On the Third Day of Christmas...

[abarero]

Oh yeah, I'm getting so behind these...

Title: Secrets
Author: tailfluff
Theme: Day Three: food/Christmas Dinner
Series: Detective Conan/Magic Kaito
Pairing: Conan(Shinichi)/Ran, Kaito/Aoko, Heiji/Kazuha
Rating: PG
Warnings: Nothing really...
Disclaimer: Detective Conan belongs to the great and wonderful Gosho Aoyama.
Anything else: This ended up much longer and involved than originally intended. ^^;;


They had all found it somewhat suspicious. A banquet- a Christmas banquet- in which many important figures in the Japanese police forces were invited. Invitations also extended to friends and family, something that made three young men rather uneasy.

Heiji had gotten worried the second he got the invitation, and quickly phoned his young friend.

"Kudo, did you get an invitation today?"

Yes, he had. And yes, Conan replied ruefully, he was just as concerned about the 'surprise entertainment' the invitation promised.

"There will be a surprise unmasking at the party, so make sure you're ready," Heiji read, Conan frowned.

They'd spent hours on the phone trying to figure out who could know that Conan was actually Kudo Shinichi and why they'd set this sort of event up with the purpose of unveiling that fact. Was it someone in the Black Organization- hoping that in the confusion they'd manage to finish him off at last? No- Hattori and Kudo reasoned, they wouldn't risk appearing with that many police inspectors and detectives around. Was it someone testing Kudo to see what he'd do in such a situation? Shinichi noted that he wouldn't put Haibara past testing him, but also was quick to note that she'd never do something to this extent to scare him into silence. A gun to the head was one thing, but exposing him in a situation like this was quite another. Was it KID, hoping to distract all his opponents while he stole another gem? No- they both knew all too well that KID always announced his heists first, and the banquet would be called off if any police station had received such a message.

"Maybe we're just being paranoid, Kudo," Heiji muttered with a yawn, "Maybe there's some bad-apple in the force that they're trying to unmask and weed out. Hell, maybe they've done something to lure KID there in disguise. It could be a lot of things but you."

But Shinichi wasn't going to take the risk, "I'll go, but we'd both better stay on guard."

With that agreement, they both went onto bed- not knowing that there was a third young man up late trying to decide what to do as well...
-------------------------

Kuroba Kaito was trapped. The message had invited him, in hopes he could help entertain the guests with his skilled magic. Apparently, one of the organizers had seen his Father perform and insisted on getting Kaito for the job.

But much like his little detective rival, Kaito couldn't help but feel uneasy at the notation that a portion of the entertainment would involve an "unmasking."

Had the organization that killed his Father decided that if they couldn't kill KID, they'd make sure he was behind bars before finding Pandora? No- although his Father had been killed during a magic act, they weren't stupid enough to be around that many officers and detectives at once. Had that little detective figured out his true identity and decided to reveal it in front of everyone? No- Kaito reasoned, Conan wouldn't have any fun in just handing him over like that. Did Akako get bitter and decide to let him get caught? Had Hakuba gotten tired of pretending he didn't know and decided to swoop down amidst the chaos of the Japanese police to capture KID and get all the glory for himself? No, he might not like to think of them that way- but in a sense, those two were friends. Crazy, sometimes scary-friends, but friends nonetheless.

And so, much like Conan, he was baffled. He couldn't turn down the invitation, especially after seeing how happy Aoko was that she'd have "someone interesting to sit by at a boring police dinner." If anything, Kaito decided, he'd just have to carefully plan his routine to where nothing in it seemed too similar to KID's tricks.

---------------------

The day came, and the three young men entered into the hall with various levels of trepidation. Heiji was already dreading the earful that Ran and Kazuha would give him if they found out he'd known Conan was Shinichi all along. And both Conan and Kaito found themselves dreading that the advertised unmasking would be their own.

A waitress ushered each of them to their seats, and their suspicions grew deeper on hearing that the hosts had assigned seats according to a special event that would happen after the banquet.

"The last meal..." Kaito thought to himself sardonically.

"At least I'll have a full stomach before the two girls beat me into a pulp," Heiji mused, taking his seat besides Kazuha.

"Maybe if I'm lucky, Kogoro will get so drunk we'll have to leave early," Conan silently hoped.

But with the sight of the large banquet set out before them, their concerns wavered and their thoughts drifted to more important things. Namely- the food.

The menu was a treat in and of itself: Cornish hens, quail with truffles, steak tartare, turkey and all the furnishings. A tall, brown-haired woman walked up to where Kaito sat and tapped him on the shoulder.

"I'm not KID!" The muffled protest came, luckily- the turkey leg in his mouth made it sound more like "inf mott ido"

She smiled, and stifled a laugh, "Sorry to trouble you, Kuroba-kun. I thought you might like your dessert early since you'll be busy when it's served to the other guests."

"She must be one of the hosts..." He thought to himself, eyeing her suspiciously.

"I'll be...busy?" He asked skeptically.

Aoko elbowed him, "Idiot, you're performing your magic then."

"Ahhh, yes I am."

He grinned and the woman smiled at the two of them. Motioning to a nearby waitress, a tray with a dish of chocolate ice cream was brought over.

"We heard it was your favorite, so I hope this will do."

Kaito's eyes widened, "How did you..."

"We just asked your girlfriend, Aoko-chan."

The two of them blushed, both muttering protests that they were nothing but friends.

-----------------------------

Across the room, another unsuspecting young man was approached by one of the hosts. Small desert held in his hand, the tall bearded man smiled down at the small boy.

"Edogawa-kun?" He questioned.

"Mmm?" He looked up at his name. Studying the man, he knew it had to be one of their two mysterious hosts.

"I hope you don't mind having dessert served a bit early. Our magician who's performing this evening has asked for your assistance in his act so you'll be a bit tied up when desert is served to the others."

Raising an eyebrow, but still playing innocent, Conan smiled and took the small dish of ice-cream.

"Thanks mister! It'll be fun to be in a magic show!"

The host smiled, "Yes, it should be very interesting- my small detective friend."

As the man turned away, Conan frowned. Something about this man was strangely familiar- but as to what, he couldn't quite place it. Whatever it was though, it wasn't good for him.
---------------------------

Backstage, the Kaito was setting up his tricks as he noticed the small shadow of the boy approach along with the lady host.

"Ah, Kuroba-kun. We thought you might need an audience volunteer so we decided to let Mouri-san's young friend help you."

Kaito's eyes widened, his mind yelling at him, "Danger Kuroba Kaito! Danger! This is a trap! Run while you can!"

So concerned was he with his own predicament that Kaito didn't notice that Conan seemed equally hesitant about being there. As the lady host walked away, they both cautiously eyed each other.

"You're the magician?" Conan asked, quickly estimating the teen's age, height and various other stats.

"Um...yah," Kaito laughed nervously, "And you must be that detective kid that hangs around with Mouri Kogoro."

Conan shrugged, "Something like that. So what's your name?"

Kaito swallowed. This was it- Conan just needed one more piece before he'd gotten it all figured out.

"My name is...is..."

"Kaito!" A girl's voice cut into the conversation, diverting both of their attentions towards the female figure that approached.

"Um... yes Aoko?" He eyed Conan out of the corner of his eye. Had the small detective taken his first name 'Kaito' and figured that it was not only similar to the title 'Kaitou' but that his stats all matched up to those of KID?

"You're going to need an assistant right? Why didn't you ask me?"

He blinked, then hoping it would keep his mind off things, Kaito slipped into his usual 'let's tease Aoko' mode.

"Well then, we'll have to spice up this outfit a bit then."

Pulling a sheet up from the ground he draped it around her, "Hmmm- hey boy, what's the one thing that a magician always keeps under his hat?"

Conan smirked, "That's a rather simple riddle dontcha think? A rabbit, of course."

Yanking the sheet away, Aoko found herself with set of rabbit ears on her head and a red and green outfit that would have put a playboy bunny to shame.

"Kaito!"

He grinned, "Correct, my little friend. Except this bunny is a tad bit rabid, I think."

Aoko blushed and fumed, her eyes darting towards the mop that rested against the side of the stage.

Before she could brandish her weapon though, Kaito placed a hand on each of her shoulders and with a flourish- her outfit changed once again.

"All right, joking aside- how's this for my lovely assistant?"

A red dress materialized on her figure, draped around all her feminine curves in just the right places. Even Kaito had to silently admit, that Aoko was indeed a lovely assistant.

"K-Kaito!" She stammered, her cheeks turning red.

"All right, now to give myself something to match," He said, transforming his outfit into a fancy suit and top hat; a matching red ascot adorned his neck.

Conan watched in amusement, his mind slowly putting things together and opting not to mention it at the moment.

This boy, was most likely his rival Kaitou KID. The height, appearance, and just his attitude and talent were simply too similar. But what did that matter? He knew that KID knew he was Kudo Shinichi, so it was only fair. It was their shared secret- and after seeing Kaito and Aoko bicker back and forth, Conan knew precisely why KID was so adamant about not having his identity revealed.

"I suppose we both will face a time when we'll have to tell them our secrets, but until then- we just want them to be as happy as they can be."

The mop-chase going on backstage due to Kaito suggesting giving Aoko matching lingerie for her silky red dress was cut short as the two hosts approached the trio.

"We're ready for the show. And Kuroba-kun, you do have the finale prepared right?"

Kaito looked uneasy," I have the setup for it prepared, but I still haven't been told who it is that's being unmasked."

The woman smiled, "Don't worry, they'll be there when it comes time. Trust me."

Conan and Kaito caught each other's skeptical looks, and then they both knew what was up. Kaito tilted his head and shrugged, "So you know right?"

"Yah. But since you know the same of me, we'd both do best to keep quiet right?"

Kaito smiled, "Glad to know you feel that way. I'm not exactly in the mood to ruin the Christmas season for a certain someone."

"I couldn't agree with you more."

Aoko blinked, "You two... know each other?"

"Ah--Ah-- Aoko, it's just... well..."

"Kaito-san came to our school once and we talked. He's really nice," Conan said innocently.

"Ohh, I see," Aoko looked over to Kaito, "And just who is this 'certain someone'?"

"Well- um...Oh look, it's time to start the show. Come on, Aoko. Places please!"

Pushing her towards the left side of the stage, Kaito moved back to center-stage before motioning for the curtains to open. And with that, the show began.
---------------------

The magic show went off without a single hitch. Each trick was a spectacle all its own and even Aoko and Conan found themselves marveling at Kaito's skill. But as the time for the finale neared, both Kaito and Conan grew nervous as to what the hosts had in store for them.

Right before the last trick, the two hosts came out on stage for their announcement.

"Let's give our young magician friend and his assistants a big round of applause," The lady host said, as she took the microphone.

"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for...but first, my husband has one favor to ask of you."

Taking the microphone, he spoke, "Right before the show, I'd asked you all to write down a heartfelt secret on the slips of paper I provided. Please take those papers out right now."

The audience murmured, but still obliged. Backstage, one of the waitresses provided the three performers with the papers.

"Just write a heartfelt secret on it. That's all you need to do," She instructed.

Kaito and Aoko looked at each other a brief second before turning away with a blush and writing down theirs. Conan stared at the blank paper, all of the clues finally falling into place. He had a feeling he'd solved the mystery behind this fiasco and he also knew that he wasn't going to fall into the trap they'd laid for him. Writing down the words carefully, he made sure not to lie- but he also made sure not to write what they expected him to.

Hoping that the Kaitou had chosen his words wisely too, Conan looked up expectantly at the hosts for the next set of instructions.

"Now, I'd like to you to exchange those with the person sitting to your right. And as a reward, I will give you the promised special entertainment."

Some of the audience grew nervous at this request and Conan had to withhold a laugh as he spotted Heiji and Kazuha both as bright red as the Christmas decorations were. It was all falling into place, and much like he'd predicted, it was right then that a waitress ushered Ran backstage to where he was standing.

"Um...Conan-kun, I'm supposed to exchange my paper with yours," Ran said quietly.

She was blushing, and he felt himself grew slightly nervous for a different reason than before. He'd been too busy figuring out what to write on his that he'd not yet speculated what Ran might have written on hers. But given her reaction, he had a feeling that it was something rather important.

Handing over his paper with a light blush of his own, Conan smiled awkwardly, "Oh... um- here, Ran-neechan."

Behind them, he spotted both Kaito and Aoko equally flustered. For a moment, he wondered if his theory was a simple as the hosts wanting to embarrass everyone in any possible way. Then again, if that was their plan- they'd certainly succeeded. He was just glad that he'd realized it in time to pick his words right.

"Okay, now- open the paper that was given to you," The host instructed.

There was a nervous rustling of paper, followed by awkward stammerings. Conan was certain that some of the papers contained something as simple as a secret love or admiration. Others, perhaps, spoke of wishes and dreams that the writer had until that point kept entirely to themselves. Nothing too dark or serious would have been said, for fear- Conan noted- of someone overseeing it while they wrote it. But it did seem to create a sort of strange unity as comrades and friends smiled and hugged one another as if a great burden had been relieved from their shoulders.

"Sometimes sharing a secret is the best gift you can give," A familiar voice echoed in Shinichi's memory. It was at the moment he became certain of who had set this up and why.

But he was still faced with one more mystery- the secret that was written on Ran's paper. Slowly opening it, his eyes followed the loose handwriting.

Sometimes if I can't sleep, I sit up and watch Conan-kun sleeping. It's stupid, I know; but he reminds me of Shinichi and that comforts me. Almost like Shinichi's here with me even though it's Conan and not him that I'm watching. I care about them both very much and just knowing that they're here or that they're thinking about me makes everything better.

Conan blinked, his mind slowly processing the depth of those words.

"Ran..."

Before he could react or say anything though, he felt Ran's arms wrapping around him in a hug. Her tears brushed against his face as she held him close.

She'd read his secret, he thought to himself as the paper fluttered to the floor. And at that moment, he was so thankful that he'd written what he had instead of something less sentimental.

I suppose my secret would be this:
I admire Ran-neechan very much. Even when Shinichi-niisan is away, she stays strong for me and for her Father. She's always looking out for both of us and worrying for Shinichi-niisan. But there are times when I see her crying, and I wish so much that I was strong enough to stop her tears.

Trying to hold back his own emotions, he quietly spoke.

"Ran-neechan, please- don't cry."

She pulled back and looked down at him, nodding as she wiped away her tears.

"I'm sorry, it's just..." She caved and hugged the boy again, "That was so sweet, Conan-kun."

Squirming a bit so he didn't feel as crushed, he nervously replied.

"Umm, Ran-neechan?"

She looked at him and he continued.

"If it makes you feel better, you can stay by my side as long as you need."

Her smile widened at that and she nodded, "Thank you, Conan-kun."

------------------

Nearby, another set of notes were exchanged.

I suppose that I do sorta-kinda like-like Kaito. Even if he's a KID-defending, perverted, magic-freak.

Kaito blinked, blushed and then tried to decide if he should be touched or insulted.

I do have one type of fish that I like. I'm not sure the name of the species or anything, since it isn't a real fish at all. And I know if she ever gets wind of this that I'm getting a mop to my head. But I do have to admit, the little fish on Aoko's panties are rather cute. Quite suiting for the one wearing them.

Trying to hold back her own blush, Aoko stammered.

"See! It's like I said- you're a pervert!"

"Pervert? I was complimenting you, idiot!"

"How is saying the fish on my panties is the only type you like a compliment? Huh?"

"Read the paper again, I said the fish were cute- like you!" Kaito retorted, face bright red.

Aoko looked down, re-read the last line and turned as red as her dress. "I-Idiot..." She murmured.

But before the two could start in on bickering again, the lady host gave the signal that it was time for the finale. Waking over towards where the trap door was, Kaito's mind returned to the situation at hand; namely- hoping that there wasn't about to be another secret of his revealed that would have Aoko yelling at him more than she already was...

Taking the microphone again, the lady host spoke up, "And as promised, dear guests- here's the moment you've been waiting for. Although he's been walking among you all this time, I'm certain no one here has noticed that we have a bit of a celebrity in our midst. Now, on the count of three: one, two, three!"

With a flourish of confetti, rose petals and other magic effects- a cloaked figure rose unto the stage.

Conan smirked as the smoke cleared away, "So it is you behind this..."

"I've been here as your host all along, but I'm also--" The man removed his Night Baron mask and smiled, "Kudo Yusaku."

The audience seemed awed by this, as the famous author pulled a novel from his cloak.

"And in thanks for you playing along with my little game, I'm giving you copies of my brand new novel a few days before it comes out. Much like you experienced here tonight- it's a mystery of secrets and will show that sometimes you need to share some secrets before it's too late," He cast a knowing look at Conan and the young boy frowned back.

Having removed her own disguise, Yukiko joined her husband on the stage, "For now though, we hope that you'll enjoy this holiday dinner and have a wonderful Christmas season."

The room erupted into applause and the three young boys collectively sighed in relief. Shinichi though made a mental note to pull his parents aside and ask them just how much they were enjoying watching him squirm.

Turning to Ran, Conan whispered to her.

"Ran-neechan, I'm gonna go say hello to Auntie and Uncle Kudo."

She nodded, "All right. I'll go wait with the others, so don't take long."

Darting over to where they were, Conan innocently tugged on Yusaku's pants leg.

"Mr. Kudo, can I ask you a question?"

The man smiled uneasily, "Sure. Let's go over here where it's less crowded."

Walking back to the corner of the stage where others weren't in hearing distance, Conan dropped the innocent act and scowled.

"I hope you know, I'm not laughing. Setting it up like someone's about to reveal my identity- that was Mother's idea wasn't it?"

Yusaku laughed, "Yes it was. But did you find out anything important?"

Thinking back to Ran's note, he nodded, "Yeah, yeah. So what if I did?"

"Son, we know it's not yet time to tell her everything but at least try and be there for her this Christmas. Professor Agasa told us she'd stood outside our house for hours once in the snow because she thought you'd come back and that's no way to let a beautiful woman spent her Christmas Eve."

Blushing, Shinichi grumbled back a reply, "... I know. I'll try."

"Shinichi," His Mother's voice cut in from behind him, "Don't try- make it happen. You're a smart boy, so try using that for something other than solving a mystery for once."

"Okay, okay- I get the idea."

Yukiko patted him on the head, "That's my boy. So now, what mushy secret did you put in your note hmmm?"

"Mother! I am not talking about this with you!"

"He probably mentioned how much he admired Ran's strength while Shinichi was away and hoped he could do more for her. That way, it seems to be from Conan's perspective but it really is the truth beneath it all."

Conan turned beet-red and started to walk away, "If you're done embarrassing me for today, I should probably go."

"Looks like you're right, dear."

"He's too easy to read. Needs to work on that," He murmured back.

"I take it you'll be around for the holidays?" Conan asked after a moment.

Yukiko nodded, "We'll be coming and going, of course. But we've already set up a nice Christmas dinner with just our family and the Professor. That way we can talk about things you're not ready to say in front of Ran yet."

Sighing, Conan turned and smiled, "You two just have to come and cause me trouble. Ah well- thanks for tonight."

"You're welcome, son," Yusaku replied, starting to head back in to where several guests were waiting for his autograph.

Pausing to give Conan a hug, Yukiko whispered to him, "If you need anything, don't be afraid to get in touch."

"Okay, Mom."

Walking back across the stage, Conan paused as a Kaito's voice called out to him.

"Hey kid, wait up," Kaito said, running behind him. Kneeling beside him, he opened his hand with a 'pon' and a dove appeared with a note in it's beak, "A thank you, for your assistance."

Conan took it and smirked, "I won't go easy on you, you know that right?"

Kaito shrugged, "It'd get boring if you did."

Taking the note and tucking it into his jacket, Conan returned to where Ran waited by the table with her Father. It had been a long, crazy night, but inside he felt somewhat relieved.

"A secret is the greatest of gifts," He murmured to himself.

"Conan-kun, come on!" Ran said, reaching down to take his hand.

Looking up at her, he had to smile. It might have been simple, but he was glad they'd shared those secrets. Even if it was under the ruse of Conan, his Father was right in saying he meant every word. And with that in mind, he decided that he would find a way to be there on Christmas for Ran. No matter what it took, he'd find a way.

-------------------------------------------------

The next day, curiosity had finally gotten a hold of the young detective. Phoning up Hattori, he began to haggle his friend for the 'juicy details' contained in notes that he and Kazuha had exchanged.

"It's nothing, Kudo. Trust me. It's just stupid, childish stuff- that's all."

But hearing the quake in his voice, Conan knew there was more to it than that. Deciding to pull the one trump card he had, he cleared his throat and spoke.

"I bet hers went something like this- 'I used to be really jealous of Ran because I thought she was trying to take my Heiji from me. Luckily, she's got someone else for her.'"

"H-How did you know that..." Heiji stammered.

Conan had to withhold a laugh, "Oh, Ran might have mentioned it here and there..."

"Then you know what I said in mine..."

The Osaka detective sounded thoroughly embarrassed and Conan could no longer keep from laughing.

"Oh yes. We've heard already of your eloquent wording."

"Shut up! Kazuha kept looking over at me when I had to write it and I knew that ahou would throw a fit if I didn't say something like that. I didn't want her crying on me while I was trying to eat!"

"Ahh of course, that makes perfect sense," Conan remarked sarcastically.

"Kudo..."

"What was the exact phrasing again? Oh yes- 'I like Kazuha.' Rather straight and to the point, eh Hattori?"

"Hey! I just said I like her, that doesn't mean anything. I mean you like all your friends right?"

Conan shook his head, "Whatever you say. All I know is that if I get something nice for Ran for Christmas and all you get Kazuha is a 'I like you like a friend' gift, I'm not going to hold her back when she pummels you."

"Fine, fine. I get the point," Heiji muttered, then something clicked, "So... you're getting something special for Ran, eh?"

On having his own teasing turned back against him, Shinichi decided to use his full scale of wits to outdo Heiji.

"Ah- so sorry, Hattori. I have to go now. Call me back if you need help picking out a gift for your girlfriend."

And before Heiji could say a word, Conan hung up. Smugly grinning to himself, he mentally noted.

"Kudo Shinichi- 1, Hattori Heiji- 0"