As always, thank you so much for being patient with me! I've been swamped lately, so finding time to write has been nearly impossible. As a thank you, I wrote this short interlude, set during Kid's heist from chapter twelve and told from Yukiko's perspective. I hope you enjoy it! Thank you all again for sticking with me!

Yukiko breezed into the ballroom like she was the guest of honor, gliding through and greeting everyone she came across with a wide smile. No one looked surprised, as she'd expected. She shook the hands of a group of American actors, insinuating that she'd met them at all at another party. They all opened up immediately, gossiping with her about the gem, the hosts.

She beamed and bloomed under their attention. Relaxed and ready to continue, she went back to making her rounds. On her second loop, she found him.

He was feigning shyness, trying to tell a woman he didn't want to step on her toes. Even with the disguise, she could see the resemblance. Kaito took after his mother in manner, but she could sense his father's flare lurking just under the surface.

"Darling," she cried, throwing her arms around him. "Oh, I didn't think you were going to make it!" She pushed his shoulder playfully. "Why didn't you tell me you'd arrived?"

"Amane," the woman's voice was tight, "who is this?"

"Oh, we're old friends, of course! Isn't that right, Amane?" She winked at him. "We've known each other for—how long has it been? Fourteen years? Twelve?"

The boy tensed under her arm. "Of course," he said, playing along, "I think it was thirteen."

"Well," the woman said flatly, "I suppose I should leave you to catch up." She turned her face away, lips pursed. Yukiko couldn't help the slow smile spreading across her face. When she was gone, Yukiko patted Kaito's head with a fond smile.

"Good boy." Linking her arm through his, she tugged him to the edge of the room. "Now, we should speak somewhere more privately, don't you think?"

"I do," he said, voice low and eyes wary. "Who are you?"

"I'm the thief of the silver screen, of course, dear. Oh, your mother must be so proud. You've grown up so well." She cupped his cheek.

He batted her hand away, wide eyed. "You know my mother?"

"And your father, of course. You didn't think your parents were the only thieves in the world, did you?" She chuckled. "Not to exclude my protégé, of course."

"Your… The Baron. Kudou mentioned he knew you, Ms. Starlet." Kaito finally relaxed. Couldn't have that.

"Yes, yes, but my cute protégé can't be here tonight." Yukiko smiled. "I'd like to see what you can do for myself. So, how about this: First one to get the jewel and get away wins."

"What?"

"You heard me. If you can defeat me, I'll accept you as an ally. If not… Well, I'm sure you can imagine what will happen."

Kaito swallowed thickly, but nodded. "Fine. You're on." He took several steps backwards, fading into the crowd. Yukiko followed suit, giggling to herself. She wasn't going to let him win, but even if he failed, she'd walk away with a measure on his talent.

He really was so cute. It was a shame he didn't know about her Shinichi yet, but that was okay. He'd learn in due time, she was sure. In the meantime, she'd have to make this heist as difficult for him as she could.

Yukiko was delighted and impressed to find Kaito the victor at the end of the night, though only barely. She beamed, wrapping him up in a hug.

"You are your parents through and through. I can see why my protégé trusts you so much already." She pulled back and cupped his cheeks. "I wish he had half the dramatic flair you do, but then I suppose we can't all be lucky."

"What exactly was this all about?" Kaito asked warily, taking a step back. "You must have a reason for being here. Not that I didn't appreciate your help with the crows today."

Yukiko smiled. "I wanted to thank you in person. Shinichi could have died if you weren't there. So, thank you. After all our years working together, he's like a son to me, you know."

"Oh, well, um, you're welcome." Kaito hesitated. "I'm glad I was there."

"The other reason I came was to make sure you knew who you were working with." Yukiko's smile turned sharp. "I trained the Night Baron, you know. I'm glad that you won, but don't forget who you're dealing with." She held up the jewel, taken from his pocket without his noticing.

His eyes grew comically wide. He fumbled when she tossed it back to him.

"Now, I hope you have an excellent night, Kid. Send your parents my warmest regards." She darted in to kiss his cheeks before sweeping away and vanishing into the night, leaving Kaito in her wake, dumbfounded.

Such a sweet boy. She hoped he and Shinichi continued to get along. With Ran out of the question now, she let herself hope for wedding bells sometime in the future. They were an excellent match, if she said so herself. Kaito would make an excellent son-in-law. She wouldn't even have to hide her second job.

For now, she'd be patient. Taking down criminal empires took time. She could think about her son's future after she'd secured it.