Note: Sorry, I was jamming to Stayin' Alive while writing this chapter.

Haibara knew she had to expect the unexpected to have the infamous Kaito kid, or whatever Kaito fancied naming himself, on the team.

She was willing to join forces with him to save the dark-haired detective, their shared affection for the man towing their disparate pinnacles aside.

Striving to understand it all, Haibara pushed forward, driven by Shinichi's right to happiness-if indeed Kaito could provide that.

Within the sanctuary of the van - aglow with screens and hums of machinery - Haibara was pouring her second cup of coffee just as the flooring quivered. The tremor reverberated through the truck, leaving her coffee pooling on the counter. The brown liquid dribbled over the counter.

With a barely audible complaint, she set down the kettle and grabbed a handful of tissues.

Sonoko's cry broke the silence; makeup kit was abandoned as her gaze darted, searching for answers.

"Was that an explosion?" she queried, her voice quivering. Neither Ran nor Kazuha could offer a reply, and they turned toward the diminutive scientist for guidance.

Wasting no time, Haibara's fingers danced across the computer keys at lightning speed. Locating her target, she clicked, revealing a warehouse blueprint illuminated blue as they beheld an ominous orange cloud shrouding half of the structure.

Drawing closer, Sonoko examined it but couldn't make sense of it all.

"What is that exactly?" she said warily. Haibara weighed her words - no need for unnecessary panic or drawing unwanted attention from law enforcement.

"A smoke bomb," she replied steadily, bending the truth ever so slightly.
Ran and Kazuha exchanged a worried glance whilst Sonoko merely grew more intrigued.

"A smoke bomb?" she echoed before adding, "Who threw it?"

That was the most significant question Haibara wanted to know. She rotated the chair to another computer and began typing furiously.

Suddenly, she wavered. "I've got something," she murmured. "There's movement inside the warehouse."

Immediately, the girls crowded around the screens, watching the black dots move frantically across the screen.

Haibara silently prayed one of those dots was Shinichi and the rest of the team.

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Huddled behind three wooden crates in a closed corner of one of the warehouse's empty, putrid rooms, three men hushed their breathing as the pounding of footsteps sped past.

The fair-haired detective was struck by the thought that, at this very moment, he could have been relaxing in his quaint English abode, ensconced in plush velvet, accompanied by the mesmerizing dance of flames in his elegant Victorian fireplace.

A tome of literary merit, plucked from his seemingly boundless library, might have rested upon his knees. A steaming cup of English breakfast tea awaited on an intricately carved oak table to complete this idyllic scene.

Hakuba hummed with wistful pleasure, the rich bouquet of tea playing upon his tongue.

Yet this enchanting reverie was relentlessly fractured when an unexpected prod at his flank brought him hurtling back to reality.

Startled into awareness, Hakuba's gaze met with Kaito and Shinichi's disquieted visages just inches away. Physically close enough, their proximity allowed Hakuba to read their furrowed brows easily.

While Kaito's demeanour carried a smattering of deviltry, Shinichi seemed genuinely concerned. Suppressing his desire to massage the nagging ache in his side, Hakuba shot them a vexed glare that spoke volumes.

"What?" he growled at the puzzled pair.

"Welcome back to Earth, Hakuba. Did you have a pleasant dream?"

Kaito's inquiry dripped with false apprehension, a snicker impossible to hide dancing on his lips. Hakuba could see the man's eyes twinkling. A single, golden brow shot up in response.

"I wouldn't go so far as to call it pleasant," he said through clenched teeth with all the composure of a brewing storm. He refused to admit that his dream had been, in fact, quite delightful.

"But it was better than being stuck in this godforsaken warehouse with you". Hakuba added with dripping malevolence.

A sardonic sneer blossomed on Kaito's face as he drew closer, "I'm so glad our feelings are mutual for once".

"Seriously, would you two stop your bickering?" Shinichi whispered harshly from Kaito's other side, piercing the simmering animosity. "We can't sit here like sitting ducks forever."

Shinichi made a fair point.

To think they would still be at each other throats years later was quite astounding, to say the least.

Hakuba motioned nonchalantly as he quipped, "Well, you could have asked your boyfriend". He articulated the 'boyfriend' part; his tone shimmered with taunting delight.

"Why didn't he run in the other direction? You know? To where the stairs leading to the exit are?"

An apparent jab to Kaito's decision-making.

Kaito tensed like a coiled viper ready to strike, nearly hurling the duffle bag into Hakuba's face with sheer force. It was a near occurrence.

"Oh, I'm sorry. What about next time, you take the lead, and let's see how quick-witted you are in dodging bullets and all", Kaito retorted, his indigo eyes flashing.

Hakuba's nostrils flared.

"For your information, I was trying to formulate a plan before I was rudely interrupted by your not-smoke bombs, which by the way, you should give a heads up about next time".

The two men glared at each other for another lengthy period, to the point you could have seen sparks flying.

Shinichi groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. But he was spared voicing his palpable frustration as a sound caught their attention. Footsteps, slow and measured, were drawing closer to their location.

A muted truce was made, and the trio scrambled to hide, pressing their backs against the rough wood as they held their breath.

The footsteps grew louder until a figure finally rounded the corner. A pistol gleamed, held firmly in the man's callous fingers.

Eyes, filled with maliciousness, scanned the room. The man began walking toward Hakuba's crate. Just his luck, really, Hakuba thought bitterly.

The detective's pounding heartbeat was deafening in his ears, and he wondered if the man could hear it too.

Kaito initiated the attack first. Hakuba had anticipated Kaito to use the duffel bag as a weapon or distraction; he was disappointed that Kaito didn't follow through.

A wasted opportunity.

Kaito sprang from the hiding spot, his body moving with a graceful elegance that belied the deadly force he was capable of.

The man with the pistol barely had time to register what was happening before Kaito disarmed him with a hasty kick to the wrist. The gun clattered to the ground, and Kaito didn't waste a second before delivering a powerful punch to the man's jaw.

The man stumbled backwards, his eyes dazed and unfocused. Hakuba seized the opportunity to strike, mirroring Kaito's movement and delivering a swift jab to the man's ribs.

The man grunted in pain, but he was far from beaten. He retaliated with a mighty fist swing, catching Hakuba in the jaw and head, reeling him backwards. Crimson dribbled along the contours of the detective's pale temple.

That was not a good sign.

"Hakuba! Are you all right?" called Shinichi, worry etched into his tone.

A groan escaped Hakuba as he raised a trembling hand to his throbbing cheekbone, fingertips slick with blood. The warmth of the liquid sent an involuntary shiver down his spine; it had been an age since he'd seen his own life essence.

"We got to run!" Kaito's warning echoed. More footsteps and hazy figures of other members revealed themselves from the shadows. Shinichi gulped. If they didn't leave soon, this room would become their grave.

Unfortunately, the man with the pistol had regained his bearings and was now lunging towards them with frenzied desperation.

"Stay still," venom dripped from the man's words as he aimed to apprehend Kaito. The nimble lawbreaker effortlessly evaded capture.

"Nah, don't think I will," Kaito jested, a smug grin spreading across his face. The man snarled, salvia spilling off his lips as he tried again to grab the dancing criminal.

Kaito was quicker. He was on the man in a flash, tackling him to the ground and launching a punch across his face. Scarlet droplets sprayed the air. Hakuba and Shinichi could have sworn they heard a bone crack.

"Now!"

It was a jumbled cue, but enough to get the message across. Hakuba lurched to the side, ploughing past the men who blocked the doorway. He sucked in the air greedily when he burst into the hallway, feeling no more bodies clustered against him.

He peered over to make sure the other two were following behind. Kaito had Shinichi in his arms again. Angry shouts from the attackers left behind reverberating off the corroding corridor walls.

Blue met Brown.

"Don't you dare stop!"

And Hakuba took those words personally.

Hakuba's stride grew ever more frenetic, each step racing to catch the rhythm of his heartbeat. Halting only in brief moments, he cast fearful glances over his shoulder, seeking Kaito, anticipating his arrival, yet never ceasing his urgent pace. Amidst the dim echoes of hallway airwaves, Hakuba's breath came in panting gasps.

Everything was spinning too fast.

In the whirlwind that their world had become, Hakuba strained to discern whether a gunshot had shattered the veil of reality or haunted the fringes of his imagination.

A muffled sob. Accompanied by a pained moan.

If only Hakuba had not turned, but as he did, a sharp gasp and his breath caught in his throat.

Kaito was the one who had taken the bullet, his body now teetering on the edge of collapse, his face drained of colour and sweat-drenched brow with agony. And yet, the duffel bag remained intact, a strange and stubbornly loyal companion. Hakuba wondered why Kaito hadn't abandoned it ages ago.

Kaito felt the searing pain in his shoulder as the unseen bullet tore through the air and lodged itself into his flesh. His knees buckled beneath him; Shinichi tried to unhook himself to cushion Kaito's fall.

But Kaito held on with a steel grip, refusing to be separated from the detective even in this dire moment.

Kaito's hands clung to Shinichi, anchoring him in place.

Hakuba's eyes skimmed through the pair's bodies like they had become invisible and met the apathetic eyes of Gin, standing down the other end of the hall where they had fled from. A jubilant display of teeth graced his features. Hakuba waited for the moment the man made his move, but, to his surprise, Gin made no sign of pursuing.

It left an unsettling sensation in his stomach.

Upon spotting another corridor with an empty room, Hakuba ushered them in that direction.

He was ready to kick the door down if it didn't work. But, as Kaito would commonly call it, lady luck was on their side as they dived into the room. Hakuba slammed the still-working door shut.

Thank god the lock still worked. The detective twisted it until he heard a latch click in response.

Retreating, Hakuba felt fatigued; a swift embrace washed over him. Stumbling further into the chamber, he collapsed onto the ground, his shoulders unburdened by the release of tension. Panting for air, he mustered enough energy to direct attention towards the couple-and Kaito's bleeding shoulder wound.

Slumped down against the wall for support, the man winced as Shinichi prodded at the wound. "Sorry," Shinichi muttered, but Kaito shook his head, mustering a weak smile. "I've had worse."

Shinichi arched a brow, seemingly wearing a knowing look as if he knew what Kaito was referring to.

"There should be some medical packaging in the bag", Kaito hissed, swallowing a groan.

Shinichi offered a mere nod, accepting the knowledge as he extended his arm, pulling the mentioned bag toward himself. The detective's digits coiled around the grips - the sound of scraping and screeching echoed as it skidded on the jagged earth.

Tearing open the fastener, Shinichi delved into the bag's depths, instantly discarding inconsequential items. Kaito's agitated complaints fell upon deaf ears. The search halted as he found a small white box battered to the point the lid had sunken.

Shinichi cradled the item in both hands before reverting his attention to Kaito, who wore a crestfallen visage.

"It's damaged," pined the man sorrowfully, head drooping as if weighed down by despair. The frown upon the detective's visage only deepened.

Unfortunately, Shinichi didn't pick up on the significance of the item that had Kaito brooding despite the man bleeding out of his shoulder.

"What is it?" Shinichi inquired, adjusting his sitting position and leaning forward. He pursed his lips with curiosity.

The shoulders heaved once more, and a dejected reply came, "It... It was your snacks..."

Shinichi, bemused, raised an eyebrow.

"My snacks?"

Shinichi gingerly lifted the battered lid to discover a sight that might have been sumptuous cupcakes - if only they had not met such an unfortunate fate.

A solitary dollop of whipped cream crouched in a corner, shrouded in broken shards of once-beautiful white chocolate. A woeful lemon slice reclined nearby, its icing sliding into oblivion. A cacophony of colourful sprinkles lay scattered like fallen stars.

As Shinichi stared at the sorry sight in front of him, he couldn't help but let out an airy chuckle.

"You got me cupcakes while knowing I was been held hostage?"

From where he sat, Hakuba fought the blitheness rising in his chest; of course, Shinichi still held common sense. Now Shinichi was going to see how truly idiotic-

He never anticipated the warm gratitude that bled into Shinichi's voice as he interrupted Hakuba's thoughts with a sincere "Thank you." The tenderness resonated through each word.

Now it was Hakuba's turn to feel like a bullet had wounded him.

Did Shinichi get hit in the head along the way?

Even Kaito looked stunned, "You do?"

Hakuba's eyes darted away, fidgeting with the walkie's functions to distract himself from this lovey-dovey scene.

While Shinichi's smile faltered slightly upon Kaito's doubtful expression, was Kaito concerned he would throw the cupcakes out because they weren't perfect?

Firstly, doing such a thing would have been pointless, and Shinichi wasn't a fan of wasting food anyway. And secondly, more than that, he wasn't as heartless as he pretended to be.

"They may be damaged, but they were still meant for me. And I'm sure they would have been delicious if circumstances had been different".

Kaito's expression softened even more at Shinichi's words, a fraction of a smile twitching at the corners of his lips. "I'm glad to hear," he said, his tone slightly sheepish.

"I should have known better. I forgot they were in my bag." He added.

Shinichi shrugged, setting the harmed box aside. "It's alright. I'm sure we can repurchase them. Besides, you didn't know you were going to get hurt."

Kaito's shoulders sagged with relief, and he sighed deeply. A pained yet sincere smile graced his visage as he vowed, "I'll make it up to you. I promise."

A hint of mischief danced within Shinichi's grin as he delved back into seeking the elusive first aid kit.

"I'll hold you to that."

Kaito's gentle laugh echoed in response while Shinichi's nimble fingers explored the bag's depths again.

"Now, where could that first aid kid be?"

Shinichi did manage to find the kit in the end.

The white box, adorned by a vivid scarlet cross, was tucked beneath other useless gadgets that Shinichi had no issue discarding to the side.

"Be gentle with those!" came an exclamation.

A scowl from Shinichi was met by Kaito's suddenly averted eyes, who added timidly:

"Would you, please?"

With facetious tenderness, Shinichi set the final gadget down.

"Happy?"

A bobbing gesture answered. With Kaito's worries about his gadgets out of the way, Shinichi delicately pried the box open, revealing a gauze roll and a vial of antiseptic.

The detective unrolled it, using the scissors to trim the lengths to ensure it fits perfectly. Once done, he shuffled closer to the man, the plaster hovering over the shoulder.

Kaito winced, the pain radiating through his wounded body as Shinichi began to tend to his injuries. He applied the stinging liquid to his wound; the detective's touch was tender yet persistent.

Five fleeting minutes drifted by before Kaito murmured something.

"It feels like Singapore heist all over again", Kaito whispered, his voice conveying wistful nostalgia. His eyelids fluttered shut, allowing the memories to wash over him like the midnight breeze outside.

Shinichi remained silent, his focus solely on his task. The bandage encircled Kaito's shoulder blade, and each movement was executed meticulously. The sensation of the dressing on his skin made Kaito squirm, a mixture of discomfort and an odd sense of comfort.

A transient comment escaped Shinichi's lips, a casual remark that held more profound meaning. "The only difference this time is that you're allowing someone to care for you," he stated, his voice laced with a hint of irony.

Kaito's quick wit came alive, ready to retort, but Shinichi pulled the knot too tightly before he could utter a word, causing Kaito to yelp. His legs jerked involuntarily as he fought to suppress any further sounds of distress. Shinichi's reprimanding glance was both scolding and affectionate.

"You forgot to mention how you're no longer a smug little brat," Kaito finally managed to say, his voice more robust now after being momentarily silenced by pain.

Shinichi's eyes narrowed in contemplation.

"Oh, so now you decide to voice your honest opinion about my former self?" he jeered, a lively challenge glittering in his eyes.

He looked up at Kaito through his eyelashes.

A grin broke across Kaito's face, the happiness infectious. In response, Shinichi lightly smacked Kaito's wounded shoulder, feigning offence in a way only they could understand. It was a touch that spoke of camaraderie and familiarity, a shared language between two souls.

The detective made sure not to put too much power into the motion, but typical of Kaito to always exaggerate things.

"Oi, you can't hit a wounded patient!" Kaito gasped, rubbing the spot where Shinichi's hand had landed. His bottom lip pushed out in a mock pout, a gesture that both Shinichi and Hakuba would recognize as Kaito's unique brand of drama.

With an exasperated roll of his eyes, the brunet detective neatly packed the tools back into the kit, the lid closing with a satisfying click. He rose from the floor, dusting himself off. Kaito's eyes followed his form.

"I'm sure you'll survive," Shinichi said, his tone light but reassuring and caring.

In response, Kaito added a theatrically enthusiastic "Hooray!" for effect, earning himself another playful jab from his partner.

Suddenly, Shinichi's head jerked, a flicker of realization igniting behind his eyes.

"Ah, That reminds me, I forgot to give you this", he uttered with a sense of urgency, his hand instinctively diving into the recesses of his coat pocket. Fingers fumbling and exploring with anticipation, he sought out the elusive object he had seemingly forgotten.

A triumphant "ah" escaped the detective's lips as his fingertips made contact with the item. The detective's face brightened a satisfied grin claiming his features.

Slowly, deliberately and with a gentle tug, the object emerged from its concealed haven, nestled delicately in Shinichi's palm: a small, unassuming jewellery box adorned in shades of cerulean.

With a gesture inviting Kaito's participation, Shinichi beckoned him to extend his hand. Curiosity sparked in Kaito's eyes as he observed the marvellous antique before him, a mixture of awe and intrigue dancing across his features.

"Can I open it?"

"Of course."

Kaito carefully lifted the lid, revealing a stunning sapphire snuggled in a satin bed.

As he stared at the jewel, Kaito felt his breath hitch. It was unlike anything he had ever laid his eyes upon - the vibrant hue of the sapphire was almost hypnotic, and the ethereal glow emanating from its core made it appear as if it possessed a life of its own.

Compelled by an irresistible curiosity, he found himself irresistibly drawn to touch it, to caress the flawless surface of the gem with his fingertips.

In that stolen moment, his thoughts inexplicably drifted towards the recollection of the fabled Pandora Gem. His gaze drifted downward, deep into contemplation.

A spark of daring ignited within Kaito's heart. "Why not," he thought, "give it one last try for the grand closing finale?"

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Hakuba's heart pounded in his chest as he gingerly peeked through the narrow gap in the door. His eyes flickered from left to right, squinting as he tried to penetrate the obscurity of the corridor. For now, it appeared to be safe. With an almost imperceptible gesture, Hakuba beckoned for the other two to follow him.

Kaito's arm hung loosely over Shinichi's shoulders, using the detective frame for support.

As the trio ventured into the poorly illuminated hallway, the shadows seemed to dance and morph against the walls, an eerie presence lurking in every corner.

The trio moved with an almost unnatural caution, fully conscious that Gin could still be concealed amidst the darkness, patiently biding his time for the opportune moment to strike.

Relief washed over them like a cool breeze on a hot summer day as they gazed upon a gleaming metal staircase, its steps beckoning them down into the unknown depths.

With the handle serving as their guiding light, they cautiously descended, each step bringing a mix of apprehension and anticipation.

But at the very last step, three shadows emerged from the periphery of Hakuba's vision, lunging towards him with alarming speed and intention. His heart raced with panic, his instincts kicking into overdrive.

Without thinking, the blonde detective's instinctive response erupted from his lips in a burst of frustration, his English upbringing betraying him in an animated response.

"Bloody hell, bugger off!" he yowled, his words dripping with a blend of defiance and irritation.

His fist coiled tightly, propelling forward with a forceful impact against the assailant's face. The momentum carried him back, readying himself for another righteous blow, only to be halted in his tracks by a voice far too recognizable, laced with a heavy Osaskan accent.

"Ouch!! My face!!!"

Hakuba froze, his eyes widening with disbelief.

Hakuba admitted with a touch of shame.

Hattori shot a scorching glare, his cheek tender from the impact, his lips forming a subtle scowl.

"Geez, I didn't know the black organization had recruited Osakans members". The man grumbled with a clear undertone of sarcasm.

Hakuka didn't get a chance to retort as a flashlight shone into Hakuba's vision, almost blinding him.

"Put that away!" the blond detective swatted the owner's hand aside-the owner, who happened to be Shuichi, huffed at the man's action, clearly taken back.

"I'm relieved to see the three of you unscathed," he nodded in Shinichi's direction, a reciprocal smile gracing the younger man's lips.

Heiji and Masumi's faces emerged from behind Shuichi's broad shoulders.

"Kudo!" the pair exclaimed simultaneously.

Heiji was the first to make a move, swiftly jogging over to the detective and enveloping him in a tight bear hug. Kaito, never one to leave Shinichi's side, joined in the embrace, allowing himself to be squeezed to death until Shinichi could pry the man off him. Masumi followed suit, offering a hearty pat on the back.

In the background, Shuichi radioed Haibara to inform her about the successful rescue.

After a brief exchange of words, Shuichi cleared his throat, commanding the attention of everyone present.

With a composed and firm voice, he uttered, "We must depart this place immediately."

Kaito's every step towards the exit reverberated with impending doom. His fists clenched tighter as a chill ran down his spine, and a familiar feeling of dread settled in his gut. He knew he had to turn back, yet he couldn't bring himself to do it, determined instead to push through and ignore the warning signs that seemed to follow him with every move he made.

Here's a piece of advice, kids.

If your gut is telling you something, you should trust the feeling.

Just then, an ominous rumble shook the floor beneath them before erupting into an explosion that ripped through the warehouse entrance. Kaito was thrown into the air by the force of the blast and felt himself falling back towards the ground through a veil of smoke and dust.

Flames spewed from the wreckage as debris cascaded down like rain, showering metal and glass fragments everywhere.

The acrid stench of burning rubber and chemicals hung like a deathly blanket, threatening to choke its hapless victims.

Amidst all the chaos, Kaito felt strong arms wrap around him protectively before he lost consciousness.

A/N:

The next update won't be until most likely August 25th due to University assignments stacking up but I will see if I squeeze an update in!!

Thank you for reading! Feel free to leave comments!