Monthly Archives: September 2014

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The Meaning of the Monocle

smokebombsandmirrors:

He smiled and carded a hand through his damp bangs from his shower. “Yes. “

“Great! This way, if you please." 

Hakuba led Kaito down the hallway to the dining room, opening the door and stepping inside to hold it open for him, incidentally passing the bottle off to one of the two servants that were finishing the final setup. The room was spacious, with a long, hardwood table, able to seat fourteen comfortably.  Of course, for the moment, only two seats at the far end were actually set – plates, napkins, several forks and spoons and the like. 

Nothing about the room, save for the giant mural depicting white cranes and horses was at all Japanese; wooden chairs and mantle over the stone fireplace English by design. Hakuba pulled out the chair to the left of the head of the table, and gestured for Kaito to sit, doing the gentlemanly thing to… help him, though he wondered just then if it were really necessary, abandoning the endeavor to move around to the opposite side of the table. 

”…apologies, this is all a bit too formal, isn’t it?“ Hakuba asked, wincing. 

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The Meaning of the Monocle

smokebombsandmirrors:

Kaito nodded and placed the helmet on the floor then gingerly moved the backpack off his back. He unzipped his coat and shrugged out of the leather and hung it up. Reaching for the pack he pulled out the temperature bag with the wine. “I brought a wine. I’m not sure if its any good but I knew you liked them.”

He slipped the bottle out of the bag and offer the bottle of Pingus.

Taking the offered bottle, Hakuba turned it over in his hands to inspect the label. The name looked familiar, but he couldn’t quite place it… Likely something he’d had before at one of his mother’s parties, but he wasn’t certain. Regardless, he wondered how it would stack up to the wine he’d already chosen for the evening, taking a moment to reconcile the conflicting data in his mind. It was proper to bring a gift for the host, and wine was an appropriate choice. But what about when the event was wine tasting? He’d have to ask Baaya later.

“Thank you, Kuroba-kun,” Hakuba said instead, giving a bow out of habit- he’d been in Japan for too long. “Shall we?" 

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themoonlightthief:

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“Like you even need to ask.” He pushed away from the desk and, unable to stop himself even with how tired he actually was, gave the blond a playful wink and an exaggerated bow. “After you~”

The detective laughed and reached a hand back for him, smirk playful and amused. “Come along, my darling thief~”  Assuming Kaito took the offered hand, Hakuba quickly laced fingers to more adequately tug him along for some well-deserved rest… and cuddles, of course. 

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The Meaning of the Monocle

smokebombsandmirrors:

Kaito grinned. He was tickled. “You flatter me, Baaya-san.”

As he passed Hakuba he looked up to the detective and gave him a true smile. “Thanks for inviting me.”

The blond nodded, swallowing, and forced a polite smile. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, Hakuba was so, so very nervous. “You’re welcome, Kuroba-kun… again, I’m just pleased that you could make it.”

Baaya did her best to avoid causing her master any further pain by heading into the kitchen, leaving the two boys alone. She thought she could trust Hakuba to manage getting them to the dining room, at least.

“We can, ah, put your helmet over here…” he said, gesturing to the small hallway for guest coats and the like, lined with hooks and shelves. “And then, the dining room is this way…" 

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The Meaning of the Monocle

smokebombsandmirrors:

“You know?” He blinked then gave Hakuba a sly glance over his shoulder. He was blushing slightly and so pleased. “Have you been talk about me?”

“Of course he has!” Baaya laughed, leading them into the mansion, ignoring Hakuba’s horrified expression. “The young master has gone on about you at length…”

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“Ba-Baaya!” Hakuba cried, scurrying to hurry ahead so that he could hold the door, which was completely unnecessary but all that he could think of to do. “Yes, I’ve been known to discuss my classmates with Baaya, but that’s not unusual! Not at all!" 

The governess patted the detective’s head as she walked by. "None half so charming as Kuroba-kun, however~" 

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The Meaning of the Monocle

smokebombsandmirrors:

“In situations like this you’re suppose the take the rose and place it into your lapel like so.” Kaito chirped playfully and slipped it there himself.

“Now, care to introduce me to your lovely companion?”  He said and clapped his hands. A bouquet of Gardenia’s appeared in his arms and he offered it to Baaya. “Kuroba Kaito, its a pleasure to meet you.”

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The detective looked down at the rose on his person, then turned to watch Kaito continue on as if nothing had happened. Baaya was, of course, charmed by the performance and took the flowers with grace and gratitude. 

“Thank you, Kuroba-kun… it’s been so very long since I last saw you, but I don’t believe that we’ve ever been formally introduced.” The older woman smirked, shifting her glance from Kaito to Hakuba, who stumbled behind them, confused. “I am the young master’s governess and caretaker.”

“Baaya,” Hakuba supplied, finally catching up. “Kuroba-kun, this is Baaya. Baaya, Kuroba-kun.”

“Yes, I know. Won’t you come in?”