“If I had the opportunity to replace all your liquor with tea, I would do it in a HEARTBEAT.”
She’s sat down at a table in the library, teaset splayed out. No tigers in sight except for the one sleeping beside her in the Greek-styled sofa.
“Oh, come now, I’m not that bad, Miss Knox. Am I?” He sighed. “I know that I go overboard from time to time, but honestly, liquor will never be more important to me than tea.”
[text] That.. actually doesn’t sound too terrible. I don’t think we’ve had a chance for a proper discussion between us on Holmes. Though I should probably warn that I don’t know what my tolerance is…
He mostly didn’t want to invite Hattori because he was sure arguments would break out between the two. He knew they could be friends but the arguments made it a little on the difficult side. But he also knew he could trust Hakuba to look after him if something went wrong.
If Shinichi had stopped texting him, Hakuba would have left him alone for the time being. But the fact that he continued to reply had him excited and eager to take the opportunity to establish a connection.
[text] That’s perfectly fine. We’ll stick to two rounds to see how it goes, and make sure we have dinner, too. An evening out to discuss Holmes sounds absolutely splendid, I think. When are you free?
He was kind of glad he hadn’t commented on the compliment, if only because he was quite red faced as it was upon realizing he’d voiced that thought. Though it faded some at the grin he cracked at the last text.
[text] I’m sure you have. Though remind me if I ever rethink my stance on drinking to make sure I take you with me. I think it would be in my best interest to have you along.
[text] Though if it does ever happen, lets not let Hattori know about this…
[text] Of course. I’ll invite you to come along next time; I think that we could have quite a bit of fun. The Osakan can stay in Osaka, and we Tokyo residents can enjoy an evening of discussing Mr. Holmes over a drink or two.
Kudou Shinichi wanting to potentially have drinks with him and not invite Hattori? Perhaps things weren’t quite so horrible…
[text] It’s fine
[text] I’m actually surprised you decided to contact me again, after that
[text] But I must say, it was amusing
[text] Not sure whether I should be insulted that you would think I’d have done anything when you were drunk on your birthday. You may be irritatingly persistent, but I wouldn’t stoop that low
[text] Nice to see you still kept your misplaced confidence, though
[text] Hey, now… just because we are arch nemesis doesn’t mean that we have to insult each other, does it? I consider you my Moriarty; you should feel honored.
[text] I trust that you are familiar with Sherlock Holmes, yes?
Hakuba knew that it was just asking for trouble to be this excited about talking to a known assassin, but he couldn’t help it. He was positively giddy. The phone number he’d tracked down had been correct, and Spider definitely knew who he was. Even if he ended up murdered in his sleep as a result, he was quite proud of this accomplishment.
After he’d fallen asleep waiting for a reply for Hakuba he’d been surprised to see a text from this morning waiting for him. There was a flush and a faint chuckle as he looked it over. As cute as drunk Hakuba was… it served as a good reminder as to why he refused to drink.
[text] No, it’s fine, Hakuba-san. It’s almost a little funny, looking back over it all, but I’m glad to see you back to yourself. I hope next time you’ll be more careful to cut back on your liquor. Ah… thank you? You… aren’t so bad yourself either, tbh. Though I would like to think we are closer to friends then potential?
[text] If you feel comfortable with that level of familiarity, then I would be honored. Thank you, Kudou-kun. That means a great deal to me.
[text] I’ll also be certain to be careful in terms of alcohol – I think I’ve had enough for the time being.
Hakuba wasn’t going to comment on the compliment, awkwardly given or not. Kudou Shinichi considered him ‘not so bad’ looking, and them friends? Incredible!
“Birthday?” He brightened at that, looking surprised, before an expression of fake disappointment settled on his face and he sighed, dramatically. “And you didn’t even bother to tell me about it? I would’ve wanted to get you a present!"
He paused.
"Although…”
With another playful smirk and blue eyes sliding to halfmast, the thief pressed himself just a little closer to the detective, head tilting and lips just barely brushing against the blonde’s cheek, the faintest of a touch. “Maybe there is something I can give you, after all~?”
Hakuba closed his eyes, the color in his cheeks darkening with every passing moment and touch. He thought he knew what Sylwen was suggesting, but he wasn’t sure. Either way, he enjoyed the teasing warmth and company. So he sighed contentedly, tilting his head toward the thief in an almost nuzzling gesture.
“You don’t have to get me anything at all…” Hakuba said, closing his eyes. “Wouldn’t you just… steal it anyway? Then I’d have to come after you…”
“That’s the greeting I get?” Sylwen snorted, idly setting a small plastic bag down onto the floor as he moved to close the window behind him. “You could at least act a little happier at seeing me, detective. I did go through the trouble of getting here, after all.”
Ignoring the nightstand for now, the cat burglar smoothly approached Hakuba, grin shifting into a smirk and expression turning sly and playful. “So, let me ask…” He leaned forward, arms draping themselves over the blonde’s shoulders from behind, breath just barely ghosting against Hakuba’s ear as he continued. “Exactly how much did you drink tonight?”
The detective blinked, wondering when Sylwen got so close, and sucked in a breath at the warmth on his skin. It spread to a blush on his face and he winced, tilting his head back and up to try to look at him. "I actually managed to lose count, I think,” came the admission with a little bit of a hazy slur to his words. “It… was my birthday, so… scotch and rum, I think there was some…” He blinked again, mind definitely running slower thanks to the inebriation and other distractions. It was nice, having someone so close to him. “Beer, perhaps?"
He smiled. "It is good to see you, though… so long as you don’t rob me blind…”
[text] Hakuba-kun, you’re an idiot. Of course people won’t come if you’ve never asked in the first place. Are you trying to depress yourself? Besides you haven’t bothered me at all. I was already out when you texted, hence the late answer.
[text] Next time you tell me. If you agree not to accuse me of being KID with every trick, I’ll put together a little routine for entertainment purposes.
[text] P.S. Go open the door. Happy belated birthday (again), I guess.
He already was around the corner when he sent the text, but waiting to see how his ‘present’ was received. Judging from the grammar – if it still could have been called grammar what Hakuba had sent him last night, he must have more than a little hangover. And the magician considered it a fitting birthday present to leave a box with plenty of water to rehydrate, a decent serving of eel on rice (and it better be appreciated that he went near a shop that sells devil-creature-food) which was fatty enough to slow down the take up of any alcohol that wasn’t digested yet, combined with healthy carbohydrates for energy and for dessert… two paracetamol to kill off any headache that was left over after the treatment.
Hakuba did go to the door, though it took a considerably long time to make it all the way down the hallway, around the corridor, through the receiving area, to reach it. And once he pushed open the half of the heavy double doors, he grimaced at the light and wondered if he would be making yet another trip back to the bathroom after this. Not that he had anything left in his stomach, but…
He looked down at the box, squinting past the black shades that he wore, and wondered how he was ever going to pick it up without falling over. In the end, looking like a wasted celebrity in the process, he pulled his phone out to text Baaya to assist him, and then sent a reply to Kaito, leaning on the doorframe.
[text] How very thoughtful of you. I’m touched. I’ll be certain to keep you in mind the next time I feel the need to celebrate which, frankly, won’t be any time soon. Thank you all the same.
[text] How very thoughtful of you~
[text] You really should make a habit of that, you know. It’s quite annoying having to pick the lock every time I wish to drop by.
[text] I’ll be there in a minute~
And, almost exactly a minute later, the window was pushed open and an utterly amused thief slipped inside, shooting the room a brief glance, before his eyes settled on the blonde. A wide grin settled on his lips as his amusement grew and he slowly arched a brow.
“Did you find your wallet and the catnip?”
Hakuba looked up from his desk where he was half sprawled upon, groggy and tired. “Oh… it’s you…” he mumbled and leaned back in his chair, which threatened to topple over in the process. He reached for the desk and missed, fingers barely tapping the edge, but somehow he stayed upright – the briefcase propped against it, perhaps. “Wallet..” He closed his eyes to concentrate. “Ah yes. On the floor… catnip in the nightstand drawer."
He paused at that, thinking again. ”…that rhymed, I think.“
