Hi, guys! I'm happy to know that many of you like this story as I like it myself. I really hope my translation can convey just right meaning and emotions as reiei-san's original ^^
Next Friday I'm gonna have a holiday with my family so update can be a little late, I hope won't be that late, really.
So, without further ado, enjoy…!
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Words count: 3,594 (what!?)
Rate: T, possible to change as the story develops.
Warning: typo(s), grammar error(s), possibly OOC; alternate timeline; chara(s) death; possible BL/shonen-ai
Summary: Two young men, ex-rival, now try to adjust to their new living arrangement, both with their own past and problems. What exactly happened to Kaito? Can both of them live together in peace?
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Disclaimer :
Detective Conan and Magic Kaito fully belong to Aoyama Gosho
This story belong to reiei
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Now, let the story begins…
o.O.O.o.o.O.O.o
Chapter 2
- 2nd Chance-
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[Shinichi's POV]
Clock in my cell phone shows 23 minutes before midnight when I arrive at home. That murder case I solved before was not exactly a difficult case; it's just that we were late a few minutes and the murderer who felt that his crime has been sniffed out by the police took that chance to flee. So we spend the night sweeping the whole city, searching each place that can be used as his refuge. And after the murderer has been caught, we still have files to do before we're allowed to go home. It's tiring, but I can't say that I don't enjoy this job.
There's no light in the house. Front door is also locked. I guess KID- I mean Kuroba, is asleep. Well, he got no reason to stay awake until this late anyway. After relocking the front door, hang my jacket up and throw my bag carelessly on the couch, I step into the kitchen. Thirsty. A cup of hot coffee might be great, but it'll be bad if I can't go to sleep because of it, so I urged myself to have only a glass of water.
I stride to the fridge, intended to get mineral water. That's when I feel somebody is watching me. I don't turn the lamp on before, so this room is currently as dark as any other rooms in the house. Yet I still got a feeling that somebody is here, watching me. Shifting my gaze to land upon a silhouette that seems darker than other place in the room, I squints my eyes, watching back.
"…Kuroba?" I said, half calling half guessing.
That silhouette seems to go a step closer, hand in the wall, searching for switch.
I have to squints my eyes a little when the lamps turned on, as its bright light attacking my dark accustomed pupils. But my guess is correct; standing in the kitchen doorway is KID – Kuroba Kaito, whose face seems somewhat tense and on guard. It takes a few minutes for him to recognize me and respond to my call.
"Tantei-kun," he unconsciously sighs in relief. Tension slowly fades away from his gesture. "You startle me for a moment there."
"That's my line," I said bitterly then turn away to the counter, coffee seems more enticing now.
"Want some coffee?"
I hear a chair rattle and a plop as he takes a seat before hearing his answer, "Sure. It's been a long time since my last cup of hot coffee."
I just grumble something close to a 'yes' and make one more coffee for Kuroba. Silence befalls them, only clank of spoon colliding with the cup. And when I take a seat across him with coffees placed between us, only then I can tell that his face is paler than when I left before. I just take a sip while he seems still hesitating to take the cup before him.
"Geh – so bitter," he frowns and holds the coffee off him. I just throw a smirk and continue to sip my favorite black coffee.
"You never say you want your coffee with sugar, aren't you?"
He just grumbles hearing my comment. I chuckle.
"Just add some sugar or milk," I say while pointing towards the cabinet with my chin.
Kuroba rises up and awkwardly open those cabinets one by one to find sugar jar, still grumbling here and there.
"Why'd you still awake at this late of night? Is it because of me coming home? Or nightmare?" I ask while throwing a glance. The caffeine seems working, making me relax. But it seems like my out of the blue question hit him quite hard. His body going tense and his movement stop abruptly, but it's only shown for a brief moment. I won't even catch it if I don't usually train my eyes to catch minor things like that. But I urged myself to ignore it.
Then he finally find the sugar jar to add some sugar cube to his bitter coffee, sip it to ensure its sweet enough to his liking, then he sit back down. When I think he will shut up and purposely ignore my question, he opens his mouth.
"Just the same nightmare that haunts me every night. Even I don't understand why same dream that I have seen every night still able to make me tremble." He laughs, but somehow it heard like he's laughing at himself.
"Maybe because that dream evoke the same fear and sadness, no matter how many times you see it." I tried to give some relieving answer, but he just smiles, half taunting half depressed.
Silence retook again. Coffee still warm in our mouths, while our mind roaming freely, back through months and years ago.
Eight years ago, a 'war' unknown to civilian happened. There were many casualties, chaos happened in Tokyo, but the government covered it quite well. Making those incidents seemed like have nothing to do with each other. That those incidents weren't a terrorist attack, that it was just another normal crime. Maybe that's what the government should do, making sure that there were no panic upon civilian, that they wouldn't know even if there were failures in their system. Even when they have to sacrifice other people as distraction. One of them was Kaitou KID's arrests.
Unfortunately, I don't know much about how things turned out post that incident, as I fell unconscious in hospital for almost 2 weeks; in coma. But from what I heard, KID himself got caught up in the 'war', before he got arrested. But I won't pry there, yet.
"Tomorrow is my day off," I said, finally broke the silence off. "Do you want me to bring you there?"
He shifts his gaze from the cup to me, looking at me confused, "There?"
"You haven't got there aren't you? Pay your mother a visit?"
He fells silence, processing my word before mumbling soft 'oh'. "…If you don't mind," he answered with a small smile.
I just give a nod. "But, seeing my car is now being repaired, we have to go by foot."
Kuroba choke. I lift an eyebrow at him, confused.
"Do you have a car already?! Seems like your job hit it big time, huh? Is being a private detective gives that much income?" he said with a smile spread side to side. I don't know whether it's his poker face or he really have come out from his depression, honestly I don't really care.
"Let's just say so. And I'm a police detective you know." I answer indifferently, continue to take a sip from my blissful coffee.
He choke again. I just stare at him, awaiting his response.
"Tantei-kun is a police detective?! That surprises me. Well, even though you were close with the officers and help them from time to time, I always thought you will be a private detective or a consultant detective just like your beloved Holmes. Who knows you'll join the force." He sing song in colorful emotion play, sometimes shock or amusement or something else, that truthfully I don't know why.
I indeed have thought to become a private detective just like what he said, or back then just like in senior high, but after all that happened I think there's nothing wrong with helping the police. They have been urging me to join them anyway. And so, here I am. And with high enough rank now that I have been a police detective for more than 3 years.
"I think there's nothing wrong with that, KI – Kuroba," I roll my eyes. He's still watching me with that all happy smile.
Our cups are empty before long. And weary overtook me again. It seems like my body miss his fluffy bed after all those running around. Kuroba seems better too now. I took a glance at the clock above the fridge, it's nearly 2 a.m. In a few hours sun will rise yet again, another busy day. I need sleep, now. I hope the caffeine is wearing off, because even if I can't sleep, my body needs it.
"Let's go to sleep now and think about our plan tomorrow after we get enough rest," I said while getting up from the chair. I put my cup in the sink and get out from the kitchen, mumbling 'good night', that replied by a 'good night, Tantei-kun' from Kuroba.
I move towards my room, change my clothes to more comfortable t-shirt and pants then collapse into the bed right away. It doesn't take much time for me to drift away to dream-land.
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[Kaito's POV]
I get up from my chair not too long after Tantei-kun goes to sleep – or rather after I heard his bedroom door slam closed. I still contemplating Tantei-kun's offer. Well, he's right, I haven't got any time to go there. And it's been 8 years already. It's true that I have heard about what happened, I felt it – but I haven't seen any prove yet. And above all, am I ready to face the facts slamming down in my face at all? Endanger this 'wound' that hasn't even healed yet?
I try to divert my thought to something else. Washing these cups for example. But this diversion doesn't last long. How long it take to wash 2 empty cups anyway?
I huff a heavy sighs. "Maybe I should take Tantei-kun's idea to just go to sleep for now," I blurted it unconsciously.
Then I go back to my room. Hah, it's been 8 years since I have my own room. Somehow it sounds funny to me. After closing my door and turning the lamp off, I just lay in my new bed, staring at the dark ceiling above me. This place is quiet and dark, but with obvious difference with the 'quiet and dark' of a prison cell. It feels narrower, dirtier, and tenser – and many other feelings I tried to ignore while I'm locked up there. Comparing the situation there and the comfy and warm feeling here make me somehow dazed off, and then I fall asleep before long.
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Rays of light that infiltrate the rooms through unclosed curtain wakes me up. It feels strange. Maybe because last time rays of sunlight woke me up in the morning is 8 year ago? Usually its morning bell or pitter patters of other prisoners that just got up or warden's 'get up' shout that woke me up. Well, more often I got up before morning bell and other prisoners though, because I don't feel safe to go back to sleep while there's chance to be attacked anytime. And trust me; it's not something strange, especially when your cell mate doesn't like you.
I glance at the wall clock – it's dead. Of course, this is unused room. Tantei-kun won't give a damn whether that clock is run out of battery or not.
Setting aside my desire to just clam up and go back to sleep, I get up. This house is so quiet. Glancing upstairs, Tantei-kun's door is still closed. Most likely still asleep then. Have nothing to do, my stomach decided to give me some clue by rumbling, quite loud. I just remember I haven't eaten anything since out of prison, spending all day sleeping – and give myself tour around the house – after Tantei-kun left for work. So I decided to go to ransack the fridge. Cooking has never been my area of expertise, but at least I can make myself some toasts, or maybe sandwiches. I saw some bread in the cabinet yesterday.
And it turns out that the fridge was out of ransacking material, as it's mostly empty. Well, there're some fruits inside, but no groceries. No any kind of meat. And fortunately no f-fish. Just some eggs. Then I think today's breakfast is just a toast then.
I just finish my second toast-with-chocolate-jam-toppings, my favorite, when I see Tantei-kun come in with still glued shut eyes.
"Ohayou, Tantei-kun. Sleep well last night?" I ask him cheerfully. But he just goes past me while mumbling 'coffee…'
Raising an eyebrow, I watch him use the coffee maker, then sit across me with a cup of black coffee in hand. Then just like a car that's having been refuel, he 'livens' up. I can't stop myself from laughing.
"So Tantei-kun is the type that can't start the day without a coffee, eh?"
"Problems?" he says indifferently while grabbing a toast from plate before him.
"Chocolate jam?" I said while offering the jar.
"Thanks," he murmured, then spread – a whole lot – chocolate jam to his toast before adding another slice of bread atop it. He seems to enjoy his breakfast. I wait for him by reading yesterday's newspaper. Not much different than 8 years ago, typical.
"So? Have you decided?" Tantei-kun asks suddenly. I almost ask him back when I remember our little chat yesterday. I flip the newspaper, trying to hide my nervousness.
"Sure. If you don't mind of course," I reply. He smiles, and I don't know why seeing it makes me happy.
"I'm the one offering you. There's no way I mind it, right? Baka.
"Maybe you'll change your mind," I argue.
"Too bad your assumption is wrong."
"Well, maybe it's because I'm not a detective like you."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
I laugh off those silly bickering. It feels good to be childish after this long. And now I'm no longer in a senior high student, huh, I almost turn 25 year old now. Sometimes I feel the clock ticking very slowly, but sometimes – like now – it feels the time passes so quickly. As fast as our toasts gone, maybe.
"Have you taken a bath yet?" the detective ask.
"Nah, of course not. I can't just go in and grab a change of clothes in your room while you're fast asleep, can I?"
"It seems like you still have some manners left in you, seeing you used to break in and steal jewel as you like," he said with fake-shock face.
I snort, "Well, I'm not jailed in vain, aren't I?"
And looks like he found that sarcasm funny as he laugh. I just roll my eyes while Tantei-kun begins to clear the table, still laughing.
"Take a bath first," he finally says, "Just pick any clothes you like from my wardrobe."
I can't say I'm not excited to finally take a bath in a bathroom, a real bathroom, not a public bath with so much limited bathing time.
"You can turn on the water heater if you want," he stare at me, I mean, smirking at me, he clearly knows what I was thinking.
"Tch –"I turn around right away so he won't see my embarrassed face, because apparently I became such an open book to him. Looks like I have to retrain my poker face, especially because I'm gonna live with him from now on. I almost forget how annoying that detective can be! Just you wait Tantei-kun…
When I finally get out of bath, clock shows it's been almost an hour gone by. I don't even realize I've been in the bath for that long. I try to look for Tantei-kun is his room, to no avail. Then I tried the kitchen and the living room next, still no sign of him. Maybe he's in his study? Bingo.
"Oh, done yet? I thought you plan to fall asleep there," he said as he saw me come in.
"I prefer the fluffy bed, thank you. But the hot water was indeed really relaxing," I said casually.
Seems like Tantei-kun doesn't want to argue as he just shut down his laptop and get out of the study, to the bathroom I bet.
He just needs about 15 minutes to take a bath. Maybe because police detectives trained to always stand by? Well, we have less time to wash in jail.
"What are you doing?" he takes a glance at the files in my hand.
"Just reading your report. Not many interesting cases, huh?" I replied then I placed those file reports back to where it was before, everything is in date order.
"Police don't choose case to solve, baka."
"Ho? Too bad."
"At least we're not bothered by an arrogant thief like you anymore."
"Does that mean I should make my debut again?"
"Hah, I don't think you can," he stares at me. Not a degrading gaze, more like he tries to take out anything I tried to hide. Not wanting to continue the discussion any longer, I hurry up and get out of there, pass him and go straight to the front door.
"Can we go now, Tantei-kun?"
I can hear his footsteps later. And then we stroll down through quiet-Sunday-morning street. I can still remember a little about this familiar street, not much difference compared to 8 years ago. The first of September is not that bright or sunny. Smell of summer is fading, replaced by warmth of autumn. Winds blow quite strong and blown fallen leaves away.
"So, what happened to your car, Tantei-kun?" I ask, mainly as distraction to my own growing nervousness.
"Hah? Oh, I grazed road railings on purpose to corner a suspect. He's a street racer so it was quite a hassle to apprehend him," he said with a hint of annoyance, but I can tell he's quite proud of his accomplishment. I can only sweatdrop.
"You sounds like a mad driver, Tantei-kun," I stare at him unconvinced.
"It's not my problem if you won't get in my car later," he snorted. I just laugh.
We continue our walk in small and unimportant heated arguments. Looks like we're really a bad match, huh?
"I've said it before, aren't –" I cut my remark abruptly seeing he stop suddenly. "What's wrong, Tantei-kun? Smelling case?"
He just raise his left shoulder, pointing, "Do you want to buy something first?"
I turn my head to my left side, seeing a flower shop – that have just opened, seeing its owner is sweeping outside her shop – with a plank saying 'Winter Bud' carved beautifully above the door. Ah, flower. That's right.
The florist – the middle aged women that was just sweeping outside – realizes us coming and greeting us with warm smile, "Ara, Keiji-san, good morning. Do come in. What flower do you need today gentlemen?"
The florist aunty invites us inside. Apparently Tantei-kun knows her and is chatting with her while my eyes busy staring at the flowers all over the shop. I haven't seen any flowers for a long time. I'm not that fond of flowers, but I indeed amazed by how each and every flower has its own color and beauty, how they can express different meanings and emotions.
'And today's flower is…'
My hand automatically outstretched to some purple flowers, flower I think suitable to convey my thoughts and emotions.
"Hyacinth, sir?" the florist smile at me while moving to the counter, ready to take order.
I just give a small nod, "Do you have sweetpeas too? And maybe some red roses…," I said while still gazing at those purple hyacinth. I don't realize Tantei-kun's sympathetic gaze at me or what the florist was saying next. My brain can only see those flowers, and its message that I can't convey directly.
And before I know, we're arrived at our destination, with a bouquet of purple hyacinths, sweetpeas and some roses, unfitting to this gloomy and cloudy weather. But what do I care? Those here can't protest, can't do anything anymore.
My legs bring me to familiar place, but what's in front of me is differ from what I last remember. Now, there's not only one name written here, but three. All three of my family, there're all here in front of me. Slowly my legs bring me closer, my hand trembles when placing the bouquet at the altar. Lots of emotions are swirling within me, I don't even know what they're. Sadness, guilt, anger… For a moment, all I can do is standing there, lost. I feel like my throat is corked, my chest hurts, and next all I know is my vision blurred. I can feel tears gathering at the corner of my eyes, and bleed away, slowly rolling down my cheek.
'Father… Mother… Jii… I'm sorry,'
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To Be Continued
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Well, that's it! This is one of my favorite scene, so I do hope you all understand where Kaito is right now, as I hope I don't messed this up ^_^
And thanks to REAdre for correcting prey and pry, I'm glad you like it XD