-Love of Four-

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

Warning: KaiShin relationship.

A/N: Why does it seem hard to put all the Shinichi's together with Kaito? I seemed to have taken the route of always separating them...


09: Apologies and Not-apologies

It was one of those days that Kaito felt slightly out of it, where he wanted to do something (for example pranking) but felt no inspiration for a prank, even though the Blond detective is so enticing.

"Kaito?" Aoko asked with a worried voice, most likely because he has yet to pull anything, not only pranks but he had not even pulled a magic trick for the past few hours. Clearly the class had been edgy and sent Aoko to investigate. "Is everything ok?"

"Define 'ok'." Kaito lean on his palm, looking out of the window instead of Aoko who was clearly more than just concerned.

There was a long moment of silence, where her eyes attempted to cut through the Poker Face Kaito had set up. She seemed to have made some headway as she replied with "You're...sulking?"

"What?" Immediately, Kaito turned around. "I am NOT sulking." He crossed his arms, turning his head away from scrutinizing eyes. Apparently, the whole class had been eavesdropping and turned at their direction. "Hey! Don't you guys have better things to do."

As a collective, the class shook their heads with synchronization fit for the Olympics events.

"Then are you all offering to become my special audience in an upcoming trick?" He raised his hand, fingers ready to snap the moment he heard a single affirmative. There were many who looked apprehensive, one actually ran out of the classroom door, fearing whatever Kaito may unleash.

"Well?" Kaito's patience was running thin. "Are you all going to answer or do I have to make this special performance?" One of his doves appeared on the top of his head with a small puff of white smoke. In her beaks held a rather suspicious balloon.

The class shook their heads and quickly turned away from the conversation by the window, mindful to look busy and not appear the slightest bit interested at the reason why their resident prankster magician looked so glum.

"Ah-hem." Aoko coughed to regain Kaito's attention. "Are you going to tell me the reason at least?"

"Like I said Aoko, I Am Not Sulking" He stressed his words. He, at least, believed it was not sulking. Merely concerned. His detective had been quite distant lately, even when he took him, or more specifically Shiina, out on that impromptu date. Kaito had thought it had been a good outing, what with the lack of bodies littering their path and no one screamed during their dining experience.

"Sure Kaito, as if." Her tone of voice hinted otherwise. "And it just so happens you do not feel any hunger, or boredom, or even stiffness. You do know it's the end of school right? You've been sitting like this since you came in this morning."

"I...have?" Kaito was alarmed, how had he been so distracted. Though thinking about his detective would often make him lose track of time, but to stay still for this long was unthinkable. No wonder he garnered so much attention.

"Yes, even Hakuba-kun looked concerned." At that, Aoko stepped slightly to the left to reveal the Blond detective still in his seat, cautiously looking over his shoulder as he pretended to pack his bag for the day. Aoko then stepped back to obstruct the view, and most likely to stop Kaito from having any strange thoughts, or spontaneous bursts of ingenuity as Kaito liked to call his pranking outbursts. "Can you at least tell Aoko?"

"Nothing...just...maybe? I don't know." He rubbed his hand on his hair in a fit of frustration.

"Ok, now you're freaking Aoko out." She grabbed his hand and the bag hanging by the table. "Kaito is coming right this instance!" She forcefully pulled Kaito out of his seat, even as he dragged his feet on the ground. She also took the opportunity to haul them towards the shoe locker and flung opened Kaito's locker to throw down his outside shoes. "Change." She demanded, to which Kaito obediently did.

Aoko waited impatiently for Kaito to replace the shoes back into the locker, tapping her feet on the dirt ground. Once Kaito made certain the doors to his lockers were firmly shut, he turned back to the near-fuming Aoko.

"So…"

"We're going to that chocolate cafe." She stated firmly, hand on Kaito's wrist as though he would run away. "And you're going to tell Aoko why you look so glum for the whole day."

"Aoko~" Kaito began to whine, hoping it had some effect. However, his childhood friend seems to be immune to his act.

"No Kaito. Aoko will not be leaving you alone like this." She replied as though reading his mind, which she actually did. "Kaito is never the kind to sit still for the full school day, unless you're really are sick. In which case Aoko would drag you back home and make sure you stay in bed."

"Not sick…" Kaito muttered softly, not really believing his own words. While he was not physically sick in the normal sense, he had a feeling he might be sick in the heart (or the head as Aoko would probably say seeing as she, and many of their classmates, would insist he was insane and therefore sick in his head).

"Aoko will take your word for it." She pushed open the glass door to their destination. The sounds of a bustling cafe rushed out. Aoko motioned Kaito to enter first, promptly waving over a waitress to guide them to their seats. There was something in the waitress eyes that hinted on amusement.

"We have a chocolate afternoon tea for two if you are interested." The waitress suggested, moving away slightly to motion at the poster hanging on the wall depicting the spread of goodies for their afternoon tea special. While normally Kaito would jump at the chance to try out the many varieties of chocolatey goodness, Kaito shook his head and instead ordered a hot chocolate.

"Kaito doesn't want anything else?" Aoko frowned prominently. "It is unlike Kaito to not order cake or waffles with his drink…"

"It's nothing Aoko, just no feeling hungry at the moment." He stared sullenly at the glass of water in his hand that was left by the waitress just moments ago.

"Kaito," her eyes suddenly had a worrying edge to it, "you're worrying me…" It was not often for his childhood friend to revert back to first person. But it was clear that Kaito's lack of reaction was causing more than just worry.

Feeling he should at least confide in someone, and knowing that Aoko would not relent until he said something, Kaito began to phrase his question.

"Aoko, do you..." Kaito was not sure how to continue with the line of thought. After all, he had yet to tell his childhood friend that he now has a certain special someone. He turned the glass over in his hands, taking another sip as he tries to gather his thoughts.

"Is this about Irie-chan?" Aoko prompted. Kaito could not help but wince. "Did you anger her again?" In a sense, it was about Irie Shiina seeing as his detective had been in disguise when they went on the impromptu date. But at the same time, it was not about the female persona but his beloved male detective.

"Yes...I guess?"

"How can you guess?" She sounded incredulous, voice drawing in nearby patrons and the waitress delivering their beverages. "You either did or you did not. Now which is it?"

"I don't remember doing anything outwardly to anger anyone lately."

"Unfortunately, Kaito also does things that anger people inadvertently." She shook her head with a sigh, taking a sip of her hot liquid of choice. "Maybe Kaito would feel better after talking with Irie-chan, though do try not to anger her further."

"I'd never do that!" Kaito exclaimed, standing in an abrupt fashion that startled the waitress who was about to serve them. It was thanks to Kaito's quick reaction that saved their drinks on the silver serving tray from falling onto the ground. A bashful smile and quick apology (along with ample amounts of flirting) later, the waitress retreated from the area with a faint blush in her cheeks among Aoko's deep frown.

She pulled Kaito by his lapel, forcing out a pained choke from him, and nearly smashed Kaito into the table. "Did you do the same thing during your date with Irie-chan?"

"What did I do?" Clearly confused, and desperately trying to escape, Kaito wiggled from his position only for Aoko to tighten her grip. He resigned to his awkward pose on the table and repositioned himself to something more comfortable than having his face smashed onto the flat surface.

"You flirting with other people. Did you do that? If so, I have half a mind to do more than banging your head onto the table." There were limited circumstances that could reduce Aoko to first person pronoun, first was worry and second is true anger. Not the playful and explosive anger that produced entertaining mop chases around the classroom, but the type of anger that simmered and boiled underneath the skin that burns like acid. Clearly, Aoko was feeling angered at Kaito's display but he could not, for the life of him, figure out the reason.

Aoko sighed, not sure whether to pity Kaito for being so dense or for being so oblivious. "Kaito should not treat other females like they were treasures when Kaito is on a date with Irie-chan."

"But I didn't!" He profusely denied. "I didn't even give people flowers during dates!"

"Which means Kaito gives flowers to strangers passing by when he is not on a date. What if Irie-chan saw one of those instances and thought she was being neglected? Has Kaito ever considered that?" Kaito felt the release of pressure and he quickly squirmed back into his seat, hoping to be out of reach of his childhood friend. The pained frown on her face made Kaito pause before opening his mouth. Aoko seemed to have picked up on this and continued, "Kaito is normally considerate towards other people, by which Aoko means strangers that Kaito only has passing knowledge of. If Kaito becomes acquainted with someone for an extended amount of time, Kaito tends to take us for granted."

"I do not!" He repeated once again in the same petulant tone. "I treasure each and every one of you, and yes before you ask I consider Hakuba a somewhat friendly face as well." He never acted, at least not much, in front of those he trusted. Those such as Aoko who knew him from childhood, the Inspector who chases him at night and is a friendly uncle-slash-father-figure by day, Hakuba who had somehow managed to worm his way into Kaito's heart even with his annoying habit of being a time-stickler, and of course his beloved detective who commands over Kaito's heart, all these people he never put on much of a Poker Face and always showed some bits of his true self (not that Aoko knows better, or the Inspector, though Hakuba may have some inkling about it).

"Aoko knows that, even dad knows that. Hakuba, maybe, Aoko can't be sure. But Irie-chan has only known Kaito for a short while so she might not understand Kaito's built-in reaction to strangers."

There was a temptation for Kaito to correct Aoko, that even though he and his detective may have only become acquainted for a short while, but Shinichi can see through each and every one of Kaito's action and could easily tell which ones were genuine and which ones were fake. However, this would also mean revealing the truth to Aoko and Kaito felt now was not the time or place to do so.

"Kaito needs to apologize quickly. Take Irie-chan out for cakes and deserts." She suggested hopefully.

"Not cakes." He shook his head. "Tried that before, apparently sweets is not one of the favourites."

There was a moment of determination before Aoko stuck out her hand. "Wallet." She demanded.

"If you wanted me to pay for the drinks, all you have to do was ask." With fake reluctance, Kaito pulled out his worn wallet and flipped through the bill. Though Aoko was not having any of that and took the whole wallet instead. "Oi!" He exclaimed, following quickly behind Aoko as she headed towards the cashier counter.

"We leaving," she slammed down several bills, "and also, can we have half a dozen of the dark chocolate tarts?"

"Aoko, I don't need chocolate tarts." He reached over, hoping to save a few bills but Aoko leveled him a look that had him shrinking away fast.

"You don't need the tarts?" Her question made him wonder what she might be hinting at. "Aoko says Kaito needs the tarts. He will take them over to Irie-chan and apologize for his inconsiderate actions!" The server made a rather prompt appearance, bringing over a small cardboard carry box held with a rather ornate ribbon. "Does Aoko make herself clear?"

Kaito gulped, carefully taking the box from the server to avoid further anger from his childhood friend. Aoko could be scary when angered. Whilst he normally would have puffed the box into non-existence, he kept hold of the box as a show of willingness to follow Aoko's instruction.

"Good. Now, Kaito had better leave right?" Her too-sweet smile brought shivers down Kaito and he waved a quick goodbye as he hurried down the street.

As he walked towards the station, he pondered whether he really did something wrong to annoy his detective. There was a rather strange sort of distance between him and his detective lately, it was as though Shinichi was trying to avoid him. He shook his head, not wanting to draw any strange conclusions for now. He really did not like to ponder about the prospect of Shinichi wanting to break up with him. Not when Kaito really do feel Shinichi was the one he could trust and spend his future with.

"Please don't let that be the case." He murmured with an eye towards the sky, praying his patron goddess. "Don't let him have any strange thoughts."

The journey towards to Beika was exceptionally short for Kaito today, most likely an effect of having his mind preoccupied with thoughts about his detective. Within moments, he found himself in front of the iron gates of the Kudo house. His palms had suddenly become sweaty, never before had he felt nervous at contacting and entering his detective's domain.

"Must be because I'm dreading the outcome." He muttered, hand poised over the call button in front. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the button, hoping that against all odds, his detective was not home.

"Hello?" Strangely enough, it was a young voice that answered.

Kaito took a double take. It was a rather recognisable voice, one that he thought he would never hear again.

"Is Kudo Shinichi home?"

"Hold on a moment." There was a click and buzz as the gates were released. Kaito approached the front doors, which opened just as he stepped onto the porch.

Kaito glanced downwards at the youth holding open the door.

"And you are?" There was a distinct weariness in the youth's voice. Kaito held back his instinct to wrap his arms around Edogawa Conan, whom he last heard was back in the States with his parents now that his family affairs had been settled.

"Kuroba Kaito. I'm…" He hesitated, wondering if it was ok to announce himself as a boyfriend. Deciding Conan was mature enough to understand the concept, he continued, "I'm Shinichi's boyfriend. Is he in?"

The cocking of Conan's head extremely cute, with his wide eyes and innocent expression. For a moment, Kaito thought Conan would refuse entry but the boy moved away and gestured him in.

"Shinichi-niisan should be in the library." Conan pattered in the direction that Kaito knew to lead to the literary sanctuary, leaving Kaito to handle himself. He took a moment to take the slippers from the drawers nearby, the pair he stashed away in the cupboard for times he visit the place.

"Shinichi?" Kaito peeked a head into the library, seeing Shinichi sunk into the leather chair with his head stuck in a book. Conan had snuggled into a nearby beanbag, settling in with a book with too many words to be suitable for someone his age.

"Kaito!" Shinichi exclaimed, nearly jumping out of his chair. There was a frantic look on his face as he did a quick visual check of the surroundings. Kaito quirked an eyebrow at the strange behaviour and wondered if his detective thought he might be attack inside his own home. "What brings you here?" He said with a sigh of relief.

"It was brought to my attention that I might have...offended you lately…" There was no easy way to put this, and Kaito felt it would be strange to just apologise outright. "I want to apologise for whatever it is that I've done and hope you'll forgive me?"

"What?" The questioning gaze from Shinichi told Kaito that he did not understand the situation. "What are you talking about?"

"Well, I thought it might be something that I've done lately which made you distance yourself from me." It was not often Kaito showed his insecurities but he thought Shinichi deserved to see all of him instead of the masks he showed to the world. "And it was suggested that I should come bearing gifts and apologise for my behaviour."

"No!" Shinichi stood up with a start, rushing around the table and banging his leg on a corner in the process. Instead of continuing his steps, he bent over and nursed the bruised leg. Kaito winced along with the hiss that came from behind. He turned back to see Conan reacting to Shinichi's bout of clumsiness, near mimicking what Shinichi was feeling at the moment. Kaito found it strange but brushed it off as the youth being empathic.

"Are you ok Shinichi." Kaito knelt down to look at the leg area, a light blue patch was just beginning to form.

"It's fine. It happens all the time." Shinichi waved it off and tugged Kaito back standing. "And that's not the issue at the moment." The blues eyes held a sort of intensity that created pleasing shivers down Kaito's body. Not wanting to continue the conversation standing up, Kaito pulled them towards a nearby settee and sat down, placing the box of goodies on the side table. He was aware they were not alone in the library, Conan though small and inconspicuous has a rather noticeable aura not dissimilar to his detective's. But if Shinichi thought it was fine for the youth to hear this conversation, Kaito would not complain.

"Kaito," Shinichi's words cut through Kaito's thoughts, "you haven't done anything you need to apologise for." His detective's voice was guilt laden. Something must have happened to Shinichi and Kaito desperately wanted to know what it was. "It's...I should be the one to apologise. I haven't been fair to you lately."

"Shinichi…"

"I was too preoccupied with myself and I'm the one who neglected you. It's natural that you feel you're at fault because you were always so caring and kind towards me. And I'm sure I'm just not...not what you envisioned, both myself and this...relationship…"

There was something wrong with the choice of words, something dark and ominous. To Kaito, it sounds as though his detective was resigned to him calling this relationship off.

"What are you saying?" However, Kaito must discern the truth from the words. He did not want to jump to a wrong conclusion.

"I won't blame you if you find me boring or inattentive and wanted to rethink your decisions. I know what I am-"

"Stop Shinichi. Stop saying things like that." Kaito hugged Shinichi as hard as he could, bringing his detective closer than ever. "There's nothing wrong with you." Strangely enough, Kaito was the one close to tears when hearing his detective depreciating himself. "You're a great person, there's nothing wrong with being a great person."

"But, I'm…" Shinichi stuttered out.

There does not seem to be any intention of finishing the sentence even as Kaito waited. Instead, he pulled back, focused his gaze on the cerulean eyes, and told his detective with an unwavering voice, "you're a great person. I like you for being who you are, there's no reason for you to go doubting yourself."

Kaito gave Shinichi time to digest the words, though he had to physically stop his detective from bruising his lower lips as Shinichi tends to nibble on the soft flesh when in doubt. Kaito had to wonder why such thoughts came over his detective.

"Shinichi, did someone say something to you?" It was the only plausible explanation for his detective to be doubting his affections. "Do I need to go on a jealous rampage?" He added more as a joke, though there is the underlying connotation of him going out on a rampage just to seek revenge on the possible party responsible for this change of behaviour.

"No!" A strangely adamant response from Shinichi, "nothing! No one!" His insistence only made Kaito more weary. Kaito was quite sure something must have happened, but since when and by whom was something that requires a deep investigation. However, he was fine with leaving his detective to think he had dropped the matter all together.

"Now, I brought over some tarts that I think you'd like." He reached over to open up the cardboard box.

Conan had inconspicuously made his way over to them, standing slightly on tip-toes to peer into the box. Kaito smile at the childish display and wondered whether Shinichi also display such emotions when he was at that age.

"I didn't know you have someone else here, but I did bring enough." He was glad that Aoko decided half a dozen of the tarts instead of two. There would be enough left over for his detective the next morning.

"I'll serve it up." Shinichi took the box away with him and Kaito wanted to follow. But expectant blue eyes stared at him like puppies demanding to be pet. Not wanting to disappoint his audience, he gave Conan a smile.

"How about some magic then?" He pulled out a deck of cards. He remembered Conan was mature of his age so the usual confetti and colourful tricks would not work well. However, close proximity card tricks and tricks that are less flashy in nature would do well to keep the boy entertained.

-TBC-