-FIRSTS-

Disclaimer: The works of Detective Conan and Magic Kaito belongs to Gosho Aoyama-sensei.

Warning: (Really) Slow developing KaiShin relationship.

01-First Encounter

This was certainly not what Kaito was expecting when he climbed up the darkened stairs to the gear room of the clock tower, which had became his favourite place to contemplate the fallacies of life. He had been expecting an empty room, with only the sounds of clicking mechanical parts that runs the clockwork gears. He did not expect to see that familiar cowlick hairstyle. Nor did he expect to see the owner of said hairstyle to be sitting on the small ledge of the service opening towards the clock face with only one hand bracing the side, legs hanging out towards the street, and the other supporting his head on the knee in a thinking position. Kaito did the one thing that people had advised not to do in these precarious situations.

"Don't jump!" He shouted, still rooted at his position near the staircase.

"Wha...?" The sudden voice had startled Shinichi, nearly causing him to fall if he had not braced himself on the frame. His heart raced to the point where he thought it might pop out of his chest. He thought the place was off limits, so logically there shouldn't be anyone entering the clock tower. (Shinichi had actually managed to acquire the key the first time he came here all those months ago, he took a copy of said key for convenience sake and returned the original. He might not have explicit permission for the continual visits but at least he didn't pick the lock.)

He had been coming here religiously at least once a week, sometimes more if the day had been particularly stressful or grueling. After his return, things had been not only hectic but also trying. He had not been able to talk to Ran after the catastrophical breakup (Sonoko's words, not his. To the parties involved, it was more mutual understanding with broken cement paving the way). There was still no resolution on the Alcoholic capture. Adding the catchup school work that he had to do to ensure his timely graduation and the daily occurrence of illegal activities (be it theft, blackmail, murder, or any other sort of crime) happening in his immediate vicinity, he felt he deserved to take a rest every now and then. He would have stayed home to read if the house wasn't so quiet. So instead, he went to the one place he knew that still contains good memories and can offer him the peace of mind.

To find himself suddenly in company of another person here was the last thing he wanted to do.

"Look, I'm sure that whatever it is, you'll be able to find a way. So there is no reason for you to end up as cement pancake." Kaito held up his hands to indicate he means no harm. He was afraid, scared, that the detective would take the leap. There had been rumours circulating in the police headquarters that the Heisei Holmes is not quite the same ever since he came back, he was said to be slightly out of it. "There will always be nosy bastards, creepy witches, and mop wielding maniacs around. But surely someone like yourself can see that there are also better, more interesting things that you like here. Like the magic of the evenings, the thrill of the chase, or the wonder of mysteries."

"What on Earth are you talking about?" Shinichi turned his body so that he can firmly plant one of his legs on the floor and the other still dangling above the streets. As much as he was curious about this stranger, who's voice he recognized, the shadows casted by the surroundings had made it impossible to identify his face. He has an inkling, though no evidence yet.

Seeing this was an improvement, Kaito sighed in relief, though still not moving from his spot. Instead, he readied himself to grab the detective in case anything were to happen. He had heard that there is always hesitation before the jump, so he had to be prepared. He then saw the detective turning fully back into the building. He hoped he was not intending to dive off backwards like KID does.

"Weren't you about to jump?" Kaito questioned after some hesitation. Not sure what else could be said to coax the detective to safety. He figured he might try reverse psychology or something. The detective was never the conventional type anyways.

"Why would I do that?" Now facing the voice. His mind finally found the missing name to the voice. It was definitely not one he had been expecting. "Though it might make the police extend their protection on this place. After all, with the statutory coming to a close, the clock tower would be released back to its owner. But if my body was found lying on its ground with with no signs of struggle and no signs of forced entry into the building, they'll certainly need to investigate this place. It may render this place unsellable if a murder did occur here."

There was a dark smile on his lips, one that sent bad chills down Kaito's spine. It reminded him of a defeated animal. He wondered what had brought the detective here. He bit his lips, the rumours he had managed to pick up had never seemed pleasant; how he seems to spend more time at the police headquarters than at home, how the detective runs into a triple homicide, and how he generally ends up needing medical attention after chasing the criminal. Kaito had tried to set his spy doves on the Meitantei but they generally lost him the moment he steps out of the school gates.

"But this would ruin your memories of this place too won't it?" The voice snapped Kaito out of his contemplation.

"And yours as well." Whatever the reason, the first thing is to have the detective away from the ledge. No matter what he says, having him so close to it without a safety line is putting Kaito on the edge.

"Don't worry. I'm done reminiscing. You'll have the Tower all to yourself." He walked purposefully towards Kaito, who breathed a sigh of relief. "I come here during weekends mostly. But today is a special...case..." Shinichi passed him by without truly looking at his face. He placed a hand no his shoulder. "Thanks for your concern. I'll see you around when I can KID."

And with these parting words, he walked down the steps with his footsteps echoing loudly in his wake. Kaito stood, stock still, trying to understand what had just happened. Realizing there is no point in bemoaning over it, he too turned to leave. He no longer felt the need to stare at the night sky from this height anymore. He actually felt as though something that used to cover his heart had been lifted.

-TBC-

A/N: This is a trial project (?) I'm trying out some ideas floating around my head. If this ends really abruptly, I apologise in advance.