Alternate Universe:

Terrible Twos

Part 4

Conan stared in his bag before looking back up at Kaito with obvious displeasure.

"What?" Kid asked, peeking in the bag, "What's the problem?"

"Do I really have to wear this?" Conan asked, drawing out a pair of rounded glasses with clear disapproval.

"You look too much like Shinichi already. If the organization finds out what its drug actually does, what makes you think they won't notice the similarities? You need to look as different from your usual self as possible. Glasses help."

Kid pushed the frames back into his hand which Shinichi took ever so reluctantly. He didn't seem to mind the rest of the wardrobe quite as much, as he grabbed a shirt and pair of pants more appropriately his size and changed into them.

"We can look through the rest later," Shinichi stated, pulling the bag closed, "it's been a half hour. Knowing Ran, the room is probably spotless by now. She loves cleaning."

Kaito chuckled as the two made their way back inside. Sure enough, the teen was coming down with a bag of trash and a large smile on her face.

"Ah, there you two are. Did you get your things?"

"Yes Ran-onee-chan," Kaito sang with a wide smile.

Ran smiled back, gently patting his shoulder.

"Good. I got the room cleared, but it doesn't have any furniture in it at the moment aside from a bookcase. Would you guys like to go with me to the store and pick some stuff out?"

Shinichi glances at Kaito who shrugged. Why not?

"Sure, Ran-onee-chan," Shinichi nodded enthusiastically.

Ran smiled.

"Alright then, let me tell dad and grab some cash and we will be on our way."

As the teen vanished into the office, the two set their bags to the side, but not before Shinichi noticed Kaito pulling something shiny out.

"What is that?" he whispered, indicating what the thief stuck in his pocket.

Kaito eyed him.

"What does it matter?"

Kudo huffed.

"We are going to be working together. Don't you think we shouldn't have secrets?"

Kaito didn't say a word as Ran reappeared.

"Alright boys, you ready?"

"Yes!" they both hollered in unison and started out the door.

T_T

One thing Shinichi would never again doubt was how well fashioned, the thief seemed to be. The clothes he wore compared to Kudo's were much more sophisticated, while Shinichi's was more athletic in appearance. The bed and nightstand he chose were much more detailed than Shinichi's and even the comforter and pillows he chose were more high quality. If Kudo didn't know better, he would have sworn then and there that Kaitou Kid was a girl in disguise, he was just that picky.

"No Ran," the thief argued with the teen (Shinichi noticed he had dropped the onee-chan). "This comforter doesn't go with that pillow case at all. It needs something… richer, in color."

Ran stared at him.

"You sure like fashion, Marti-kun."

Kaito blinked.

"Err… my mother loves fashion. I guess I got it from her?" he smiled, making sure his cheeks turned a bit red like a kids would.

Shinichi stared at him. Was the thief honestly embarrassed or just acting?

As Ran turned around to look at the pillow cases again, the smile faded. Must have been acting, Shinichi thought and went back to looking for his own pillow case.

Kaito sighed. He had forgotten he wasn't his usual self.

He needed to act more childish; not that she knew his older self. Still, he doubted a five year old was as obsessed with elegance as his teen self. Then again, he thought frowning as he watched her pick up a brightly colored pillow case made of rainbow stitches, he would die if she chose something like that for him. It looked like a unicorn had puked on it.

Shuddering, he went back to searching for his own.

Two hours later, they were happily checking out.

"You guys really know what you like," Ran chuckled, gazing down at the two boys, "are you hungry?"

At that moment, Shinichi's stomach growled.

Kaito and Ran both stared at him, causing the miniature detective to shuffle with embarrassment.

"Err… sorry."

The two laughed.

"I take it that's a yes," she giggled as she removed the bags and placed them in the cart before heading out to the car.

Once everything was loaded, Ran turned around in her seat to see her two little passengers.

"Where would you like to go?"

The two shared a look and Ran gasped.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot you guys grew up in America. How about a pancake house?"

"Sure, sounds good," Kaito nodded.

Shinichi shrugged. He wasn't a huge fan of pancakes, but at least that meant there was coffee.

"Alright, pancakes it is," she laughed and pulled out of the parking lot and towards the café near her house.

T_T

Ran and Shinichi could only stare as Kaito ordered food. The boy ate like a horse.

"I want five pancakes, three eggs, and four slices of toast. Oh and I want a side of grits with cheese. And a chocolate milk."

The waitress glanced at Ran who seemed dazed before shrugging and writing the stuff down.

"Can you really eat all that, Marti-kun?" she asked, a bit breathless.

Kaito blinked. Oh yeah, he was five now, wasn't he?

"Yup," he sang cheerfully like a little kid would, "I eat a lot. I'm a growing boy after all."

Shinichi snorted.

"You'll be growing outwards eating like that," he whispered, only loud enough for Kaito to hear.

Ran who was across from them gave the two a funny look as Kuroba glared at Shinichi, huffing.

"And for you, boy-o?" the waitress asked.

"Coffee please," he replied.

Ran immediately rejected that statement.

"Conan-kun, you don't need coffee. It's far too much caffeine for you."

Shinichi stared at her and Ran felt a little guilty, witnessing his heartbroken gaze of horror. Even Kaito beside him didn't laugh, realizing how obsessed the detective was with his morning coffee routine.

"M-Mama always lets him have some of her coffee. Could he… could he share yours?" Kaito asked innocently.

Shinichi snapped his gaze to him, surprised by the offer on his behalf. Ran smiled.

"I suppose a little wouldn't hurt. I will take a small cup of coffee," she told the waitress, "can you bring an extra kid's cup with that?"

The waitress nodded, jotting it down.

"Do you want any food, Conan-kun?"

Shinichi stuttered. "Uh… yeah, uh, just an egg with a side of bacon."

Kaito made a small choking noise and Shinichi turned to him, confused. The thief's face however was unreadable. Shrugging it off as nothing, he listened to Ran as she ordered.

"I will have two pancakes, an egg, and a side of toast please. Oh and a side of sausage."

Shinichi glanced at Kaito and noticed his grimace. Did the thief not like pork or something?

As the waitress walked away, Ran turned back to the two boys.

"So tell me a little about yourselves," she smiled in a friendly, open manner, "how old are you?"

The two shared a look. They knew how old they looked to be, but how old should they say? Shinichi decided going older might be a wiser option since he was certain they would never actually act the age they seemed to be.

"I'm eight," he stated with a proud smile like an older brother normally would, "Marti is seven."

Kaito forced a smile on his face, nodding.

Ran hummed.

"You guys look younger than that."

Conan chuckled nervously.

"Mama always says we are small for our ages, but we will grow big one day."

"Yeah," cheered Kaito, "as big as papa and Shinichi-nii!"

Kudo had to admit, the thief was good. He knew just when to add something to the conversation to make it all that more convincing.

Ran chuckled.

"I see. So, what are your favorite colors?"

"Red," the two answered in unison, staring at each other in surprise.

Ran just laughed.

"You two are so cute. Okay…hmm…new question. What are your favorite sports?"

"Soccer," Shinichi answered, without hesitation.

Ran smiled softly.

"That's Shinichi's favorite as well."

Kudo froze, realizing he had made himself even more like his original form. Kuroba however quickly butted in, gaining her attention.

"I like dodgeball," he cheered, "nobody can beat me."

Ran laughed.

"I'll take your word for it, Marti-kun."

About that time, the waitress returned with their food. Both Shinichi and Ran watched in somewhat awed disgust as Kaito crammed food into his mouth, devouring it within minutes.

"Marti-kun, you really should slow down," she admonished, "you could choke."

Kaito swallowed the last bite and looked shamefully down at his shoes.

"Sorry Ran-onee-chan," he said cutely.

Ran felt her heart soften further.

"Aw, it's okay. You were just hungry. When was the last time you ate?"

Shinichi was also wondering this, but he didn't say a word, knowing he would have to share the answer the thief gave her, though he wondered if it would be the truth or not.

"Hmm," the thief hummed, taking a drink of his chocolate milk through the bendy straw, "last night maybe?"

Ran looked horrified.

"That was nearly an entire day! No wonder you're hungry, poor boy."

Kaito shrugged.

"I wasn't really feeling well."

Ran nodded, remembering him having been laid on the couch the other evening.

"Right, are you feeling better?"

Kaito actually did hurt. His side was really aching, but he was a master at hiding pain from others, so he just smiled.

"Yup!" he cheered.

Shinichi wondered if that was true.

"I notice you don't have any meat on your plate, Marti-kun. Is there a reason?"

Shinichi eyed him, also curious.

Kaito shuffled uneasily.

"I don't care for meat. Especially f-fish."

Ran blinked and Shinichi stared. Kaito looked away, gazing out the window uneasily. He hated people knowing about his fear, though it did help he didn't care for any meat. It made them less suspicious.

Ran shrugged.

"I will try to remember that," she said cheerfully, picking up her coffee and putting a small amount into the kid's cup for Conan.

Shinichi eyes lit up with obvious want.

Kaito attempted to smother down a smile, but he couldn't help the twitch of his lips.

Kudo closed his eyes and relished the feel of the hot drink in his hands before sipping it, inhaling its rich aroma.

"Do you want some sugar or creamer in that?" Ran asked.

Kudo shook his head.

"I like it black."

She stared at him, but shrugged. Maybe that's just how his mom always drank it? She remembered Shinichi always loved his coffee black too.

As the three finished their meal and headed back home, they were all in silent contemplation about the past and the near future.

T_T

Shinichi watched as Ran tucked in the sheets and comforters on the two new beds now set up in the upstairs spare room. On the right side of the room was Shinichi's white oak nightstand, dresser, and squared bed frame complete with his red and black comforter and black cotton pillows. On his nightstand was a soccer lamp and on his dresser sat a single alarm clock.

On the left side of the room was Kaitos red oak nightstand, dresser, and barred bed frame complete with an elegant looking red and white comforter and red gel pillows. On his nightstand was a beautiful crystal lamp and on his dresser was an old fashioned looking clock.

Ran had never seen two brothers so polar opposite each other in style. Even their clothes were different. Conan wore a lot of jeans and sweat pants with hoodies, jackets, and t-shirts. Marti wore black pants and occasional jeans and sweatpants with nice button up shirts, jackets, and couple hoodies and t-shirts.

Their shoes showed their personalities quite well. Conan wore white tennis shoes with a single red stripe on the side. Marti wore black tennis shoes with a more elegant looking neon yellow swirl that reflected in the dark.

Then of course there was the fact Conan wore glasses while Marti didn't. She wondered why the boy hadn't worn them before, but she assumed maybe he was far sighted and only wore them when going out. Marti it seemed preferred to wear a completely black ball cap with most of his outfits.

"Ran-onee-chan?" Conan asked, worried by her spaced out stare.

She blinked, startled from her observations.

"Sorry," she smiled, "I will let you guys unpack your things. Dinner will be at seven. That gives you a couple hours."

With that said, she headed out the door leaving the two to their deeds.

Sighing, Shinichi flopped down on his new bed and closed his eyes. He was so tired.

Kaito stared at the detective, uncertain what to say now that they were alone again. Deciding he didn't need to say anything, he grabbed his black bag and dumped it out on the bed. Shinichi glanced at him before turning away, giving the thief his privacy.

Kuroba appreciated the gesture as he began sorting through his things. Other than several pairs of well-designed clothes that he highly appreciated, he noticed Jii-chan had also sent a few of Kid's gadgets; most specifically his card gun, some smoke grenades, and flash bombs. Not to mention a couple decks of cards, his magic kit he had when he was a child, and… he paused, taking the book into his hands. A photo album of his family… dangerous to have with him, he thought quietly, but he couldn't bring himself to shove it back in the bag. He fingered the smiling face of his father and felt his normally firm poker face slip. He really missed his dad, especially at a time like this.

Kudo noticed the slip in the others face when he glanced the thief's way. He also noticed the book, though he couldn't see what it was. Still, he wasn't going to breech the small amount of trust they had with one another, so he turned away as Kaito crammed the album beneath his underwear and socks in the very back of the drawer. He would look at it later, away from prying eyes.

Grabbing his Kid gear which he slid beneath his dresser, he began pulling out the last of the bags contents which included his tooth brush, hair brush, hair spray, makeup kit for disguises, hair color, deodorant and several other necessities for someone of his artistic talents. The final item he pulled out was a small white cell phone with the Kaitou Kid charm hanging off the top and a single typed out note.

Kaito grinned. Seems Jii thought of basically everything.

Unfolding the note, he scanned its contents.

Young Master,

I took the liberty of informing Madam about what has happened. She wishes you safety in your endeavors. I also took the liberty of informing your educational facility regarding your sudden vacation to Paris to be with your mother, who in turn informed your professor and class.

No doubt SH will be checking into this, but I have taken care of the details, so do not be alarmed.

Should you need me, you know my number.

Please be careful, young master.

Always faithful,

Jii

Kaito chuckled, folding the note up before sliding it into his back pocket. He would dispose of it later when the Mouri family went to bed for the night. Glancing at the detective, he tossed his now empty black bag in the trashcan and moved towards his new roommate.

"I'm done. You need help?"

Shinichi rolled his eyes.

"I think I can manage."

Kaito snickered.

"Alright. Call if you need me, big bro."

Kudo huffed, but didn't comment as he dumped out the clothes and supplies. He was surprised to see a lot of the clothes was of much higher quality than even Ran had purchased for them today. Shifting through the stuff, he eyed the deck of cards that had been tossed in, but his attention was captivated by the large cardboard box that was sealed away in mail packaging. Curious, he noticed a blue pocket knife mixed within the items given to him and used it to cut away the tape. Peeling it back, he stared wide eyed at the contents.

"How…" he turned his gaze to the thief who stared back at him, a knowing smile on his face.

"I figured you would need something to fill your time. I asked Jii to include some homier items and perhaps, I hinted at Sherlock Holmes."

Shinichi just stared at him before looking back down at the box. It held the entire Sherlock Holmes story collection, as well as the three seasons of BBC's Sherlock and even a documentary tape on Arthur Conan Doyle.

Turning to his companion once more, he eyed him seriously.

"Thank you, Kid."

Kaito blinked, surprised at the gratitude; his poker face melting into a genuine smile.

"Your welcome, meitantei."

T_T

Dinner had been rather relaxing. It had consisted of rice soup, ice cream for desert, and small chit chat between the boys and Ran. Mouri hardly said anything, but he did seem to listen as the boys talked. Once he had finished however, the man vanished into the back room without a word.

"Sorry, he will get used to you eventually," Ran smiled, "it's almost nine. You guys should head to bed. Tomorrow is Saturday so luckily I don't have school or else you would have to stay with father or Professor Agasa. Would you like to go to the park tomorrow after breakfast?"

"Sounds like fun," Kaito cheered.

Ran smiled, ruffling his already unruly hair with affection.

"How about you, Conan-kun?"

Shinichi shrugged.

"Sounds fine."

She beamed at him and Shinichi immediately felt like he had won the lottery. He loved seeing her smile like that.

"Alright, the park it is. Now, off to bed."

Shoving them up the stairs and into their room, she kissed each one on the head before heading back downstairs, pulling the door closed behind her.

Shinichi was red as a tomato, but Kaito decided not to mention it this time as he painfully crawled into the bed. Kudo noticed his wince and frowned.

"How is your side?"

Kaito pulled up his shirt and pulled back the bandage, peeking at the nasty looking wound.

"Seems okay, just sore."
Shinichi nodded, changing into his new set of black silk PJ's. Kaito did the same, though his were a silky white which reminded Kudo again, that this child across from him was Kaitou Kid.

"You know…" started Kaito, pausing in his movement to gaze at the other, "I never did thank you for helping me the other night."

Shinichi stared at him.

"I didn't expect you to," he answered truthfully, "besides, you helped me as well. I believe we are even."

Kaito chuckled. Shinichi smiled.

Climbing into their beds, they both flipped off their lamps, staring up at the unfamiliar ceiling above them.

"Kudo-san," Kaito whispered.

"Hmm?" the detective hummed.

"Do you… do you think we will ever be normal again?"

Shinichi was silent for a moment, uncertain of what to say.

"I… I honestly don't know. I would like to think so."

Kaito was silent, thinking about Aoko and even that annoying British jerk, Hakuba. Would they miss him?

"Kid-san," Shinichi whispered.

Kaito hummed, copying what Kudo had done.

"If… If we are brothers now, I have to ask…"

Kaito heard his hesitation.

"What… what are your hobbies? I mean… what are you like? I don't want to seem surprised when you do something. I should know, since I grew up with you. I just don't want our act to be rudimentary.

Kaito chuckled.

"Now you sound like a true master of disguise, Meitantei, but your right. I suppose I should tell you a little about me."

The two laid in silence for a moment before the thief began.

"I love magic, obviously. I am… the class clown at my high school. I love joking around and playing tricks on people and I am really good at acrobatics, sports, and well… basically everything but ice skating."

Shinichi blinked. Ice skating?

"Also…" the thief hesitated, "I have a… small, well not really small… a kind of big, well… a really major phobia regarding…err… aquatics."

Shinichi sat up, staring at the other in the darkness.

"You're scared of fish?"

Kaito sighed.

"Yeah."

The thief expected the other to laugh, but no sound was heard.

"You don't think I'm foolish for being scared of them?"

Shinichi shrugged.

"Everyone has their fears. I personally don't like fire very much. I once watched a murderer burn alive after they were discovered. They had set fire to the house they were in and… I couldn't save them."

Kaito was silent.

"Your fear makes more sense."

Shinichi snorted.

"Don't you have a reason for being afraid of fish?"

Kaito hummed.

"I suppose."

"Then yours makes just as much sense," the detective confirmed.

Kuroba smiled. No one had ever argued so much on his behalf before.

Chuckling, he snuggled into his pillow.

"You're a strange one, meitantei."

"Shinichi," Kudo corrected, "when we are alone, you can call me Shinichi."

Kaito was silent. He hadn't expected that.

Kudo knew maybe he was rushing things, but he felt he could trust the thief. Something about him, he didn't know what, but something told him he needed to trust the thief just as much as the thief needed to trust him.

Kuroba felt a similar sensation and sighed. He supposed if they were truly stuck together, the detective might as well know at least some of the facts.

"Kaito," he whispered.

Shinichi frowned.

"What?"

"My name," the thief reiterated, "you can call me Kaito. That's my name."

Shinichi wondered if it was a lie or not, but he doubted it. The thief had no reason to lie to him. After all, he didn't even have to tell him anything if he didn't want to, so why lie?

"Kaito," he repeated, "Thanks for trusting me."

Kuroba was silent.

Perhaps, just maybe, they could make this forced partnership work.

AUTHORS NOTE:

Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!

See you next illusion, my little detectives :)