Matsuda Jinpei had a problem… No. Not his friends. They're still alive (thankfully) but had some close calls. No… this is a family matter.
He sighs as he sees another KID notice in the news.
Matsuda knows his little cousin is Kaitou KID, and knows of his purpose, but still...he can't help but worry about Kaito!
Kaito may be a very capable 17-year-old, practically equal to Zero, but he's still facing an organization on his own!
'I can't always be there for him, but I would come running in a heartbeat when he calls on me… if he calls me. Even though I know he won't because he "doesn't want to bother me"! Dammit, Kaito! You "not wanting me to worry" is exactly what's worrying me so much!'
He lights up, smoking a cigarette to calm himself down.
It was one night in particular that he had met up with his friends for a drink. To hopefully dull his worries. But of course…
"Oh right… there's a KID heist tonight…"
It was broadcasted on TV.
As his friends watched with interest, all Matsuda could do was hope the little dove was safe tonight.
Meanwhile, Furuya was also hoping the dove would be safe too. He just has a better poker face than Matsuda.
When they came upon a back alley on their way back home, they all stopped, sensing something.
Only Zero and Hiro noticed the hidden presence but… they all smelled blood. Following their instincts as police officers, they entered the alley and easily found it.
To their surprise, Kaitou KID was crouched on the ground, a gunshot wound in his shoulder, blood dripping out.
"Hey, are you OK?!" They cautiously took a step forward.
KID just growls and hisses at them, startling them as he's still in fight-or-flight mode. His injury was still bleeding.
"...it's OK. It's OK…" Hiro and Hagiwara try to assure the phantom thief like an injured, scared cat.
He points his card gun at them when they approach closer.
"...it's just us here. No one will arrest you, or catch you, so come here," Date also tries.
KID grumbles, not sure if he can trust those words.
"Chocolate ice cream," Matsuda and Furuya sigh as they both say the secret phrase.
"... Jin-nii? Rei-san?" KID blinks, tilting his head to the side as he recognizes them, lowering his card gun.
"HAH?!" the others yell in surprise.
After they get KID to a safehouse and patch him up...
"Kaitou KID is your cousin?!"
"Yup," Matsuda smiles, KID still snuggled against him, seemingly asleep. He really was just a teenager, a child. "But…" He glares at Furuya.
Furuya sighs, "He's my personal collaborator."
"And you didn't tell me?" Hiro asks, a bit offended.
"I'm sorry. He's just…like a stray cat, basically," Furuya wryly smiles, "He's not used to people caring about him, and he just let me in, so…"
Matsuda sighs, "I know what you mean… this little brat insists on overcoming everything alone when he doesn't have to."
KID opens an eye and mutters, "I can hear you…"
Matsuda smirks, "You were supposed to, Kaito."
Kaito just grumbles, not willing to let go of the warmth of his cousin's body, "By the way… when will you ask Hagi-san out on a date?"
Matsuda's only response is to drop Kaito onto the bed. "Wah!" Kaito yelps from the treatment but doesn't retaliate.
While Hagiwara facepalms, a bit embarrassed as Hiro snickers.
Kaito just sits up, crosses his arms, and pouts like a child.
With one look at each other, they all nod, confusing the child in front of them, his head tilted to the side like a kitten.
In short, they all agree to take care of Kaito when they can from now on.
As Date, Hiro, and Hagiwara bond with Kaito (and make sure he doesn't do anything reckless like Zero)…
"Zero...you better take care of Kaito. If you make him cry, I'll kill you!" Matsuda threatens.
Furuya raises his hands up in surrender, smiling wryly, "Hai hai. I'll take good care of Kaito-kun."
Also…
Due to Kaito asking that question, does Matsuda and Hagiwara muster up the courage to ask each other out. At the same time. They're now happily together.