Chapter 22: The Party

Part three and the rest of the plot for this Christmas Special

"Kaito give it back!" shouts Shinichi, chasing the thief down the corridors.

"I've never seen you like that Shin-chan" comments Kaito, still running away. Shinichi is slightly shocked and slows down.

"What do you mean?" he asks. He and Kaito come to a full stop, a few metres separating them.

"I have never seen you so relaxed like that before. It's quite a change from the you I used to know." Kaito explains, twirling the glass in his hands.

"I-I" Shinichi stutters before he sighs "It's hard not to with these guys around. Before, all I was focused on was protecting Ran, or how to find a cure, or stopping the Organisation. But now, with the weight of Conan off my shoulders, I've… relaxed a little. Plus, between you and the group atmosphere that lot have, it's hard to remember things like that. I'm not as focused anymore. Three years of being Conan taught me to just accept what I have and enjoy the life I have now. After the first year, I had nearly given up hope of finding a cure. But here, I can be Shinichi, I don't have to worry about Ran finding out." Shinichi looks up from his contemplating, a frown on his face. "Now give me that back" he shouts as he runs forwards to attempt to snatch it back.

But before he can, Kaito has whirled around and run off again. Shinichi keeps up with the thief, fingers outstretched and nearly grabbing Kaito's shirt. Just as he's about to round a corner, Shinichi adds something else. "And it's because of you" Kaito freezes mid-step. Shinichi wasn't expecting that, and doesn't stop in time, crashing into the thief and sending them both to the floor.

Kaito is careful of Shinichi's gift, making sure it doesn't break. He stares into the blue eyes just above his own. "What do you mean by that?" he asks.

"Well, it's hard not to relax with you around. You pull everyone in, make them dance to your tune. I find that I have no choice but to follow your lead. Ever since I've met back up with you, I've laughed more and had more fun that I've had in years." Shinichi answers back with a smile.

"Kudo-san, if you are trying to get a partner, I find it's better to sweet talk them before you jump on them, rather than doing it afterwards. Unless getting laid is all you're after, then I suggest that there are better places than the corridor to do it"

Shinichi knows that arrogant sarcastic tone. Both Kaito and Shinichi look up and find four people they don't want to see right now. Haibara, Agasa, Aoko and Hakuba stare down at them, as does the butler leading them to the living room.

"Really young masters, this is not the best image to offer guests. Although I am surprised. I thought Master Kaito would have pushed you Shinichi, rather than the other way around." The butler friendly scolds.

Shinichi turns bright red as he realises the position they have ended up in. He snatches the Glass from Kaito before standing back up.

"I know, he's a feisty one." Admits Kaito, grinning all the time as he stands up. "And you didn't need to push me that hard Shin-chan"

Shinichi folds his arms and turns away from Kaito, still bright red. "Well, you shouldn't have stolen my gift then"

Aoko takes a step forwards "Bakaito! What are you doing stealing gifts? Maybe I should get a mop and whack you one for Shinichi." Kaito pales, dreading the mop. The Butler turns back around the corner and opens a cupboard used for keeping cleaning materials in. They are all around the mansion to make cleaning easier for the maids.

"Aha! Here we are Young Miss" he says offering Aoko the mop he has found. "We can't let Young Master Kaito go unpunished for stealing, now can we?" The Butler smiles at Kaito. That was the problem with the household staff here. They weren't afraid of their masters. Must be a mafia thing. Although Tsuna and the others are determined to treat the household staff as equals, not feeling right by ordering them around too much. So the staff here get away with a lot more than you might expect. Butlers especially like to tease their masters and correct them on mistakes, claiming it is their job to do so and bring them up as proper young men. Like Kaito believed that.

Aoko takes the mop with thanks and starts to walk down the corridor towards Kaito, mop held threateningly. "Now apologise" she shouts, swinging the mop downwards. Kaito jumps back and sprints down the corridors towards what he hopes is safety.

It was Tsuna's idea to have an extended Christmas party, and had told Kaito and Shinichi to invite anyone they wanted. He assured them that there would be nothing Mafia like there at all. Everyone, staff included, had been briefed and told to act as if Tsuna and Co worked for V.F, which they did. Tsuna was of course the heir of the company, with Gokudera training to be his Vice President. Ryohei worked in V.F's Fitness department, helping to design and test new training equipment. Shoichi and Spanner were mechanics and worked in the electrical department. Yamamoto worked in the Human Resources Department, dealing with all of the employees who worked for the company, and any problems that they may have. Hibari 'worked' in the security division, making sure that everyone followed the rules and were punished accordingly. His job role as it were, was to pretend to handle security guards, bouncers and body guards and such for businesses and celebrities. No one was sure what to say when it came to Mukuro's job, and would let him handle that if it arose. Tsuna also knew to pretend to be a talent scout, and would work with Yamamoto for a suitable story. It sounded reasonable that the heir would scout out suitable talent. As a result, Kaito worked in one of V.F's owned entertainment companies. Shinichi was going to be accompanying Kaito on his around the world trip, learning new things as he went. In return, he would work for V.F whenever they had trouble.

"For you know this is your last chance, right?" Tsuna had told them. And it was that, more than anything, which forced them to invite people close to them to this party. Otherwise, they would have never invited anyone at all.

The others had all invited their parents too, or any other people they wanted to be at this party. They were all to arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner with the family. It seems like Aoko and company were the first to arrive.

Kaito bursts into the living room, slamming to doors open in his faked haste.

"Maa, maa, Kaito, why so pale? Has Shinichi-" starts Yamamoto.

He is interrupted by the shout from the corridor. "Bakaito! Come back here!" Well, that wasn't Shinichi.

A moment later, the mop wielding girl rounds the corner and takes another swipe at Kaito. He just smiles broadly, finding that he has actually missed this- not that he would ever admit that. He easily dodges the mop and goes running around the room. Aoko follows, swinging the mop every chance she gets. Hands on her hips pick her up and lift her over the occupant's chair. She takes two steps forwards before cupped hands offer her a foot-up over the back of the sofa. She takes the offered lift, steps over the sofa, and lands on the other side. Kaito had merely flipped over the chair and it's occupant, and continued to flip again over the sofa. It was Ryohei who had lifted her up over the chair and Yamamoto who had helped her over the sofa. Not that she noticed. She is still too busy chasing Kaito to acknowledge that anyone helped her.

"You should know better to steal from others Baka!" she shouts, chasing Kaito across the carpet. "Especially if it's a gift someone else got." The rest of the room giggles at the exchange between the two, and continue to help the girl chase Kaito around the room.

"I'm sorry Ahoko. Didn't quite catch that. I couldn't hear it over your elephant feet." Kaito jumps onto a set of drawers and walks along it, not disturbing any of the food, drinks or pictures left there. Chrome, Kyoko and Haru stand up and step forwards, allowing the girl to jump onto their chairs to reach Kaito better. She gets a couple of swings in, narrowly missing the food, but Kaito deflects one blow before jumping off backwards. Aoko jumps off the chairs and the girls return to their seats. "Oh, quite a thump their Ahoko. Have you put on weight? Hibernating for the winter are we?" Kaito ducks the swing aimed for him, as does Tsuna, before running towards a different sofa.

Mukuro grabs his hand as Kaito passes, slowing the magician down. Kaito tugs his hand away and jumps over the next swing, to land on the mop itself. Ken swings around in his seat and kicks the mop upwards, forcing Kaito to jump off it. Instead he jumps onto another cabinet, grabs the curtain ledge and pulls himself up. Turning around he sits like a gargoyle, staring down at the occupants of the room. Aoko stands under the window hands on hips. She takes a test swing and sees she's slightly too short. Gokudera comes and lifts her up, giving her the extra few inches she needs. Kaito pushes off, does an amazing dive and rolls onto the carpet to save himself from damage. Lambo takes this opportunity to sit on Kaito, giving Aoko the time she needs to let Gokudera put her down and clamber over the chairs towards him.

"Come here! It seems that I need to beat some sense into you before you leave" she shouts, taking another swing. Lambo quickly gets off before he too is attacked. Kaito pushes himself up into a handstand to dodge the new attack

"Oh, wearing pink today, how feminine, unlike you, you brutish Ahoko." Comments Kaito. Aoko goes bright pink herself before renewing her onslaught.

"Gahh! Do I need to teach you manners too?" she asks, attacking again. Kaito pushes with his hands and jumps back to an upright position. He spins on his heels before taking a run at Shinichi.

"Shin-chan save me!" he cries. Shinichi was stood inside the door watching on in disbelief and amusement. He'd only seen this once before, at Kaito's house, but had missed most of it due to the fact he was hiding. Hakuba looked bored, having seen most of it before during their classes together, and was too stood just inside the doorway. Actually in the doorway is a regally amused Haibara, and one Hakase trying to smother his laughs with a fist. As soon as Shinichi had entered the room, he had placed the present somewhere safe, and so was ready for his inevitable inclusion in this chase.

"Well, that's what you get for being ill-disciplined" chides Shinichi, looking sternly at Kaito. That didn't stop Kaito jumping into Shinichi's arms, his legs being held by Hakuba. Shinichi smiled down at his friend, before tightening his grip. "If you please, Aoko" he says. The girl walks up, spins the mop in her hands before smacking Kaito lightly in the stomach. Kaito howls in pain, playing it up, and the room finally bursts out laughing.

Aoko stops, her face growing shocked and slack as she finally notices the others in the room. She had forgotten herself, and was almost back in class again. Quickly she puts the mop behind her back and turns to the room before bowing. "Oh my god. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. I'm Nakamori Aoko, please call me Aoko. I've known Kaito for a very long time. It's nice to meet you all"

The others laugh even more at the change in the girl. "It's alright, someone needs to keep Kaito inline" comments Tsuna once he can catch his breath.

"What have I ever done to you guys?" demands Kaito, still lounging on Shinichi and Hakuba.

"Well, you've covered us in feathers, glitter, flowers and confetti. You've died our hair, changed our clothes, removed out clothes as well as impersonating us. And that was all on the day Shinichi went to visit Mukuro" answers Yamamoto, not giving Kaito any slack. Shinichi frowns at Kaito.

"I was only gone one day and I knew you were busy with lessons on the other. I told you to be good too. Me leaving is not an excuse to go wild Kaito."

Kaito pouts "Yes Kudo-sensei" he says in a small childish voice.

"Che, what are we going to do with him?" asks Gokudera. That list was tiny compared to what KID and Kaito had done on other occasions, like his first visit here right after Pandora was found, or during the fake heist, or during the simulation.

"I highly suggest you lock him up in a cage and weld the door shut" suggests Hakuba, finally dropping Kaito's feet. Kaito pouts, although whether it's from Hakuba's comment or from Shinichi also letting go of him, the others weren't sure.

Hakuba takes a step forwards and bows slightly. "My name is Hakuba Saguru, it's nice to meet you all." Greetings are returned by the others and quickly more space is found.

Shinichi turns to the his company, and waves them further inside. "Hakase, do you remember about 13 years ago, I used to play with a small boy who looked like me?"

"Why yes I do Shinichi. You two used to cause so much trouble" answers Agasa. Shinichi smiles slightly before turning to look at Kaito.

"Well, that's him. He moved away and I never saw him again after that. But at the last KID heist, I find him and Aoko there. It's quite funny because he adores KID, yet Aoko hates him with a passion. Her Dad is the Detective in charge of capturing KID. And Haibara" the small girl looks up at him "He's the one who was dressed up as Conan's mother at the Goodbye Party" her eyes widen ever so slightly, but apart from that, there is no visible change in her expression.

With Kaito's guests settled, eyes turn back to the doorway and Shinichi's guests.

Getting Haibara and Agasa here was interesting. What Shinichi had found amazing was that during at least the past month since he had seen her last, Haibara had never phoned him, nor texted to see where he was, what he was doing, nor to ask more questions. However, when Shinichi phoned her, it was the first question on her lips.

"Where have you been?" it wasn't accusatory nor demanding, just a simple question- and that scared Shinichi. It was hard enough to read Haibara, but it was even harder over the phone.

"I've been staying with Kaito and a few friends." He answers back, wondering just how far into the truth he should go.

"Ha, I highly doubt that Kudo. As far as I know, Kudo Shinichi didn't have many friends apart from Ran. And I know that you haven't been staying with Hattori either since he came to find you. So I'm going to ask you again. Where have you been?"

Shinichi humps. "I can make new friends you know" he retorts. "And I have been staying with Kaito. Look Haibara, if you want to find out where I've been living for the past month, then come to a Christmas party."

There is a pause of the phone as Haibara analyses that sentence. "A Christmas Party?"

"Yes, that's right. The people I'm living with are throwing a big party and they told me that I had to bring some people too. So, I thought that you and the Hakase might want to come." He explains. Tsuna had been rather adamant that they bring someone to this party.

"But who are these people we are going to meet? You've only just returned to your body, there is no way you could have become so attached to them that you chose to live with them this quickly." Shinichi curses himself for having intelligent friends; it made this so much harder. "Are they the people that cured you?"

Shinichi freezes for a moment, not sure how to answer that. For Haibara would want to know everything about the process. And as far as Shinichi knew, these flames didn't have a chemical compound or formula that she would be satisfied with.

But that moment of unresponsiveness is all Haibara needs. For if they weren't Shinichi would have reacted straight away. These people couldn't have been related to the Organisation, otherwise Shinichi would have been long dead.

She smiles to herself, and pleasantly answers "We would love to come. It will be nice to see these people you've put your trust in" Haibara's tone couldn't be more different from the girl he knew, and Shinichi knew he was in for it now. He hopes that Tsuna also knew what he was getting his family into, especially Shoichi and Spanner. Verde wouldn't be there to take the brunt of her force, leaving the two mechanics to handle her instead. However Tsuna had promised that nothing mafia related would be mentioned. Shinichi would simply be an employee of V.F in return for fixing him up. There wouldn't be another criminal organisation for Haibara to worry about. Nor did she need to know that everyone knew about her too. Or at least nearly everyone. Haru, Kyoko and whoever else was invited wouldn't know about her.

Shinichi sighs before answering back "I'll make sure you can meet them." He tells her the time and address to the mansion before hanging up. He really wished that he didn't have to do it, but Shinichi knew that he had to.

"Everybody, may I introduce to you Haibara Ai and Agasa-hakase." Both nod their heads at the group infront of them. There is a gaggle of hellos and other greetings from the Vongola around the room. Spanner and Shoichi come forwards slightly. Shinichi smiles at them- best to get it over and done with. "Guys, may I introduce Spanner and Shoichi, they are both talented mechanics." Both walk fully forwards and shake the scientists' hands.

"It's a pleasure to meet you" says Shoichi smiling brightly. Shinichi didn't miss the hand rise to Shoichi's stomach in nervousness. Haibara and Agasa look over the pair with a critical eye, not missing Shinichi's insinuation. All four walk off and find a secluded area of the living room to sit in. Shinichi had warned the pair earlier on that Haibara would be asking question about the process and had left them to come up with their own cover story.

As more guests arrive, they move the gathering out of the living room and into the Ballroom.

"I didn't know there was a ballroom here" comments Kaito in fake awe.

"What did you think was in the middle of the house? Or didn't you notice the corridors went around the edge of the mansion?" replies Gokudera, walking down the steps onto the floor proper.

Around the edge of the Ballroom are buffet tables filled with drinks and food. At one end there is even a chocolate fountain, and at the other, a fountain containing fruit punch. Chairs were placed in group around the room, leaving a space at the opposite end for dancing or standing and talking. Christmas music and other genres played out of the speakers. In one corner, a television had been set up, and a range of games were left there- for both adult and child enjoyment.

During the rest of the day, Kaito and Shinichi met a lot of new people. Examples included Yamamoto's dad, Ryohei's parents, Haru's parents and Kusakabe.

But as the night went onwards, Kaito could feel the change in atmosphere. For all intents and purposes, it still looked like a happy gathering- the perfect party. But Kaito noticed that members of Vongola started to stick to the people they had invited, and rarely left their side. And even Kaito was guilty of this: As the night wore on, and he'd met everyone he needed to, he re-found Aoko and Hakuba and stayed in conversation with them for almost the remainder of the night.

"Come on and introduce us to the Talent scout who was crazy enough to hire you on then, Kuroba" asks Hakuba. From watching the others, he had an idea who it was, but he still wanted to be introduced anyway. Kaito nods and waves Tsuna over.

"This is Sawada Tsunayoshi, heir to the V.F corporation, and the one who found and hired me on." introduces Kaito. Hakuba looked slightly smug, since he'd guessed right. It was easy to see if you watched how the others reacted towards him. It was plain that he was the centre of the group. Aoko looked surprised, not expecting it to be this boy infront of her. He just didn't look like the type to her.

"Hello. I am the one who found Kaito. His magic show was truly amazing and unique. I hadn't seen anything like it before. I knew he was meant for bigger things than just small stage shows, and after the show, I talked to him about the possibilities of becoming worldwide. V.F is quite keen on promoting new and unseen talent. Our Entertainment Division was rather adamant on getting their hands on him. I am rather happy that he has decided to join us" and Tsuna smiles down at the seated Kaito, who just beams back.

"I'm going to become an even better magician that my Dad. Just you wait Aoko. One day I'll be famous and you can brag to everyone that you know me." Kaito sits up straighter, puffing out his chest.

"Yeah right Kaito. Make sure you head can fit through the door" but despite her words, she still smiles at him. She's just glad that Kaito seems happy where he is now, even if it's not with her.

"But are you sure you can handle him?" asks Hakuba, giving a wary look at the magician "He's more trouble than he's worth"

Tsuna laughs "Believe me, if I can handle my friends, then adding Kaito into the mix is nothing. I'm more than-"

"What was that you damn Ahoshi?"

"Wahh! Bakadera's being mean to me!"

"Maa, Lambo, you shouldn't have been running with that drink then"

"Wahaa"

"Lambo, you should come run to the EXTREME with me!"

"Waaahh"

"Stop making such a disgraceful noise or I'll bite you to death"

Tsuna raises his eyes to the ceiling before breathing a deep sigh. Lambo crying must have been enough for Hibari to ignore his present from earlier on. "Excuse me" He turns around to face the group causing a scene in the middle of the room. "Gokudera" he says sweetly

"Yes Juudaime" answers Gokudera, immediately forgetting about Lambo

"Would you be kind enough to get us" and he includes the group he's talking with "Some drinks?"

Gokudera practically sparkles with the request "Straight away Juudaime" and rushes off to do Tsuna's bidding.

"Lambo" Tsuna calls. The little cow sniffs and walks over. Tsuna pulls up a chair, places it next to Kaito before sitting down and pulling Lambo onto his lap. "What did I say about running in the house?"

"To be careful of the others around me, and to only run without something in my hands" answers Lambo. Tsuna knew that saying 'no running' wouldn't work, so he had adapted the rule for the active kids.

Kaito leans over, a white handkerchief laying in his hand. "What's this Lambo? I thought that you were going to be a man and not cry anymore." Lambo nods his head before grabbing the linen from Kaito's hand. As he pulls it, a green one come out next, attached to the first. Lambo half giggles through the remainder of his tears and keeps on pulling. Next comes a blue one, followed by a red one. Slowly Lambo cheers up and giggles more heartily. He keeps on pulling and the squares go from plain colours to patterned; spots, stripes, stars, glitter and everything in between. Eventually he comes to one and it's cow printed. This is the last one, and it detaches it's self from the rest. Tsuna grabs this one and uses it to clean Lambo's face.

"Thank you Kaito-nii." Smiles Lambo

Gokudera comes over with the drinks, including a new one for Lambo. "What do you have to say?" asks Tsuna gently

"I'm sorry Gokudera-nii. I shouldn't have been running with the drink" Gokudera smiles and pats the head of curls.

"It's alright Lambo. Why don't we go and show I-pin what Kaito's given you?" Lambo jumps up and runs off in search of the girl, Gokudera following behind. Tsuna smiles at the pair before turning back to Hakuba and Aoko.

"Um, sorry about that. As I was saying, Kaito is easier to handle than the rest of my friends, so there'll be no problem. Plus I suspect he'll be too busy planning the tricks to prank us."

Kaito smiles dangerously. "Ah, but Tsuna, I always need an audience to test my tricks out on."

"And that's where Shinichi comes in" warns Tsuna, not wanting to willingly be a victim. "Or I'll send Hibari after you"

"Yes, he did say he was going to be Bakaito's keeper" laughs Aoko.

"I'm guessing that Hibari was the one with the tonfas breaking up the argument earlier on?" asks Hakuba.

"Yeah, he is. He handles our security department and makes sure that we are all following the rules. And he already has Kaito on his agenda" Tsuna smiles at Kaito, slightly embarrassed and worried for the magician.

"All I did was handcuff him to a chair, dye his hair pink and give him cat ears and suddenly it's a grudge for life" whines Kaito. Aoko snorts over the image, whilst Hakuba looks amused, not at the image, but over the 'grudge for life' bit.

Looking around the room, Kaito notices that one by one, parents and friends have been leaving. In fact it was only Shinichi and Kaito's guests left. Aoko looks at her watch and notices how late it's gotten.

"I suppose that we had better be heading back then." She comments. Kaito walks them to the door.

"See you again Hakuba" he says cheerfully before giving the detective an almighty push out of the door. He turns to Aoko. "You'd better stay safe when I'm gone" he warns "Or I'll come back and show you magic tricks like there's no tomorrow" and he grins at her.

"You'd better watch out yourself. I won't be there to beat sense into you" she chides. "see you later Kaito" she says quieter. Kaito gives her a warm smile before hugging her

"Goodbye Aoko." He whispers, before pushing her out the door too. "You'd better start hibernating Aoko, before it gets too cold" he laughs, referring to the comment he had made earlier.

As Aoko walked away, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than a goodbye. It seemed more final than that.

It wasn't until Aoko and Hakuba got into the car, that they realised that Kaito had pranked them one more time. Kaito had dyed their hair and changed their clothes. Now both looked like animals, giving Kaito's last statement some sense. Hakuba now looked like a falcon, whilst Aoko now looked like a mouse. Both laugh slightly and shake their heads, before driving off back home.

When Kaito returns to the ballroom, it's Shinichi's turn to walk Haibara and Agasa to the door.

"I hope that you enjoyed the party" Shinichi asks, grabbing Haibara's coat for her.

"We did" she replies.

"You'll have to go visit the children" comments Agasa. "They've been missing Conan. It would do them good to go on an adventure again."

Shinichi had thought of inviting them, letting Lambo and I-pin look after them. But he knew how inquisitive these children could be. Knowing them, they would manage to escape the room and go exploring. And no doubt, they would find one of the many guns and other weapons hidden around the mansion in case of a security breach. He didn't want that happening. He did miss them and their normalcy- but not the class work that went with being a 10 year old. He could do without the mind numbing maths thank you very much.

"Without me there are no dangerous adventures. At least they are safe rather than dealing with criminals, like I seemed to drag them into." Haibara looks up at him, trying to analyse Shinichi's facial emotions.

"There were 'safe' adventure too you know" she comments, turning to face the door. Trips to the Zoo, trips to the park and School trips all counted as safe.

"I know, but I'll still be keeping an eye on those rascals. They find their way into trouble too often for my liking. And I'll keep an eye on you too." He answers

"Rather than watching everyone else, maybe you should be watching your own back. With you in that body, it's only a short amount of time before the Organisation find out." She gives him a dangerous glare.

"I don't need to worry. They won't be able to find me." States Shinichi. Haibara doesn't look too sure, but exits the house anyway.

Agasa pats Shinichi's shoulder as he follows the young woman. "Keep her safe Hakase," tells Shinichi. "I'll do what I can to keep her safe, but I'd still feel better if you kept an eye on her too."

"I will Shinichi. But she's right too. You need to stay safe too" warns Agasa, giving Shinichi a fatherly look.

"Believe me. I'm perfectly safe here" Shinichi laughs. "Goodbye Agasa-hakase, Haibara"

The pair nod and make their way to their car.

"God knows what he's gotten himself into now" sighs Haibara once Agasa had pulled away.

"What makes you say that?" asks Agasa, having his own thoughts on the topic too.

"It's his cure that bothers me. V.F has never been into Pharmaceuticals yet they miraculously find a cure for him that works. Whilst I know that they are good at robotics and electronics, it surprises me at the sudden move to medicine. And it's not like Kudo's problem is common. It was a rather private drug that has killed everyone but me and Kudo as far as I know. There is no one to market the cure to, no way to profit from it at all."

"I agree Ai. It does seem strange. I don't understand their motive. It's not like they knew Shinichi or Conan to give them an incentive." Adds in the professor

"Which brings me back to my original statement: God knows what he's gotten himself into now"

"Well that was it" comments Kaito, shuffling a pack of cards absentmindedly. "Our last goodbyes before our treck to Italy."

"I can see why Tsuna insisted that we say goodbye, it's going to be a long time before we can see them again." Replies Shinichi.

"Well technically, you are the only one who hasn't informed anyone that you are leaving. You didn't even tell them, did you?" informed Kaito, one eyebrow raised.

Shinichi shakes his head. "No, it's all too complicated. I never thought I'd say this, but returning to my real body has been such a hassle. I'll be glad when I'm in Italy and no one knows. That way no one will be suspicious of what I say or the people around me. It'll be a new start."

"I suppose it will. And we will be one step closer to our goals too." Agrees Kaito.

There, finally. And now this rather unhappy and frustrated bunny is going to go to sleep- it is 1AM here- and totally forget these three chapters.

Phantom Hitman 1412

First published 28 Feb. 12