichi knew it was one of those offer-and-receive deals with the actress.

"We actually were pursuing another case but I think they're linked. It could be that our victim was collateral seeing as there seems to be a large time lag between the two." Shinichi was not paying much attention to where he was walking, relying on Kaito to remember the way and their actress to lead them to their destination.

"Well, I guess I could tell you since you're a detective and I did say I'll be your assistant for the afternoon." She deliberately turned a corner and they arrived at a large communal dinning hall, less glamourous than the guest buffet halls but the spread of food was much larger and had more variety. They took a seat near the back and away from the resting staff, who gave the trio a questioning eye but disregarded them in preference for some down time. "Lets see, the incident with the head chef happened early this morning, just before the breakfast rush for the guests. I just happened to wake up early and was down here when one of the kitchen staff screamed and ran out of the kitchens. Being curious, I peeked inside and found the head chef lying on his back, barely breathing. For a moment I thought he had stopped breathing so I went in and kept an eye on him in case he needed CPR. When the kitchen staff came back, with the resident nurse, they quickly carried him off to the sick bay. Last I heard was he is still unconscious."

Shinichi took out his notebook and began to jot down the symptoms. It was strange as the time between the two incidents were too wide apart.

"Did you see anyone else? Or were there anything inside that looked out of place or suspicious?" Shinichi did not look up from his notes. Unconsciously, he bit onto the end of his pen as he considered the methods and motives.

"Can't say I've paid much attention. Though I guess he was taking his meal since there were plates of food on the preparation table. The thought that he ate a lot crossed my mind as there were quite a few plates. Or perhaps he was just cleaning up after all the kitchen staff had their meals? The kitchen staff generally take their meals inside then go rest for an hour after the morning prep work was finished...at least that's what I've heard." She looked about, to check for something. "Too bad I don't know this morning's staff, I'm more familiar with the afternoon staff because of our performance schedule."

"Do you know who we can talk to? To learn more? Or perhaps sneak in a look into the kitchens?" Kaito became Shinichi's voice when his detective began putting the puzzle together. He knew Shinichi was listening in with half an ear for any more clues so for now, he would front the conversation.

"I could ask around for you. Hold on a minute and I'll see if my friend is in the kitchen. Maybe he'll let us in for a look." She stood up to walk purposefully to the kitchen entrance.

"I have a really bad feeling about this case." Shinichi whispered. "Though I still don't have enough to track down the perpetrator."

"Maybe you can ask Suzuki-jou for a staff list or something like that. She should have access. If not, well, there's always an alternative that we could conjure up. Though you're the expert in this field."

It took a couple of seconds for Shinichi to comprehend what his magician was saying.

"No, I don't want to compromise the Suzuki's system. It's currently holding some very sensitive information..."

"Don't tell me you're using their servers to store your sensitive information!" Kaito kept his voice down but his tone was one of surprise.

"You know the saying, the most dangerous place is the safest. I don't think they'll look into it and the Suzuki's does have the strongest security so far, though their's are second to the professor's but storing things there is too obvious." Shinichi was holding a conversation while his pen flew over the paper at its own accord as though having a mind of his own. Kaito was fascinated at how his detective's mind work. He did not realised he was more focused on the dancing hand than the surroundings as Furuhata came back with another man in tow.

"You guys want to know about this morning's incident with Miyama-san right?" He took the seat opposite Shinichi, the young actress sat next to him in the booth. "There's really not much that I can tell you though, it wasn't my shift. But now I'll have to pick up his slack and take over his kitchen."

"You're his sous-chef?" Shinichi ventured to ask, though it is strange if that was the case seeing as sous-chefs should be working side-by-side.

"Nah, his second came down with a stomach flu yesterday so he's been overseeing the kitchens himself. I'm the head for another kitchen, smaller, perhaps you've eaten there, the Italian place on Deck 3?" He received a nod from the pair. "I've left my second to the restaurant, they've relocated me here seeing as Miyama-san's kitchen serves the largest buffet area and the staff cafeteria. More important than the little Italian restaurant anyways." He shrugged in a dejected way, it was clear he loved his little Italian place. "Anyways, Miyama-san had been transported back to a hospital by helicopter after the doctor deemed it to be safer for him. No one was sure how he got food poisoning or where it came from so the safety guys and all kitchen hands are checking the fridges and the food stock. It's a pain but safety first..."

"You said something about a second victim Kudo-kun, who was it?" The actress piped up. She had a healthy dose of curiosity it seems.

"A hospitality staff," Shinichi flipped through his notebook to double check, "Kurahara Akio. If I remember, he works the pool area but for some reason, he collapsed at the main staircase."

"Then he's probably returning from the kitchens." The chef suggested, "he would have just taken his lunch with his partner."

Kaito exchanged a look with Shinichi, quite sure that this partner might have more information. The chef carried on his narration.

"His partner is Lee, a musician that does small performances in restaurants. Lee's schedule is a bit awkward, not allowing for a lot of time together if you catch my drift."

"Lee-san is his partner?" Furuhata sounded surprised. "But Lee-san said he wasn't seeing anyone..."

"You haven't been working in cruises all that long but we rarely speak aloud about relationships. Being in a semi-enclosed space for extended periods of time, we need to take care of the overall atmosphere and you know how drinks tended to flow after hours, one too many usually have us in bed with someone we might not even have thought of sharing a bed with. Some are platonic, simply because we were too tired to go back to our rooms, but some do get a bit of action." It sounds as though he had some experience but at which type, neither audience knows. "But I digress, Lee and Kurahara would most likely be in this cafeteria an hour or so ago."

"Do you happen to remember what was served this afternoon? And possibly this morning as well?" Shinichi looked eager, this was the information if had been after.

"I can try to find out for you. Miyama-san usually keeps a list somewhere. As for this afternoon, it's still posted on the board." He gestured to the large corkboard by the entrance. "The list on the board are what we normally offer in our spread, though some chefs like to try out their new recipes with the staff first. I can go see if anyone made extra dishes."

Shinichi turned to Kaito, wanting to see if he had any thoughts. Even though Kaito was no detective, an alternative opinion is always welcomed.

"Does Lee-san cook?" Shinichi raised an eyebrow at Kaito's question.

"I think so. At least he bakes from my conversations with him." She looked towards Shinichi and leaned in enthusiastically, "do you like sweets Kudo-kun?"

"Not really." He saw the look of disappointment in her eyes.

"Pity. Being your girlfriend must be tough, not being able to show her feelings through cakes."

Shinichi let out a strained laugh. If only she knew.

"Shinichi-kun?" Megure's surprised voice caught the attention of the table's occupants.

"Keibu, what brings you onboard?" Shinichi rose to meet the inspector.

"People collapsing without visible outside influence, someone needs to investigate." He waved Shiratori off to follow the chef, giving the teen his attention. "The coast guard called us in after hearing there are four teenage detectives aboard the ship. Something about the Shinigami effect."

He sweatdropped. It started out as a joke within Division One, how a single teen detective bring about a body and adding more detectives bring calamity, but it somehow spread to other jurisdictions to beamed a rumour about how they are the messengers of death.

"So, do you have anything for us?" Megure took out his own issued notebook.

"Nothing concrete." Shinichi began to recount everything he heard.

"Surely you must have some theories." Closing the issued notebook with a resounding snap, Megure was eager to hear his thoughts.

"I do have my suspicions but no evidence so far..." Shinichi shook his head to clear his mind. "I'm afraid the only things I have are speculations and gut feelings so I'd rather not say."

"It's fine," Megure waved off his apologies, "so where are the other detectives? I don't think they would let you go off on your own."

Shinichi let out a weak laugh. "They were tending to the crowds in the main staircase."

"You know Shinichi-kun, you weren't like this before, you'd always be in the thick of the crowd but now, you're staying back and doing support, gathering information all the time." Megure looked worried.

"It's nothing Keibu. Just division of labour." Shinichi tried to steer the conversation back towards the case, redirecting their gaze towards the buffet table. "You might want to get the information from the health and safety officers on the ship, and maybe food samples for lab analysis."

"Tome-san has his work but cut out for him then." Megure joked, not minding Shinichi following him towards the kitchens.

Shinichi stuck around to hear the witness statements. The actress told her tale with less theatrics and less rambling, the chef's tale was more succinct. If Shinichi had not talked with them before the police's arrival, he would not have thought to talk to other people and might have wrote it off as normal poisoning. He also heard more from the kitchen staff, though he was careful not to show himself and stayed in the background. During his time inside the kitchen, he took a good look around. The place was spotless, every surface clean and all doors closed. Flatware and cutlery stored at its rightful place away from the floor. There were no wet spots or water remnants on the floor nor were there any in the sinks. In all senses, food poisoning should not be possible, therefore it must have been deliberate, much like what Shinichi had initially thought.

"A Yen for your thought?" Kaito piped up from beside him, he had forgotten the magician followed him as he was very used to his presence. Come to think of it, it felt weird when Kaito wasn't around.

Kaito liked the startled look on Shinichi's face. It was difficult to surprise his detective without having him feel threatened. 'Another Kodak moment to capture some other time.' He smiled to himself, moving the wary signs from Shinichi.

"Well?"

"It's nothing new, but merely confirming my suspicions. The next step is to find Lee to see if he is displaying the same symptoms."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Instead of looking for the mysterious Lee straight away, Shinichi followed the Shiratori to the victims' rooms.

"We have strict policies to keep the place clean. You know hygiene." Furuhata commented next to Shinichi. She was designated as the guide, given the instructions and room numbers. Megure went to the bridge to inform the captain of the new developments. "They have people checking our rooms regularly."

The first room they visited belonged to the chef Miyama. It was one of the few single rooms in the ship for staff.

"They keep to strange times. It's better for everyone to house them together. Though, given Miyama's position, he would get the single."

Shinichi surveyed the small room, just enough for three people to fit inside. There was a cot on one side, a wardrobe, a hanging flat screen tv in the corner, a table laden with papers, and a wall stuck with several photos. The papers looked to be plans for new dishes and drinks, possibly additions to the buffet spread. The photos showed mainly Miyama in the traditional Japanese garb, taken outside of a wooden two storey house. Some were taken in a Japanese garden and a few wedding photos.

"Isn't that Kurahara Akio?" Kaito pointed to one of the photos from his position by the doorway.

The photo in question was in the scene that kept repeating in other photos, the traditional Japanese garden. The pair were standing very close, hugging at the shoulders, with a grin in their face. Miyama was in his wedding black kimono with a white insignia of a stylized mountain. Kurahara also wearing a kimono but in dark blue and the insignia on the haori showed a geometric shape that was muddled. Shinichi could barely make out the diamond with the thatched hashing.

"Looks to be a pre-wedding photo. Probably a best man." Shinichi leaned forward to have a better look. "Taken at home, spring or summer by the flowers in the background."

"Spring. There's Narcissus near the lake in the background." Kaito added.

"You would know wouldn't you?" There was amusement in Shinichi's eyes. "Looks to be taken from a family home, not a set."

"I heard Miyama-san came from a traditional family but his family was really against the marriage. Probably because he's the eldest son..." Furuhata supplied from next to Kaito, popping her head inside. "His wife is the only daughter and from a wealthy family. Her parents wanted someone to succeed their family business. Miyama-san had been quite stressed about trying to calm both family's parents down. It must have been tough."

"Did he take up the wife's family name?" Shinichi quickly came to the conclusion. That would be the only reason why such joyous event could create high tensions.

"Not sure. Miyama-san never talked much with other people in the staff bar. Come to think of it, he spends a lot of time in the kitchens, coming up with new recipes I think."

"Who else is he friendly with?" Shinichi asked as they moved out into the corridors. Shiratori, somewhat uncharacteristically, let Shinichi front the questions. Though it might be because of the dressing down the young detective have during an earlier case so the elder man was reluctant to get on his bad side again.

"Kitchen staff? Like I said, he's not much of a people person." The young actress led them down another maze of paths to Kurahara's room. "But I remember him talking to the bartender about gardening. Apparently, they both have a green thumb. Oh, and that he helps manage the miniature rooftop garden in the ship."

"A chef having interest in farming is quite common these days." Kaito managed to wedge between the young actress and his detective, as a deterrent for any inappropriate contact. "The trend for knowing where produce comes from and growing awareness is high in the food industry."

"Yes, but the strange thing is that Miyama-san used to be a chemistry major but cooking is more of a hobby for him." Furuhata knocked on the door of the room. Kurahara was sharing a place with another staff. She quickly explained the situation and let Shiratori take over.

The officer drew the occupant out of the room, accompanied by the young actress, as Shinichi and Kaito entered. The layout was similar to Miyama's room, though this place had a bunk bed design, two slim wardrobe, and two more overhanging cupboard above the mirrored wall, which also had a cloth draped over it. In a fit of curiosity, Shinichi lifted up the material, which revealed it to also having pictures stuck on it. He noticed the same picture from Miyama's room to be here, along with a few others between Lee and Kurahara.

"Similar habits." Kaito commented then pointed at the lower bunk bed. It was obvious this was Kurahara's as it had many schedules stuck on its adjacent wall. Though Shinichi was sure this was not what Kaito had meant. The bed, which had struck Shinichi as odd when he first laid eyes on it in Miyama's room, was replicated here. The sheets were abnormally flat, corners tucked in tight, but the blanket and pillow was made in a way that resembled trying to fold up a futon. Looking at the bed above, it was made with the pillow on one end and the blanket on the other.

"Odd for someone who has a tight schedule." Shinichi commented. But it still have him no indications as to how the accidents came about. Though he could easily guess the motive.

Kaito saw the way the blue eyes glint when pieces fell in place. But he detected a sense of underlying sadness. "We should try and find Lee-san, he might be able to offer us an explanation." Kaito steered his detective out of the room. Giving Shiratori a quick note and leaving him to the young actress, he guided them back to the guest areas.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The search for Lee required them to first seek out their fellow teen detectives. The ship was too big for two officers, a detective, and a magician to search even if they did call for help from the staff. It was confirmed Lee was not in his room or the staff bar. Calling all the restaurants still yielded no results.

"Yo Kudo!" Hattori strolled leisurely towards the table they claimed on the deck as their working office. The girls had not wanted any part in the investigation so they opted to go for a spa treatment, with the exception of Sera who stayed to investigate.

"Any news?" Shinichi looked away from the mesmerizing display of card tricks Kaito had been performing since they sat down.

"Nah," Hattori poured himself juice from the pitcher on the table. The questionable red colour made him pause before drinking it but his thirst was greater than his self preservation. "No one's heard from 'im for the whole day. 'Cept Kurahara o'course." He looked at the two ceramic cup of hot beverage by the pair of look-alikes, wondering if he should order one for himself.

"Something wrong with the juice?" Kaito was the first to notice Hattori's inquisitive stare at their drinks. "It's supposed to be a house blend."

"Nah, juice is fine. But was wondering how many cups Kudo had gone through today." He took another sip, it wasn't as though the drink was bitter or overly sweet, just that the colour looked strange. "Unless you really did do somethin' to the juice." He looked at Kaito suspiciously.

"I'm not that mean, I'd never mess around with food like that." Though the underlying message was he would mess around with the food, only it wouldn't cause any health problems. Both detectives were suddenly put on alert for any food offered by the magician just in case.

"Am I the last one back?" Hakuba approached from behind, having just visited the guest common areas.

"Sera has yet to come back, though she is going around to all the restaurants, cafes, and shops so it might take some time."

Hakuba took one look at the juice then waved for a waiter nearby to order a pot of tea. Kaito snickered. Out of all of them, only the Osakan detective had the nerve to drink the fluorescent drink. It looked like spilled highlighter ink than anything natural.

"There you are!" Furuhata, who had volunteered to guide the inspectors in the ship, waved enthusiastically. "The inspectors were wondering why you didn't follow. Oh? And who's this?" She looked at Kaito with curious eyes. Kaito had already shed his previous clothes and put on something more open and colourful. With the cap that he used to cover his face gone, Furuhata would assume him to be someone else rather than KID. After all, he was not acting the suave gentleman like KID, rather the playful high-school prankster.

"Kuroba Kaito, magician extraordinaire." He stood up to give a bow. "I heard from Shinichi you needed some assistance?"

"Wonderful! No time like the present!" She grab hold of Kaito's wrist and proceed to drag him away even with his protests. "I'll be borrowing him for the afternoon!"

Shaking his head, Shinichi noticed his vibrating phone. The caller display showed the call was from Sera. "Have fun." He waved joyfully before answering the phone.

Kaito wanted to stay and listen, feeling unsettled being led away. But he did agree to this so he would have to see it through. Before giving the young actress his full attention, he spared a glance at his detective, who looked tense for a second before leaping onto his own feet. His sudden action earned confused and startled stare from the surrounding party. After some calm explanation by Shinichi, the inspectors followed the Eastern Detective while the other two tolerated each other's presence by the table, taking their own drinks.

"Kuroba-kun?" Concern laced the actress's voice, "are you nervous about the performance?" She let go of the wrist as they entered the indoor environment.

"Nothing of that sort, I've been a performer since I knew how to hold my chopsticks. This stage might be a little different but any magician worth his mettle should be able to adapt to circumstances."

She let out a sigh of relief. "That's good. For a moment I thought I had to placate you or something. I remembered that time on stage, it was my earliest production, which is what we're performing tonight as well, and even though I practiced and practiced, I still felt I never was good enough."

This side of the actress was the side KID met, the nervous and second guessing nature.

"Even now, knowing I have a new movie role waiting for me once this job is finished, I'm not sure if I can do it..." There was hesitation in her voice, as though debating whether to tell Kaito.

"Movie?" Kaito haven't read anything about this maybe it was still in pre-production stage.

She nodded. "An agent from Toho movies approached me, saying I was the right person for their new movie, The Assistant." She handed him a script to tonight's performance. Even though Kaito knew it from his previous exposure, there still might have been new revisions.

"Is the movie something like a feature length version of The Apprentice or something?" He flipped through the script, most of the lines were the same with the only new addition of the formalized version of KID's monologue.

"Nothing like that. It's a movie about a detective's assistant, who falls in love with the detective only to find out the detective was leading a double life because of a split personality."

"You're playing the role of the assistant?" That would explain her earlier actions.

"No, I play the detective, who not only has a split personality but also cross dresses. The assistant is played by a male actor, I haven't had the chance to ask the name. But the character is suppose to struggle about his love interest, always questioning why he fell in love with another male, though in the end, the love line would be resolved after the detective is revealed to be female." She sighed, "it's such a complex character. Not only that, but the agent had suggested for me to shadow a detective for a day to learn about the ins-and-outs of the profession." She flopped onto the nearest velvet seating in the audience section. Kaito placed the script deliberately to the side on the stage.

"You know," he conjured up a dove, Hime, and started stroking her feathers. The actress's eyes were drawn to the small, white, bird, "there are two types of acting we do. The one where we act out our roles," he gestured towards the script, "and one where we become out roles." Kaito began pulling out a handkerchief out of his jacket pocket, though what was revealed was more like a cape. He flung the material over his shoulder and let it settled. "Though some may choose a third option, to invent their roles." Showing a KID-like grin, he released his dove before flipping himself up onto the stage and stood at the center.

The young actress stretched out her hands to hold onto the dove that was flying straight at her. She let it settle in her palms, carefully stroking the feathers as she watched Kaito with mesmerized eyes.

"Underneath the glow of the silver moon," Kaito began reciting the script in his KID character, "the white magician appeared, having ridden upon the midnight clouds to come before the one who longed for the young Prince. She of pure heart and caring nature, longs for the Prince to notice." He directed his gaze back at the actress, eyes softening as he stretched out his hands to take the actress up onto the stage. "She who always hide in the background but works diligently for the one day she can chance a meeting. She who is most suited for a Prince of caring nature." With a snap of fingers, smoke pooled around their feet, rising up to obscure vision. When the smoke cleared, Furuhata was clad in the princess dress from the costume room. "Allow this white magician to cast his spell for the night, for this young maiden to meet the deserving Prince, to present to the world the one that could make dreams come true." With another snap, an ornate jewelry box appeared in Kaito's hands. He opened to reveal a large green gem, replica of the Green Dream. Holding it up towards the spotlight, much like what he did the first time, he gazed into the stone knowing it would reveal nothing.

The young actress watched, as though replaying the same scene from so long ago.

"The gem of dreams, a beautiful gem destined for a hand that can grant such dreams." He turned to kneel at the actress's feet, taking her hand to fit her with the ring.

"How..." She was speechless, it had been mere minutes since he read the script and for someone to have memorized it and act the scene out with perfection, it was unbelievable.

Straightening, Kaito dropped his act, returning to the carefree stance.

"Like I said, I became the character and invented my role. That's what performers do, we create." Grinning at his own success at having surprised the actress. "I've never actually acted before but I have performed my magic so this is just like a step up. You've already acted in theater, in front of live audience. That should be more daunting than for a camera. Have a bit of confidence."

"You know, you sound like Kaitou KID, I met him before and he too gave me advice when I was afraid to act on stage... "

"The audience are but heads of pumpkins in a farmer's field right?" Again, Kaito noticed the riddled expression. "It's something anyone would tell you. Though I prefer the version that they were all clad in nothing but underwear."

Both snickered, laughter echoing in the empty hall.

"Thanks Kuroba-kun, I feel much better now." She hugged the magician with gratitude.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After spending the early afternoon talking with the actress, Kaito was allowed to return to their rooms under the promise of being back at the halls in the evening, an hour before the performance.

"Shinichi? You're back already? I thought you'd still be investigating." Kaito took two steps before tackling his detective back onto the bed.

"We were, only..." Shinichi became silent, eyes downcast and avoiding Kaito. Kaito instinctively held onto his detective, noticing him to be closing up.

"There was nothing you could have done." Kaito could guess they found Lee but was too late to save him. He did not bother to ask for details. "Did you find out how? Or why?"

"I don't have evidence to convict the killer yet." Shinichi sighed, burying deeper into Kaito's chest. "This case is just too sad. Miyama-san was apparently the elder brother of Kurahara-san but since he married into his wife's family, he took on her name...he had been worried about Kurahara-san for such a long time..."

"You've found the motive?" Kaito patted the hair, smoothing the orderly hair. Its silly smoothness was addictive.

"Motives. From multiple people. That's what making this such a sad case. Everyone thought they have the best interest at heart but in the end, it turned out to be a tragedy..." Shinichi tried to seek comfort in the touches. "Kurahara-san wanted to know Lee-san's true intention and Miyama-san wanted to protect his brother. I guess the only true victim is Lee-san who knew nothing about their plans..." They were broken out of their comfort with a shrill ring of Shinichi's mobile. He made a quick grab for it.

Kaito saw the face change in his detective, from apprehension to realization and finally fear. Kaito rushed after Shinichi when he abruptly left the room. The detective had a sense of determination as he looked left and right. Kaito wasn't sure what his detective was looking for but knew it wasn't a good sign.

"Wait! Shinichi!" Kaito shouted as the climbed the metallic steps to reach a staff only area. A sense of dread flooded him as he was still a flight of stairs behind his detective. He silently cursed and ran up the stairs two at a time. He marvelled at the fact that his detective can sprint so quickly. No wonder Shinichi could keep up with KID at heists.

Kaito heard a door open bang open and rushed footsteps. He was still several seconds behind and the scene he came to chilled Kaito to the bones.

Standing near the edge of the railings was Kurahara, with a gun held close but loosely in his hands. Shinichi looked as though he was trying to placate the man before him.

"Kurahara-san, there is no reason for you to do this." Shinichi took a step forward but the man backed away.

"This is my fault, Jun died because of me. Because I refused to listen to my brother. And now both of them...Jun gone and brother is in a coma. I never wanted to do that to him."

"Miyama-san is stable, the hospital is working to revive him. Lee-san, there's nothing we can do for him now that he's gone but I'm sure he wouldn't want to to take your own life." Shinichi signalled for Kaito, hoping the magician would have some way of saving the man as he distracted him. Their first concern is the gun in his hands.

"I hadn't known it would have that effect on him. Brother, when he gave me the juice, there was nothing wrong with the taste. I didn't know but I saw him slip something in my drink. I swapped it out...replacing his with mine. He said it was a new blend, wanted to see what I think." Kurahara stared at the metallic weapon. "He's the chef, the master of his art. He would have made sure I wouldn't have adverse reactions. It was not supposed to be this way. I took the pitcher, saved the juice since I knew Jun always loved to try new things. I didn't expect..."

"The juice, while not poisonous, it was toxic. How the person reacts is dependent on the metabolism and genetics. Though it shouldn't have led to death." Shinichi calmly, and slowly, tried to approach Kurahara once more now that the hysterics died down. Kaito was inching forward as well.

There was a distinct rumble coming from the staircase. Kaito guessed it must be the rest of the detectives finally having caught onto this suicide attempt. They were lucky to have been able to find the man so quickly. Kaito was confident that Shinichi would, and could, save him.

"Kurahara-san, it was an accident. You've admitted yourself to wrongdoing, I don't think your brother would place blame on you. As for Lee-san, the judge is not so cruel to a harsh sentence. You can start over again..."

"What's life without Jun?" Tears began to stream down his cheeks as he held the gunpoint to his temple. Without thinking, Shinichi tackled the man, pushing at him to wrestle the gun away. Kaito rushed forward to help only to be knocked back by someone's elbow. When he recovered himself, the pair were extremely near to the railings. Kurahara still had the gun, pointing erratically and for a split second, Kaito was afraid it might go off. They were leaning dangerously far into the open waters and Kaito looked around for some sort of rope. At least there were lifesaver buoy stashed at the corner should there be an accident.

Just as the thought left his mind, there came a loud bang. The startled pair lost their footing and tipped over the other side of the rail. Kaito reached out to grab the arm, or wrist, anything that could help pull them back. But he just missed by a hair's breadth. With slow motion, he saw his detective fall overboard with the shocked staff. The rest of the cavalry arrived just in time as Kaito was about to leap after the falling pair.

"The lifesaver!" He called out, momentarily acknowledging Hattori who made a grab for the floating device to throw towards the magician. Kaito caught it mid-air before diving in. He assumed someone would inform the captain about this so they would send a boat out to pick them up.

The water was freezing, Kaito tried not to think about the living things in the sea. His eyes scanned the water surface for the tale-tell spot of hair. With one hand on the lifesaver, he swam back in the direction the ship had been moving. The waves cast by the moving cruise ship made it difficult to swim in a straight line, he had to take care not to be too close to the ship to avoid the eddies caused by movement. He was tempted to call out but that would cost his strength, he wasn't sure how far his detective might have drifted with the few seconds head start. The current was strong in the open waters and it zapped his strength quickly.

A few minutes in the water felt like an eternity when he finally caught sight of his detective. It was then he called out to catch his attention. Together, they heaved the unconscious Kurahara to have him hanging over the lifesaver.

"You're not hurt are you?" Kaito examine his detective as best he could while treading water.

"Neither of us were hit. The gun went off above our heads." Shinichi looked at Kaito wearily. "Kaito..."

"Don't say a word." Kaito could guess what Shinichi wanted to ask. Him being in the sea is already making him uncomfortable. He did not need the reminder.

Shinichi nodded, knowing the issues with regards to the sea creatures should not be discussed now despite his curiosity. He was just touched that Kaito would dive in after him knowing what was in the waters.

It could have been minutes or it could have been an hour. The buoy could not hold the weight of three people so they took turns to tread water while waiting for rescue to arrive. When the speedboat came, with Hakuba and Hattori onboard, Kaito could finally breath easier. They were quickly and efficiently ensconced in towels and warm blankets to ward off the sea breeze and were handed cups of tea. Kurahara was still unconscious and they suspect it was the mental trauma rather than physical.

"What a way to end the trip." Kaito said when he came out of the showers, his hands were busy drying his hair. Looking over to the sofa, Shinichi was still sitting in the same position, still with a towel around his shoulders and hair dripping wet. Kaito walked determinedly over and threw his own towel onto his detective's head and proceeded to give him a thorough drying. "You'll get a headache if you left it damp." He admonished with a gentle tone.

Shinichi looked weary, tired and worn out all at the same time. Though Kaito could understand seeing as Shinichi had it in his mind that death, or in this case serious injury, during a case was the fault of the investigating detective. This was a habit that Kaito knew he wouldn't be able to break Shinichi out of.

"Do you want anything to drink?" Kaito asked when he deemed Shinichi to be sufficiently dry, "coffee? Or maybe some hot chocolate? Something sweet could do you wonders."

"No thanks. I'm good." Shinichi replied with a voice slightly more monotone than usual. It told Kaito more than the words, that his detective was feeling both depressed and guilty. But at the same time, Kaito did not know what he could say to soothe his detective. Instead, he sat down next to him, wrapping Shinichi with his arms and pulling him into his chest. He felt Shinichi let out a shaky breath. Gently, Kaito rubbed circles around his detective's back, coaxing Shinichi to relax and hopefully drift off into sleep. He knew for the next few days, Shinichi would be reliving this memory, of not being able to prevent something so premeditated, and would wake up wide eyes in the middle of the night.

-TBC-


-OMAKE: Omiage-

"Yukiko-san!" Kaito called out as he approached the table with where the actress sat alone in the coffee shop. He too was alone, having dropped Shinichi off at the police station.

"How was you trip Kai-chan?" She stood to give the magician her patented hug, effectively squeezing out all the air in his lungs.

"Wonderful, though the ending could have been better..." Kaito ordered a drink before producing a neatly wrapped box. "Your requests."

Yukiko smiled, gently taking the gift into her hands.

"So you remembered!" She carefully placed the box into her handbag and removed an album to push across the table. "Here's your payment."

"Pleasure doing business with you." Kaito grinned, hands caressing the covers of the book. "Such a shame Shinichi had hidden all of it before I had a chance to see them."

"You might want to take a good look at those from when he was 5 or 6, those are absolutely precious! And he was so cute~"

"I'll be sure to keep it somewhere that even Shinichi couldn't find." Kaito clicked his hands to vanish the book with a puff of smoke. "But those sapphire blues are truly addictive."

"Aren't they?" Yukiko shared a knowing smile. "You could try pairing it up with something baby-pink or lacey. That brings it out even further!"

"Hm...You've just given me an idea Yukiko-san. Perhaps there's a chance for more business with you in the future." Kaito did not bother to hide the mischievous glint. Yukiko replicated the same look as they clinked their porcelain cups for a toast.

"To future business."

Elsewhere, deep inside the office of Division One, Shinichi let out a sneeze then shivered.

"Are you OK Kudo-kun?" Takagi asked in concern. "I heard you fell into the ocean. Are you sure you're not coming down with a cold?"

"I'm fine Takagi-keiji. Probably dust or something..." Shinichi sniffled slighting. 'Though it's more likely someone is planning something to do with me...' Shinichi tries to suppress another sneeze as he returned to the form in front of him. 'Please let it not be too traumatizing...'

-OMAKE END-