Shinichi was dumbfounded. For what seemed like the first time in his life, he couldn't think of anything to say. He studied the kaitou's face dubiously, sensing the sincerity.

"I need you to help me solve a case," he said again, seeing the teenage detective's look of disbelief. Just barely holding in his laughter, Shinichi sat on the side of his bed, earning him an irritated glance from the thief who obviously sensed he wasn't being taken seriously.

"Okay, hit me." The thief, deciding to take a slight revenge into his own hands, sat calmly in the window.

"Tell me, why do you think I steal priceless gems?"

"I'm not in the mood for guessing games."

"I only asked you what you thought, not the answer." he replied with a small, mischievous smirk. Irritably, Shinichi stood back up and began pacing back and forth through the darkness of the room.

"Because you enjoy embarrassing the authorities." he answered shortly. To his surprise, the thief's gaze turned downwards, the grin vanishing from his face as his attitude became almost visibly more somber.

"So it would appear…" Shinichi stopped where he stood.

"So that's not the case? Then for what reason?" The kaitou took a deep sigh and sat down on the bed, his head hanging slightly. Shinichi was shocked, almost frightened, to see the usually so flamboyant thief like this.

"Long story short, some people are out to kill me, the same people that killed my father, the original Kaitou Kid."

The surprises just didn't seem to end. Involuntarily taking a seat next to the thief, Shinichi half expected Sherlock Holmes to come flying through the window next, followed by the ever faithful Watson.

"The Pandora gem," he continued, "Is hidden with in jewel. Legend says it will being immortality. But legend or not, I have to find it before they do and destroy it."

"So that's why they're after you…" Shinichi muttered thoughtfully. It made perfect sense.

"That, and they think I'm my father." Shinichi ran his fingers through his hair.

"Look, I'm sorry to hear about this and all, but you're a thief and I'm a detective. And I have a lot on my mind right now, so-"

"Oh, you mean the girlfriend troubles." interrupted Kid, pulling a soggy note from thin air.

"She wasn't even my girlfriend. Never got a chance to ask her out." groaned Shinichi miserably as he felt a heavy weight descending on his shoulders once again.

"There, there. I feel for you, I really do." said Kid, putting an arm around Shinichi like an old friend. "I know a thing or two about girls myself." Shinichi groaned and held his head in his hands.

"The last thing I want from you is girl help." he grumbled.

"But that's what friends are for!" exclaimed Kid, his usual airy, joking demeanor returning to him. Shinichi couldn't help but crack a smile. Everything was just so ridiculous.

"Alright, 'friend', then how about removing that monocle?" At that, Kid laughed.

"But wouldn't you rather find out for yourself, detective?" Shinichi shrugged as they both stood up.

"Alright, Kid. I'll take your case. For free even." he joked, extending a hand. Kid shook it firmly, a warm smile of gratitude spreading across his face.

"Deal. I'll send a note to the police before my next heist. I'll be counting on you to tell them that I'm not their target, this time, at least."

At that moment, a small bespectacled face peeked out from behind the bedroom door, blue eyes wide in astonishment. Immediately he jumped into the bedroom, lifting up a sleeve to reveal a watch which he pointed at the thief.

"What are you doing here?" the boy snapped, ready to stun him if he tried to escape. Kid only grinned.

"I'm sure Shinichi, here, would be happy to explain." he said, waiting for Conan to drop his guard, but no luck. A small capsule slipped down his sleeve and into his hand with the faintest movement. With a final smug grin, he disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

Waving a small hand to clear his vision, Conan came forward coughing only to find the ever elusive Kid had escaped once again. And right when he was within their grasp.

"You mind explaining this?" Conan asked when the air had cleared, the smoke filtering out through the open window into what had escalated into a downpour.

"We're doing him a favor." Shinichi replied, finding a slight amusement at the expression on his younger self's face. When a deep sigh, Shinichi relayed the entire conversation to the boy, all the while secretly wondering if- no, when he was going to wake up and find it all a dream.

>>>to be continued…

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A huge thank you to everyone who reads this ( even if you didn't enjoy it ).

It thrills me ( I am pathetic ) to know that not all of my time spent writing is a waste. If anything, I hope to keep improving!

Okay, so this is my first DC fanfic. Also my second attempt at this simpler style of writing. It's nearly driving me insane…I am so used to adding paragraphs of detail

Okay, so I finally have a title.

And I personally don't like it too much XP

If anyone has any suggestions, they're always welcome!