DCMK || KaiShin || DCMK || The White Collar Phantom Thief || DCMK || KaiShin || DCMK

Title: The White Collar Phantom Thief – The Secret of Pandora

Fandom: Detective Conan / Magic Kaito

Disclaimer: All rights reserved to Gosho Aoyama for he created the awesomeness that is Kaitou KID. Ah, and Detective Conan, too. This fanfiction on the other hand is entirely mine. No money is made with this, though reviews are more than welcomed.

Tags: m/m, future fic, post-Conan Shinichi, secret reveals, slow-burn, hurt/comfort, canon-typical violence/death, canon-typical magic, canon-typical crossdressing, fake relationship, fluff, adoption, found family, explicit intercourse, anal, oral, f/f, m/f

Main Pairing: Kaito/Shinichi

Side Pairings: Sera/Ran, Saguru/Aoko, Heiji/Kazuha, Makoto/Sonoko, Takagi/Sato

DC/MK Characters:

Task Force: Kuroba Kaito | Kaitou KID | Tsukino Guinevere, Kudou Shinichi, Hakuba Saguru, Nakamori Aoko, Hattori Heiji, Sera Masumi, Koizumi Akako, Furuya Rei | Amuro Tooru | Bourbon, Akai Shuuichi, Takagi Wataru, Sato Miwato, Jii Konosuke

Others: Mouri Ran, Suzuki Sonoko, Kyogoku Makoto, Tooyama Kazuha, Suzuki Jirokichi, Nakamori Ginzo, Megure Juzo, Mouri Kogoro, Kuroba Chikage, Kudou Yuusaku, Kudou Yukiko

Detective Boys: Agasa Hiroshi, Haibara Ai, Yoshida Ayumi, Tsuburaya Mitsuhiko, Kojima Genta

Black Organization: Gunther von Goldberg II | Spider, Snake, Rose

Summary: Akako gives Kaito a prophecy: If KID is not captured by the demon of light, both of them would die and only if he gets captured will he be able to reach his goal. Kaito would rather go to jail than risk Shinichi's life

With Kaitou KID gone, Snake starts going after the jewels more actively and people get killed. It doesn't take Shinichi long to see a connection to KID – and that this is the last branch left of the BO he had taken down.

Shinichi forms a special task-force to end the BO for good. And for that, he needs Kaitou KID's help.

The White Collar Phantom Thief

The Secret of Pandora

Case 7: Prometheus' Flame Heist

Living with Kaitou KID was what Shinichi imagined hell to be like. The thief was just everywhere. Whenever Shinichi turned around, KID seemed to be right there, mostly grinning. Worst of all, KID was a... a... Shinichi shuddered at the thought. A morning person. Disgusting.

Shinichi barely stepped out of his bedroom after yet another too short night and there was KID, already going ten miles an hour. Non-stop talking and moving and performing tricks. Shinichi's brain needed to load and for it to activate, he needed at least two cups of coffee.

Admittedly, KID made a pretty good coffee – especially for not drinking the stuff himself – and Shinichi did appreciate that KID made the coffee for him. But damn, all the talking and being there. And the neatness! Nearly as infuriating as the early talking.

Despite having lived with Ran and Kogoro for two years, it had been quite easy for Shinichi to slip back into old habits after he got his body and his home back. Dropping things where he was standing, leaving files out in the middle of an investigation, empty coffee mugs piling up next to the sink because drinking it was one thing but taking the time to clean up after was another.

Kaitou KID, it turned out, was a neat freak. And it was driving Shinichi up the wall. When he dropped something somewhere, it ought to be there when he went looking for it. Instead, KID would pick it up and clean up. Mugs, clothes, books, files. Everything had its place.

That part shouldn't be as much of a surprise to Shinichi, considering he saw the KID cave. Everything was very neat, had its particular place. KID was organized, as wild and chaotic as his mind was, it also had a particular structure, a system.

Currently, KID was showering, which was a blessing, because it meant Shinichi could sneak out of his room without being talked to and make his way to the kitchen to drink the first mug of coffee in total peace while scanning the newspaper. Which was another thing; KID was a newspaper thief. He was so interested in what was happening in the world and he too was old-fashioned that way, preferring the physical newspaper over news sites online.

Shinichi grunted and put the coffee mug down slowly. He straightened the paper out and sighed.

"Oi, KID," Shinichi called out when the water turned off.

"Good morning, meitantei. Talkative this early in the morning?"

It took less than a minute for KID to appear fully dressed in front of Shinichi, teasing grin on his lips. All Shinichi did was lower a glare at him and point at the newspaper.

"Someone took the decision on what's going to be our first target out of our hands."

KID made a curious noise as he walked around him to stand behind Shinichi. Both stared down at the smugly grinning face of Suzuki Jirokichi. The headline above announcing a challenge to KID.

"Ni—ice," KID offered a lazy grin. "Good way to get back into it, to be honest. It's... been quite a while since I last did this, after all. He takes some of the bigger angles out of our hands."

"You're awful," Shinichi heaved a sigh. "Stop looking so excited."

KID's grin just grew two numbers as he snatched the newspaper away. Of course he did.

/break\

The target was a beautiful Big Gem. A ruby named the Flame of Prometheus, because it was cut to resemble a flame and it's said to look like there was a flame trapped inside if the light shone into it. Glowing gems and red gems did tend to make Kaito feel hopeful.

While Kaito insisted on doing the planning himself – it had to feel right for him and with all due respect, none of these detectives and cops knew how to plan a heist – he left all the coordinating to Shinichi. May he organize what the detectives and cops would do, long as Kaito got to pull his heist and know his detective had his back.

"Will you tell me... anything at all, KID?" Shinichi turned to look at him.

"Ka-i-to," Kaito rolled his eyes. "You know my name. You used it before, Shin-chan."

"I'd prefer if you didn't use that name," Shinichi sighed. "Now, answer my question."

"No, of course not," Kaito huffed, making a shooing noise. "Where is the fun in that? I want our chase and dance to be authentic. Real! I'm looking forward to it."

Shinichi heaved yet another exasperated sigh at that. "I must be some kind of masochist to do this to myself... Fine, be that way. I'll go and talk to Nakamori-keibu..."

"Tantei-kun, don't be like tha—at. We always had a lot of fun and we'll have more fun now."

/break\

"I'm going to need so much therapy after this," whispered Shinichi to himself.

"Oh, don't be like that, Shin-chan," his mother chided him. "It'd be good if your lovely fiance had an alibi during the first heist right away. We don't want to raise any suspicions. And I've played the part before. I'll make a show of being seen while Kai-chan is in the spotlight and while you are busy chasing him. Nothing that requires therapy."

Shinichi was fairly sure Freud would disagree. His mother was literally playing his fiance, who admittedly was fake to begin with, but goodness gracious. Closing his eyes, he rubbed the bridge of his nose slowly, trying to will his building headache away.

"Oh, don't be like that, Shin-chan," piped Kaito in. "It's a solid plan! Who else is supposed to pretend to be Gwen-chan while I'm heisting? Hattori-kun...?"

That did make Shinichi snort out a small laugh at least. The image of Hattori in a frilly summer-dress was quite hilarious. So was the thought of Hattori trying to pretend to be a young woman and faking a French accent. Shaking his head, Shinichi looked up, at his mom and his... roommate.

"Okay. Mom will accompany me to the heist-side and then we split up," stated Shinichi slowly. "I assume you already have a way in and know what to do. Don't be too ridiculous. Both of you."

Yukiko gave it a little twirl, looking at herself in the mirror while Kaito, in his full KID get up, gave it a razor-sharp grin. Damn it all, why did Shinichi's heart feel so strange when looking at KID...? He'd missed that outfit. No, no, wait. He hadn't. Why would he miss that ridiculous outfit?

/break\

Attending a heist while knowing that Kaito was KID felt... different. It also made Aoko's belly feel like it was filled with lead. Because... Because she had said so many awful things about KID in the past. Rightfully so, she still thought – he deliberately made fun of her dad, he was a criminal and she had not known the motif behind his thefts back then – but still, to consider she had said those things about Kaito. Her Kaito. Her best friend since childhood.

"Aoko?" Saguru's voice was gently as he slipped a hand into hers. "Are you alright?"

"No," admitted Aoko, shaking her head a little. "Not really. But we have a job to do, mh?"

He offered her a faint smile and placed a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth before the couple parted ways. They didn't want to be too obvious, so Hattori had stayed away – he had barely ever attended a heist to begin with. But Saguru and Shinichi were two factors to be expected. The sniper, Akai-san, was in the nearest high building, keeping a bird's eye view on the place to see if they'd manage to draw out their crows. Sera was with Sonoko and Ran, more so as Ran's girlfriend than as a detective. She'd never entirely built up a reputation as a KID chaser. Not the way Shinichi and Saguru – and the young boy, Edogawa Conan – had.

"Aoko is joining her father and his task-force," informed Saguru once he reached his destination.

Shinichi, standing with the boisterous Suzuki. The man didn't entirely sit right with Saguru, he was loud, he risked too much with his elaborate challenges to KID and he barely ever listened to the police force. Which, admittedly, Saguru didn't either, but the point still stood.

"All seems set," whispered Shinichi back.

"Now, you two may not be on the same level as the KID Killer, but your efforts are appreciated," Suzuki laughed, wrapping one arm around each teen detective. "Come, come. I'll show you."

The one favorable thing about Suzuki, Saguru supposed, was that he was very willing to cooperate with private detectives. A rarity, in Saguru's experience, and quite refreshing. Even as Suzuki led them away toward the display case, Saguru's eyes drifted over toward Ran, Sera, Sonoko and... Tsukino Guinevere. Mh. Peculiar. Saguru wondered if that was Kaito's way in.

"As always, I have the best measures taken," declared Suzuki. "And this time around, we will capture him, especially since that arrogant thief broke out of prison."

Under different circumstances, Saguru would heavily relate to that sentiment. Alas, he had to learn that the world – and Kaitou KID – was more complex than that. Not that he'd admit it aloud, particularly not where Kaito might be able to overhear him.

/break\

"Ladies and gentlemen," oh how Kaito had missed saying that, how Kaito had missed being in the spotlight, with awe and eager eyes on him. "Thank you for setting the stage for my comeback tour!"

He took a bow toward Suzuki, who viciously glared at him, effectively glued to Nakamori on one side and Mouri on his other side. Like a rabid dog did Nakamori try to lung at him, just to be held back by the two men weighting him down. Delightful. And it was extra strong glue, that would definitely keep them together for at least another ten hours, regardless of what they did.

"And I will be taking this, meitantei," Kaito grinned sharply at Shinichi.

Oh, his detective looked ready to murder him. Then again, he was glued to Hakuba, so there was that. Kaito barely managed to dodge the kick that was clearly aimed at his balls. Damn. Still, he pocketed the gem and bid his farewell to the angry detectives.

As he headed up the stairs toward the roof, he tapped his ear-piece. "All clear, eagle-san?"

Akai on the other end of the line huffed at the code-name. "All clear, dove."

It was nice having a sharp-shooter have his back. Even though Kaito disapproved of the blood on the man's hands, he knew he could trust his eyes. Kaito slipped out onto the rooftop. The moon shone down on him as he pulled out the gem to inspect. Mh. A dud. Well, would have been too easy if his first Big Gem out of prison would be the one, wouldn't it?

/break\

There had been less bravado than Shinichi was used to and no, he wasn't disappointed by that. Why would he. It actually seemed sensible of KID to go with lower stakes on the very first one. After all, it had been over a year since he last donned the mantel. The super-glue had been a nice touch. Well, until Shinichi found himself glued to Saguru at least.

"...Good night, Kudou-kun," Saguru cleared his throat. "I'd still like to strangle him."

"Good night, Hakuba-kun." Shinichi sighed as he laid turned off the lights, before speaking up. "And you would do good hiding in the morning, thief."

There was cackling outside Shinichi's bedroom. Damn that thief. The only thing giving him a mild sense of peace was the thought of Nakamori, Kogoro and Suzuki in the same situation...

"Sleep well, detectives," called Kaito out in a sing-sang voice.

There was a skip to his steps as he headed away from Shinichi's bedroom. He had left the Prometheus' Flame in the capable hands of Aoko, who had simply given him an exasperated look pointing out that Saguru would 'not be pleased' with him. What else was new, really?

Personally, Kaito had too much energy coursing through his veins to go to bed. Post heist jitters. It had gone without a hitch. He's shown up, soaked in the applause and awe of his fans, mocked the police, taken the gem. It was like riding a bike, it came natural to Kaito and he hadn't realized just how much fun he had. Yes, part of him had realized that being KID had been about more than just his father's legacy and revenge for him, there had been fun and excitement. But only after having it all taken away from him, did he realize just how important it was for him.

"I do appreciate that you heeded my warning. I didn't expect you to return so quickly."

Kaito startled, because he wasn't used to creepy witch visits anymore. When he turned toward the large window, he saw Akako sitting on the window-sill. She looked... more mature. No silly little costume, but a sensible pencil-skirt and a blouse, both in wine-red. Like a business woman.

"I see life went better for you than for me, mh," Kaito smiled cheerfully.

"I wouldn't say that," Akako tilted her head. "You're living in an expensive mansion, with the... person you love, you once again get to soar the skies. It's going pretty well, isn't it?"

"What," Kaito heaved a slightly irritated sigh. "Do you want, Akako?"

He wasn't up for her mind-games. And he didn't like her bringing Shinichi up. Or his feelings for Shinichi. Because this kind of knowledge seemed like the thing that was trouble in her hands.

"It..." Akako pressed her lips together in a clearly displeased expression before taking a breath. "It has been suggested that I should... aid you in your quest."

"Now?" Kaito snorted out a laugh. "After all these years? Why?"

"Because..." Akako paused for a beat, perhaps to be dramatic. "Now, you are working with one blessed by a God. And Lucifer-sama finds this... interesting."

"A what now?" asked Kaito startled. "Wait. Who are you talking about? What...?"

"I'm not at liberty to say more. Simply know that I am offering my assistance."

With that, she disappeared. Leaving Kaito with more questions than he had before her appearance. What was it with this witch and being cryptic. God, mh? A God. In theory, Kaito knew that she could be talking about any member of their fun little squad. Instinctively, he knew she was talking about Shinichi. It just... ought to be Shinichi. He couldn't explain it, but then there was a lot about Shinichi that could not be explained, wasn't there?

"You could have left me with more information, witch," muttered Kaito to himself.

/break\

Thankfully enough, the glue had dissolved overnight and by the time Saguru and Shinichi woke up, they were free to move. Saguru requested a quick shower to rid himself of the glue's residue before he high-tailed it out of the mansion – most likely wishing to avoid the trickster living there. At least he didn't intend to actually strangle KID. Shinichi would hate to have to arrest Saguru for murder.

"Shin-chan!" Kaito's voice was as chipper as every morning. "I made an apology breakfast!"

Shinichi glared unimpressed, but accepted the cup of coffee Kaito held up to offer to him. The thief did know how to survive. Shinichi practically inhaled the entire cup in under half a minute.

"Hakuba-kun snores," commented Shinichi dryly. "I feel very sorry for Aoko."

"She made her bed, she has to lay in it. Heh, literally."

Kaito sat perched on the counter-top, kicking his legs back and forth. Chipper bastard. Why did he make Shinichi smile, then...? How frustrating. When he looked at Kaito, it did things to him. KID. He tried not to grow attached, tried not to think of the thief as Kaito. Not be too familiar.

"I..." Shinichi trailed off, furrowing his brows. "Yesterday went well."

"Yesterday barely qualified as a heist," Kaito waved a dismissive hand, pouting. "I know, I know, it's good that we kept it small... well, as small as Suzuki allows it."

"You could... go more out next time," Shinichi flushed, unsure why. "Oh, don't look at me like that, thief. The bigger your heists, the more attention is on you. We want that."

"Thank you, meitantei," Kaito whispered, all of a sudden.

"Mh? For not killing you? The day is still young and I still have glue on my shoulder."

Kaito shook his head. "For all of this. Breaking me out, giving me a second chance. Believing me and believing in me, in the first place. The heist yesterday. All of it."

A beat of silence, Shinichi's throat feeling tight. "Don't... Don't be sentimental, stupid thief."

Kaito smiled at him, much softer than he should. Why was that thief doing this to him? It messed with his head unlike anything Shinichi had ever known. No, that wasn't true. He knew this feeling, the racing of his heart, the strange fuzzy state of his mind. Once upon a time, he had felt that way about looking at Ran. But that had, by now, been so long ago. And it couldn't be the same thing, could it? He couldn't have developed feelings for a thief. His head was just messed up because the two of them were living together. Being fake engaged, seeing KID all the time...

"I have to go to work," Shinichi stood up suddenly. "Shouldn't neglect the agency."

Kaito looked startled by his suddenness, but then he smiled. "Sure you shouldn't. It's still all new after all. I'll just pack you that as lunch. Have a fun day at work, dear!"

In a puff of smoke did the lush breakfast disappear, instead a bento-box stood in the center of the table. A Kaitou KID themed box, with his smiley all over. Kaito spoke the last two sentences in Guinevere's voice and batted his eyelashes playfully and this was so not helping him at all.

/break\

Ran was not overly surprised when she came to the diner for lunch with Sonoko and didn't find her alone – they met every day that their class schedules aligned to eat lunch. It was exciting, going to the same college as her best friend, both studying hard. No, next to Sonoko sat Tsukino Guinevere, with the bright red curls and freckles. Kaitou KID. Was he getting a kick out of talking to his biggest fan about his own heist? Ran smiled politely as she joined them.

"Oh, Mouri-chan! Suzuki-chan and I were just talking about last night's heist!"

"Didn't you two talk enough about it yesterday?" asked Ran.

"Ah. Well," 'Guinevere' laughed. "I find him so interesting and Suzuki-chan has so much to say."

Or Sonoko hadn't talked to this Guinevere at all yesterday. After all, even someone as talented as Kaitou KID couldn't be in two places at once. One of them – the KID performing or the Guinevere fawning over KID with Sonoko – had to not be Kuroba Kaito.

"I'm going to get a dessert," declared Sonoko as she got up. "Do you want something?"

Ran smiled at her best friend. "A piece of cheese cake, if you don't mind."

"Chocolate cake is my favorite, yes, please. Thank you, Suzuki-chan."

Sonoko nodded and walked off, leaving Ran alone with KID. "What are you doing here?"

"Getting to know the people important to my fiance better," replied KID.

"What are you really doing here?" Ran frowned at him. "Here, at all, I mean. I don't like this, Shinichi working with you, keeping your secret. I appreciate that he is not telling me, not... making me your accomplice, I know he means well, but..."

"But there have been enough secrets between you two, mh?" KID looked at her with eyes that seemed to know much more than he wanted to say. "I'll... talk to Shinichi about it."

"Thank you," Ran paused. "I appreciate it. Now, why are you here, right now?"

"Oh, no, I was genuine about that one," KID laughed. "I do want to get to know you and Suzuki-chan better. I would like it if we could be friends. I know how important you are to Shinichi."

And Ran knew how important this thief was to Shinichi too, though she didn't know why.


Author's note: August is Writer's Month and I want to participate once again, which means 31 daily prompts. Which means even I can't also stem chapter updates. So this story will pause in August and we'll be back to our regular schedule in September ;)

Next chapter, Shinichi is going to meet a witch. Like the thief living with him wasn't already impossible enough!