Shoot, it's been too long. Either I've gotten lazy or my true priorities have caught up to me. Regardless, I shall try and continue.

All characters, Magic Kaito, belong to Gosho Aoyama.

--Part 13, Kaito's POV, It's About Time—

"Where have you been? We were supposed to meet up a long time ago, you know? I swear it seems as though I've been waiting since July of last year…" Aoko pouted, arms crossed, facing away from me, disappointment soaking her statement.

"Yes, yes, I understand!" I sighed, worn out from the long run to the train station. What poor luck I had that I would disregard the time on my alarm clock. Several times. "Please, will you find it in your infinite heart to forgive me?" I bowed as far down as my back would allow.

"Well," Aoko considered, "I suppose it's all right," she snickered. "Now get your head up!" I could tell of the slight embarrassment in her voice. She was never one to accept someone's humility, regardless of how close that someone was to her.

"So…?" She asked.

"'So…'?" I muttered, confused in her simplistically complex question.

"Where are we going?" She growled, exasperated from my (unknowingly) obnoxious question.

"Ah!" I exclaimed fearfully. I mean, first I come to our meeting spot late (I know it's going to be hard to gain her trust back) and I didn't even tell her where we're going. What a horrible gentleman I've turned out to be. Although this does remind me of that time—

"Kaito!" Aoko cried out. "Mao, keep your head straight!"

"Ah, yeah," I laughed nervously. "Actually, I was thinking we could go somewhere…secret?"

"Secret?" she asked with puzzlement. Heh, any other girl would've been suspicious. That's where Aoko's different. Anything and everything she does is with earnest. A trait of hers that I am glad is expressed. (Not to mention I appreciate her patience.)

"Yeah, I have a place in mind but I want to keep it hush. There are so many options; you will never be certain of where we can go. It'll be fun!" I coerced her.

Aoko looked at me warily, "I don't know, Kaito…" I gave her my most pleading face. "I suppose," she smirked, "if it's a trip with you, I won't help but find myself having fun."

"Of course," I laughed nervously. I'm sure she doesn't realize it, but Aoko knows exactly what to say to make heat rise to my face. It's a pleasure for my company to be of interest to her. (Maybe I'm not that bad at being a gentleman, ne?)

"So what exactly are we to do during this 'secret vacation?'" Aoko asked, picking up her bags and pointing to a train that came by our way.

I shook my head and smiled, "It wouldn't be a secret if I told you now." I nodded to a nearby bench. "I promise our destination won't be far, but…" I hesitated for dramatic effect. I felt her burning gaze.

"I also promise unexpected occurrences."

She laughed hardily, "Baka, Kaito. How can something unexpected be promised?"

Damn, she's right. "Well, I don't know," I threw myself down on the bench. "With me, isn't there usually an impromptu situation? You should expect as much."

Aoko considered this as she walked toward the bench. Gently shaking her head, Aoko sat close beside me, "With you, Kaito?" She closed her eyes and rested her head on my shoulder. "Anything—everything is possible," she concluded with a yawn.

How long had she been waiting, exactly? I checked my watch.

Has it really been since last July…?

--End Part 13, It's About Time--

I know it's unfortunately short (with shots at myself). Well, with my writing, it's not that unfortunate. But hey, I updated, finally. And I'm working on part fourteen as we speak!!