A/N: Well, I was supposed to go to Kansas today, but it didn't end up happening. But, still, hearing that we would be going to Kansas spawned this strange chapter. It's irrelevant, but has some Alice/Kaito fluff. I luvs fluff~! Also, it may seem like Alice likes Kaito in this, but don't worry. I would never put them together in this fic. XDDD Just to warn you beforehand. (Laughs) Her attraction will be explained in the next chapter…Maybe. Or I could just leave it a mystery; I dun really care. (Cackles) Also, Conan and co. will be showing up verrryyyy soon. (Evil Grin) Also, this chapter is made of epic fail and epic shortness; despite that, I hope you enjoy anyways~!
Disclaimer: I do not own Detective Conan or Magic Kaito in any way or form.
Chapter Eleven
I grabbed a black and white striped, half-long sleeved turtleneck from the rack, grinning at it. It was perfect. I headed to check-out with a bounce in my step; it was last article on my list, and the last of my money. After the person bagged it, I grabbed it and stuffed it in my bag with everything else I bought – despite its size, it could hold a lot. I glanced at my watch and froze. I had less than ten minutes to get back at the house, transform back, get dressed, put my stuff back to where it had been, and then sit back in front of the TV, acting like nothing happened. My heart skipped a beat. Could I make it?
I didn't bother thinking about it as I pulled my hat lower over my eyes, telling the man behind the cashier a quick thanks, and then dashing out of the store. I hurried to pull out the map and scanned it through. The fastest route would be to turn left at the next corner, make a right at the second corner, and then to go straight from there. But, to get back to the Kuroba household, I needed to go passed Kaito's school. Daring, but I'd have to do that, otherwise I'd never make it on time – would get home after Kaito does. Then, what was I supposed to say? 'Oh, sorry, I went out for a stroll; don't mind that I'm bigger than you remember'? Hah, that'd go down wonderfully.
I let out a manic laugh as I rounded the corner sharply, easily side-stepping a stray cat that had been in my path. I loved running. Sure, it was tiring, but the wind through my hair and hitting my face with an almost painful clarity was amazing. A feeling of being free. My breath came out in short pants as I accelerated, not caring that I probably looked like a crazy person – laughing and running at top speed.
I skidded to a stop quickly, putting my hands in front of me to catch myself before I hit the wall. I sucked in deep breaths, taking a look around the corner, seeing Ekoda high school. There were students coming out, but Kaito wasn't in sight. Lucky~! I rounded the corner calmly, making sure that my light scarf was covering my face from my eyes down, my hat low, and my hands shoved in my pockets. I probably looked suspicious, but as long as I passed here, I would be home free. Plus, since it was chilly today for some reason, there was no harm wearing this.
Walking quickly, I passed the first corner, and then came to the next, turning right and then beginning to run again. It's just straight from here, thank goodness. Kaito's house came into view, and I grinned behind my dark blue scarf. Come on, come on! I leaned against the door when I made it there for a second before hurrying inside, locking the door behind me.
Quickly going to the bathroom upstairs, I tried to take off my scarf quickly – resulting myself almost choking myself to death… – and took off my shoes. My hat was off in a moment and I stripped the rest of my clothes with a practiced ease. I hurried to say my command words again. The warm pulse was quick to fill my body, as if realizing my haste.
Before I knew it, I was back into the devastatingly tiny body and I put on the clothes as quick as I could. When I was done, I hopped onto the counter to stare at my reflection for a second, making sure that Chikage's hair style hadn't been messed up with my careless quickness. But, still, darn those pigtails. I jumped back to the floor with a flush on my cheeks and hurried into the living room downstairs, collapsing on the couch and pretending I had been watching TV the whole time.
Wow, that was too close for my taste, I internally commented as I heard a key being placed in the lock. Kaito entered the house cheerfully, calling out, "I'm home. Alice-chan, are you okay?" Ah, parental concern already. Kaito, aren't you only a teen? I smirked at my internal musings and called out in return, "Welcome home, Kaito-niichan! And yup, I'm fine~!"
He came into my view as he entered the living room, taking off his dark gakuran with ease. I swear I could see sparkles around him as he ran a hand through his hair as he took it off, smiling softly. Wow, talk about model material. I snorted quietly at my thoughts, trying to get rid of my amusing thoughts of hearing the song 'this is why I'm hot' playing in the background. Haha, what the heck was I thinking?
"Alice-chan, your face is red; do you have a fever?" A cool hand was placed on my forehead as Kaito sat on the couch next to me, turning my head gently towards his direction. I flinched back, hurriedly yelling out an excuse, "I'm fine! I'm just happy your back!" I felt my cheeks burn in embarrassment at the lame excuse, but Kaito chuckled and let it go, leaning back into the couch.
Gosh, what was wrong with me? Dannie's preferences must be rubbing off on me. Either that, or the transformation makes me loopy. Could be either one, really. Probably the latter.
Kaito stood up, and headed upstairs, telling me he'd be back after he changed into casual clothes. I nodded in agreement, and went back to watching the TV. It was on a commercial. Something about a certain mattress being better than another mattress; not something interesting. My eyes roved over the room as a fit of paranoia hit me full, chilling me to the bone. The house was strange without Chikage here; her warm presence was usually by my side and now she was gone. It was…Strange, to say the least. Again, weird thoughts, Lui.
Kaito came down the stairs as quickly as he went up, changed into casual clothes and looking ready to walk out the door any moment. He looked over to me, this time a grin more fit for the Cheshire cat playing on his lips. That was worrisome. "I didn't notice before because I was worried that you had a fever, but…," His voice was brimming with excitement.
"You're so cute with your hair like that~!" He immediately came over and scooped me up into a crushing hug, swinging me around in glee. He pulled me back, letting me gasp for air as I had been smothered with his chest, and he looked down at me with glittering eyes before something that sounded suspiciously like a camera clicked several times consecutively. After I had caught my breath, I looked over to the side where Kaito's phone was taking photos of us.
I groaned in silent misery as my cheeks blossomed to another shade of pink. Is this what it would be like to have an older brother?
He leaned forward and kissed my cheek, making me freeze in place, but he didn't notice as he kept jabbering about how I was 'so cute and adorable' and 'that's my little girl'. Truthfully, I'm surprised that he had gotten so attached in the few days I had been here, but then again so had Chikage. Maybe it was a Kuroba thing to love small things quickly. Or something like that.
Eventually, he put me down and crouched down in front of me. "We're going to go to one of my friend's house for dinner, okay? The girl who dragged me off to school this morning; don't worry, she's nicer than she seems at first glance." He laughed and I chuckled a little wearily. "But, before that, I want you to meet another friend of mine; he used to be my dad's assistant." He said and I grew surprised. I was going to meet two more characters in one day – how cool is that!
We headed out the house, heading to a Billiard Hall called 'Blue Parrot'.
ooOOoo
I yawned to myself, as we headed back from Aoko's house. It was dark already, the sky a dark, dark blue. Kaito was talking about something with me, but I couldn't hear anything – it all just sounded drowned out, as if I was under water. My eyes were looking straight, but I wasn't seeing anything. I was faded deep into the corners of my mind in thought.
I should probably meet up with Conan soon, during the week. Note to self, avoid Conan until you know that the Library murder case is over. It wouldn't due to look like a psychopath because I was laughing so hard because I knew exactly how creepy the guy was. But, I'd definitely want to check things out. I can tell Kaito that I'm going to see a detective, to see if they can find my parents or something; once I said the certain agency, he should let me go on my own. Ah, freedom as being seen as a seven year old instead of a three year old was very helpful.
I'd have to come up with an excuse for the Conan and company, but that would be alright; I had been okay with them up until now – though, given that they were super shaky and one checkup on who I really was would completely shatter at a gentle touch, but other than that, it was okay.
My thoughts were drawn over to the visit with Jii and Aoko. Jii was a very nice old man; he treated me as if I was his granddaughter or something. Though, in those old wise eyes of his, I could tell he knew something was different about me. Never underestimate old people, apparently. Aoko, well, she was very overwhelming, in an amusing way. She had been all over the place with conversation, bouncing from school, to Kaito's idiocy, to how cute I was – gosh, I just knew by the end of week two, I would damn sick of people calling me cute – and to various other subjects. Despite that, her chatter was easy to keep up with, and we had gotten along really well. So, I think everything went relatively good tonight.
Two hands grabbing my underarms and raising me into a warm hold startled me from my thoughts and I looked at Kaito who was looking at me bemusedly.
"You looked like you were about to fall over any minute." He explained, shifting me so I was in a more comfortable position and despite myself, I plopped my head on his shoulder, too exhausted to even care. "We're almost home, though, then you can go to sleep." His voice was soothing…
Without realizing, I fell asleep right then and there. Saturday was tomorrow, after all, and I could sleep in all I wanted….
Review Replies:
To: Kudo Shinichi Tanteisan – Its okay. Schedules are bound to become more hectic, since school is back. ^^ Haha, yes, that is my lame way of explaining things. XD And thank you once again for your help. 8D (Grins as snowflakes fall and eats cyber cookie) Thank you, E-chan! o^^o
-I CHANGED THE TIMELINE FOR THE STORY, SO I AM NO LONGER IN THE CLASH OF RED AND BLACK ARC, BUT AM NOW AT THE PART WHERE HATTORI HEIJI FIRST APPEARS; WELL, A BIT AFTER THAT. I CHANGED SOME THINGS IN THE STORY WITH MY EDIT, BUT SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO READ IT ALL OVER AGAIN. I PUT THIS HERE. THANK YOU FOR READING.