A/N:Hoorah, my DC plunnies have come back, as brief as this chapter might be, enjoy it anyway! I have Alchemist's reincarnation to update and I'm gonna look over my other fanfiction tonight, so call it a night and head to bed, too.

Chapter 23 A visit from Aoko

"I finally found you, Kaito."

Kaito didn't even look up at the owner of the voice for a few moments, merely resigned to fiddling with his cast and looking at the detective's empty chair where he had been moments before. Shinichi had stepped out upon seeing the angry Aoko and decided that Kaito needed some private time with his girlfriend to explain things to her.

"Kaito, are you even paying attention to me? Explain yourself. You didn't call me, you didn't text me, you haven't been in school for the past few days, and you didn't even bother to send an excuse." Aoko said, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

He hated seeing her like this. He hated it, hated the knowledge now that he would have to burden her with the weight of his secret. Would she hate him now? She had every right to, now that she would know the very same thief she hated was her best friend.

"...Please don't cry, Aoko. I have my reasons." He whispered, softly. He still didn't look up at her, and that seemed to anger her even more.

She glared at him as he finally turned to look at her. "Kaito, listen to me. Tell me, why are you hurt? Who did this to you?"

Kaito didn't speak for a few moments. Finally, he sighed. "...I was shot. You should've seen me on television, didn't you?"

Aoko gasped and tears glimmered down her face for a few moments. "...Dad was right, Kaito. I can't believe that you're that thief...how could you go behind my back like this? Stupid Kaito!"

"I wanted to keep you safe, Bakoko. That's really all that matters to me." Kaito whispered.

"What about him? I bet you told him all your secrets, didn't you?" Aoko demanded, pointing a finger at the detective, who was watching them both in silence, seeming introspective.

"...Nakamori-san, I only found out recently. It's not his fault. He has his own reasons. Just hear him out." Shinichi's voice was calm and composed while he stared intently at Aoko with those piercing blue eyes of his. How was Shinichi so damned good at never losing his composure?

Feeling a little better now, Kaito shot his cousin a thankful look, but Shinichi just shook his head and motioned to Aoko. 'He's awfully serious today,' He thought in confusion.

"I see," She said icily. "...So your cousin was in on it, too. You were both confident enough to trust in each other, but not me. I'm your best friend, Kaito. Why couldn't you confide in me?"

"I did it because I love you so much it hurts, Bakoko," Kaito said seriously, "And the last thing I want is to see you hurt."

Aoko's cheeks flushed. "K-Kaito...are you serious?" She flashed a quick look at Shinichi, who was still quiet and merely observing Kaito's reaction.

"...Yes, Bakoko. Would I lie to you about my feelings?" Kaito said, getting sick of being unnaturally serious. He wanted to be light-hearted and playing pranks on Aoko, not being so damned serious. But things weren't as fun as he wanted them to be. His grip on the blankets intensified with his uninjured arm.

"...I forgive you, Kaito," Aoko said, smiling and wiping away her tears with her hands. "I could never hate my best friend, even if he is a stupid thief. I just don't want to be left out. Tell me everything. Tell me what part you have to play in this too, Kudo."

Shinichi nodded and sat down, quietly observing them both.

"Meitantei-san, can you say something?" Kaito said in irritation.

"What is there to say?" He mumbled. "This is your situation, Kuroba, not mine."

"Shinichi, please," Kaito began. "Please, can't you give some to the conversation to as well?"

Shinichi sighed. "Fine..."

By the time they were finished talking, Aoko was both shocked and heartbroken.

"Kaito, I can't believe it. You dealt with that all of this time and you never bothered to tell anyone other than your cousin."

"Kaasan knows. She's not that stupid and so did Aunt Yukiko and Uncle Yusaku." Kaito said softly, glad that now he didn't have to lie to his best friend anymore. Things felt better now.

"Yeah, but next time please don't hide things from us," Aoko said, "I'm your friend and I can help you out in any way I can."