[fic] Grey Zone
Apr. 27th, 2005 02:39 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ickaimpWe Hates Youse, Ysabet. Yer a bastard. And a Prat.
Takes place probably about two months after the end of 'Shades of Grey'.
If this one mutates, I'm gonna... well, not sure what I'm gonna do. Probably whine. And sulk. And wave my arms at you snickering people and curse.
-stop laughing. We can hear you from here. >P
Kaito woke up to the soft sound of the bedroom door opening. He kept his eyes closed and breathing even, feigning sleep, contently wrapped around his own personal heater as footsteps shuffled lightly in the room.
Until said personal heater sat up in shock, taking the duvet with him. "Mum!"
"Morning, Saguru."
"This is isn't what it looks like!"
A shadow fell over the bed, Hakuba's mother petting her son's hair. "I know that, dear. You aren't washing the sheets nearly enough if you were."
Kaito didn't need to open his eyes to feel Hakuba blush. He could -feel- the heat coming off of the blond's body. "MUM!!"
A high-pitched giggle. "Go back to sleep Sa-chan. I'm just bringing in some fresh clothes."
"Thanks, Mum." Hakuba flopped backwards in the bed, mortification screaming from his tense body. His mother giggled again, walking out and shutting the door behind her.
"Argh." Hakuba said. Kaito snickered, wrapping himself around the larger blond again. Mmm. Warm. Flannel. An arm wrapped around him, absently petting his back, so Hakuba couldn't be too upset. Really, he had no idea why Hakuba was so worked up over. Kaito had been given the guest room at Hakuba's mother's place, but about half the time he was either sacked out on Hakuba's bed or Hakuba on his, falling asleep while talking or working on various projects.
This just happened to be the first time someone had walked in. He supposed that he could have rolled out of bed and hidden himself, but he'd had a long night and was exhausted.
He hadn't really known what to expect in England, it had just sounded good at the time, but the longer they stayed here the more he felt a bit out of water. He'd fit in Japan in a way he'd never thought about until he was gone. Hakuba seemed to fit better here, blending in with everyone better than he had in Ekoda. Although it was taking some getting used to seeing blue eyes on the blond instead of brown or hazel. He was still trying to convince Hakuba to change the contacts back to brown. It was becoming an on-going debate.
The one time he'd changed the contacts to silver had been amusing...
Even with the help of the people Hakuba had been working with, they hadn't been able to enroll in University in time, so they were currently taking a mini-vacation until February, when classes started again. It wasn't that they were bored, quite the opposite. Hakuba had a reputation here for being a teenage detective and cases kept popping up, claiming the blond's attention. Much to Kaito's amusement and education, Hakuba insisted on dragging him along, to get his rather unorthodox view on things. This had led to several rather unusual scenes, Kaito getting a boost to go climb in rafters or in air ducts, the two of them conversing in rapid fire Japanese.
He was grateful as well for the half-Brit's previous language lessons. His English was good for Japan, but it was mediocre here. It was improving by leaps and bounds, immersion into the culture and all that. Although he still couldn't get used to fish in a can for breakfast. And why were they called 'kippers' if 'catching a kip' meant taking a nap?
So while Hakuba taught him detective work, what he was looking for, clues people left behind without realising it, how to gather the proof so that the culprit couldn't wiggle his way out of the law, Kaito taught him thief work. Nothing major, at least not yet, just lock picking, minor pick pocketing, alarm circumvention and blending into shadows, regardless of bright white or tweed.
If it was anything he'd learned over the summer was that was that the detective was not going to allow himself be controlled, no matter what Kaito's intentions. The other thing was that Hakuba could very well take care of himself. But that wasn't going to stop Kaito from giving the blond an edge. Just like learning how detectives processed a scene gave Kaito an edge.
Not that he wanted to become a detective or Hakuba to be a thief. Hakuba was still on the lighter side of grey, just like he was on the darker side, and he intended to keep it that way. Kept things balanced.
Technically neither of them needed the other, but it was nice to have someone who could and would watch your back. Or in Kaito's case, have someone that he could show both faces to. 'Kid' and 'Kaito' had always been separate in his head, less chance of accidentally doing or saying something he shouldn't, but they'd been crossing over a bit lately. He didn't have to be one or the other around the blond. Hakuba was like a rock, he could take anything Kaito could dish out at him and then throw it back when needed.
Which was probably one reason why it had become habit to either check on or catch a nap with Hakuba after a heist as a means of unwinding. Habits were dangerous for a Kaitou, but it did help keep his sanity in check. Emotions were also dangerous for a Kaitou. That didn't stop him from having them however.
Hakuba shifted again, turning on his side, legs tangling with Kaito's. "I am going to be properly horrified when I look at this morning's paper, aren't I?"
Kaito snickered, tucking his head under Hakuba's chin to block the morning light. Mmm... warm flannel. "Yup. I had a date." With two of Europe's most lovely women.
Hands petting his back paused. Kaito shook his head, rubbing his face against the flannel as he squeezed the blond. "Nothing for you to worry about." Although he should introduce Hakuba to his partner in crime for this prank.
While they had still been in Japan, Jii had made a few minor appearances as the Kid across Europe. Nothing concrete, just enough to get the rumour mills started that Kid was working his way out of Japan. That way the Kid's arrival preceded Kaito's own, deflecting any suspicion from himself. However, one of the first things he had done as himself upon reaching England was contacting one Ruby Jones in France, that he was in the area. It wouldn't do to step on any Kaitou toes.
In return, she'd contacted him a few weeks prior, wanting to know if he was up to a little mischief. Chat Noir had faded into the background of retirement after finishing what she'd set out to do. She still kept her hand in, but she couldn't make herself nearly as much of a bright shiny attention grabber as Kid could. They hadn't actually -stole- anything, but it would mark his presence on this side of the world.
With a bang. Not his fault they hadn't taken his warning note that Kid was visiting seriously.
Or maybe they had and he just hadn't noticed...
But like any good patriotic Kaitou, she was worried about her country's treasures and hoped that they would increase security if they got a good scare. He wondered how long it would take for them to realise that he hadn't taken the Mona Lisa, just hung a sheet with the words 'Kaitou Kid Was Here' in front of the famous painting. The security cameras certainly wouldn't be able to tell the difference, the only question was how bright the security personal was.
He was still kind of bummed that she wouldn't let him hang a sign in front of Michelango's David saying 'Naughty Bits'. Monty Python would have been -so- proud. But the following conversation about censor in art had been entertaining.
He'd still added a bright pink feather boa around the Venus de Milo's neck. The lady could use a little fun.
But they'd both been very, very careful not to damage anything. It had just been a warning, or a prank, depending on who was looking at it. He -could- have taken anything he wished and within a few hours, if they didn't know it already, everyone and their siblings would know it.
Not that he wanted anything here in Europe. He had the one gem that mattered, tucked safe and sound inside the plushie elephant that lay not more than a finger's twitch away from their tangled selves. An elephant never forgot, after all. Especially if the elephant was now part immortal.
In the meantime however, the Chunnel ride from the Lille Terminal in France to London had been long one, even if he'd been under an assumed passport and appearance at the time. Thank goodness for hang gliders which cut down on travel time and expenses. And Hakuba made an excellent space heater and general blocker from the world, letting him relax and get a few hours sleep without having to worry about being dragged away by irritated cigar-smoking police inspectors. Not that he missed Nakamori-keibu at all, nope. Or Nakamori-keibu's daughter.
"Although you may be called in-" He yawned into Hakuba's collarbone. "-Considering that you're the foremost expert on Kid the Phantom Thief on this side of the world."
"Joy." The words were dry but the hands resumed their absently petting his back were warm and gentle, taking the sting out as Hakuba relaxed. The blond had a bit of a possessive streak, not that Hakuba would ever admit it. Or Kaito would admit it about himself either. "I'm going to take you with, seeing as you're a fan of the thief and all."
He snickered in return. Ooo. Scary revenge. "Just don't make any comments about the game being afoot." He muttered.
"Certainly not. Watson flies." Hakuba informed him primly. "So does the Kid. Now go back to sleep. I'm sure we'll be getting a phone call soon."
"And your Mum's gonna wanna tease us."
"Yes." Word came out as a sigh, with much loathing. Kaito grinned. He'd help Hakuba level the playing field later. He could still play the 'lost innocent out-of-towner' card. If not, Hakuba's Mum was just as much fun to tease as Hakuba was. Only Hakuba didn't do high-pitched giggles, which was a bonus. He just squeaked. And turned bright red. All over.
Well, maybe not all over... hmmm... He'd have to test that theory sometime...
Hakuba was pulled the duvet back over them, folding it to shielded them both from the early morning sunlight without suffocating either of them. "Morning, Kuroba." Hakuba yawned, body relaxing. Kuroba yawned in response, burrowing his face against Hakuba's flannel nightshirt again. It would probably be a little while before Hakuba actually fell asleep instead of just dozing, the whole protector instinct. His Mum was still somewhere in the house and if she was anything like 'Kaasan, there was going to be an appearance of a camera very shortly.
Which was what the extra pillow was for. Heh.
"Morning, Hakuba." He mumbled in return, allowing his breathing to level out again, to drop into sleep. Better to have a few hours of sleep before they headed to Paris.
And if he was really lucky, he'd get to introduce Hakuba to Ms. Jones. They'd probably hit it off marvellously.
-fin-
+++ Cut Scene +++
And to top it off, here they were, nineteen, curled up in bed in what most observers would probably consider an intimate embrace in bed and they weren't doing anything. Except sleeping.
Because Hakuba loved him for his mind.
+++
Was a bit of a shock to realise that in the SoG universe, they -are- 19 now.
Cannonly, they're 17, so they're that age at the beginning of the fic. Kaito (21 June) turns 18 between 'Lellyphant' and 'Hot'. Hakuba (29 Aug) turns 18 just after 'Hot', before 'Relative Truths'.
Kaito turns 19 during 'How I Spent My Summer Vacation', Hakuba shortly afterwards.
One of these days we'll get around to showing the whole time line, we were actually really careful of the months. That's why the 'out of sequence' stuff started, it hurt our head trying to fit them in too.
Takes place probably about two months after the end of 'Shades of Grey'.
If this one mutates, I'm gonna... well, not sure what I'm gonna do. Probably whine. And sulk. And wave my arms at you snickering people and curse.
-stop laughing. We can hear you from here. >P
Kaito woke up to the soft sound of the bedroom door opening. He kept his eyes closed and breathing even, feigning sleep, contently wrapped around his own personal heater as footsteps shuffled lightly in the room.
Until said personal heater sat up in shock, taking the duvet with him. "Mum!"
"Morning, Saguru."
"This is isn't what it looks like!"
A shadow fell over the bed, Hakuba's mother petting her son's hair. "I know that, dear. You aren't washing the sheets nearly enough if you were."
Kaito didn't need to open his eyes to feel Hakuba blush. He could -feel- the heat coming off of the blond's body. "MUM!!"
A high-pitched giggle. "Go back to sleep Sa-chan. I'm just bringing in some fresh clothes."
"Thanks, Mum." Hakuba flopped backwards in the bed, mortification screaming from his tense body. His mother giggled again, walking out and shutting the door behind her.
"Argh." Hakuba said. Kaito snickered, wrapping himself around the larger blond again. Mmm. Warm. Flannel. An arm wrapped around him, absently petting his back, so Hakuba couldn't be too upset. Really, he had no idea why Hakuba was so worked up over. Kaito had been given the guest room at Hakuba's mother's place, but about half the time he was either sacked out on Hakuba's bed or Hakuba on his, falling asleep while talking or working on various projects.
This just happened to be the first time someone had walked in. He supposed that he could have rolled out of bed and hidden himself, but he'd had a long night and was exhausted.
He hadn't really known what to expect in England, it had just sounded good at the time, but the longer they stayed here the more he felt a bit out of water. He'd fit in Japan in a way he'd never thought about until he was gone. Hakuba seemed to fit better here, blending in with everyone better than he had in Ekoda. Although it was taking some getting used to seeing blue eyes on the blond instead of brown or hazel. He was still trying to convince Hakuba to change the contacts back to brown. It was becoming an on-going debate.
The one time he'd changed the contacts to silver had been amusing...
Even with the help of the people Hakuba had been working with, they hadn't been able to enroll in University in time, so they were currently taking a mini-vacation until February, when classes started again. It wasn't that they were bored, quite the opposite. Hakuba had a reputation here for being a teenage detective and cases kept popping up, claiming the blond's attention. Much to Kaito's amusement and education, Hakuba insisted on dragging him along, to get his rather unorthodox view on things. This had led to several rather unusual scenes, Kaito getting a boost to go climb in rafters or in air ducts, the two of them conversing in rapid fire Japanese.
He was grateful as well for the half-Brit's previous language lessons. His English was good for Japan, but it was mediocre here. It was improving by leaps and bounds, immersion into the culture and all that. Although he still couldn't get used to fish in a can for breakfast. And why were they called 'kippers' if 'catching a kip' meant taking a nap?
So while Hakuba taught him detective work, what he was looking for, clues people left behind without realising it, how to gather the proof so that the culprit couldn't wiggle his way out of the law, Kaito taught him thief work. Nothing major, at least not yet, just lock picking, minor pick pocketing, alarm circumvention and blending into shadows, regardless of bright white or tweed.
If it was anything he'd learned over the summer was that was that the detective was not going to allow himself be controlled, no matter what Kaito's intentions. The other thing was that Hakuba could very well take care of himself. But that wasn't going to stop Kaito from giving the blond an edge. Just like learning how detectives processed a scene gave Kaito an edge.
Not that he wanted to become a detective or Hakuba to be a thief. Hakuba was still on the lighter side of grey, just like he was on the darker side, and he intended to keep it that way. Kept things balanced.
Technically neither of them needed the other, but it was nice to have someone who could and would watch your back. Or in Kaito's case, have someone that he could show both faces to. 'Kid' and 'Kaito' had always been separate in his head, less chance of accidentally doing or saying something he shouldn't, but they'd been crossing over a bit lately. He didn't have to be one or the other around the blond. Hakuba was like a rock, he could take anything Kaito could dish out at him and then throw it back when needed.
Which was probably one reason why it had become habit to either check on or catch a nap with Hakuba after a heist as a means of unwinding. Habits were dangerous for a Kaitou, but it did help keep his sanity in check. Emotions were also dangerous for a Kaitou. That didn't stop him from having them however.
Hakuba shifted again, turning on his side, legs tangling with Kaito's. "I am going to be properly horrified when I look at this morning's paper, aren't I?"
Kaito snickered, tucking his head under Hakuba's chin to block the morning light. Mmm... warm flannel. "Yup. I had a date." With two of Europe's most lovely women.
Hands petting his back paused. Kaito shook his head, rubbing his face against the flannel as he squeezed the blond. "Nothing for you to worry about." Although he should introduce Hakuba to his partner in crime for this prank.
While they had still been in Japan, Jii had made a few minor appearances as the Kid across Europe. Nothing concrete, just enough to get the rumour mills started that Kid was working his way out of Japan. That way the Kid's arrival preceded Kaito's own, deflecting any suspicion from himself. However, one of the first things he had done as himself upon reaching England was contacting one Ruby Jones in France, that he was in the area. It wouldn't do to step on any Kaitou toes.
In return, she'd contacted him a few weeks prior, wanting to know if he was up to a little mischief. Chat Noir had faded into the background of retirement after finishing what she'd set out to do. She still kept her hand in, but she couldn't make herself nearly as much of a bright shiny attention grabber as Kid could. They hadn't actually -stole- anything, but it would mark his presence on this side of the world.
With a bang. Not his fault they hadn't taken his warning note that Kid was visiting seriously.
Or maybe they had and he just hadn't noticed...
But like any good patriotic Kaitou, she was worried about her country's treasures and hoped that they would increase security if they got a good scare. He wondered how long it would take for them to realise that he hadn't taken the Mona Lisa, just hung a sheet with the words 'Kaitou Kid Was Here' in front of the famous painting. The security cameras certainly wouldn't be able to tell the difference, the only question was how bright the security personal was.
He was still kind of bummed that she wouldn't let him hang a sign in front of Michelango's David saying 'Naughty Bits'. Monty Python would have been -so- proud. But the following conversation about censor in art had been entertaining.
He'd still added a bright pink feather boa around the Venus de Milo's neck. The lady could use a little fun.
But they'd both been very, very careful not to damage anything. It had just been a warning, or a prank, depending on who was looking at it. He -could- have taken anything he wished and within a few hours, if they didn't know it already, everyone and their siblings would know it.
Not that he wanted anything here in Europe. He had the one gem that mattered, tucked safe and sound inside the plushie elephant that lay not more than a finger's twitch away from their tangled selves. An elephant never forgot, after all. Especially if the elephant was now part immortal.
In the meantime however, the Chunnel ride from the Lille Terminal in France to London had been long one, even if he'd been under an assumed passport and appearance at the time. Thank goodness for hang gliders which cut down on travel time and expenses. And Hakuba made an excellent space heater and general blocker from the world, letting him relax and get a few hours sleep without having to worry about being dragged away by irritated cigar-smoking police inspectors. Not that he missed Nakamori-keibu at all, nope. Or Nakamori-keibu's daughter.
"Although you may be called in-" He yawned into Hakuba's collarbone. "-Considering that you're the foremost expert on Kid the Phantom Thief on this side of the world."
"Joy." The words were dry but the hands resumed their absently petting his back were warm and gentle, taking the sting out as Hakuba relaxed. The blond had a bit of a possessive streak, not that Hakuba would ever admit it. Or Kaito would admit it about himself either. "I'm going to take you with, seeing as you're a fan of the thief and all."
He snickered in return. Ooo. Scary revenge. "Just don't make any comments about the game being afoot." He muttered.
"Certainly not. Watson flies." Hakuba informed him primly. "So does the Kid. Now go back to sleep. I'm sure we'll be getting a phone call soon."
"And your Mum's gonna wanna tease us."
"Yes." Word came out as a sigh, with much loathing. Kaito grinned. He'd help Hakuba level the playing field later. He could still play the 'lost innocent out-of-towner' card. If not, Hakuba's Mum was just as much fun to tease as Hakuba was. Only Hakuba didn't do high-pitched giggles, which was a bonus. He just squeaked. And turned bright red. All over.
Well, maybe not all over... hmmm... He'd have to test that theory sometime...
Hakuba was pulled the duvet back over them, folding it to shielded them both from the early morning sunlight without suffocating either of them. "Morning, Kuroba." Hakuba yawned, body relaxing. Kuroba yawned in response, burrowing his face against Hakuba's flannel nightshirt again. It would probably be a little while before Hakuba actually fell asleep instead of just dozing, the whole protector instinct. His Mum was still somewhere in the house and if she was anything like 'Kaasan, there was going to be an appearance of a camera very shortly.
Which was what the extra pillow was for. Heh.
"Morning, Hakuba." He mumbled in return, allowing his breathing to level out again, to drop into sleep. Better to have a few hours of sleep before they headed to Paris.
And if he was really lucky, he'd get to introduce Hakuba to Ms. Jones. They'd probably hit it off marvellously.
-fin-
+++ Cut Scene +++
And to top it off, here they were, nineteen, curled up in bed in what most observers would probably consider an intimate embrace in bed and they weren't doing anything. Except sleeping.
Because Hakuba loved him for his mind.
+++
Was a bit of a shock to realise that in the SoG universe, they -are- 19 now.
Cannonly, they're 17, so they're that age at the beginning of the fic. Kaito (21 June) turns 18 between 'Lellyphant' and 'Hot'. Hakuba (29 Aug) turns 18 just after 'Hot', before 'Relative Truths'.
Kaito turns 19 during 'How I Spent My Summer Vacation', Hakuba shortly afterwards.
One of these days we'll get around to showing the whole time line, we were actually really careful of the months. That's why the 'out of sequence' stuff started, it hurt our head trying to fit them in too.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2005-04-27 10:14 pm (UTC)*innocently feeds the plotbunnies with more..uhh..whatever it is they eat, carrots?*
no subject
Date: 2005-04-27 11:08 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-04-29 04:14 pm (UTC)Blackmail pics
Date: 2005-04-27 11:49 pm (UTC)Re: Blackmail pics
Date: 2005-04-28 02:44 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-04-28 02:05 am (UTC)"... the only question was how bright the security personal was."
It's actually personnel (which still looks funny to me... I keep thinking there should be an extra l there).
BTW, FF.Net's just posted regarding the status of songfic. They want it all gone. I know you know people with good songfic up, so thought I'd let you know... wasn't sure if you'd heard already. ^^;;;
no subject
Date: 2005-04-28 02:35 am (UTC)*gets distracted watching Sakura bounce in icon*
Thanks for the notice on songfics!!! Hadn't heard anything about that at all. Will pass it on.
*offers up tweed pocky to the muses*
Date: 2005-04-28 02:09 am (UTC)...*nods* Hakuba's mom's got to be related to Eroica... *snickers and wanders off whistling Brigade anthem*
Re: *offers up tweed pocky to the muses*
Date: 2005-04-28 02:20 am (UTC)*sighs*
names
Date: 2005-04-28 02:10 am (UTC)And it's interesting that in almost all MK fic Kaito is "Kaito" but Saguru is "Hakuba."
Re: names
Date: 2005-04-28 02:29 am (UTC)Yeah, have wondered about that before.
No thanks to Ysabet or MOrgan or Po'e, it's beginning to look like this may end up another series. *sighs* Was so happy to have one WiP done too.
But I think it's because of personality. Hakuba's personality just so distant, it feels proper to use his last name instead of his first.
From what I've been reading about both the British and Japanese school systems, it would be the norm to use their last names instead of their first names as well.
But with 'Sa-chan's Mum running around, plus 'Uncle Erotica', don't be too surprised if 'Saguru' begins to replace 'Hakuba'.
Re: names
Date: 2005-04-28 05:48 am (UTC)*smiles happily and wanders off, munching Tweed Pocky*
Re: names
Date: 2005-04-28 02:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-04-28 11:30 pm (UTC)::wai's~::
no subject
Date: 2005-04-29 03:23 pm (UTC)very long
no subject
Date: 2005-04-29 04:19 pm (UTC)Didn't want to say it, but I was actually really sad when Shades of Grey ended, I enjoyed reading it so much.
I love Hakuba's mom.! And Hkuba nad Kaito snuggling. Kawaii!
Chat Noir, wasn't that the story where Hakuba told Kaito he didn't want anyone catching the thief besides him?
no subject
Date: 2005-04-30 06:20 am (UTC)snerk.
Shakes fist at both Po'e and Icka....NO!!!!! not Erotica, has family!!! head desk.
good story! And major smug look cause I wanted more and in England too. Whee....
*snickers gleefully*
Date: 2005-04-30 02:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-01 09:04 am (UTC)