Current mood:	amused
Current music:	Burn up at both ends and still you're fine, you're my flame
Entry tags:	detective conan, magic kaito, series:gordian knot

Title: Gordian Knot: Taste of Flames pt 1 of 2
Author: Icka! M. Chif
Word Count: 11,143
Rating: Teen
Audio Track: Zero 7 - You're My Flame and Two Lone Swordsmen - Taste of Our Flames
Author Notes: First half done and posted for fic_off since we'd have to post it in two pieces anyway.
Summary: Follows ‘Strike a Match’. Heiji and Kaito go out on date. Or at least attempt to.

---

We who were right all along
Will then read out your names
Those who stole secrets will pay
With a taste of our flames
Two Lone Swordsmen - Taste of Our Flames

Heiji’s phone rang, interrupting the chess match between himself and Kudo. They both startled slightly before he reached into his pocket and pulled out his mobile. “Hattori.”

”Hey, Handsome.” Kaito’s playful voice greeted him. “I heard from a little bird that you were in town. Wanna get together?”

”Hello there yerself, Good Lookin’.” He grinned, ignoring Kudo’s surprised look as Heiji craned his neck to try to peer out the window without getting up from his seat in the middle of the Mouri Detective Agency. There was white blob mixed in with the pigeons lining the rooftop across the street, most likely a dove.

Could be anything, could be nothing, could be one of the Kaitou Kid’s doves. Not that he knew anything about that, nope.

“And I’d love ta.” He agreed, not bothering to disguise the warmth in his tone. He checked his watch, ignoring the strange look Kudo was giving him. It was early afternoon still, only a couple of hours past lunch. He’d hoped to meet up with Kaito while in Beika and had arranged his schedule with that goal in mind.

”Excellent.” Kaito purred. “You, Me, Movies?”

”Perfect.” Heiji agreed. “What, where and when?”

Kaito made a mock thoughtful sound, as if he didn’t know where Heiji was. “Beika City Building has that new action comedy playing around four.” He suggested helpfully.

Which gave him an hour to finish kicking Kudo’s butt at chess and the follow-up match before catching the train down to the rebuilt entertainment skyscraper to hang out with Kaito. “Sounds good ta me. I’ll see ya then.”

”Ciao, Darling!” Kaito warbled flirtatiously before hanging up. Heiji grinned, shaking his head as he shut his mobile phone. Dating Kaito certainly was like nothing he’d anticipated when he’d first suggested it. He’d expected have a sympathetic ear, someone who was having the same troubles and an excuse to not date Kazuha. Instead, Kaito constantly surprised and delighted him with a flow of almost over the top flirting and fun. It was rare that he didn’t have a smile on his face after talking with Kaito, the magician easily lightening his mood.

"You look happy." Kudo commented with just a slight amused quirk to his lips. "Things going well with Kazuha?"

"Better than expected." Heiji said with a grin as he put his mobile back in his pocket. "She's out date today with Kujira fer Valentine's Day." What he wasn’t going to mention to either Kudo or Kazuha was that he’d practically had to twist Kujira’s arm to ask her out in the first place, the guy had been so nervous about it, despite having liked Kazuha since Middle School. It was their third date, the two of them getting along well after it was pointed out to Kazuha that talking about Heiji to her dates was bad form. The realisation that this left her with a scant few subjects to talk about had been a harsh lesson for her, but she was learning.

Kazuha hadn’t taken the news that Heiji was dating someone in Beika well. She’d taken the news even less well the first time Kaito had come down to Osaka for a visit under the pretence of being ‘a friend’. Oton had been rather cold and distant about the entire thing, but Heiji had expected that. Okan had made a soft barbed comment about him getting it out of his system while he was young, before he settled down and he’d agreed with her.

He, Oton, and Okan had talked that night, like they hadn’t before and Heiji felt better for it. Things certainly relaxed around the house after that and he was enjoying his new found freedom now that everyone wasn’t jumping on him to be constantly watching Kazuha. Although Kazuha wasn’t talking to him much past monosyllable comments, and he occasionally found he missed her company.

He became aware that Kudo was looking at him like he’d just been struck over the head with something blunt and heavy. Heiji grinned in amusement. It wasn’t often he got one up on Kudo like that, even by accident. "That was my boyfriend." He added helpfully as an explanation. "You'd probably like him, you're pretty similar. He even looks like ya."

"y-Your boyfriend?" Kudo echoed, his voice high and disbelieving.

"Yeah. Name's Kaito. Kuroba Kaito." Heiji sat back and grinned. "His dad taught yer mom make-up and disguise, ya know. Small world, huh?"

Kudo stared, mouth agape for a moment longer. "Kuroba Toichi is his father?"

"Yup. Anyway." He turned his attention back to the game with a grin. "I gotta trounce ya pretty quick, I got a date inna little over an hour."

And of course, Kudo being Kudo, he then had to try to trounce Heiji. –Try- being the operative word, Heiji won again, which tied up their scores for winning their chess matches. Not that either of them admitted to keeping track.

Well, much.

He left the Mouri residence in a good mood, promising to call Kudo later that night before heading to the subway station and catching a train to the Beika City Building. He had the odd feeling of being watched a few times, and glanced around feeling paranoid. He caught a flash of blue, like Kudo’s almost trademark coat once, from the car behind him, but dismissed it. There was no way Kudo was going to intrude on a -date-.

Heiji thought that statement over and debated being -really- paranoid and taking the long way around to the Beika City Building. But Kaito was waiting for him and if it wasn’t Kudo, he didn’t feel like spoiling what promised to be a good afternoon.

Kaito wasn’t easy to miss, the magician had trouble sitting still for long periods of time if given the choice. Or standing still as the case may be. Kaito had a small crowd of admirers around him, mostly girls in twos or threes who were going sparkly eyed over the various flowers he was producing and giving away. Heiji stopped and watched for a bit, a grin on his face.

Eventually Kaito noticed him and lit up with a broad grin of his own. “Heiji!” He waved, excusing himself from the girls and quickly bouncing over. Some of the girls grabbed each other’s hands and giggled as they watched him go, chattering excitedly. Heiji made a mental bet on which ones would come over and ask them out for coffee in exchange for the flowers. Although some of them weren’t bad looking.

Then he was distracted by Kaito’s wide grin as he ‘accidentally’ bumped into Heiji in his enthusiasm. “Hey.” Heiji grinned, nudging him back under the guise of re-settling his backpack. “Hope ya weren’t waitin’ long.”

”Nah.” Kaito’s grin faded into something fond than hyper as he casually motioned behind Heiji. “I see you brought company.”

He glanced back to find Kudo trying to hide behind a trashcan. It would have worked if it wasn’t obvious that he was trying to hide behind a trash can and not be seen, which then caused everyone who passed him to stare in confusion. Heiji resisted the urge to smack his forehead. Hard. ”Not on purpose.” Heiji muttered quietly, for Kaito’s ears only, causing to muffle a snicker.

He’d heard of friends being jealous because someone had started dating, but this was just ridiculous. Heiji raised his voice. “Ya might as well come out.”

Kudo didn’t move. They waited about a minute, Kaito doing his best not to laugh and ending up making the occasional sprofly sound. “Naw, seriously.” Heiji deadpanned. “We can see ya. C’mon out and meet him.”

Hesitantly, like the small child he pretended to be, Kudo peeked around the trash can and then crept out, looking as shamefaced as he got. “Kaito meet Edogawa Conan meet Kuroba Kaito.” Heiji ran through the introductions. There. Kudo had seen that he did, in fact, have a boyfriend. Now maybe Kudo would catch a clue and leave. “Behave.” He added through gritted teeth, nudging Kaito, whose smirk was threatening to reach past his ears.

Kaito grinned, a very Kid-like sparkle in his eyes and Heiji realised that he had just discovered a previously unknown worst horror ever.

He should have ignored Kudo’s presence and just headed inside of the movie theatre. Seriously. Mentioning the Kaitou Kid around Kudo was bad. However, it was becoming increasingly obvious that he’d failed to take Kid’s teasing nature into account when it came to shrunken detective. “So this is the one you’re always calling ‘Kudo’?” Kaito asked, his voice sparkling with innocence and light.

Kudo gave Heiji a dark glare. Heiji ignored it. It wasn’t like Kaito didn’t already know who Edogawa really was anyway. Hell, even Hakuba had commented on it before. “Yeah.” He said easily through his teeth. “He’s a detective too.”

”Seriously?!” Kaito said, crouching slightly to be more at eye-level with Kudo, who was looking at the magician in irritation and confusion. Heiji nearly groaned at the cheesiness of the act. Right. Like there wasn’t a braincell sparking in his boyfriend’s head. None. At all. He stepped on Kaito’s foot accidentally-on-purpose. Kaito laughed, a friendly sound and he toned the brainless act down. “Sorry.” Kaito said, sounding more sincere and like himself as he straightened, Kudo giving him a wary look at the abrupt change of attitude. “It seems like I’m surrounded by detectives sometimes.”

”Really?” Kudo brightened slightly at that, a calculating look in his eyes. “Why is-“

”-Speakin’ of which.” Heiji said, cutting Kudo off. Kudo -really- didn’t need to be interrogating Kaito. Especially while on a DATE. He was sincerely hoping that Kudo would catch a hint and leave. Or he might be able to distract Kaito away from the Kudo-baiting long enough to put their date back on track. “Check my bag, will ya Kaito? Big pocket.”

”Huh? Oh, sure.” Kaito walked behind him and unzipped the large section of the backpack and glancing in. Heiji promptly found a heavy weight resting on his shoulders and back as Kaito jumped on top of him, nearly strangling him in his delight, legs clamped around his waist. “You’re the Best Boyfriend EVER!” Kaito gleefully not-quite-squealed in his ear. Manly squealed.

Heiji grinned even has he staggered for balance. It was Valentine’s Day, which meant chocolate. And while traditionally, it was the girls who gave the guys chocolate on Valentine’s Day, he knew Kaito had a sweet tooth. Which was why he’d bought about ten bars of Meiji chocolate and solid chocolate dove the size of his hand for their ‘date’. Screw traditions, it made Kaito happy, which made him happy in return.

”I got you…“ Kaito’s voice trailed off and Heiji realised with a dour feeling they had an audience. He glanced over, expecting one of Kaito’s fans and was surprised to meet a pair of startled light blue eyes.

”Ah! Sorry!” Hakuba back-pedalled, quickly distancing himself. “I did not… I was not…” The blond seemed to be at a loss for words, staring at them like he’d just wandered into a pit of vipers.

… Oh, for goodness sake! Was EVERYONE going to follow them on this date?!



Except that Hakuba’s wide-eyed mortification didn’t seem to be an act. Or if it was an act, it was a damn good one. Heiji glanced down at Kudo, to find Kudo staring at them all in polite innocence, and quickly discounted the idea of Hakuba pairing up with Kudo to follow them. Unlike some people, Hakuba didn’t seem to have an alterative motive for following to the movies. Especially since he remembered Kaito mentioning that the blond had been distant and somewhat avoiding him since he and Heiji had started dating. Maybe Hakuba didn’t like that Kaito was dating a guy?

Kaito broke the awkward silence with a friendly voice. “Yo, Hakuba. You got a date too?”

Hakuba grimaced. “Endeavouring to evade one, actually.” He said, a small spark of dignity returning. He held up a movie ticket. “I thought hiding amongst the crowds might be the most prudent opportunity to circumvent Aoko’s attempts at presenting me with chocolates today.”

He didn’t have to look to see the twitch Kaito made at Aoko’s name and chocolates, he could feel it against his body. Kaito gave a small sigh and went limp, sliding off of Heiji in a way that wasn’t entirely unpleasureable. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that Kaito had obviously not gotten any chocolates this year from his childhood friend. Hakuba’s refusal of Aoko’s chocolates was surprising however. They’d looked pretty tight the few times he’d seen them since he and Kaito had started dating.

But then, that was usually Aoko constantly dragging the blond off, not the other way around. Which, if he was being honest, was scarily reminiscent of Kazuha’s previous behaviour around him. Still, he didn’t resist glowering in Hakuba’s direction for running Kaito’s good mood by bringing up the girl.

”Wait, don’t tell me.” With a flick of his wrist, two movie tickets appeared in Kaito’s hand. He took Hakuba’s ticket out of his hand and compared them before nodding. “Same showing.” He said, turning to give Heiji a faintly amused twist of the lips that did not completely qualify for a smile. Heiji glanced down at Kudo, who had a slightly triumphant look on his face, like he’d had the perfect opportunity drop in his lap.

”My apologies.” Hakuba took the ticket back, his voice dry and sardonic again, but even that didn’t cover up his obvious awkward embarrassment. “I will go exchange it for a different showing.”

Heiji sighed tiredly. ”Nah.” He surprised himself by saying. Kaito’s eyebrows rose slightly as Heiji motioned towards Kudo. “We’ve already got one surprise chaperone for the evenin’.” He said, some irritation slipping out and colouring his tone. “A second one’s not gonna make much difference.”

”I didn’t… I wasn’t…” Kudo sputtered, looking like he’d just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

”Right.” Heiji deadpanned, ignoring Kudo’s denials as he shared a look with Kaito, the expression of disbelief on the magician’s face fading into distantly amused resignation. Not exactly the friendly -private- date they’d hoped for.

Hakuba got a slightly pinched, uncomfortable look when he glanced down at the smallest person in their group. ”Greetings, Edogawa-kun. It’s been a while.”

Kudo laughed nervously, backing up a small step from the blond. “Um. Yeah.”

Heiji glanced at Kaito to try to understand what the hell was going on. Last time Hakuba and Kudo had met, they’d been on friendly terms, Hakuba had even stuck up for Kudo’s detective skills. The sudden chilly attitude was odd. Kaito shot him a knowing look back, but gave a small shake of the head. Heiji nodded back, Kaito knew what was going on, but this wasn’t the place to discuss it. Too many damn secrets in this group, really.

”Shall we get another ticket then?” Heiji inquired. At least children’s tickets were cheap.

”I’ll pay my own way.” Kudo muttered darkly as they headed as a group into the building and up to the escalators towards the movie theatres for one more ticket, Hakuba maintaining his distance from Kudo as much as he could and still remain part of their group. Kudo did the same, keeping Heiji and Kaito between himself and the blond at all times. Kaito smirked, apparently finding the whole situation amusing.

… Which was better than the confused irritation that was rolling through Heiji. “The line’s kinda long.” Kaito commented, pulling Heiji from his thoughts. “Why don’t Hakuba and I go on ahead and grab snacks while you two get the ticket and we’ll meet in the lobby?”

”Sounds good.” Heiji would have rather gone with Kaito for snacks and left their chaperones in line for the tickets, but splitting up the two trouble makers sounded like a good plan. And hopefully he and Kaito could get out of Kudo and Hakuba what the hell was going on. “Takoyaki if they have it, yakisoba if not.” Heiji requested, pulling out his wallet.

Kudo followed, handing Kaito a few coins. “Small popcorn, please.” He said, voice high and polite.

”Sure thing, kiddo.” Kaito agreed easily, exchanging the cash Heiji handed him for a movie ticket. “Hakuba’d be uncomfortable no matter who I was dating.” Kaito said softly in his ear, his voice thick with barely restrained amusement. “It’s that he’s intruding on a –private- moment. So ease up, okay?”

Heiji fought the urge to blush, he hadn’t been aware he hadn’t lost the glare towards the blond. “Sorry.” He muttered back, taking his ticket. Kaito smiled in return as he moved back, tossing Heiji a wink and strolling off, Hakuba obediently following as if pulled by a leash. Well, that was one problem taken care of. Hopefully Kaito could talk some sense into the blond so the two of them could hang out together more often, the sudden distance had been bothering the magician.

Neither he or Kaito had a lot of close friends, and those they did, they both held close.

Speaking of friends… Heiji stuck his hands in his pockets and glared down at Kudo. “Talk.” He growled, not bothering to hide his irritation, especially with their audience was gone.

Kudo’s expression flickered through several distinct different emotions, guilt, fear, embarrassment, before settling on vaguely remorseful. Not for following, Heiji understood, but for getting caught. “An apology isn’t going to cut it, is it?” He finally offered.

”Ya think?” Heiji muttered. First time Kudo went out with Ran, he was going to grab Kaito and stalk -them-, just to see how Kudo liked it. He glanced around, taking stock of the people around. Fortunately, no one seemed to be paying much attention to them, save for a few maternal types keeping an eye out on the ‘young boy’ in the press of people. “What the hell are you tryin’ ta pull?”

”You can’t honestly tell me that you told me about him and then didn’t expect me to find out more on him.” Kudo insisted, crossing his arms.

”No, I -hoped- you’d let me go on my date in peace, then bug me ta meet him -later-.” Heiji growled. Stalking Kudo with Ran was starting to sound REALLY good. “I’d been planning on introducin’ ya later. AFTER Valentine’s Day.”

Kudo flinched. “Then why’d you let Hakuba join you?” He sulked irritably.

”Because Hakuba is a good friend of Kaito’s.” Heiji stared off towards the front of the line, setting his jaw. “And he didn’t try ta butt in on the movie.” Points for the blond, even if it had been a cover for avoiding Kaito.

He glanced down at Kudo. “Ya gonna try tellin’ me that ya weren’t gonna try talkin’ yer way into the movie next?”

Kudo debated it, and then his lower lip came out slightly in a pout. “No.”

”Good. Cause neither of us look like idiots.”

He got a glare for the comment, Kudo sulking harder than ever. “You never mentioned liking guys before.” He finally muttered, keeping his voice low.

Heiji raised an eyebrow. “Why? Ya interested?”

While a part of him was disappointed at Kudo’s flaying reaction and mourned the loss of hope, the rest of him thought it was worth any future potential awkward questions to see Kudo choke and turn seven different colours of red in the time it took to inhale.

”Chill, Kudo.” Heiji looked up at the signs proclaiming what movies were showing and the times. “It’s pretty obvious what yer answer ta that is. Figured that out ages ago.” Two words: Not. Happening.

Kudo ducked his head, his hair and the reflection off his glasses hiding his face and his thoughts. “He looks just like Shin’ichi.” Kudo said almost an analytical tone and Heiji breathed a small sigh of relief, grateful that there wasn’t any disgust colouring Kudo’s speech. “The only other person who looks that much like me is the Kai-“

”Kaito’s also been accused of that before, because he’s a magician.” Heiji interjected tiredly. “And proved that he’s not several times.”

Like a cat pouncing on an errant dust bunny, Kudo jumped on that. “What proof does he have that he’s n-“

”Kudo.” Heiji felt a vein pop on his forehead, his temper snapping. He crouched down, bringing the two of them closely at eyelevel. “Do ya see a dead body anywhere ‘round here?” He hissed. “Or a madman in white laughin’ his fool head off?”

Kudo looked at him like he was insane. “Noo…” Came the hesitant drawl.

”Then he’s not in the middle of an investigation.” Heiji said with as much patience as he could muster at the moment. Which really wasn’t much. “And if he’s not part of an investigation, ya got no grounds ta be pokin’ into his business.”

”So he -could- be the Kid.” Kudo purred, looking smug at that titbit of information. “Tell me-“

He put a hand on top of Kudo’s head. “Think -real- hard before ya finish that sentence.” He warned through gritted teeth, eyes narrowing dangerously as he barely remembered to keep his voice down. “Cause if yer tellin’ me that it’s okay fer me ta be blabbin’ any possible secrets of -his- ta ya, then it must be okay fer me ta spill any possible secrets of -yers- as well.” And he had the Mouri Detective Agency on speed dial. He wondered who would take the news about who was really living under their roof better, Mouri or Ran.

Kudo paled, swallowing. Heiji nodded, seeing that he’d finally gotten through to Kudo. The subtle approach just did -not- seem to work on the guy sometimes.

He sighed and eased up a little on his friend. “I trust Kaito or I wouldn’t be datin’ him.” He said, removing his hand from Kudo’s head. “I like him. He’s a nice guy, a -good- person and we’re helpin’ each other through some tough stuff. Which is really all ya need ta know. So. Ya can either stop actin’ all jealous and come watch the movie with me and my boyfriend, or ya can go home and mope with ‘Neechan cause it’s Valentine’s Day and ya don’t have a date. What’s it gonna be?”

Kudo blanched at the comment about Ran and sulked slightly. ”I am not jealous.” He muttered, making the decision to stay.

Right. Sure. Uh-huh. Heiji stood up again, moving forward with the line and filling the gap.

Kudo sulked the rest of the way through the ticket line and Heiji sighed, letting it be. The Detective of the East was a stubborn cuss. Which was one of the things that Heiji liked about him, even as it was irritating.

They got the ticket and moved into the theatre, catching the dismay of the people that had been standing behind them as it was announced that the show was now sold out, Kudo evidently having gotten the last ticket. Luck was with them today. That didn’t stop Heiji from urging Kudo ahead of him, blocking the smaller guy from the crowd’s wrath, imagined or not.

Kaito and Hakuba were standing in the middle of the lobby, looking like a pair of awkward statues. Heiji flicked an eyebrow up in silent inquiry and Kaito rolled his eyes. Evidently their conversation had not gone sparkling well either.

Yeah. This was shaping up to be a -wonderful- date. Not.

They shuffled through the lines of the theatre, handing over their tickets and then finding a short row of four empty seats off to the side in the back. They stared at each other awkwardly for a moment, trying to figure out who went where when Kaito finally rolled his eyes, shoved Hakuba into the row, grabbed Heiji’s hand and dragged him along, Conan following after. As they sat down, glancing at each other, Kaito silently daring them to dispute the seating arrangements.

”I’m good.” Heiji grinned, settling back into his seat. Kudo gave him a sulky glare, Hakuba shifting in his seat uncomfortably. Kaito smiled almost shyly back at Heiji. Heiji leaned back, lips just brushing Kaito’s ear. “Good job.” He whispered.

”Thanks.” Kaito whispered back. He paused for a moment, then added: “Put you on the edge, just in case something comes up.”

And Hakuba didn’t like people, so they acted like a buffer for that. Logical. He nodded, the lights suddenly dimming to signal the start of the show. They both leaned back, and Heiji was pleasantly surprised to find Kaito’s hand ‘accidentally’ brushing his. He glanced over and found Kaito a little too avidly watching the screen as the first of the trailers started.

Heiji grinned, his spirits rising as he took Kaito’s hand. It was kind of silly, how the simple things could mean so much. He was aware of the stupid smile on Kaito’s face as well as they both turned their attention to the movie.

It was your classic cheesy plotline with awesome special effects, mindless entertainment really. An enjoyable enough way to pass the afternoon with friends on a quasi-date.

At least until Kaito removed his hand to tap him on the shoulder, looking troubled. “Death in the women’s toilet on the other side.” He said softly, his voice serious. “Think it’s a suicide.”

”… Death?” He echoed, glancing past Kaito, to where Hakuba had his head bowed, arms crossed over his chest, fingers digging into his upper arms, looking very pale and tired. “Hakuba?” Heiji added with concern as the blond shuddered, eyes pinched shut.

”His allergy.” Kaito waved it off. “This is minor, he’ll be fine once I get him out of here and get some fresh air. You and Kudo go do your detective thing, we’ll meet you up on the top floor afterwards.”

Heiji nodded, mentally writing off the movie as he turned the other direction to poke Kudo. “There’s been a death.” He informed Kudo, rising partway out of his seat. Kudo gave him a slightly rounded eye look, but obediently scurried out of his chair and into the aisle, allowing Heiji the room to follow. He glanced back at the other two, Kaito giving him a muted smile and a wave. Heiji waved back, ignoring what looked to be a long snake wrapped around Kaito’s thigh.

Heiji took the lead out of the theatre, Kudo silently following until they reached the corridor. “What’s going on?” He asked, his face serious, already in business mode.

”Death in the women’s toilet.” Heiji shrugged, shoving his hands in his jacket pockets as he turned and headed towards the other side of the theatre complex. “It’s apparently a suicide, we’re just checkin’ to make sure. Hakuba’s allergy is actin’ up, we’ll meet them up on the observation deck after we’re done.”

”Okay.” Kudo frowned. “But how did-“

”-I didn’t ask.” Heiji said quickly. It wasn’t something he wanted to think too terribly hard about. Hakuba’s score was currently one for one on calling the crime scenes, he wanted to see if Hakuba could do it again. Especially since there had been no way to physically contact Hakuba in the theatre without either he or Kudo noticing, and he hadn’t noticed any mobile phones active or headsets for Hakuba to get the information.

”More secrets?” Kudo muttered sourly.

Heiji shrugged again. At least Kudo knew that he would and could keep secrets well.

The first screams began just as they reached the other women’s toilet, the door open as a trio of girls gave horrific shrieks. He and Kudo ran the last bit of the way, quickly taking charge of the scene and making sure that the authorities were called and the crime scene, a toilet stall, was left undisturbed.

The victim was hung on the back of the door in one of the toilet stalls, a pair of hose having been used as the rope. A very small gap between her toes and the floor, another finger width and she would have been able to stand to avoid choking to death. It would have seemed like an almost impossible short height for her to have killed herself, if it hadn’t been for the foot and hand marks on either sides of the narrow stall, leading up to the top brace above the door that connected all of the stalls.

Rather than jumping off of anything, she had used the narrowness of the stall to climb to the top and fasten the rope to the top brace before allowing herself to fall. There was no room for anyone else to be in the locked toilet stall, nor was there enough room above or below for someone to crawl through, making murder highly improbable. A few questions to the surrounding crowd revealed that she was a ronin, under a lot of stress as she studied for the college exams and had just been dumped by her boyfriend during the movie.

… On Valentine’s Day. The proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.

Heiji sighed as they handed the scene and their findings over to Major Crimes when they showed up. He was happy to see it was Satou and Takagi who had gotten the call, seeing as both detectives were familiar with himself and Kudo, and their apparent inability to go anywhere without the police having to eventually be called in.

Although Satou did take the opportunity to rib him about his interrupted date and Heiji knew that it’d be all over the police stations within a couple of hours. Oton would probably question him about it as soon as he got back to Osaka. Oh, goodie.

But it left Hakuba two for two in the ‘Sense A Murder’ guessing game.

Kudo sourly followed him out of the theatre section of the Beika City Building and to the elevators that would take them to the top of the skyscraper. “How’d you know it was suicide?” He asked, expression serious and thoughtful.

”Same way I knew Fukou-san wasn’t a homicide.” Heiji looked up at the elevator, watching the numbers count down.

”Which is?”

”Secret.”

Kudo made an annoyed sound in the back of his throat. It was actually kind of comical, coming from the body of a six year old.

Heiji hid a smirk as the elevator doors opened, waiting for the people to get off before stepping inside. He glanced up at where the top access hatch was as Conan stepped on, making a note of it as he had ever since the incident with the Kid and the elevator. You never knew when you were going to have to make an abrupt escape out of the enclosed metal box after all.

Kudo was silent as they rode up, looking lost in thought as a few other people on the elevator talked quietly among themselves. News of the suicide was just starting to make it around, people talking about it in shocked horrified whispers as if speaking in a normal tone might summon evil.

The elevator came to a stop and Heiji stepped to the side, Kudo following as they waited for everyone else to get off the elevator before following. He glanced around the large open observatory area, not spotting his boyfriend or the blond. Top floor, Kaito had said. He wouldn’t be completely surprised if Kaito hadn’t meant ‘rooftop’, with the magician’s penchant for heights.

He stuck his hands in his pockets, looking around, Kudo trailing after him with a thoughtful look on his face. They walked in silence for a little while until it started to get on Heiji’s nerves. Just when he was about to ask Kudo about it, the other detective spoke up. “He looks like me.” Kudo fixed him with a serious gaze. “He looks -exactly- like me.”

And this time, Heiji had the sinking feeling Kudo wasn’t linking Kaito’s appearance to the Kaitou Kid’s mimicry. “Yeah.” He agreed blandly, not wanting this conversation but not seeing a way to avoid it.

”Hattori-”

”He looks like ya, he’s stubborn like ya, but he’s not ya.” One of Heiji’s eyebrows flicked upwards. “And in the event he does turn out to be the Kaitou Kid, m’not datin’ the Kid, I’m datin’ Kuroba Kaito.”

Kudo glared sternly back. “That’s not what I meant, Hattori.”

”I know.” Heiji sighed, feeling the last remnants of his good mood from the movie falling away, leaving him feeling old and tired. “And I already told ya. I already knew what yer answer was. You’re too caught up in ‘Neechan for it ta be anythin’ other than ‘no’.”

There was a slight pause, Kudo thinking over his words before responding. “You’re always asking if I’ve told Ran yet.” His mind already jumping ahead. The only way for Heiji to have a chance with Kudo was if he wasn’t involved with Ran. And the only way he wouldn’t be involved with Ran was if she had found out about Kudo being Conan and all the lies that hid that secret.

”Yeah.” He agreed. He fixed Kudo with a tired look. “Bein’ in limbo, not knowin’ one way or another… It hurts, Kudo. Don’t think it doesn’t.”

”… Oh.”

Silence descended. Heiji looked around, trying to find his missing boyfriend through the thin crowd.

”I just… I thought…” The normally eloquent Kudo stumbled over his words, sounding slightly lost. “If you and Kazuha didn’t make it, what chance does that make for Ran and I?”

”Sometimes, Kudo…” Heiji said slowly as he spotted what looked like a dark root or a snake slowly wiggling over the low wall of one of the top most observation balcony, next to the café. It vanished backwards, Kaito’s grinning head replacing it. The magician waved down at them and Heiji raised a hand in acknowledgement, Kaito ducking back behind the wall. “… It’s not about you.”

Kudo was silent as they climbed the stairs to the upper level, spotting Kaito and Hakuba tucked away in a corner. The blond looked a lot better, he was still pale, but he wasn’t white anymore. Both of them were comfortably slouched, legs brushing against each other with the ease of comfortable familiarity. Heiji felt a slight pang of jealousy, but easily brushed it aside. At least someone had made up today.

”Hey.” Kaito gave him a fond grin, one unlike the calm one that he had just been sharing with Hakuba and the faint jealousy faded away. “How’d it go?”

”Suicide.” Heiji shrugged as he slipped into the seat next to Kaito. He nodded at Hakuba, then turned his gaze back to Kaito. “Thanks for the heads up.”

It was slightly amusing to watch both Hakuba and Kaito’s eyes flicker to Kudo, who was standing impassively at the end of the table, looking at the chair next to Hakuba with an expression of wary distaste. “No problem. Just passing on the message.” Kaito said easily as Kudo glanced between the three of them with a suspicious look.

Hakuba broke the awkward air by rising and grabbing his coat from the back of the chair. “I believe it is time for me to retire back to my abode. Hattori, a pleasure, sincerely. Kuroba, I’ll see you at school.”

Kaito waved back, his posture relaxed and easy at the farewell. “Wanna catch lunch sometime?”

”I’d be delighted.” Hakuba promised with a small smile that expressed that honest opinion more than his words did. Kaito smiled back, looking happy. Hakuba nodded once to Kudo, both the blond and the smaller detective keeping a wary large bubble of space that was more than politeness dictated away from each other as Hakuba departed.

”I should go as well.” Kudo said abruptly as Hakuba’s tall form retreated through the crowds.

”Will you be okay getting back on your own?” Kaito asked, his expression shifting to concern as he glanced outside. Darkness had fallen sometime between the start of the movie and investigating the suicide.

Kudo waved it off. “I’ll be fine.” With a nod to both of them, he turned and walked away as well, the lack of farewell hanging in the air. They sat in silence, Kaito pushing some of the chocolate covered espresso beans that had come with the hot chocolate he was drinking towards Heiji. Heiji nodded back, slowly eating them, the coffee beans cracking in his teeth.

”I take it you’re not crashing at Kudo’s place tonight?” Kaito asked softly, staring down at the dregs of his chocolate.

Heiji shook his head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, no.” Kudo’s house was always open for him to crash at, but he didn’t feel like it tonight. How Kudo had lived in such a large place by himself for years was a mystery, the place echoed with just one person there.

”Wanna crash at my house?” Kaito asked, eyebrows almost waggling in invitation.

Heiji made a show of debating. “Well… y’do have all that chocolate…” He smirked, slow and easy.

Kaito shoved him out of the chair and on to his feet, laughing at the insinuation, with just enough of a blush on his cheeks to boost Heiji’s ego. “Move it.” He ordered, pointing towards the door with one hand as he gathered his coat with the other.

”Yes sir.” Heiji grinned, feeling a bit lighter as Kaito man-handled him towards the elevator.

+++

Heiji liked Kaito’s house. It was big, but not in the opulent way the Kudo household or his parent’s traditional house was. It felt a little empty as well, the ghosts of Kuroba Toichi still floating around, but was friendly and warm.

Kaito’s ‘Kachan was surprisingly easy to talk to as well. If she had any problems with her son dating another guy, she didn’t show it, treating Heiji like he was another friend of Kaito’s. He’d been embarrassed the first time she’d walked in on them wrestling on the bed, limbs tangled together, but she didn’t make a big fuss and Kaito didn’t make a big fuss, and somehow it became normal for when he was over.

It might have had something to do with the fact that while they were often tangled together when ‘alone’, she never walked into anything more than that. They’d tried going farther than the occasional kiss and gotten as far as hands down the pants before they’d both started laughing and it never gotten farther than that. It felt good, but it was… awkward, in a weird sort of way.

Kaito thought Heiji was attractive, Heiji thought Kaito was hot, but neither of them were the kind to settle for second best. So their relationship strangely remained one of comfort, instead of passion. Although under different circumstances, he could see things going much differently.

A gentle finger tip running along the tip of his ear made him shiver and drew his attention out of his thoughts. He looked up from his position using Kaito’s chest as a pillow to see Kaito looking at him with a concerned expression. “Everything okay?”

He almost said that it was fine, but caught the lie before he said it. “Possibly.” It could have gone a lot worse. It could have gone -better-, but it could have gone much, much worse. “I think I said more than I shoulda. We’ll have to see how long it takes before he’ll talk ta me again.”

It was a toss-up what probably freaked Kudo out the most, finding out that Heiji could, and did like guys, or the possibility of a guy liking Kudo. He although didn’t quite understand how Heiji’s current relationship with Kazuha tied in with Kudo’s relationship with Ran. Kudo could be oddly complicated sometimes.

”Not too long.” Kaito muttered darkly and Heiji chuckled. He wasn’t the only one with a protective streak a mile wide. Heiji put his head back down on Kaito’s chest, listening to the sound of his boyfriend’s internal organs. The whoosh of the lungs, the steady thump of his heart, the occasional gurgle as Kaito’s stomach digested the mass of chocolate he’d just eaten. It was a good melody. Reassuringly full of life.

Usually when they sprawled out on a bed or a sofa, it was Kaito tucked against Heiji, the slight difference in height and build making it comfortable. Kaito seemed to appreciate the full body contact and Heiji liked being the one that people lean on. But for right now, it was nice lean on someone else.

”Kudo thinks you’re the Kaitou Kid.” He offered and is rewarded with the sound of Kaito’s laughter.

”Oh, does he now?” Kaito chuckles, hands not stopping their petting. “Should I have him talk to Hakuba about that?”

Previous to today, he would have said ‘yes’. But Hakuba and Kudo’s odd interactions bother him. “I… Is there somethin’ goin’ on with the two of them?” He asked.

Kaito’s hands stilled for a moment, then continued moving. “It’s Hakuba’s allergy acting up. Don’t worry about it.”

One of these days, Heiji was going to the base of what exactly this mysterious allergy of Hakuba’s was. He’d figured out some of the symptoms, but it didn’t sound like any allergy -he- knew of. “So you guys made up.” He glanced up at Kaito, catching the smile at the corner of Kaito’s lips.

”Yeah.”

”Good.” Heiji smirked. “If he disappears on ya again, lemme know and I’ll beat him up fer ya.” He promised.

Kaito smacked him on the back of the head. “I can take care of my own light work.” He growled. “But the offer is noted and appreciated.” Kaito thought about it for a second, then magnanimously added. “Besides, it’d be a lot more fun to tie him down, force feed him sugar until he vibrates, then set him loose on the unsuspecting public and follow him around with video cameras.”

Creative -and- evil. Heiji loved it. “Deal.”

His boyfriend laughed. “You just want a chance to do something mean to Hakuba.” He accused.

Heiji shrugged. “I don’t mind him as much as I used ta.” He admitted. “It’s mostly for the sake of arguin’ anymore.”

”Tell ya what.” Kaito said, his tone mischievous, but there was a thread of seriousness in it. “If Hakuba’s mean to me, I’ll let you help me tie him to a chair and feed him sugar. And if Kudo’s mean to you, we’ll run him up a flagpole by his underpants.”

… Considering Kudo’s current size, that actually eminently doable. “Sounds like a plan ta me.”

”Excellent.” Kaito purred evilly and Heiji grinned back. He liked the way Kaito’s brain worked sometimes, all strange devious angles. Non-lethal angles at that.

He moved up Kaito’s solid body a little bit and kissed him, mostly because he could and felt like it. Kaito made a soft hum, hands winding in Heiji’s hair and kissed him back, mouth tasting like all the chocolate he’d eaten earlier.

One thing Heiji was going to miss, when their dating came to end, was the warm taste of chocolate flavoured kisses.

+++

Continued in 'Taste of Flames Pt 2'!