Quiet Night In

"Don't Skip: Read My Story & Help 🚨🙏"

"A Plea for Hope: Ibrahim's Family's Struggle for Survival 💔"

1,731/20,000 ‼️🚨

For over three months, we have received no support. We urgently need to raise 4,000. Is it possible to achieve this goal ? 🙏🏻

Vetted by @gazavetters, my number verified on the list is ( #220 )✅️

Vetted by @90-ghost ✅️

I am Ibrahim Almughanni. I once dreamed of a peaceful future for my family, but those dreams were shattered by the horrors of war.

I am married to Soha Fouad,

and we have three children: Toleen, 9 years old; Wateen, 6; and Tayseer, 4.

My children from inside UNRWA shelters

"Toleen, Wateen, and Tayseer are currently in the UNRWA shelter. With your support, we are striving to bring them happiness despite the challenges. Please stand by us for the sake of these children."

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Donate to Support Ibrahim’s Fight For Survival, organized by Valeria V

Support Ibrahim's fight for survival I’m Valeria, and I’m organizing this fundraise… Valeria V needs your support for Support Ibrahim’s

The Day Our Lives Shattered

I remember the day vividly—explosions began in the distance, growing into a deafening roar. Smoke and fear engulfed us as we watched our neighbors flee in terror. We grabbed our children and ran, pushing through a sea of panic until we could run no more

The Day Our Lives Shattered

We once lived a simple and peaceful life, with my children learning and thriving. Now, we are left with nothing in a UNRWA shelter, lacking all basic necessities.

Your support and contribution can make a real difference and change our reality for the better. 🙏

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Donate to Support Ibrahim’s Fight For Survival, organized by Valeria V

Support Ibrahim's fight for survival I’m Valeria, and I’m organizing this fundraise… Valeria V needs your support for Support Ibrahim’s

✅️Vetted by @gazavetters, my number verified on the list is ( #220 )✅️.

✅️Vetted by @90-ghost ✅️

A Fight Without You

the height of my esuka obsession T-T

Yet another island Isuka hadn't been at; it was getting worrisome. Isuka, without fail, had been there at every single island since they had first met, always there, determined to bring him in. Ace loved the attention; Deuce speculated that it was because she was a gorgeous young woman who could take him down if she wanted to. However, this was the second island they'd been to, and Isuka hadn't been there. Ace felt uneasy leaving the previous island without seeing her, but she was a marine who had other things to do apart from chasing him, or so he tried to convince himself. He was finding it harder to believe now that she hadn't turned up this time.

Ace sighed, 'you don't think something bad happened to her do you?'

'To who? Isuka? No way I've never seen anyone like her,' Deuce chuckled, 'she fights like she's got devil fruit powers.'

'That woman is fearless,' Ace seemed to accept it for a while but looked back at the horizon, 'but nothing could've happened to her, right?'

'Ace, cap, no offence but you're awfully worried about a woman who has done nothing but try to catch you. Maybe it's a good thing she isn't here, one less thing to worry about if she's finally lost our trail.'

'She hasn't only tried to catch me, she's,' Deuce raised an eyebrow, 'I just think it's weird okay, she's just always there.'

'You know she has other duties right? She's an ensign, that's pretty important, she's probably got meetings to attend, boring marine stuff.'

'Yeah I guess,' Ace didn't seem at all satisfied with the answer but didn't try to argue back.

'Boss!' Skull shouted from the sand, 'bad news, the locals just said that we can't leave tonight!'

'Why's that?'

'Apparently there's a bad current that appears from time to time. It's wiped out massive fleets before, we shouldn't risk it.'

'I guess we're spending another night here,' he seemed to consider his options before jumping down to the sand, 'Deuce let's walk, I'm bored.'

~ ♡ ~

Deuce often got dragged into things because Ace was bored or hungry. Since he'd left Sixis with Ace, life had not been dull, maybe even a little too interesting. Thankfully this time, Ace didn't get into much trouble, although his usual narcoleptic attack did frighten a few villagers. 

Or so he thought. Things had been going well until Ace caught sight of a marine, just an ordinary officer slipping past the crowds and into a back street.

He immediately broke into a run, 'Ace!'

The officer was fast, keeping to the back streets as he made it to the other side of the island, where he met with another officer. Ace recognised them; they worked under Isuka on her ship.

'Did you find any others?'

'No there's only one doctor on this island.'

'That's not good, hopefully the antidote works, we've contacted headquarters, but no one will be able to reach here for a while.'

'The Ensign is strong, she'll pull through.' At the mention of Isuka, Deuce felt Ace tense. He was never subtle when it came to her.

'Hopefully.'

Deuce felt Ace move, grabbing one of the marines before he could stop him, 'what did you say?'

'Fire Fist!' The other one spluttered, 'what are you doing here?'

He tightened his grip on the man, 'answer the question, what happened to Isuka?' Deuce sighed. Ace had an especially short fuse when things were about her. After all, he'd beaten up a guy who'd made some unsavoury passes at her when she confronted them at a bar. Ace was not someone you wanted to anger.

'We don't need to tell you anything, pirate.'

Ace looked like he would punch the guy but was stopped by a loud rustling sound getting closer to them from more than one side. He dropped the guy before preparing for a possible ambush. The marine gasped for air before crawling over to his colleague.

'Boss!' One of the voices shouted. Skull had come looking for them.

The other person, unfortunately, was a marine who, at the sight of Ace, drew her gun. 'Fire Fist Ace, the ensign is in no state to fight you. Leave.'

'Take me to her.'

'Boss, that's-' Skull began; that was too much to ask of them to lead a notorious pirate to their leader, who was in no state to fight.

'I want to see her.'

The marine sighed; she looked over at his two colleagues; they weren't enough to deter the pirate, 'can you help her?'

'Deuce is a doctor, he can take a look at her, if she needs something and we have it, you can have it.'

'How do we trust you, pirate? Getting rid of the Ensign Isuka would be advantageous to you,' the marine he had grabbed spat out.

'I wouldn't hurt her, not intentionally.'

She nodded to the dismay of her colleagues, in a way she understood that their relationship was quite complicated, 'follow me.'

The five of them trailed behind her as she led them to a small cove. The ship was tucked in. The sails containing Isuka's epithet were taken in; the usually busy ship had an uneasy quietness.

'Many of us are scattered around the island, looking for supplies, some have remained for security.'

As they stepped up onto the boat, Ace's appearance caused a couple of marines to turn to him in alarm, guns raised. The marine leading them waved them down, 'he's trying to help!'

They didn't seem all that convinced but turned back around, keeping up their posts.

Deuce seemed slightly impressed at the ship's sheer size, 'how'd she get hurt?'

'We we're called as support along with another ship, they needed some help bringing in some other pirates,' she opened a door leading them downstairs, 'with the ensign it would be easy work, she may struggle to bring you in, but she's very strong.'

'I don't doubt it,' despite having the powers of a logia-type devil fruit, he still dodged her attacks out of reflex.

'We replied to the call, they were nearby and Isuka would never say no to helping someone, and everything did go to plan apart from one thing.'

She opened another door; this time, it was the door to the infirmary. The ship's doctor and the village doctor were sitting by her bedside, monitoring her condition and discussing other medical things.

The marine nodded at them, signalling them to step outside, and they complied. Ace stood by the door for a while before deciding to sit by her; she looked awful. Deuce checked the wound on her arm, the blue bruise-like colour spreading from the injury and up her arm.

'One of the pirates had hidden and held Isuka with a knife to her throat, he didn't realise she was the ensign. So she did what she did best, fight, she brought him down, but he managed to nick her arm. Things were okay for a day or two, but she suddenly collapsed two days ago, so we stopped at the nearest island.'

Deuce checked her temperature, gently checking the neckline of her uniform to see how far the colour had spread. 'I think the antidote is working, the poison hasn't spread far enough to be of extreme danger to her life, but things can still go wrong. Tonight will be very important, it may determine whether she'll be able to use her arm or not.'

'Yes, that's what the other doctors have said, it was lucky we carried many types of antidote,' the marine sighed, 'Isuka made sure of that.' 

With that, she left the room, nodding at Deuce. Ace, on the other hand, had barely registered what had happened, his thoughts consumed by the girl before him. 

Isuka was usually full of life, her strong voice yelling at him from her ship. That was not who he saw now; the girl lying on the infirmary bed was soulless. Her skin was pale, and her breathing laboured; she was not the picture of health she'd always been. Ace leant forward, inspecting her poisoned arm, it may be on her non-dominant arm, but she fought with both. She used her athletic abilities to leap over things, usually using her arm for stability. He knew her fighting style was aggressive and powerful; he was scared that if she lost her arm, she'd give up on being a marine or, at the very least, stop chasing him. Either way, he wouldn't see her again; he would have no reason to tease her and watch her turn red when he threw a flirty comment her way. Losing her and her presence would leave an ugly mark on his heart. 

As she began coughing, she rolled onto her side, bringing her knees closer to her chest. Deuce poured her a glass of water before handing it to Ace, who waited for her to calm down. As the violent coughing fit came to an end, she opened her eyes slowly, her good arm coming up to wipe the tears that had formed in the corners of her eyes. She made a grabbing motion in the direction of the side table.

'Here,' Ace gently moved the cup to her hand, allowing her to grab it, she tried getting up, but without being able to put any pressure on her other arm, she struggled. Ace got up from the chair to help her; when she sat up, she took a long drink from the glass, and Ace settled back into his chair.

'Fire fist, what are you doing here?' Her voice was groggy and weak; her vision had finally cleared up, and she'd finally noticed who he was. He thought she'd be more shocked, but perhaps she was too tired for that.

'Couldn't leave without seeing my favourite ensign, now could I?' He chuckled when Isuka made what he could only guess was a flustered expression. Deuce looked at Skull; there was an unspoken agreement between the both of them that they should leave them alone. He tapped Ace's shoulder reassuringly before exiting the infirmary.

'You know, Isuka. I missed you at our previous island; it isn't the same without you shouting at me,' she smiled at that, lying back down, 'it's not the same when I'm not fighting you.'

'I've got other battles to fight, Fire Fist; I can't chase you all the time,' she whispered as she dragged the sheets back over her.

'I wish you could, wouldn't it be fun seeing each other everyday?'

'I think we have very different ideas of fun.'

'You wouldn't have to get hurt fighting some other prick,' she stayed silent for a while, unable to bring herself to look him in the eyes, 'you worried me when I walked in here I thought I was going to lose you.'

She lifted her arm, hesitating before placing her hand on his cheek, 'it's part of the job, you know that.'

At first, it took him by surprise; they weren't close like that. At most, there were accidental brushes of skin that left her flustered. He placed his hand on hers; she felt comfortable with him, and for now, that was enough. For once, she wasn't wearing her leather gloves; her hand was warm as he stroked it gently, 'I know,' but he couldn't help hating the thought. He moved her hand to his mouth, placing a small kiss on the palm of her hand before releasing it.

She smiled at him, grabbing hold of his hand again, 'I know it isn't much, but I'm here now. You know that I'm safe,' she gently squeezed his hand before closing her eyes. She didn't know who he had lost in the past to react like that, but she understood loss and the pain it brought.

~ ♡ ~

He had completely lost track of time, sitting there holding her hand, stroking the back of it, tracing the lines on her palm. It was completely dark when Deuce returned to the room carrying two plates of food and a bowl of soup for Isuka.

'Skull went back to the rest of the crew to explain,' he placed the soup down first before handing Ace his plate, 'I'm guessing you don't want to leave.'

'I don't know. I don't want to leave her like this.'

'Don't worry about it, the crew will understand.'

Ace gently shook Isuka awake, so she could try to eat something. He helped her sit up again, handing her the bowl of soup before picking up his plate and starting to eat. Deuce had begun to explain their adventures at their previous island, what had happened when she wasn't there. She laughed when he explained how Ace had fallen into the lake trying to chase Kotatsu, who had been chasing a butterfly. At some point during the conversation, Ace had finished his plate and noticed Isuka had been struggling to eat. He took the bowl from her and began feeding her as she listened to Deuce's rambling. At first, she'd been a little embarrassed, but soon she came to enjoy it a little, the power she had over him always amused Deuce. He knew of Ace's tendencies when caring for people, but feeding them was not one of them. Isuka, however, was an exception; they shared something special, even if they didn't quite notice it yet.

After dinner, Isuka had laid back down, drowsiness taking over; Ace remained by her side as Deuce got some pillows and blankets. Ace was still in the same spot when he returned, watching over her. Deuce set up the little sofa in the room for him to sleep on, leaving the other bed in the infirmary to Ace if he wanted to sleep.

'Deuce, take the bed, I don't need it.'

'You should try to get some sleep too.'

'If need be I can sleep on the sofa, you can take the bed.'

Deuce didn't bother arguing back; Ace was stubborn when it came to certain things, so there was no point trying to get his way.

The night was cold; Ace watched as Isuka shivered under her blanket. He got up and grabbed the blanket Deuce left on the table to cover her with. Taking the pillow, he placed it on the bed; he leant forward to rest his head. He must have eventually nodded off because sunlight was filtering through the blinds on the window when he woke up. Sometime in her sleep, Isuka must have found his head as he could feel her soothingly running her hand through his hair. It felt weird; the last time someone had done that was probably 6 or 7 years ago. When he'd fall asleep around Makino, she'd take care of him, gently patting his back or running her hand through his hair. It was comforting; if his mother was alive, he imagined she would do the same.

It was a while longer before either of the others stirred; Isuka was up first, woken up again by a coughing fit. Ace did the same thing as before, handing her a glass of water and helping her sit up. Being a light sleeper, Deuce had also woken up; he checked up on Isuka first. Her temperature had decreased slightly, and the marks on her arm had begun to fade - which was very promising. He left to share the information with the rest of her crew.

'Thank you, Fire Fist, I think your presence really helped.'

'I didn't do much,' he smiled, slightly shy at the compliment.

'I know, but still, you make me stronger.'

Ace didn't know what to say; Isuka kept him on his toes, kept him guessing what her next move would be. She'd made her way into his life, and in a way, she pushed him to be stronger too. Before he could try to formulate a reply, Deuce returned.

'We should probably get back to the ship, the currents are getting better and we can leave soon,' Ace made an expression. Before he could ask, Deuce replied, 'I imagine Isuka will be leaving soon too, she's getting better and it would be beneficial to be heading to a more accessible island.'

'He's right, if things go well we'll probably be leaving by the end of the day,' she smiled reassuringly at Ace, 'back on your trail of course.'

'Wouldn't expect anything different.'

~ ♡ ~

🌍✨ A Voice from Gaza: Fighting for Hope ❤️‍🩹

Hi, my name is Mosab , and I’m from Gaza. Life here has been harder than I could ever imagine, but today I’m sharing my story with hope in my heart, because your kindness has already given us so much strength.

This journey hasn’t been easy. The war has taken 25 family members from us—25 beautiful souls we loved deeply. Their laughter, their presence, their love… all of it is gone, leaving behind memories that are both precious and painful. Every day, I carry the weight of their loss, but I also carry their spirit, which gives me the strength to keep going.

Our Journey So Far When I first reached out, I couldn’t have imagined we’d make it this far. Thanks to your incredible kindness, we’ve reached 19,800 out of 30,000. Your support has been a light in these difficult times, and we are so deeply grateful for every single contribution.

But the road ahead is still challenging. Every day, we’re reminded of how much we’ve lost and how much we still need to rebuild.

Here’s what life in Gaza looks like for my family right now: 🏠 Safety: The uncertainty of tomorrow weighs heavily on us. 😢 Loss: The absence of the 25 family members we’ve lost is a pain we carry every moment. 💔 Dreams on Hold: The future feels so far away when survival takes all our strength.

How You Can Help Us Cross the Finish Line Even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference:

$5 might not seem like much, but it could mean a meal, clean water, or a tiny bit of hope for my family.

Can’t donate? Reblog this post to help us reach someone who can. Every share matters more than you know.

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Donate to Help Mosab saving who's left of his family, organised by Mohamad Abdulhai

Hello Everyone! I am organising this fundraiser to a good friend and neigh… Mohamad Abdulhai needs your support for Help Mosab saving who's

Why Your Support Matters Your kindness isn’t just about helping us meet our goal—it’s about reminding us that we’re not alone in this fight. It’s about hope. It’s about survival. And it’s about giving my family a chance to rebuild our lives, even in the face of unimaginable loss.

Thank you for helping us get this far. Your generosity and compassion have already brought us closer to a better tomorrow, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.

With all my love and gratitude, Mosab and Family ❤️

based off this screen cap

saying I miss a character is so funny I don't even know what I mean. I could engage with the media anytime. i could even read or even WRITE fanfic. but man. i miss the character

hi kavi @blackwaves i had to go through multiple gymnastics to bypass tumblr shoving this post into the mature content label. for some reason 😭 LOL anyways. here's the answer to ur asks

ayatsuji yukito—bsd !

favorite thing about them: i would say his fashion sense but i am personally irked (/lh) by the fact that his checkered pants have a singular pocket. not even another to pair, it's just that singular one. oyoyo-sensei made him redeem himself by putting him in that black turtleneck and jeans thank god 🙏 also Love that harukawa-sensei gave him down turned eyes, incorporated that into my own drawings of him hehehd

least favorite thing about them: that he's locked behind gaiden with kyogoku. atleast tsujimura is animated and voiced </3

favorite line: "how lucky i am as a detective." (<- yes this is the fan translated line. yes i prefer it more than the official one. </3)

brOTP: ayatsuji and ranpo best friendism agenda where they're the only one who can catch up to one another but also are on the verge of bickering every other minute. you all will listen. i am also very adverse to ayatsuji and ango partnership

OTP: soutsuji. is anyone surprised really

nOTP: ayatsuji/kyogoku... </33 im sorry. it's so hard for me to picture them in a romantic context

random headcanon: somewhere, in a countryside of japan, lays the ruins of ayatsuji's childhood town. ayatsuji remembers most of his childhood peering through the glass windows of his mother's doll store, waiting for his father to arrive home. he remembers clinging a little tighter to the dolls in the store whenever a passerby gives him another nasty glare. it was always like that, ever since those accidents started. his last memory of that town is the pungent waft of iron, from the blood coating his head, dripping down his face, down his clothes and clutching onto his pale skin—and although his memory is crystal, even he cannot recall exactly what the townspeople were cursing onto him that night, he'd assume it to be vulgar nonsense. yet all his eyes could focus on is the moon, shining down onto his heaving body.

unpopular opinion: he doesn't look like dazai idk why some fans call him blonde dazai 😭 their hair is similar sure but it's not? exactly down to a t?? ayatsuji would hate his ass (/affectionate)

song i associate with them: toxic, britney spears / crooked teeth, death cab for cutie / picture you, chappell roan / so beautiful, dpr ian / caring is creepy, the shins

favorite picture of them: how could i not include the woof scene. also forgot to include this in tsujimura's answer but i am vol 2 cover's biggest fan, real not fake. i am also very fond of each scene where ayatsuji is seen smiling fondly, i will in fact be wailing and screaming and crying once the manga gets to That part at the end of act 5

kyogoku natsuhiko—bsd !

favorite thing about them: his philosophy! admittedly i didn't see his appeal until After i read the light novel, where at the time, the interlude chapter hadn't been adapted in the manga just yet. the interlude chapter is my favorite chapter in gaiden, because it gave me insight to kyogoku's philosophy and morals and why he decided to become "evil," and even debating if he truly is what society deems as "evil." none of you would understand the joy i experienced when i saw that the interlude chapter was adapted, jumped in the air and clicked my heels like a cartoon character fr. i LOVE kyogoku, the bsd antagonist of all time actually

least favorite thing about them: that he's locked behind gaiden with ayatsuji. asagiri let them out please. pretty please. pretty please with a cherry on top

favorite line: "let's raise the curtain of the next game, shall we—?"

brOTP: does kyogoku/ayatsuji fall under here? i yearn for the lore behind ayatsuji and kyogoku and how they fell out bc wdym he was your previous student. wdym ayatsuji jokingly called kyogoku "sensei" in the hbd mayoi event what. What

OTP: uhh. none really. does the crackship me and a friend made of kyogoku/fukuchi count yes or no (i don't ship it i just find it funny)

nOTP: again, kyoaya </33

random headcanon: kyogoku may not be seen by everyone else that isn't ayatsuji but there can be indicators. if the temperature suddenly drops, and/or if ayatsuji looks more pissed than before. another headcanon of mine is that he's multilingual, and can communicate with ayatsuji with not only tons of other languages, but also through codes and ciphers. it stresses tsujimura out whenever ayatsuji starts angrily tapping his desk glaring at empty air. also if he isn't at least 60 years old im going to crash out (/hj).

unpopular opinion: not an opinion but moreso a plea @ non gaiden fans when talking about gaiden. please include kyogoku. i love ayatsuji and tsujimura to bits too but please include kyogoku. don't erase the old man pls </3 he is so vital to their partnership guys please. please (begging for more kyogoku content

song i associate with them: monitoring, deco*27 / shanti, wotaku / jet ammo, dasu / thrills, cake / animal impulses, iamx

favorite picture of them: looked through his gallery and he's always grinning of some sorts. what is bro grinning for. why is bro so mischievous

conversations in secret

now with a chapter 2 :)

Chapter 1: to be close to her is to be vulnerable

~ ♡ ~

‘Tough case, I hear.’

He sighed as he took a seat opposite the woman, and she continued to flip through the file. He had a long week, with Tsujimura constantly on his back about reports and endless case requests. 

They had a serial murder case at a Tokyo restaurant: guests had been dying mysteriously. Initial reports couldn’t find traces of any poison in any of the dishes, and combined with the fact that the guests had all previous health problems, it had been ruled out as natural causes and coincidence. However, the latest victim had ties to the government, and that meant they were called in. It turns out that the maitre d’ had been poisoning guests that looked down at him; years of anger had led him to take such drastic measures. Of course he had ended up dead at the end of it all, his prize swordfish being his undoing. 

‘Yeah, well,’ he took out his kiseru and lit it, ‘we got him in the end, so what difference does it make?’ 

After the whole Kyogoku ordeal, he had promised to visit occasionally. To keep her updated on her daughter’s situation. She seemed to look forward to their meetings; she obviously couldn’t have too many visitors. Considering she wasn’t technically alive, and even though Ayatsuji pretended it annoyed him, she knew better. 

‘I heard she threatened to quit.’

‘She does that from time to time,’ he leant back, blowing smoke, regarding the pattern on the ceiling. ‘She never has though.’

Tsujimura has her phases; he’s not sure what brings on these mood swings, but they are quite entertaining. She had accidentally fallen into the fish tank attempting to retrieve a possible piece of evidence, blaming him for not holding her. He had warned her that he had only been contracted to solve mysteries, not entertain wild goose chases. He had also apparently deliberately kept her out of his plans, leading her to once again be thrown at a wall. So still damp and in pain, she told him that if he kept up with this, she would quit.

‘I’m sure you would regret it if she actually did quit,’ she chuckled at his recollection of events. She had already read both of their reports, and Tsujimura’s one had clearly been written with bitterness, her writing looking extra scratchy when it came to his name.

‘Yes,’ he took another long drag from the pipe. ‘No one else in her department is quite so easy to control.’

She shook her head, disappointed but not surprised. She knew her daughter’s character, her stubbornness, her strengths, and her weaknesses. She could be partnered up with worse people; she knows the department is full of them.

‘And?’

He shot her a confused look, ‘And?’

‘How much longer are you going to deny it?’ She’d read about the Kyogoku incident in detail. Details that her daughter was never made aware of, like how he had made the choice to let Kyogoku go in order to save her life—of course that was before he knew the whole truth. Or how initially he had chosen her life over his. It was exasperating to watch him put on this performance of not caring.

‘Deny what?’

She shut the folder and sighed. She forgot how difficult he could be. With that sharp tongue of his, ‘Aren’t you tired of this?’

‘Again, I’m not sure what you’re talking about,’ he sat up, making eye contact with her. ‘Mizuki Tsujimura-dono.’

She shook her head, the lengths he would go just to avoid talking about things he didn’t want to. She could see why her daughter struggled to take charge of him; she was much too insecure in her own strength. And perhaps unaware of just how much power she had.

‘After everything you’ve done for her, are you still going to deny what she means to you?’

‘Ah,’ he went quiet for a second, choosing to look away. ‘You seem to forget that your daughter isn’t like us.’

‘Meaning?’

‘In this business you have to keep everyone an arm’s length away,’ more cryptic nonsense. He went back to leaning, choosing to smoke instead of elaborating. He just couldn’t admit it, could he? Even though they both knew what he was thinking. However, what was clear was that he had put a lot of thought into this; how anyone could forget he was human was beyond her.

‘I fear you might be past that now.’

His response was almost immediate and almost too quiet for her to hear: ‘She doesn’t know that.’

‘You underestimate her, Ayatsuji-kun; she’s grown so much,’ she smiled fondly, recalling all the reports she’s read about her daughter over the years.

‘I don’t disagree,’ he remembered the first time he had seen her. It had been soon after she received the news of her mother’s death. She had just started at the military academy, and Ango was offering her a job after she graduated, courtesy of her new ability. To everyone’s shock she had requested to be placed near him, usually people requested the opposite. ‘Tsujimura-kun has changed considerably, but I—I don’t know.’

'Don’t know what?’

‘I don’t see a future where it will end well.’ Their lives were in constant danger. His is in the hands of the government; what happens when they decide they don’t need him anymore? Tsujimura didn’t take the last kill on sight order well. Well, she didn’t listen at all, choosing to risk her life instead. Would she do that again? More importantly, he didn’t want her to, nor did he want to hear her cry like that again.

‘You forget Ayatsuji-kun, that even you cannot predict the future.’

‘Well forgive me for being a realist,’ he stood up to leave, dusting his clothing and tucking in the chair before turning away.

‘Leaving so soon?’ Of course he would leave like nothing important had been said.

‘She’s going to chew my ear off about being late to some meeting or other,’ he gestured noncommittally; at least this time he was attempting to lie.

‘Think about it, Ayatsuji-kun,’ she called out to him as he walked away.

He didn’t bother turning back to answer, just waved as he waited for them to open the doors again.

He’d thought about it enough.

~ ♡ ~

Chapter 2: your feelings amongst the rubble

~ ♡ ~

Tsujimura dusted off the debris on her blazer, struggling to get up off the floor.

‘Tsujimura-kun!’ She heard her name being called from somewhere nearby. She tried to reply, but all she could do was cough.

The last thing she remembered was Ayatsuji-sensei identifying the killer in their latest case. Then the guy tried to use her as leverage to escape. Unfortunately for him, she tackled him to the ground, and he began crying quite pathetically. Sensei revealed that his ability would soon kill the man, and he screamed something along the lines of, ‘It’s not fair!’ Before activating a bomb of some kind, how she hadn’t noticed it was beyond her. It was supposed to destroy the exits to the building, trapping everyone in so that he could kill them all one by one. Due to the frailty of the older structure, the explosion caused cracks to form in the ceiling above where Tsujimura was disarming and handcuffing the man. Ayatsuji yelled out for her to move or she would be crushed. 

She looked up, there wasn’t enough time to move. Someone, or something shoved her out of the way just in time, knocking the air out of her lungs as she collided with the wall.

She must’ve been out momentarily, waking up to dust and debris everywhere. Her head was throbbing, and her muscles ached; she must’ve hit her head. Using the wall to get up, she tried to make out where everyone was. There were multiple other people in the building as Ayatsuji-sensei pointed out the killer. She saw a hand from under the rubble, the watch on the wrist told her it was the culprit, getting what he deserved.

‘Tsujimura-kun!’ The voice was closer this time, and she was almost sure it was Ayatsuji-sensei calling out her name. She tried to make out where he was, but her vision was blurring, and when she touched her head, she felt blood. Using the wall as a guide, she tried to take a couple of steps towards the voice, though it was useless as she felt her knees buckle.

In the rubble, on her knees, she felt a sense of dread fill her. Was she going to die in this building?

The last thing she remembered before waking up in the hospital was Ayatsuji-sensei crouching next to her, telling her that she would be okay. He seemed to have suffered some slight injuries in his attempt to reach her. He was never going to shut up about that.

~ ♡ ~

‘I see you didn’t make it out of this one unscathed either.’

He shot her a glare as he made his way across the room. He had a bandage on his face and scrapes on his arm and back. He sat down in his usual chair, leaning back slowly so as to not aggravate the healing skin. She watched as he lit his kiseru as usual and relaxed for a bit before continuing. 

‘So?’ She was stifling a laugh as she took in his slight wince as he moved around. ‘Shocking to see the supposedly indestructible homicide detective injured.’

‘Why are you surprised? Isn’t it part of the job?’ His eyes were shut, and he was breathing carefully; his ribs must hurt. ‘Injury and pain?’

‘Yes, but it has been a while since you sustained significant injuries in any case, correct?’ If she remembered correctly, even during the waterfall confrontation, he had a few bruises from falling into the net with force, but that was the extent of it.

He nodded, 'It has indeed.'

‘Reigo Island, I believe,’ she chuckled, clearly amused by the memory she was recalling.

Ayatsuji seemed less entertained. ‘That ability of yours has no sympathy.’

‘In my defence, I was acting under orders.’ She had been instructed to kill the ability user when she was assigned there. ‘You held your own against us, even if it was for a short time. You must have been trained well.’

‘You still seem shocked about it,’ he was sitting up straighter now. Facing her as she continued to reminisce.

‘I was informed that despite your powerful ability, you lacked any combat skills. Imagine my shock when you tried to parry Shadowling with a nearby stick.’

‘I do not wish to talk about that time in my life.’

‘Which part? The part when I nearly killed you? Or the time you learnt to fight?’

His face soured when she brought up the fighting. ‘I think you know what I’m referring to.’

‘Fine, you’ve been through enough; I'll leave this conversation for another time.’

‘Bold of you to assume we would ever have that conversation.’ His face remained unchanged and slightly horrified.

She laughed, ‘Yes, yes. I know you have no inclination to discuss your past.’ She’d tried to bring it up before, having read all the files the government had on him. He’d shot her down then too. 

‘So? Is that all you wanted to discuss? Seems pretty mundane, even more than usual.’

‘What did you expect? You haven’t done anything of national importance lately.’

‘You haven’t enquired about your daughter once. Isn’t that why you wanted to meet? You could at least ask how Tsujimura-kun is,’ he folded his arms.

She smiled, he had an of way saying he cared, ‘And how is she?’

‘Well.’

It would seem he was being bratty for her earlier intrusion, ‘And is that all?’

‘Her injuries, like mine, were minor; she is fine.’

‘Fine? Was she not put under strict orders to rest because of a concussion?’

‘Miraculously,’ he seemed to be throwing some sort of tantrum, continuing to be petty. ‘She recovered.’

‘Well,’ she laughed, he could be such an annoyance sometimes. She felt it was her karma for not spending enough time with her daughter when she was a child. ‘That’s good.’

They lapsed into silence; he seemed to be out of things to say, or be sassy about.

She spoke first, ‘And how are you?’

‘Like I already said, I’m fine.’

‘No, I mean, you saw her in quite a bad state,’ she studied his expression, and although it remained largely unaffected, there was a flicker of something in his eyes. ‘I imagine that was not easy.’

~ ♡ ~

He was shaking her as she lay limp on the floor. ‘Tsujimura, wake up!’ He had watched her try to walk before collapsing. Running towards her as fast as he could.

Now, he was sitting against the wall, pulling her into his lap so she wouldn't be on the cold ground anymore. She was still breathing, so he felt her pulse; it wasn’t as strong as usual. He wasn’t expecting this to happen when he caught the criminal; the man wasn’t supposed to have bombs. He tucked the hair out of her face, taking in her pale countenance. He should’ve noticed the explosives in the building. Why didn’t he?

How was he supposed to get her out of here when the exits were blocked? She desperately needed some medical attention to check the head injury wasn’t serious. 

Thankfully, he knew Tsujimura and trusted she had contacted the division already, as was protocol whenever they’re sent on cases. They were the ones who clean up the messes left by his ability and make sure the others on the scene are questioned about the situation. They were already on the way, but they needed extra support.

He pulled out Tsujimura’s phone and tried to turn it on, but the crack on the screen was telling. He threw it aside and pulled out his own, contacting Ango, ‘Sakaguchi-kun, we need ambulances and the fire department now.’

‘Sensei?’ He motioned for Aoki and Murakoso. ‘What happened?’

‘There was a bomb; the exits have been destroyed. I don’t know how many people are hurt, and Tsujimura-kun is unconscious.’

‘Understood.’

He ran his hand through his hair; this was all his fault, and all he could do now was wait. He looked back down at the woman in his lap; she seemed so cold. Taking off his cape, he wrapped it around her. ‘And you called it pompous; who’s benefiting from it now?’

~ ♡ ~

‘Like I said, she recovered.’ 

‘But somehow that’s not what I asked,’ she had struck some sort of nerve, but what didn’t annoy him? Any mention of her and he seemed to clam up. 

‘I’m tired of this conversation,’ he stood up from the chair. 

She reopened her book, accepting that today wasn’t the day. ‘How many conversations will you just simply refuse to have?’

‘As many as necessary,’ he headed towards the exit.

He may act indifferent, but she had read the reports of the responding agents that day. How he had carried her out of the building, covered in injuries himself. Or how he had been insistent she receive medical care immediately, pushing her into the arms of the nearest EMT. Refusing to be seen until she had.

One day he was going to have to face facts, and she knows he’s not going to enjoy it one bit.

~ ♡ ~

🍉🍉🍉

Something that I've been wanting to draw since the teaser for movie 26 dropped

Also I based off their clothes from one of the official merch!

To the idiot I Loved

still one of my favourites <3

Chapter 1

He picked up the piece of paper on her desk, the handwriting clearly hers. He could see the parts she had struggled, or had pressed a little too hard. These were the words she'd wanted to reach him, the tears that she'd cried for him. He took a deep breath, reading her last words to him.

To the idiot I loved,

I never thought I'd be writing this, not in a million years, but someone once told me I needed to take more risks. So this is my risk, I'll pour my heart out for you, whether you reply or not.

Read it once or twice or more, just don't throw it away immediately. Think of it as one last request, I won't bother you again.

I still miss you, even after you said goodbye, after you said your apologies, after I told you I hated you. 

And sometimes I hug that pillow you loved just to cry some more. 

You told me you loved me, is it too much too ask whether you still do? Or if you even think about me. 

How could I physically hate you after these past months.

I still think about you, you know?

About the times we laughed.

About the times we cried.

The times we argued.

I can't watch my favourite movies now, they all remind me of you.

I can't drink that stupid wine you love, I get drunk too easily.

Sometimes when I lie on the sofa, I wish your arms were around me, like those days we were too tired to move.

Or sometimes I bake a cake and realise you're not there to help me.

You came into my life like a bouquet of flowers, only to wilt, but there was me trying to revive dead flowers.

It took me too long to realise that I was in love with you.

I hope you don't miss me the way I miss you.

I wouldn't be able to stand seeing you like that.

From,

that girl you once knew.

He would never throw it away, never.

After all she said the one thing he'd always wanted her to.

He still loved her too.

~ ♡ ~

Aoko leant back against her sofa, she was finally finished. The novel she had spent the past 2 years working on was coming to a close. What had started as a way to cope had suddenly become a way for her to say the things she couldn't in real life.

It was meant to be lighthearted, not the type that would make you cry ugly tears. But here she was writing a letter she knew would break hearts. 

Looking back at the last 2 years, it was definitely the fight she had with Kaito that spun a dark side to her book. She hadn't seen him for a while, not since the day they fought, over Kaitou Kid of all things. No matter what it was that thief had taken things from her, things she cherished, so when she found out about his secret she couldn't help but feel betrayed. She said things she didn't mean, but that idiot had told her the one thing she wished he'd never did.

This letter was for him, for the character she'd based off of him, for the things she'd never be able to say in real life. She could only hope it reached him.

Chapter 2: Aoko

In the days up to the release of her 4th book and even the days after were hectic to say the least, her previous books were all about mystery and crime and this was her first romance based book. Albeit with a small hint of mystery. That's why Aoko was very shocked to see the popularity of the book, she'd been to book signings, interview panels and was even on the morning news. She even got to meet some old friends at her book release party. 

Apart from dodging questions about the inspiration for her character, especially the new fictional heart throb she'd created, she couldn't have been happier. Well apart from one other thing, Kaito hadn't turned up to any of them. She was pretty sure he wasn't dead, after all he'd hosted a heist the night before her book was released. She thought she saw him at the party, but the only person fitting the description at the party was Kudo Shinichi and as good as he is at disguises, she didn't think he'd be able to fool Ran for that long. If he'd come in disguise he didn't make himself known. Which in truth disappointed her, she was over the moon with the popularity of this book, but the person who'd inspired it wasn't there.

After the initial heat of popularity had cooled down, she suddenly had a lot of free time to spend with her friends and family. She'd been invited to the Shinichi and Ran's anniversary party, which was just so glamorous and elegant, she knew Kaito would have fit right in. He'd been invited apparently, she had arrived late due to a meeting, which meant they just missed each other, but the apologetic look on Kazuha's face said he had left because of her. However that couldn't stop her from having fun, especially since all her friends were there.

She caught up with her high school friends, Keiko was getting married so she was invited to their engagement party. Another was pregnant so she was invited to their baby shower. And another had found someone they wanted to spend the rest of their life with. Aoko felt like she should have been happier for them, their lives were all progressing, whilst she couldn't bring herself to get over Kaito. 

~ ♡ ~

She met up with Chikage when she got back to Japan and was showered with all sorts of gifts from America, they spent the day catching up and chatting. They were currently sitting in her living room, after dinner, sharing a bottle of wine Chikage had bought.

'Say Aoko-chan, what happened between you and my idiot of a son? The last time I asked about you, he wouldn't say, he had that look, you know the cute sulky one. And you know what? The last time he made that face was that time you two fought about that date you had with that guy from the cafe. Except he looked more exhausted this time.'

'Ah, we had a fight, and I haven't really seen him since.'

'A fight? You fight all the time right? What was so different that you're ignoring each other. It's clearly making the both of you sad.'   'It was about,' she took a sip of her wine, 'it was about Kaitou Kid.' Chikage shot her a confused look, from when they were in high school they had small fights about Kaito's alter ego, but most ended fine. Aoko glanced up and down a few time, opening her mouth to speak, but stopping each time. 'Oh that idiot,' Chikage sighed, it had finally clicked, her idiot son had divulged his deepest secret to someone he loved and it hadn't gone well. 'Well what did he tell you? Did he at least tell you why?'   'You knew?'

'Oh please give me some credit Aoko-chan, I'm his mother, he can't keep something like that from me. Well he did, I'm just smarter than he thinks.'

'I didn't figure it out though, all these years, every time I doubted him. Every time Hakuba or my father or even Akako said something about it, I shut them up. Every time. I made sure he was with me when the heists happened, I tried to keep myself away from the truth,' she took  a deep breath in, she'd been avoiding talking to herself about this, or to anyone about this. 'When he told me, I was more upset at myself, you know? Upset that I basically tricked myself into this.'

Chikage slowly nodded in understanding, 'and Aoko-chan? It sounds like you're not angry at him?'

'No I am, just more at myself. But even an idiot like Kaito would have a reason to do something as dangerous as that. And that annoyed me, he didn't even want to tell me the reason. Put me in danger, yeah right, I wouldn't care about that if it was for him.'

Chikage chuckled lightly, 'so if he didn't tell you the reason, what did he even say?'

'He didn't say much really, but that's more my fault, after he refused to tell me the reason, I sort of didn't let him talk,' she took a long sip of her wine, nearly draining her glass. She looked back at the woman sat opposite her, 'I said so much I didn't mean, and he, that absolute idiot. He told me he loved me. Loved me enough to protect me from the truth.'

Chikage stared at her in disbelief for some time, her son had confessed he was in love with the girl. The one he had often said he could never express his feelings to yet. 'That was unexpected,' she watched as Aoko poured herself another glass and nodded to statement. 'And you haven't seen him since?'

She shrugged, 'well he's clearly alive, but he's steering clear away from me. I mean he left Ran and Shinichi's party early and he didn't even bother to make an appearance at my book release party. Even Hakuba-kun was there, Hakuba! He flew over from London for some business, but he came to congratulate me. Hell I never even got along with Akako-chan, but she was there.'

'At all? Not even for a few minutes?'

'None at all.'

Chikage sighed, she knew her son, he was definitely there at Aoko's party. No matter what she said would keep him from being there to see her proud and happy look as she announced her new book. Well he sure seemed excited for it's release whenever they'd talk, apparently the love interest was supposed to be as good looking as he was.

'But it's fine, I'm fine. I can't keep thinking about him,' she was definitely drinking too much wine, though not much could be done to stop her now. Heartbreak was best cured with alcohol, well not really, but since Aoko was clearly not going to tell the truth sober, Chikage decided she would see what a drunk Aoko would tell her.

And as expected drunk Aoko had so much to tell, she talked about all the things they did when they lived together. How he would buy flowers for her, just for fun or because they reminded him of her. Chikage couldn't help but smile, they really were in love, no matter how they denied it, just friends do not spend rainy days curled up together on the sofa. 

Drunk Aoko also admitted to missing him, hoping he would turn up at parties or even to say congratulations. She had half wanted to go to his heist, hoping to catch a glimpse of him, of that smug smirk she'd secretly loved. Or maybe just leave flowers or a card that said something or the other, she missed him so much.

Chikage let her drift off to sleep, carefully moving her to a more comfortable position and placing a blanket over her. She then looked through Aoko's fridge to cook something she could heat up in the morning. She cleaned up a little before leaving, unlike the girl who was currently fast asleep, she'd only had about 2 glasses of wine, both of which were an hour ago. She tried to be as quiet as possible when leaving, but she doubted anyone could wake her up now.

She sighed to herself as she walked out of the building, she'd already called for a taxi which was already here, so as she headed back home she considered whether to call her son and tell the idiot to at least call. She eventually decided against it, she was seeing him tomorrow and she could always (very easily) make the conversation about Aoko.

Chapter 3: Kaito

Kaito was avoiding her.

He hated it.

It took actively trying to stay away from her for him to realise just how much he gravitated to her. She was just always there, a comforting presence, someone to come back to. He missed lying in her arms on a lazy Sunday morning, or snuggling together on the sofa as the rain poured down outside.

He missed her.

He had dreamed of the day he could finally tell her about everything, all the lies he had to tell, the secrets he kept. He hoped she'd reciprocate his feelings, that he could finally be with her, with no obstacles. But what happened that night was nothing like the fantasy he'd conjured up, it was everything he'd feared.

~ ♡ ~

Aoko was grumbling about Kaitou Kid yet again, how she hated his guts and his cockiness. It was a Friday night and neither of them had work so they were cuddled up on the sofa drinking hot chocolates and watching movies. However, earlier that day it was announced that Kaitou Kid had left another heist notice - his target his time a beautiful sapphire named the 'Daughter of the Sea'.

Kaito chuckled, she really never changed, he remembered the times she would complain about the phantom thief in high school, which would lead them to running around the classroom yelling petty insults at each other. But mostly he remembered how a small part of him died every time she claimed she hated the thief, he felt sort a sort of freedom as Kaitou Kid, minus the being chased by an organisation, he could show off his tricks to an audience who loved him. He could fly over rooftops and get a view no-one else could. Heists came with a thrill, a sense of danger and excitement, that everyday life just doesn't have.

However to him, she came first, if she hated his alter ego, he could take it. If she hated him, he couldn't.

It was a stupid idea, honestly, and to top it all off he came up with it.

After being able to brush off her suspicions for the past couple of years, he couldn't blow it now. So he suggested they go watch the heist, she already knew he had nothing to do that Sunday and sneaking out for the few hours that coincide with the heist was risky.

She gave him the usual 'are you crazy?' look, because honestly it was crazy, but not impossible. At Kid heists there is always a massive crowd, one could easily get separated from friends in it. If he could convince Aoko to come to the heist, that was the hard part over, he could 'lose' her in the crowd and carry out his plan.

It took a little while to convince her, after all she wasn't the type to support the thief, but she conceded (only because it seemed important to Kaito).

And that's how the both of them ended up in the crowd outside a museum, being pushed together, a bit too close for comfort. He almost didn't want to leave, she was clinging onto him adorably, but he'd already announced his heist. So when another wave of people pushed against them he used the chaos to disappear, he could faintly hear Aoko shout his name as he walked further into the crowd. It didn't take her long to call him, he picked up and stalled for time, convincing her he'll find her, all whilst making his way through the crowd and to the museum. This way he could put the heist in motion.

Apart from the extra running, it went well. Surprisingly Hakuba had been there, but over the years wildcards like detectives and the organisation had become easy to overcome. Especially since he had an understanding with Kudou, Hattori and the rest. So when he decided to go straight home, he thought everything would be okay.

Aoko, however, was the one wildcard he could never predict. It hadn't gotten easier over the years, and it was easy to forget she's smarter than she looks. She'd come close to catching him once or twice while he was distracted, and was it easy to get distracted by her. He was too tired to really think about it any further as he made his way back, he texted Aoko to say he wasn't feeling good and was heading back. It should've gone fine, he would go back to their apartment, stash his costume and greet Aoko when she got back.

But it didn't.

Because Aoko had already gone home, finding the whole situation and crowd unbearable.

So he climbed through the window to his bedroom, letting the window close with a soft thud. Aoko who had been in her own bedroom had heard and carefully peered through his door, 'Kaito? Is that you, I didn't hear the door open?' only to be met with the phantom thief, who was just as stunned as her. Unfortunately he'd taken off his hat and monocle, it was hard to deny who he really was.

'Kaito?'

He didn't know how long they stood there, stunned, too confused to talk. He knew he should've said something first, but nothing came to mind, he couldn't make up some flimsy excuse in the hope she'll believe him. He was well and truly screwed.

She moved first, turning around and simply walking away, needing some space.

'Aoko? What are you- Why are you already home? Wait I can explain!' He tried to shrug off the cape and blazer before running after her.

'Why am I home, is that really what you have to say?' She had made her way to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of water, finding it hard to believe what she was seeing.

'No- I- It's just I-'

'I what Kaito? You left me in that crowd, it was awful and here I was thinking you were looking for me,' she walked back up to him, 'did you even think of me once whilst you were out there?'

'Aoko I- Look it wasn't like that,' for once in his life, he truly didn't know what to do. When he thought about telling her, he thought it would be better than this, maybe even romantic. This was a reality check, things like that only happens on TV, he had really hurt her and that wasn't just going to go away.

'Wasn't like what Kaito? 'cuz it sure seems that way to me. How long have you even been doing this? Since we were in high school at the earliest right?'

Worst thing is she was correct, he couldn't lie to her now, not add to the pain.

'Why? Why Kaito? It doesn't look fun, you don't even keep the jewels!'

'Look Aoko, I need you to trust me, but I can't tell you that.'

'Trust you? Trust? I think we're past that now, how long have you been lying to me? Seven, no eight years? And all this time, I refused to believe anyone but you.' She was crying now, sobbing her heart out, but every time he stepped forward to put an arm around her or to offer some comfort she took a step back.

'Aoko, please, I just need you to-'

'Believe more of your lies. You know multiple people told me to be suspicious of you, Hakuba, Akako, Kudou, my father. And guess what Kaito? I chose to believe in you, my best friend.'

'Aoko,' he tried to get closer to her, as much as he hurt her and deserved this, watching her cry was killing him. Usually when she cried he could offer some comfort, but now there was a wall between them and he couldn't get past it.

'NO! You stay away from me!'

He stayed this time.

'I really did trust you, you know.'

'I know.'

'Just leave me alone.'

'Aoko, I-'

'Do you want me to say it out loud?'

'No really Aoko-'

'I hate you Kaito. I hate you. I don't ever want to see you again,' she had her back turned to him, but she was still shaking, he reached out to her. After a moment's thought he pulled his arm back, 'so, please, leave.'

'You know Aoko, the reason I don't want to tell you, it's because I don't want to lose someone dear to me. If you know the truth, you'll be targeted too.'

She still didn't turn back to face him.

'I love you enough to do that. Protect you, so you can hate me all you want. Just stay safe.'

She stayed facing away from him, she stayed that way until she heard the door lock, the words 'I love you too' stuck in her throat.

~ ♡ ~

He was doing what she wanted, staying away from her.

At least he was making sure she didn't notice him.

How could he miss her book release party, he felt proud that she was finally able to finish it. So he attended, even if it was very briefly, to see her smiling on stage with her book. To see her greet her friends even some of her idols. He felt happy for her, even if he wasn't supposed to be there. He left as soon as she caught his eyes, afraid she'd see through his disguise.

At the Kudou's anniversary party he had left early, that was true, in a setting with old friends and alcohol he couldn't guarantee he wouldn't say something he'd regret. He watched her for a bit afterwards, as she laughed with Ran and Kazuha, looking just like her normal self. He didn't catch the sad look she cast around the room, confirming his absence. He was staying away for her own safety, she didn't have to be involved.

He saw her on TV, on ads in stores, even on social media. She was honestly everywhere, he couldn't avoid buying her book, but after seeing the first few pages, he couldn't read on, because in her dedications she'd left a message. It made him feel guilty, for avoiding her, but he didn't want to hurt her more.

To my best friend, I couldn't have done this without you. Hope you enjoy the book. ~ A ♡

His heart hurt a little looking at the hand drawn heart at the end of the message, she really never changes.

He made up his mind he was going to give her flowers, and maybe leave a note. He settled for a bouquet of purple irises with ivory roses and a pink flower he couldn't remember the name of. The cashier had said something about it meaning congratulations, which was probably the better option. His usual roses would send the wrong message and he didn't want her to feel worse.

'Will that be all? Or would you like a note as well?'

'I'll take the note as well,' if he couldn't think of a message he just wouldn't include it.

'Okay, do you have a message in mind, we can print the message for you.'

'Um no, it's okay, I'll write something myself,' the cashier chuckled, most likely having gotten the wrong impression.

'Ooh a romantic note for Aoko-chan, or do you have someone else in mind?'

Kaito jumped at the voice next to him, until he realised just who would annoy him like this, 'Kaa-san?'

'Oh Kaito, you've gotten quite bold, are you finally dating?'

'No! Please stop embarrassing me.'

'Oh no that would be completely against my principles.'

'Okay then why are you here?'

'To buy a something for Aoko-chan, I'm guessing you're doing the same.'

'Thank you for visiting, will that be all?' The cashier smiled at the mother and son duo currently arguing.

'No, please add this to the bill,' Chikage placed a potted on the till.

'Pay for your own flowers.'

'Don't be stingy Kaito, I know you're not busy, Aoko-chan told me all about your little fight.'

'She did?'

'Well the expensive bottle of wine I bought for the both of you did,' she chuckled as the cashier rung up her purchase.

'You made her drink? You know she's a complete lightweight.'

'Uhuh, I didn't force her, but she did tell me some interesting things last night,' she thanked the cashier before turning to leave.

'Wait,' he quickly paid for everything before grabbing everything and running after his mum. 'What do you mean everything?'

'You really didn't attend her party?' His flustered look proved her point, the idiot couldn't stay away from her.

'She doesn't want to see me.'

'You keep telling yourself that.'

'What?'

'Nothing.'

His mum then revealed the plant was for Jii-san and not Aoko because she'd already given her her presents. So she waved goodbye to him to walk in the direction of Jii's bar. Leaving Kaito to wonder why she couldn't pay for her own stuff and whether she was properly going to visit him, or if she was going to bother someone else.

So as he walked to the apartment he once shared with Aoko, he thought about what he could say on the note, 'I miss you too', 'Your book was good', 'Do you still hate me?'.

He shook his head, it just sounded sappy and ridiculous, she'd probably throw them away if she found out who they're from. Maybe it was best leaving out the note, but for some reason he couldn't, so he settled for a small 'K' in the corner, if she noticed, she noticed. If she didn't then she didn't.

As he walked up the stairs to the apartment he suddenly felt nervous, what if she was there, or happens to open the door as he placed the flowers down. No, she couldn't be home, he made sure, she's currently out with her editor, most likely discussing her book or next work. Filled with slightly more confidence he walked to the front door, he carefully placed the bouquet down, making sure not the damage the flowers or crumple the note.

~ ♡ ~

Later that night he received a call from Jii-san, who had news on a new jewel. It was being displayed in a museum in an exclusive event, only for one weekend. And such is the duty of Kaitou Kid, he had to hold a heist.

~ ♡ ~

'A heist, huh?'

'Maybe I should go.'

Chapter 4: A Happy Ending

'So you are here, Kuroba-kun.'

He looked up from the work station, he'd been engrossed in tinkering with a new gadget he'd been designing and hadn't heard her enter.

'Ran-san?'

'Shinichi got held up solving a case, but he said I could find you here,' she made her way to one of the stools in the room.

'Uh, yes but what are you doing here?'

'To talk,' she smiled as she dusted off the stool and sat down, 'obviously.'

'I'm not sure I'm the first person you go to for gossip, so I'm going to assume everyone else is busy.'

'Uh well not really, I know for a fact that Aoko-chan is not busy at all,' she watched him slightly flinch at the mention of her name - he may be a professional at hiding his emotions, but she had found that people like him always had a weakness.

'Well she seems like a better candidate to spend the evening with,' Kaito had continued to face away from her fiddle aimlessly with the gadget.

'Do you believe her?'

He was slightly taken aback by the question, 'believe what?' When he turned to face her, she looked quite serious, a contrast to her usual cheeriness. He could sense a little bit sadness behind her voice.

'That she doesn't want to see you again?'

'She made it quite clea-'

'And you believed that?'

'I've hurt her enough, she asked me so I-'

'Listened?'

'Precisely.'

'Kuroba-kun, I'm sure you know all about the year Shinichi went missing,' he nodded, although he'd found out later the detective had somehow become a child and was forced to be undercover for a year. 'And do you know what happened when he came back?'

He shook his head, he had played somewhat of a role in the take down of the black organisation, as Kudo had so rightly named it, he knew what happened leading up to it, he knew what happened during it. However, he realised, he wasn't sure what happened after, Kudo had made a reappearance back into society and everyone just accepted it.

'I didn't want to see him again, ever,' she smiled, this time her sadness made for a heartbreaking picture.

'But you, you loved him right?'

'I do Kuroba-kun, I love him so much, but that year was so hard - seeing someone you're so close to disappear and then every time he's back he's distant and disappears as quickly as he appeared. It takes a toll on your heart,' she chuckled quietly, 'I thought I'd be ecstatic to see him again, to hear he was going to stay, but when he explained the truth I didn't know what to feel.'

'But you, you're still with him, you forgave him?'

'Of course I did, at first it felt like the last year had been some sort of lie - it took some time, but I came to accept it, after all I'd waited all this time. Plus he told me the truth, he could just as easily have kept it from me, pretended that Conan had finally moved back with his parents. He told me the truth, that in a way showed how much he loved me too and it made me trust him more afterwards.'

'I'm glad that it worked out for you two,' he smiled, he meant it, they were truly made for each other, but something in his heart told him it would never work for him and Aoko.

'So why didn't you tell her the truth?'

'Huh?'

'You have your own reasons right? For being Kid?'

Kaito wasn't sure what kind of face he pulled at her accusation, 'I- I don't know what you're talking about.'

'Don't play dumb with me Kuroba-kun, my question is why didn't you tell her the truth, you're real reason.'

'I don't want her to get hurt.'

'So you'd rather lose her in another way?'

'Ran-san, I-'

'Just give it another think, and try once more. And this time maybe be more honest,' he opened his mouth to say something, 'to yourself.'

~ ♡ ~

'Aoko-chan!'

'Ran-chan!'

She pulled the other girl into a tight hug, 'Oh, it's so nice to see you again, how are you?'

'Oh you know - the same. Things haven't been the same without Kaito.'

'It's never easy,' as she made her way to one of the sofas in the room she glanced around the room, 'those are very pretty, where did you get them,' she motioned to the flowers in the vase.

'They were a gift,' she picked up the little card next to the vase, 'guess who they're from?' She flipped it over revealing the 'K' in the corner.

'He talked to you?'

'No I found them at the front door, but the handwriting is unmistakable,' she placed it down and sat down next to Ran.

'Are you going to talk to him?'

'Maybe.'

'But Aoko-chan-'

'Ran-chan I promise, I will.'

'Okay, okay, let's change the subject,' she smiled, not really believing her, 'do you know who I bumped into the other day?'

~ ♡ ~

It had come to the night of his heist. This time the trick was simple, one he could do in his sleep, a timeless classic. His target this time was a gorgeous diamond know simply as 'The Queen', a famous art collector had struck a deal with the museum's owner to display the jewel along with others from his collection. There was only one large jewel on display making his job a lot easier.

He smiled he had already managed to sneak in as a police officer, it was genuinely disappointing that police never managers to pick up on it. He reported to the inspector, before heading towards the door, he had conveniently been positioned near the display cabinet. However before he could reach his post, he was in for one hell of a surprise.

Aoko had finally managed to push through the crowds downstairs to where her father was. Inspector Nakamori had been surprised to hear his daughter’s request to be a part of the heist, but it had been a while since she’d shown an interest so he was happy to oblige. She was wearing a stunning gown, the event wasn’t a regular one, but rather a black tie event only those with an invitation could get in, she had been invited as an up and coming author, she had nearly declined, but other than that she wanted to be a part of the squad. She had managed to find a dress of her mother’s, a beautiful a-line formal dress. The colour was a deep blue with a sparkle to it, in the light she seemed like a star. The neckline was slightly revealing, as the sleeves were off the shoulder the tops of her breasts were showing, even Kaito couldn’t deny that she had grown into a gorgeous woman.

'You look just like your mother, I'm proud of you.' She hugged her dad, he was a man of few words when it came to her mother. 

When Kaito finally noticed her she was laughing with another man, tucking her hair behind her ear, the curls carefully done in a bun. He didn’t like the expression the man had on his face, not when he kept making obvious glances down her body. For a second he considered it, Aoko or his cover.

He nodded Aoko it is.

He appeared next to them and clearing his throat he said, ‘sorry to interrupt, but the inspector would like to talk to the young woman,’ he put an arm around her, ‘so if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be escorting her there.’ 

The man made a noise of protest as Kaito half-dragged her out of the room.

Once the had gotten out of the crowded room and were standing near the staff stairs she pulled her arm away from him, ‘what do you think you’re doing, Kaito! You can’t just drag me out the room like that!’

‘I heard no complaints on the way here,’ he was facing and was finally able to take a good look at her.

‘He was creeping me out, so I left with you,’ she turned away from his gaze that was now scrutinising her appearance. She suddenly felt self conscious, especially when the neckline was so revealing.

He shook his head like he’d been in a trance, ‘why are you even here?’

‘I was invited genius, number one best seller, ring a bell?’

‘Well you need to leave, it’s going to get dangerous soon.’

‘Luckily for me I know how to take care of myself. So if the phantom thief doesn’t mind, I’ll be enjoying the party,’ she curtsied sarcastically before pushing past him to leave.

‘Why haven’t you told your dad?’

She stopped and answered without turning to face him, ‘I believe what I do has nothing to do with you.’

~ ♡ ~

The clock struck midnight and the lights went out, the inspector was shouting orders to turn the back up generator on, to shine a light on the display cabinet. There were flashes of Kid’s white cape, but before they could do anything the jewel was gone, no largely elaborate scheme, just a good steal. He made his way up to the roof, he had a glider prepared to fly away, but he, unfortunately, met with two problems.

One of them being the loud shouts behind him, voices he recognises, the organisation out to get him. He kept running, on the roof he had an advantage, but life had other plans because there was none other than Aoko Nakamori waiting for him.

He groaned, ‘Aoko you need to go, you really need to leave.’

‘Kaito? What’s happening?’ She seemed genuinely confused, having only come up for some air.

‘No time to explain, is there another way, apart from that door to get off the roof?’

‘I don’t think so.’

He swore under his breath, this was bad, so bad. They were coming and Aoko’s here.

‘Hey Kaito, will you tell me what’s really going on?’

‘I-‘

Just as he began to speak the door burst open and out stepped Snake.

‘Kaito kid! What a pleasant surprise!’ He noticed Aoko shuffle closer to Kaito, ‘Oh and you bought company how wonderful, you’re girlfriend? I thought you were married to the cape.’

Kaito put his arm out in front of her, ‘Snake, she has nothing to do with this so let her go.’

‘Nah I’m feeling extra annoyed today, men grab her.’

They moved closer in an attempt to grab her, but Kaito was quicker, using his card gun he was able to knock a few out. Aoko wasn’t doing so badly herself, she’d successfully knocked out two guys using a piece of pipe.

In a false sense of security she let her guard down and with all the snails she didn’t notice them man behind her until he grabbed her, ‘Kid!’

He nearly shouted her name back, but stopped himself, they shouldn’t sound so close. As the smoke cleared his surroundings were slowly revealed. Near the edge of the roof stood the man holding Aoko, Snake himself hadn’t moved and there were men lying on the floor.

‘I said she had nothing to do with this, so let her go,’ breathe he told himself, maintain that poker face.

‘Not until you hand over the jewel.'

‘I don’t have it, it’s actually already being delivered back to the inspector right now,’ he confirmed it’s authenticity before making his escape. ‘Since I don’t have it, it’s quite obvious it’s not the jewel you’re looking for.’

Snake snarled at him, ‘how convenient, drop the girl.’

‘What no-‘

‘Have fun,’ Snake smiled before he turned to leave.

Kaito wasted no time jumping after her, his heart was pounding like crazy, this was Aoko falling. He kept trying to reach her, stretching his arms to try and wrap around her. They were falling so fast, the ground was so close. She was reaching for him too, he could see tears in the corners of her eyes.

So he pushed harder to reach her.

With some miracle he was able to grab her and open his glider. However they managed to hit a tree and come crashing down. He let go of the glider so they wouldn’t get as hurt, but when they finally stopped moving he unwrapped his arms that were around Aoko.

’Aoko! Wake up!’

She mumbled before opening her eyes, ‘Kaito?’

‘Are you okay, are you hurt, show me your arm, he didn’t hurt you right?’

She smiled as she watched him fawn over her, making sure she was okay, ‘how about you Kaito, are you okay?’

’Hm, yeah I’m fine.’

’Liar, take off that stupid blazer,’ she tugged it off.

’Its not stupid.’

As she carefully inspected his shirt for tears or signs of blood, she began to speak, ‘why would you jump after me you idiot? You could’ve died.’

’And let you die, I was scared I was going to lose you for a second,' he gave her a small smile as she looked up at him, 'I didn't know how I was going to live in a world without you.'

She looked taken aback, 'Kaito, I'm sorry.'

'Why are you apologising, it should be me that should say sorry.'

'I don't hate you, its not the fact that your Kid that upset me the most, I-'

He cut her off with a small kiss, smiling at her cute shocked face, 'let's talk about this later.'

She burst out laughing, 'I'm sorry, we really should, the police are still looking for you and we're just sitting here.'

'Come on, let's go before your father catches us and accuses me of stealing his daughter.'

'Our place?'

'Our place.'

He put out his hand for her, to help her get up, 'and I never told you how beautiful you look, I'm sorry your dress is ruined.'

'It's fine, I don't really have a reason to wear it out again.'

'And where were you hiding these curves, I for one have never seen them before,' he pulled her closer, holding her waist.

'Well you can't really claim I look like a boy anymore.'

'Aoko you've always looked stunning,' his eyes didn't have a mischievous sparkle as he talked.

'But you-'

'I get nervous around you.'

'The famous Kaitou Kid, nervous around a girl,' she chuckled.

'It's not that funny,' he pouted at the statement.

While he was turned away, she tiptoed to give him a small kiss on the corner of his mouth, 'come on Bakaito, lets go home.'

~ ♡ ~

Fin