Disclaimer: I do not own Detective Conan/Case Closed.

Pairing(s): Kaito x Shinichi

WARNINGS: Shounan ai (boy/boy pairing), you have been warned

House of Cards

By V. Shalyr

4. Draw

Ran took a deep breath to steady herself, staring at the door before her that would let her into her mother's office. She would need a full hand and a lot of luck to get both her parents where she wanted them for Christmas. The promise of free food would probably snag her father, but her mother would probably suspect what she was up to if she wasn't careful. After all, she'd know that her daughter liked to spend the holidays with her family, and that included her father as well as her mother.

Well, it was now or never. At this late hour, even someone as hardworking as her mother should be finishing up her work for the day. This was her chance, and she was going to make it count.

.

Kaito's idea of Christmas shopping appeared to involve a lot more window browsing than actual purchases. When he did make purchases, he made a small show out of making them disappear. Shinichi spent some time climbing about his shoulders, trying to figure out where he had stowed everything. He didn't succeed in finding out, but he did succeed in making the magician laugh.

Emerging back into the bustle of the mall, Kaito shifted Shinichi onto his wrist so he could look at him more easily. "Do you still need to do Christmas shopping?"

Shinichi lifted and dropped his wings in his equivalent of a bird shrug. At this rate, he wasn't sure he'd be in any shape to be giving anyone Christmas presents.

"In that case, let's get something to eat. I'm hungry. And we can pick up some tasty bread for you and my other birds on the way."

The bird on his shoulder cooed an agreement. It felt like forever since Shinichi had eaten "real" food, but then again, to the dove part of his mind, bread sounded pretty good. It beat birdseeds anyway. At least bread was human food.

They ended up in a bookstore coffee shop not far from the food court. According to Kaito, it sold some of the best cakes and pastries in Ekoda, and Shinichi had to admit that the many baked goods on display looked quite impressive—even if he wasn't all that fond of sweets.

"I'll bring you back sometime once you're human again," Kaito promised, joining the line before the counter. "I hear they make a mean lemon pie, though I'm more of a chocolate cake person myself."

/ Somehow, I'm not surprised, / Shinichi said, thinking of all the mugs of hot chocolate he had seen the magician consume in the past couple days. The line looked rather long. They were probably going to be there for a good couple minutes. Turning his head, Shinichi surveyed the bookshelves beyond the perimeter of the small area sectioned off for the coffee shop. It felt like forever since he'd been able to look around freely in a bookstore too. He'd been so preoccupied in the last couple weeks, first with cases and then with the new batch of antidotes. It took moments like these to really drive it home in his mind just how much he missed in life sometimes. Life before Conan now looked like a headlong rush towards the career he'd always dreamed he would pursue. Now... Now, he wondered sometimes if he should have slowed down a little, stopped and "smelled the roses" so to speak. It wasn't like his career was going to run away from him. If there was one thing in the world he could be absolutely sure of, it was that he was a great detective. Somewhere along the way of becoming Conan, it had stopped being important whether or not he was recognized for that. There were simply so many more important things.

"You can go look around if you want," Kaito said, noting his curiosity.

/ But wouldn't someone notice? / Shinichi asked, hoping the cooing sounded enough like a question for the meaning to be obvious.

"Nah, I'm pretty well known around here, you know. No one's going to mind a strange dove or two hanging around."

Well, that was good enough for him. Taking flight, Shinichi circled the coffee shop area once before heading off through the shelves and various stands where books had been stacked or propped up for display. Many of these had a holiday theme, no surprise there, and there were dozens of different, small gifts scattered throughout the store as well.

Spotting a familiar name on one stand, Shinichi landed for a closer look. That book, Shinichi hadn't known it had come out yet. Fluttering a bit closer, he examined the display more carefully. Yes! He'd been waiting for this one for weeks. If he squeezed around behind the stand holding it upright, maybe he could read the summary on the back.

A few minutes later, Kaito found him tucked in behind the display, his head weaving a little from side to side as he read.

"Now that's somewhat un-dovelike behavior," he observed, moving the book and stand to give the bird more room. "It's time to go."

Somehow, the dove contrived to look disappointed at this news, but hopped onto the hand Kaito offered and let himself be transferred to his shoulder. He perked up though when the magician picked up the book next and started for the checkout counter.

"Call it an early Christmas gift if you like," Kaito said in reply to his inquiring coo. "Besides, you're not the only person here who likes to read. Though I have to admit that I mostly read the newspapers these days."

They had just made it out of the bookstore when a familiar voice rang out over the monotonous din that seemed to be the norm in malls.

"Kudou? Hey, Kudou!"

Shinichi turned his head just as Kaito did, and they both blinked at the dark figure pushing its way through the crowd towards them. It took Shinichi a moment to recognize the newcomer. He certainly hadn't expected to see him here. / Hattori? /

"You've had us all worried, you know? Then that scientist friend of yours calls me up and just calls off the search without explanation. What gives?"

Shinichi had spent enough time around Kaito to recognize his Poker Face sliding smoothly into place.

The magician gave Hattori a baffled look, raising one eyebrow. "I think you have the wrong person. My name's not Kudou, and I don't believe we've ever met before."

"What?" Taken aback, the Osaka detective paused and took a closer look at the young man he had addressed. "Oh, er, sorry. I guess I do have the wrong guy. It's amazing though. You look almost just like my friend."

"This Kudou guy?"

"Yeah, Kudou Shinichi, the teen detective. I don't suppose you've seen him? He looks a lot like you."

"No, I'm pretty sure I'd remember."

Shinichi snorted, the soft sound drawing Hattori's attention to him.

"Is that a dove on your shoulder?"

The next thing Shinichi knew, Kaito had plucked him from his shoulder and held him out in front of Hattori. "Sure is. Say hello to Shin-chan."

"Uh... Hi?"

Hattori stared, and Shinichi could tell he was struggling to make sense of this bizarre stranger. Well, good luck with that.

Returning Shinichi to his former perch, Kaito grinned. "So you came here to look for your friend? I wasn't aware Kudou Shinichi ever came to Ekoda."

"Well, no, not exactly. I was actually here with another friend." Hattori held out his hand. "I'm Hattori Heiji, and I'm actually from Osaka. My friend and I are just visiting the area for the holidays."

"Ah, yet another teenage detective, I see." Kaito shook his head before sweeping into a theatrical bow. "Kuroba Kaito, magician extraordinaire. Welcome to Ekoda."

"Thanks. A magician, huh? And you keep up with detective news?"

"You could say that." Kaito straightened. "Actually, I've always wanted to meet Kudou Shinichi. When you find him, I don't suppose you could introduce us?"

"Sure, I guess. Though I have to warn you, he's not exactly the social type."

The magician waved a hand dismissively, his grin turning into something more like a smirk when Shinichi snorted again. "No problem. I can get along pretty well with almost anyone. Hey, if you and your friend are new around here, I'd be happy to show the both of you around. Even at this hour, there are some great places to eat at around here."

"I suppose that sounds pretty good. Let me just find Kazuha."

Hattori felt considerably brighter at the prospect of food. Food was always welcome as far as he was concerned, and it was a good distraction from the funny looks the dove had been giving him ever since that "social" comment. Were doves supposed to have such... intense stares? Come to think of it, he'd never seen a dove with blue eyes before. He wouldn't have thought it was possible, but there it was. And the way it was watching him was sort of creeping him out. It looked way more intelligent than a bird had any right to be.

Shinichi sighed, half unfolding and refolding his wings as Kaito skillfully roped the two newcomers into a conversation that would no doubt lead to future introductions between him and Shinichi once said detective was human again. He supposed it was convenient but also a little scary how easy it was for the magician to make his way into someone's confidence. He hadn't been exaggerating when he'd told Hattori that he could get along with pretty much anyone. The important thing was if he wanted to.

So Haibara hadn't told Hattori exactly what had happened to him. Shinichi wondered why. Maybe she thought he wouldn't believe her, which was fairly likely all considered he wouldn't have believed it either if it weren't for the evidence of his own experience.

Ugh, he wasn't looking forward to having to explain what had happened to the other detective. Hattori would probably laugh himself silly. Maybe Shinichi could make something up? He wasn't a very good liar, but Hattori was even worse. And if he asked Kaito, he was sure the magician could come up with something convincing.

.

Shinichi mumbled drowsily as he was moved from Kaito's nightstand to what he assumed was the kitchen table. He cracked open one eye, taking note of the pale, early morning light, and grumbled some more. It was way too early to be awake. Shutting the eye once more, he prepared to go back to sleep when something suddenly slammed into him, knocking him off the edge of the table. He let out a squawk of surprise just as Kaito exclaimed, "Hey! Stop that!"

Disoriented, Shinichi struggled upright, flapping his wings and scrabbling at the floor with his claws to get out of the way as the feathery something dive-bombed him again—only to be snatched out of the air by Kaito.

"That's not a very nice thing to do," Kaito scolded the other dove, frowning. Letting it go with a stern glare, he carefully helped Shinichi back onto the table.

/ What was that for? / Shinichi demanded, glaring resentfully over the magician's fingers at the other bird.

Said other bird glared back for a moment before turning its back to him.

"She really doesn't like you very much, does she?" Kaito asked rhetorically. "Are you okay?"

/ She just surprised me, / Shinichi mumbled, checking himself over. Hopping over to the typewriter Kaito had moved onto the table for him, he tapped out, / I don't get it. I've never done anything to make her dislike me. /

Returning to the table with some toast and a cup of coffee, Kaito sat down and looked between the two birds thoughtfully. "Really now?"

/ Well, I think one of the other birds did say something about her being jealous because she likes going to school with you or something. /

"Hmmm. Shizu did always get along rather well with my classmates. She's also one of the really smart ones, and that's saying something for one of my birds."

/ I'll say. /

"I hope you don't mind staying at home today then. I think I'd better take her with me to class instead so she stops attacking you."

/ I suppose... / It sounded a bit boring already, but it was better than getting randomly knocked about.

"Hey, cheer up, I'll see if I can set you up with something to read."

By the time Kaito retrieved his school bag, he'd pulled up a news sight on his computer and set it up so that all Shinichi had to do was press a key to move from page to page. Shizu gave Shinichi a smug look from the magician's shoulder as he headed out the door and Shinichi glared back for a moment before turning to his reading. It wasn't like she'd won a battle or something. Sure, he was still a little miffed at being left at home, but it wasn't like he was jealous or anything. Of course not. Jealous of a bird! Honestly, who did she think she was, anyway? He was a human, and a smart human beat a smart bird any day. There was no way she could compare with him as a companion. He was just choosing not to fight her over such a trivial issue.

Shinichi was so busy thinking about this that several pages of articles went by without any of it really registering in his mind until someone landed beside him on the desk.

/ Shin-chan, / it said, nudging him in the side to get his attention.

/ What? / he snapped, still feeling weirdly disgruntled.

But Aka didn't let this bother him. Instead, he continued cheerfully, / You can read, right? A few of us were wondering if you could teach us. We've always wanted to learn. /

/ You... want to learn to read? / Shinichi repeated, surprised.

/ And write a little, / Zam chimed in, landing on his other side. / Please? Please? /

Shinichi blinked. Aside from Zam and Aka, half a dozen other doves were crowded on the table behind them, all watching him hopefully. Well, it would certainly give him something to do to pass the time.

/ Sure, I... guess... /

/ Yay! /

The doves cooed excitedly, taking flight towards the living room. Shinichi watched them go in bemusement then shook his head and took off after them. This promised to be a rather... unusual experience.

.

Kaito returned home to find his Shin-chan standing next to the miniature, electronic typewriter and a row of his other doves lined up patiently before him. As he watched, Shinichi cooed something and tapped a few letters. Then he cleared the screen and the first dove in the row moved forward, experimentally pecking at the keys. Kaito's eyebrows shot upward as he read the sentence that took shape as it did so.

"Wow, Shin-chan. You do realize that you're making my spy doves even more formidable than they were, right?"

Shinichi lifted his wings in a shrug. He hadn't really been thinking about it. And really, it wasn't like these doves weren't already formidable assistants. Adding the understanding of written words to their skill set hardly seemed like too big of a difference.

"Sorry, guys, but I'm going to borrow Shin-chan for the rest of the afternoon," Kaito told their feathery audience, coaxing Shizu off his shoulder and retrieving Shinichi. "I'm sure you lot can keep yourselves entertained by practicing."

/ Where are we going? / Shinichi asked, craning his neck to see what it was Kaito had gotten from the closet before it disappeared.

"You'll see."

Because everything had to be a mystery with KID. But that was okay, Shinichi decided, settling onto his now familiar perch to wait patiently for what the magician had planned. Things were more interesting this way anyway, and the magician was one of the best when it came to mysteries.

.

"What's the matter with you now?" Kazuha demanded, putting her hands on her hips and glaring at Hattori with exasperation. "You've been off ever since we had dinner with that magician yesterday."

Hattori scratched the back of his head, frowning. The two of them had made it back to their hotel room the night before without incident, for which Kazuha was immensely grateful. It didn't happen all that often when they went out together. But ever since then, Hattori had had this preoccupied air about him that was starting to annoy her. She wished he'd just tell her what was on his mind already and be done with it.

"Well?" she repeated.

"It's just... that dove he had with him. It's been bothering me."

"The dove," she repeated, mystified. "Why would the dove bother you? I thought it was really cute."

Hattori grimaced. Cute. Right. "I know it sounds strange, but I swear it was looking at me funny all evening."

Kazuha sighed. "You know, Heiji, I knew you were paranoid, but honestly. It was just a bird."

"Yeah..." Hattori trailed off then gave his head a hard shake. It wasn't just the dove. There had been something odd about the magician too, but then he'd never been a huge fan of magicians to begin with. He wasn't going to bring that up though. Kazuha didn't tend to take kindly to his suspicions of people she found charming, as annoying as that was. "Yeah, you're probably right. Sorry." He laughed. "So what were you saying before?"

Kazuha rolled her eyes and sighed again, but she'd expected as much. After having known him for so long, she'd grown used to having to repeat herself now and then. "I asked if you'd like to go try one of the restaurants Kuroba-kun recommended yesterday."

Right, he'd almost forgotten about the suggestions. That was the other strange thing. It felt like they'd talked a lot, but after all that, it seemed like they still knew practically nothing about him. So what exactly had they talked about all evening? "Sure, sounds good. Did you have a particular one in mind?"

She smiled, the expression bringing a real smile to Hattori's face as well. "Not really. I thought we could pick one together."

.

Kaito had always liked holidays. They were a time for merriment and cheer—and, if you were a Kuroba magician, tricks. He remembered the winter holidays when his father had still been around. The Kuroba house had been in constant chaos, but in a good way, the kind of chaos that involved a lot of smiles, a lot of laughter, and maybe some embarrassment on other people's parts. After his father had passed away, Kaito had done his best to keep up all their holiday traditions. He'd done a good job too, but he couldn't deny that it was never quite the same.

This year, however, things were going to be different. He could sense it. For one thing, he had his favorite detective all to himself for awhile, and he hadn't even had to throw together any schemes to make it happen. His mother wasn't home at the moment, but she would be back in time for Christmas along with the friends that she had mentioned. It promised to be a lively holiday indeed. And if it wasn't, well, Kaito was confident he could fix that. Whatever else, it would be a Christmas to remember.

Shinichi had expected the magician to continue down the street, perhaps to head over to the train station, but instead, he walked over to the car in the driveway and unlocked the door. As they drove, Kaito told him stories from his school days—mostly about the tricks he'd played on Hakuba, but there were other stories too. He had plenty of pranks to go around. Shinichi spent some time speculating about what it would have been like to be in the magician's high school class, shuddered, and silently thanked whatever god was listening that he'd been spared that particular experience. No wonder Hakuba was so paranoid around the magician.

Eventually, Kaito pulled in to a rest stop partway up into the mountains where they ate at a small cafe—or rather Kaito ate and then shredded a seedcake, which he fed to Shinichi in bits. Once that was done, it was back into the car and further up the trail. Watching the scenery go by, Shinichi was starting to think he had a pretty good idea of what it was they were going to be doing. His suspicions were confirmed when Kaito asked, "So you're comfortable with your new wings by now, right?"

/ Yes? /

"Great. It's been awhile since anyone went flying with me—not including rescuing you that time on the blimp, anyway. And, well, that wasn't exactly a relaxing experience, was it?"

Shinichi had been rather preoccupied at the time with worrying about the hijackers, and Kaito had been preoccupied with saving his life after the shrunken detective had been tossed out the window. Much as the magician loved the freedom and exhilaration of flight, things were always different when lives were at stake.

Kaito hadn't brought his KID glider, of course. Instead, he'd brought a slightly more standard, black glider that he assembled deftly while Shinichi watched. When he was done, the magician straightened and grinned at the bird, a fierce gleam in his indigo eyes that reminded the detective very much of the Moonlight Magician. "Come on, Tantei-kun. The skies await!"

TBC...

.