#extra sweet shinichi will spoil him later

[trouvelle]

Emogust 09.08 — Stubbornness

For the last prompt (of the first week) of DCMK Emogust 09.08 — Stubbornness!!

A/N: Not sure if this fits the stubbornness theme but once I pictured them as kitties I just couldn’t stop squealing internally. I mean, who could resist kittens!AU?? So I had to do this because this is the only way I know how and I can’t for the life of me draw anything nice /cries/ @mintchocolateleaves @sup-poki 

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that anyone in possession of a kitten must constantly be in need of new blankets. And curtains. Or something like that. Maybe it’s just my kitten, Ran thinks, as she regards her curtains sadly. They have threads sticking out every way all along the bottom hems.

Shinichi has shredded the ends of her new ones, and while these not quite brand new, at least they weren’t so obviously scruffy before Shinichi came along. Gathering the curtains, she tucks them up on the handles of her French doors out of Shinichi’s reach before turning to the kitten in question.

Shinichi has magically gone from ripping around the apartment when Ran first came home to sitting quietly in a corner with his head cocked to one side. He is a picture of cuteness. Spoiled cat knows he’s in trouble. His eyes are shining bright as if they’re glittering, making him look harmless and innocent. Ran knows better.

But Ran has a huge heart so she picks Shinichi up and sits him in the crook of her elbow, before tapping him on his velvety nose, saying “Don’t rip up the curtains ever again, okay?”

She stares into Shinichi’s blue eyes. Blue eyes stare back at her. Ran stares some more. She’s not going to lose to this cat again! Finally Shinichi looks away first. First ever win since Shinichi’s been with her! Small victories win the battle~, Ran tells herself as she carries Shinichi into the kitchen, placing him on the counter.

���What shall we have today? Chicken and turkey casserole or grilled seafood feast?” She asks Shinichi, chucking him on the chin. Ran pulls out two cans of cat food and sets them in front of Shinichi. She watches as Shinichi sniffs one, sniffs the other, and then instead walks toward the bag of rotisserie chicken Kazuha has brought over earlier for dinner.

Against the advice of the vet at the shelter, Ran ends up sharing bits of her chicken with Shinichi. If he goes bald early it is definitely his own fault for being so cute anyway.

---

Kazuha’s the one who wanted a cat first.

“I think having a pet will help alleviate my stress levels and provide me some company. At least that’s what Aoko-chan says.” She told Ran enthusiastically over coffee one day. Across from them, Sonoko made a face, “But then you’re gonna have to feed it and clean up its mess. Sounds like a lot more trouble to me.”

“She does look happier lately since she got Kaito,” Ran noted. About a month prior, while the four of them were on their way back from their weekly routine of doing grocery shopping together they had passed by a pet adoption event. She immediately had her eyes set on a stunning white Manx cat and decided to adopt it the moment it opened its blue eyes and stared back at her. The name displayed on its cage was “Kaito” and she never bothered to come up with a new name for him.

That’s how they end up on a Saturday morning at their local cat shelter, watching two kittens chase each other around in a pen. They run many rounds before the dark chocolate one abruptly stops in its tracks and turns to bat the cream kitten on the head, hard. The other kitten is stunned for a moment, and then suddenly the high-speed chase turns into a round of head-bopping. Kazuha is confused. Will there be bloodshed any moment? She turned to look at Ran, is this how cats usually show affection?

They turn to ask the shelter staff and not a minute later when they turn their heads back, the cream kitten now has the head of the other kitten cradled between its paws, very diligently licking the tuft of dark brown fur sticking out from its head.

Kazuha watches with some disquietude as Ran squats so that her face is nearer to the kittens and makes cooing noises. The brown kitten’s eyes fly open and Kazuha swears he’s glaring at her for interrupting him. On the other hand, the cream Birman kitten now just looks sleepy, like all that has worn him out. He’s flopped onto the floor, one paw curled possessively over the other kitten’s neck. 

When Ran reaches down to pick up the cream kitten and cuddle it against her cheek, the brown one gives a sort of squeaking noise, and peeked his eyes open and shut it close again, not making any effort to get up. Kazuha makes a squealing noise herself, but for very different reasons. Surprisingly though, instead of lashing out at Ran’s face, the kitten starts making this odd whirring noise, and rubs his head against Ran’s cheek. He’s got really light brown markings around his eyes and snout.

“This one’s name is Shinichi!” Ran says brightly, immediately sold. 

Somehow, they end up taking both kittens. The chocolate one latches onto Kazuha’s sweater, snuggling into the soft wool when Kazuha picks him up. That’s when Kazuha notices he has tiny white socks on all his four paws.

“Snowfrost Socks would be a fitting name for him, Kazuha-chan!” suggested Ran. 

“I’m not calling him Snowfrost Socks, Ran-chan.”

Kazuha can hear the pout.

She lifts her kitten to eye level and looks into his dark green eyes. “It says here that his name is Heiji.” She grinned.

---

Ran regards the kitten which has been super active since she brought him home. She’d set up his bed for the night and shown him where his water bowl is. After the tour was done, he had promptly jumped onto Ran’s favorite plush bean bag chair and jumped down onto the carpet, before jumping up again. Seems like he’s found his spot.

“You’ll have to give them extra love and attention as they have abandonment issues from being abandoned by their mother.” That’s what the shelter staff told them. She’s not sure how to show extra love to a cat that literally does nothing but nap.

So she leaves Shinichi to it, and sets up her laptop to get some work done on an overdue paper. Barely five minutes into it, Ran feels something pulling on her pajama pants. She looks down to find Shinichi sitting at her feet, the claws of one paw hooked onto the hem of her right pant leg. Absentmindedly, she reaches out a hand to pat Shinichi on the head, once, twice, then resumes her typing.

Then it happens again. 

So she lifts Shinichi up onto her desk and coos over him for a bit, scratching his chin and tickling him behind his ears until he’s purring and pliant on the desk, eyes drooped close. When Shinichi looks like he’s fallen back asleep, Ran returns to her report.

But Shinichi wakes up again. This time, he thinks it’s a good idea to jump up and step on her keyboard. Her laptop makes a number of alarming noises and Ran scrunched her nose up. She shifts Shinichi off the laptop four times before she decides he’s probably not going to get any work done until she gives Shinichi some attention. 

Ran suddenly realizes this must be those abandonment issues coming into play! Picking him up, she moves them both to the shag rug in her living room and pulls out the catnip mouse she had gotten together with the other supplies earlier.

Shinichi only gives a couple of half-hearted pats at the mouse however, before he flops onto the rug, asleep. Ran watches the kitten sleeping, waits until it seems like he’s properly fallen asleep and sneaks back to her work.

Fifteen minutes tops. Shinichi is back at her ankles mewling again.

Ran discovers a pattern with her new kitten. Shinichi only wants attention when she’s trying to get things done on her laptop, or cooking herself some dinner—basically any time she is not playing with him means it’s petting time! 

Rana keeps repeating to herself, “abandonment issues, abandonment issues” and puts up with Shinichi’s stubbornness. He makes up for it when he snuggles up against Ran’s neck at night, warm and cozy, his steady purr a lullaby to them both.

---

Heijii is bristling on the couch, his fur still ruffled from his earlier freak-out, hissing and scratching at Sonoko when she’d tried to pick him up. Kazuha adds “precious baby kitty” to the list of names he must remember to tell visitors not to call Heiji.

Half speaking to herself, half to Heiji, Kazuha says, “I’m going to stay forever single if this keeps up.”

First it had been this guy whom Kazuha had invited in after their date. He was rather persistent and insisted they dove straight into a make-out session. He abruptly left because Heiji had bitten his ankles when he placed a hand onto Kazuha’s lap. She tried to reason that Heiji was just being territorial—Kazuha’s lap is usually his after all. Teruaki-kun lasted longer, but that was also probably because he was less aggressive. Heiji had leapt up to his thighs, claws digging into his jeans only when he’d suggested to Kazuha, “Why don’t you put your kitty in the bathroom? I don’t feel comfortable when he’s staring at us like that.”

Usually they get the most angry when instead of immediately tending to their wounds, Kazuha picks Heiji and asks, alarmed, “Did you get any blood under your claws?!”

“Hygiene is very important for growing young cats,” she tells Sonoko, the only one among them without a kitten. “Especially since they’ve been abandoned by their mother, there’s no one to teach him to clean out his paws properly so I have to be extra careful.”

Kazuha insists the problem must lie with those guys. Heijii has never scratched her in his life, he's only ever had sweet cuddles from her precious baby kitten. 

(Albeit being really grumpy at times, more often than not.)

When Kazuha forgets to feed him some snacks, Heiji starts wailing, a whining pathetic mewl that sounds a lot like crying. The same thing happens whenever her attention is divided and lies on anything else other than him. Really, this kitten could be extremely stubborn. But once Kazuha leaves what she’s doing to attend to Heiji, the kitten doesn’t seem that interested in playing with her. 

Some days she comes home after a having a really bad time at school, or work, or both. But whenever she sees Heiji’s tiny face relaxing as she scratches the back of his ears though, her heart always melts, along with her bad mood. Heiji could be rough to visitors (Kazuha fails to notice that it’s mostly toward male presence only) but he’s actually a really big softie. He has truly won her heart.

---

Playdates for Shinichi and Heiji usually end up with hours of cleaning for whoever hosts. The two go absolutely mad around each other, tearing around whatever room they are in, displaying some form of kitty-parkour as they vault over side tables, bounce off armchairs and balance on ledges, knocking over anything in the way. Kazuha and Ran soon learn to put away breakable objects and secure anything that can moved by a 4-pound kitten any time Shinichi and Heiji get together but collectively they still manage to smash uncountable bowls, many vases, and notably one extremely expensive frame from Kazuha’s father, a half dozen coffee mugs and—Ran sort of loses track along the way.

It’s Ran who has the bright idea to ask Aoko if they could have a playdate with her cat. Kazuha feels pretty anxious at first, since her kitten has a reputation of attacking random people at times. It’s only ever been Shinichi and Heiji, because they seem to be very close even back in their shelter days. Ran has no worries about Shinichi getting along with Aoko’s kitten, mainly because Shinichi is pretty reserved and doesn’t really bother anyone but her.

From what she’s head from Ran and Kazuha, their kittens are fairly possessive of each other and their owners. Indeed they look strikingly different, but Aoko gathers for herself that both cats are pretty similar as far as cat-personality goes. Her own kitten, Kaito, is nowhere as guarded as Shinichi and Heiji but he has his own fair share of stubbornness that she has to deal with. 

Unlike Shinichi and Heiji, Kaito is good at socializing with humans, especially with the ladies. He never seems to mind whenever any of Aoko’s girl friends pet him on his head, or stroke his fur, or pick him up and cuddle him around. Kaito is very welcoming and likes receiving any attention from anyone. Aoko often brings Kaito along with her on their girls days out because he’s such a friendly kitten. 

Sonoko adores Kaito so much so that she always squishes him to her cheeks and chest whenever she sees him. “It’s something about Kaito that’s so charming,” Sonoko gushed on one sunday afternoon when they were out in the usual coffeeshop (pet-friendly, yes). Aoko doesn’t get to hold him much whenever Sonoko is around because the latter often insist for the kitten to be held by her. The short-haired girl has now made up her mind on getting her own kitty cat as well. 

Kaito always knows when Aoko’s leaving the house, and he’d always whine to be brought along with her. Aoko doesn’t want to say that she can get jealous at times. (Especially when he’s comfortable nestled on Akako-chan’s chest, she grumbled to Ran once.) And every night Kaito always creeps up to her bed and settles on her shoulder. It’s as if he doesn’t want to be left alone and will do anything to be with her.

Apparently, all goes well. Aoko’s apartment hasn’t been decorated with broken pieces of glassware or furniture. 

All goes well, that is, until Kaito decides to lick Shinichi with his pink, slobbery tongue. The look on Shinichi’s face screams shock (Ran has learnt to read her cat) and Heiji, offended on his littermate’s behalf, shoots a paw out with claws extended and smacks Kaito on his face.

The round of screeching, yowling, whining and skittering claws on Aoko’s parquet floor goes on for twenty minutes until Ran and Kazuha bravely wade into the fray and grab their own kittens. Kaito manages to escape to the top of the washing machine in the laundry room. He’s not trembling in fear like Ran and Kazuha expected, and instead sort of looks like he is grinning happily.

“It could’ve been worse,” Ran says, ever the optimist.

Aoko puts her hands on her hips, nodding to herself, “I’ve never seen Kaito this way before. I think we should let the three of them have playdates more often. It’s good exercise!”

Shinichi and Heiji are completely quiet, save the occasional purrs on the way home, both asleep and exhausted from their earlier exertion. They are curled up around each other like a cream and brown yin and yang symbol.

[balancingdiet]

Tabula Rasa

Detective Conan & Magic Kaito Characters: Shinichi/Kaito Words: 3000 ish Chapter: (1) ... (12) (13) (14)

Shinichi always finds his neighbour weird. But he didn’t expect to find his neighbour lying on a patch of grass and donned in Kaitou Kid’s costume, too.

Kuroba didn’t lie; the Ramen was indeed splendid and the dumpling didn’t disappoint. And he didn’t lie when he said he knew the Ramen restaurant too, so well that the owner came over specifically to greet Kuroba when they entered and offered both of them an extra serving of char siew on the house. 

Shinichi wasn’t sure, but for the first time he had a feeling this special treatment had nothing to do with Kuroba’s charm. The interactions between Kuroba and the employees during the whole dinner felt real, and rather than being in a restaurant, Shinichi thought he was eating in a private home instead. 

But Shinichi wasn’t complaining. He liked the liveliness, which was similar to what he'd missed experiencing in Cafe Poirot when he was Edogawa Conan. Only this time he was in his true self, and also because he was with—

He had no idea where that last thought came from, and he refused to finish it.

After the dinner and a long chatty goodbye, they both exited the restaurant, the next idea of destination unknown to Shinichi. Kuroba then asked if Shinichi drove, which he did, and that answer seemed to give Kuroba a new idea for the night as he began leading Shinichi somewhere else besides home. 

They stopped outside a shop that sold gardening supplies.

Shinichi glanced at Kuroba’s back as they entered the store. “Why are we here?”

“To save your plants, duh.”

Shinichi frowned. “I—”

“Hello Kaito-kun!” The store owner greeted as she stood up from her chair behind the counter. “The usual?”

“Not today,” Kuroba said, before jabbing a thumb at Shinichi. “Somebody is trying to murder his plants and I’m not going to sit back and watch. Do you have any big pots for repotting Sweet Potato Vine?”

Shinichi glowered, not sure to be annoyed at Kuroba’s unnecessary remark or impressed at his abundance knowledge for plants. But Kuroba didn’t seem to care, or notice, as he disappeared to the other section of the store with the owner, their chatters grew to murmurs that Shinichi couldn’t hear. When Shinichi tried to follow through the aisle, Kuroba was already back with two pots under both of his arms.

Kuroba set them on the cashier counter before gesturing Shinichi forward. “You’re paying for these.” He grinned.

Shinichi grudgingly pulled out his wallet, though he returned a smile when he faced the owner to pay for the items. At the last minute, Kuroba added a pruner tool and a small spade during the checkout.

They carried a pot each on their way out.

“I have a question,” Shinichi said as they were finally heading to his car for home.

Kuroba glanced over. “Hm?”

“Did you previously live around here?” Shinichi asked. An explanation for his guess wasn’t necessary, but Kuroba’s lack of reply tempted Shinichi to fill in the silence between them. “The Ramen place, the gardening store... They’re not close to our district, but you seemed like a regular customer to them.”

“Yeah.” Kuroba eventually nodded. “I used to.”

“Why did you move?”

On the cue, a loud “Bong” echoed through the streets.

Shinichi halted in his steps.

“Bong.”

He turned

“Bong.”

Is that the clocktower? 

Most of the tower was blocked by the surrounding buildings, but the tip and the face of the clock could still be seen against the dark sky. The structure was nothing in comparison to the Big Ben in London, but the clock lights did help to close the gap and make it looked just as majestic and iconic.

Just like the first time he’d seen it up close in the helicopter ride.

Being in the helicopter, Shinichi wasn't aware of the directions and didn’t know the clock tower was actually around this area—which was also the place Kuroba used to live, as mentioned. But now that he did, he wondered if it was a coincidence, or if there was any relation to why Kuroba—Kaitou Kid—decided to not only steal, but save it.

Shinichi turned back.

Though Kuroba had also stopped beside him, he was still looking forward.

And his face seemed too blank for Shinichi’s liking.

But in a blink, some life returned to his eyes, and he turned towards Shinichi.

“Tabula Rasa,” he said, breaking the odd silence and the lingering echoes from the clock tower’s chime.

“…Tabula Rasa?”

“It means a blank slate. Like a moment after a new birth," Kuroba said, turning away as he began walking again. Shinichi quickly followed.

There was something heavy at the end of Kuroba's sentence, like it wasn't completed... 

“And?” Shinichi prompted, trying to test his luck.

“And that’s my answer," was all Kuroba replied.

----

By the time they reached Shinichi’s parked car and drove back home (with the two pots sitting in the back seat), Kuroba had returned to his… normal self. But it wasn’t entirely normal when the first few minutes of the ride was silent, though eventually it was Kuroba that first broke it by commenting about some insignificant things before he started talking about what he was going to do with Shinichi’s plants; and for once Shinichi couldn’t be more grateful for the two pots and tools he was forced to buy, just so they had a safe, neutral and stable topic for the rest of the ride.

“And also, you shouldn’t water it too much either,” Kuroba continued as they got off the car, brought the pots into Shinichi’s house and to the backyard. “It’s like spoiling a kid. It’d grow up bad.”

“Nice analogy,” Shinichi said, placing the new pot beside the old one.

“Huh,” Kuroba looked amused. “Never knew you’d appreciate anything coming from me.”

Shinichi thought there wasn’t a need to correct Kuroba about that. Instead, he focused all his energy on transferring the two potted plants with Kuroba’s guidance, which was also a good distraction that helped him temporarily forget about Ran’s return, the hospital conversation, and all the burning questions Shinichi wished he had answers to, but not at the expense of having to see the sadness in Kuroba’s face…

“Doooone!” 

Shinichi glanced up, watching as Kuroba wiped his forehead with his sleeves. He didn’t need to be a scientist to know that human doesn’t glow, no matter the circumstances, but strangely, under the dark night sky with little light around them, Kuroba seemed to be—

“Hm, thanks.” Shinichi eyed down at the plants in front of him.

“No probs.”

Then, Kuroba continued to share more tips about the plants, something along the line about how to protect the plant during harsh sunlight, but Shinichi couldn’t really hear his words or voice anymore, not when the only thing that echoed in his ears were his slightly loud and erratic heartbeats, thumping faster and faster as he wondered about the cause of it. 

----

“Kudo!”

Shinichi turned, instantly noticing the dark-skinned man among the crowd of people loitering at their agreed meeting venue. He closed the distance by jogging over to Hattori as well. 

“Sorry for being late, there was a last minute meeting.” 

“Nah, I just reached too,” Hattori said before slapping a hand over Shinichi’s back. “Boy, it’s been so long!"

Long, according to Hattori’s dictionary, was akin to several years, even though it was technically only several months since they last met. But Shinichi wasn’t going to say otherwise, given that the meeting was indeed rather short, and it was for work purpose too; he’d gone to Osaka to solve a missing case that involved a resident from Tokyo. 

Shinichi smiled and glanced at his watch. “It’s an odd timing, but do you want to eat? I know a place that sells good Ramen and dumplings.”

��It’s really an odd timing for something so full,” Hattori said as he rubbed a hand sheepishly behind his back, “and I already promised I’m going to bring Kazuha to try the curry rice later for dinner.”

“Oh, Toyama is here in Tokyo too?”

“Yeah,” Hattori pursed his lips, looking somehow reluctant to explain the reason why. And he didn’t. 

Then again, it really wasn’t hard for Shinichi to figure out himself.

Ran.

“How about giving me a tour around your new place?” Hattori grinned, slicing away the mild tension as he wrapped an arm around Shinichi’s shoulders. “You didn’t have a house-warming party, so now’s the chance.”

Shinichi hesitated, but it wasn’t because he wanted to hide his pathetic kitchen, messy study room or the sad little backyard with just two (albeit healthier-looking) potted plants. Instead, what flashed across his mind was Kuroba, his pesky doves, and his beautiful rose garden.

That was how it was to live beside an infamous and wanted thief, perhaps. 

“Well…” 

“C’mon, I already had enough of Tokyo's sight-seeing,” Hattori grumbled. “Just entertain me, would ya.”

“Fine, but—”

Before Shinichi could say another word, Hattori was already dragging him towards the direction of his car.

----

The first thing Shinichi checked when he got out of his car was Kuroba’s house (which was actually like all the other times, even without having Hattori or anyone around). But the sun hadn’t set and it was hard to tell if Kuroba was at home with no lights being on, so Shinichi had to check his mailbox. The lack of the dove’s presence and shit-stain didn’t help to confirm Shinichi’s guess either.

“Damn, it looks just as big as your old one.” Hattori gaped before skipping towards the front door.

Pushing his worries away at the moment, Shinichi followed.

The things in Shinichi’s house were pretty much self-explanatory, and joining with his lack of commentary talent, the "house-tour" was summed up in less than five minute. But Hattori still seemed pretty impressed, like usual.

“Nice place. Highly recommended. Will definitely visit again.” Hattori gave a thumbs up.

Shinichi shook his head. “You sure you don’t want to go somewhere else?” he suggested.

“Nah, oh wait. I haven’t seen your backyard.”

“Uh—”

Before Shinichi could even blink, Hattori had already teleported himself out in the backyard.

“Wow, you have plants,” he said aloud.

Sighing, Shinichi followed as he passed through the kitchen. “They are—”

Hattori suddenly turned, looking over at Kuroba’s backyard. “Eh, your neighbour’s there too.”

Shinichi froze.

“Hello!” Hattori waved.

Oh God.

Shinichi stepped into his backyard and awkwardly turned to look over at Kuroba’s side.

Kuroba was waving back at Hattori with a watering can in his hand, and after putting it down by his rose plantations, he ambled over to the fence.

Shinichi pinched the bridge of his nose. And he’d thought Kuroba would be smart enough and go back into his house… He must have given him too much credit and overestimated how his two remaining brain cells would handle the situation.

“Nice to meet ya.” Hattori placed a hand over his chest. “I’m Kudo's best friend and greatest rival.” 

“And his name is also Hattori Heiji,” Shinichi added. Not that Kuroba needed the information, but for the sake of formality… He gestured over to Kuroba. “And he’s my neighbour, Kuroba Kaito,” he said to Hattori.

Kuroba propped an arm over the fence. “Is it safe for me to say that I’m your best neighbour too?”

Shinichi sighed. “Ok, anyway—”

“Wait a minute.” Hattori frowned, his eyes suddenly turned all squinty as he surveyed Kuroba. “Why does it look so familiar…”

Kuroba blinked.

Shinichi was pretty sure his heart had stopped for a good two-seconds at least. “What?” he said, and it was already a miracle he didn’t stutter for saying that one word. 

Hattori scratched his chin. “I’ve seen it before…”

“What are you talking about—”

“That shirt, ya.” Hattori pointed at Kuroba, “I’ve seen you worn it before.”

With how synchronised they were—both glancing down at the shirt, at each other, and then at Hattori at the same time—Shinichi and Kuroba could have won an award at the Olympics. 

And not just them, Hattori should be awarded as the-most-observant-man in history too; it was indeed Shinichi’s shirt, the one he let Kaitou Kid wear on the night he ended up in his garden with a knife stuck in his waist.

“Uh.” Shinichi cleared his throat. “Yes, what a coincidence—that my neighbour has the same shirt as me.”

Kuroba had probably worked his two brain cells and figured it was better to not say anything, so he only added a laugh for effect. 

Hattori raised an eyebrow. “Right—”

“Anyway, there’s nothing in my backyard besides the two plants, so let’s head back in,” Shinichi said, dragging Hattori towards the backyard door without sparing a glance towards Kuroba. Luckily, the feisty detective complied without any argument.

But getting into the kitchen wasn’t enough. After closing the door to the backyard, he pushed Hattori into the living room too.

“Where are you eating dinner with Toyama?” Shinichi asked, hoping to deflect any sort of conversation related to what happened fifteen seconds ago. “We can maybe hang out around there—”

“No, no.” Hattori waved a hand, his face turned slightly panicked all of the sudden. 

Shinichi raised an eyebrow. It seemed like it wasn’t just him that was trying to do some form of distracting.

Hattori sighed. He rubbed a hand behind his neck. “Kazuha… She’s with Ran-neechan now.”

Oh.

“You do know that she’s back, right?” Hattori added.

Shinichi rubbed an eye. He was thankful, at least, that the aches in his chest had dulled so much to just a fluttering beat when he heard or thought of Ran these days. “Yeah, I know.”

Hattori frowned. “Why do I have this feeling that you know, but not at da’ same time?”

“I knew it through Shiho.” Shinichi explained, “But… I haven’t met Ran personally yet.”

“Yet.” Hattori leaned forward, looking as pumped as receiving a murder case. “Does that mean you are going to find her?”

Shinichi shrugged. “I’m not sure.”

Hattori’s face fell. “Well, I hope you do.”

Shinichi was tempted to give a nod just to assure Hattori, but he didn’t want to make any unconfirmed promises to anyone anymore. And worse, he feared Hattori would hold onto this thought and accidentally tell Toyama about it. And then Ran would know.

And if that happened, what should he do from there?

A buzz suddenly came from Hattori’s pants, saving Shinichi from having to continue his mind-mapping and figure what to reply. 

After silently reading off the message from his screen, Hattori pocketed his phone. “I guess I should go now.”

Shinichi nodded. “Let me send you.”

“Nah, I saw a train station when we passed. I can walk.” Hattori patted Shinichi on the shoulder. “Besides, Tokyo isn’t that big, ya know. You should at least prepare your script before stepping out of your house every time.”

Shinichi gave a wry laugh.

But out of courtesy, Shinichi still walked Hattori out of his door and a little further down the street before heading back into his house.

Or not really.

Standing right next to his mailbox was Kuroba, with his chin on the palm of his hand as he watched Shinichi walking closer home.

“You haven’t answered my question,” he said out randomly.

Shinichi frowned. “I don’t remember any question.”

“So, is it safe for me to say that I’m your best neighbour too?”

It was absurd that he didn’t see it coming. Shinichi rolled his eyes. “What do you think?”

Kuroba grinned. “Yes?”

Shinichi didn’t answer. He spun on his heels and went for his front door, but just for the feeling of it, he peeped back over his shoulder at the last moment, to find Kuroba still standing at the same exact spot and looking at him too.

“…What?” Shinichi muttered when they made eye contact.

“Nothing,” Kuroba said, before dusting his hands and heading for his own house.

Shinichi bit his lip. He backtracked, and took a few steps towards Kuroba. “Wait.”

Kuroba stopped. 

“Uh.” Shinichi unconsciously glanced at his mailbox. 

Kuroba followed his gaze. “My doves didn’t shit on it this time.”

“Yes, I can see that.”

Kuroba then tilted his head, promoting Shinichi to fill in the answer rather than supplying any more. Or maybe because he couldn’t think of any other reason to explain why Shinichi asked him to wait too.

And truth to be told, Shinichi couldn’t find any other reason either—

“When are you planning to return my shirt?” Shinichi came up with this idea instead.

Kuroba looked down and pulled the hem of the clothes, contemplating. “Do you want me to take if off now?” 

“Don’t,” Shinichi spat, which caused a grin to form on Kuroba’s face. Shinichi scowled in return. “Just give it back to me next time.”

“Ok. Is there anything else?

“No. I guess not.” Shinichi took a step back, and then another. “Bye.”

“Bye.” 

“…Wait.”

Kuroba turned and flung his hands up in exasperation. “What now?”

Shinichi dug both hands into his pocket, balling them into fists. “Do you… I mean, are you free?”

“Why?”

“By any chance… Are you cooking later? Like fried rice?” Shinichi blurted, almost pathetically. “Can I pay you to cook an extra plate for me?”

Kuroba blinked, his brief annoyance gone like the wind. “I can do it for free,” he said, his whole face all smiley and bright. “But in exchange, you have to answer my question: is it safe to say that I’m your best—”

Shinichi sighed. “Yes, yes you are.”