Shinichi sighed for what felt like the hundredth time. This was the tenth heist he'd been to since his return, and Kid was still ignoring his flirting. Or, well, he wasn't ignoring it, per se. He flirted back usually, but nothing came of it even though he was old enough to actually do something about his (embarrassing) attraction to the thief.
Shinichi eyed the pre-heist set up with disinterest and mild apathy. They looked like fools today more than ever. Half of them kept running off to take calls from irate lovers and spouses, and the other half looked as depressed as Shinichi felt, but were trying to channel that into their work ethic.
Shinichi sighed again.
"Kudou, is something wrong?" Hakuba asked, overseeing the proceedings from afar as was his wont.
"No, it's nothing. It's my own fault, really. I let myself get my hopes up, nothing more."
Hakuba made a considering noise. "I won't say I understand what you mean, but I will say that I think you shouldn't give up hope on a holiday. That wouldn't really be sporting, would it?"
Shinichi rolled his eyes, but did feel a little better. Comforted even. "Alright, alright. I'll cheer up for the rest of the heist at least, but I retain the right to mope at home after."
"If that's necessary, you're certainly welcome to." Hakuba smiled. "Now, I believe we have a minute left. Best prepare, hm?"
Hakuba slipped away into the crowd of officers, but not before slipping something into Shinichi's pocket. Frowning, he pulled out a slip of paper. There was an address, a restaurant if Shinichi wasn't mistaken.
Curious, Shinichi put the paper back, and got ready to move. Just because he was willing to give up on the object of his affections didn't mean he wouldn't give the heist his all.
Kid grinned, standing with the window at his back. Shinichi estimated they had about three minutes before the taskforce caught up.
"Don't worry about them," Kid said, possibly reading his mind. "Hakuba's running interference for me. He owed me a favor."
"So the note was from you?" Shinichi asked, hand straying to his pocket.
"Consider it an invitation." Kid took a step toward him, then another. "We've been playing a rather exciting game of cat and mouse, detective, but I'd like to do this properly."
"What are you asking?" Shinichi asked, wary.
"Kudou Shinichi, will you be my Valentine?" Kid knelt before him, offering him a red rose, not yet fully bloomed.
Shinichi accepted the rose and opened his mouth to respond, but Kid stood abruptly and pressed a gloved finger to his lips.
"No, no, detective. I said properly. If you're interested, meet me at that address in a half hour." Kid pressed a kiss to his cheek before backing away, cheeks a fetching shade of red. Without further ado, he escaped out the window, probably climbing down the side, based on the lack of a glider.
Shinichi pressed a hand to his cheek and admired the rose.
It was a little needlessly dramatic and mysterious, intriguing, but then, Kid never did things by halves.
Shinichi entered the restaurant at a leisurely pace, admiring the décor and ambiance. At a booth in the back corner, he could see a young man in a blue dress shirt fidgeting with the menu. Shinichi smiled, gesturing to him when the hostess tried to seat him.
"Kudou?" she asked. "Please go right ahead. Your date got here before you." The woman smiled, waving him over.
When Kid saw his approach, he stood, the table rattling somewhat. Shinichi stifled a laugh, unwilling to embarrass him. He was just so happy to see something other than the unflappable and mysterious phantom thief.
"You came!" Kid breathed in amazement.
"I was trying to tell you yes, but you shushed me," Shinichi reminded him, taking the seat across from him.
"I, that's because, I want you to be my Valentine, not Kid's." Kid took a deep breath before straightening with a nervous smile. "My name is Kuroba Kaito. It's a pleasure to meet you, Shinichi."
"That's what all this was about?" Shinichi laughed. "Well, Kaito, I'd be happy to be your Valentine, but only if you'll go out with me."
Kaito beamed. "That can certainly be arranged."
"It's lucky you sent Hakuba to deliver that note, you know. I was about ready to give up on you."
Kaito considered that, tilting his head. After a moment, he smiled again. "That's okay. I was prepared to court you if you weren't sure. I'm glad, though. I'd hate to start a relationship on that note. Never doubt, Shinichi, that you are my favorite detective and one of my favorite people."
"Well, I suppose you should know, you're the only criminal that's ever stolen my heart," Shinichi told him, tone serious.
Kaito laughed. Shinichi thought it was probably the best sound he'd ever heard. He was looking forward to hearing it more often. Kaito took his hand, and began telling him about the restaurant's specialties and desserts with enthusiasm.
Shinichi wanted to kiss him. He supposed there would be time later, when they weren't in public. Shinichi smiled.
