“Did ya ever stop t’ wonder if maybe he dun wanna talk to ya no more?”
“And I knew ya missed me.”
“Missed you? Hardly! Who could miss someone as obnoxious as you? All the same; do you really suppose that Kudou-san is intentionally avoiding me? I wonder why that could be… Do you know if he’s well?”
”Phew, good.” Heaving a heavy sigh, Madison sat herself on the nearest bench and allowed herself a moment to breath. She had jogged the entire way in hopes that she hadn’t missed the bus, and was glad to find that she hadn’t.
Glancing back up, “Yer awfully accurate.”
At the comment, Hakuba laughed and shrugged, tucking the watch back into his pocket. “Well, I should hope so… I’m a detective; the gathering and assessment of accurate data is essential for doing what I do."
He slipped both hands into the pockets of his suit jacket, glancing to the stop marker, then looked back at the girl. "I’m… Saguru Hakuba, by the way. May I ask your name, miss?”
“Italian’s good. I can get traditional Japanese any ole time.”
“Perfect, then. Shall we go now, or would another night later this week? Or month? Perhaps later this year~?” He paused, smirking. “Joking, of course. When are you free?”
He had laid down and was starting to get comfortable when Hakuba spoke to him again. His head lolled up and he gave him a sleepy smile. The offer was so tempting not because it would put him into his bed but because it put in Hakuba’s arms briefly.
“I … I think I’d better stay down here, thank you though." He tried to keep the dejection out of his voice when he spoke and sort of succeeded.
Hakuba looked him over, then glanced toward the stairs, contemplating. "If you’re certain…” he said, though he didn’t sound at all convinced. “It really wouldn’t be any trouble, and I need to go upstairs, anyway, if I’m to use a guest room… I don’t think that I trust myself driving in this state.”
Really, he shouldn’t have been driving at all that night, but he had a difficult time listening to his conscience when in situations rife with anxiety.
“Or… at least let me help you get a little more comfortable. Do you have a blanket or pillow I can fetch for you?”
He paused on the top step just a few above the other and looked back at him. It touched him that Hakuba wanted to help; had some how always wanted to help him. It dawn on him the earlier comment:
“I wouldn’t ignore a cry for help, Kuroba-kun… just who do you think that I am, anyway?”
Yes, it did include those he helped but …it included him. It included him. Just maybe there was some thing mutual. Moving on pure emotions he took one step down, leaned over and pressed his lips to the detective cheek just under the corner of his eye.
Lifting he walked back up the step to go, finally get to his spot on the couch.
Wh-
The detective froze again when Kuroba leaned close, refusing to move backward, but not meeting him, either. And as much as he wanted to wince because he didn’t know what was coming, he couldn’t look away. Then there it was – a simple, sweet gesture that left Hakuba red in the face all over again and speechless once more.
He stood there for a few seconds after Kaito left, attempting to sort out the muddled thoughts in his head, but came up with nothing. Just the reminder that Kuroba was drunk, that things had been stressful, and that there was the high possibility that Kaito wouldn’t remember anything the next morning.
So he followed, coming to a halt near the couch with an expression of concern. “Are you all right here on the couch? Can I help you upstairs? I… ah, I could carry you, if you like. It wouldn’t be a problem…”
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In what Detectiv Conan Manga are Saguru Hakuba
Hakuba Saguru has been in the Detective Conan manga a total of two times.
The first instance was The Sunset Mansion (file 299-302). You might be able to read it online here, but it’s suspect and not very high quality. Your best bet will be to purchase the officially sanctioned manga however it’s available to you. In America, it’s volume 30 – here’s an Amazon link!
The second was the amazing Detective Koushien arc (file 562-566).
You can read this online by visiting the Detective Conan Translation Project (http://www.dctp.ws/), clicking on “Read Vol. 54+”, then “Volume 54” in the sidebar, then navigate to “DC 54 – 9 East Detective (1)” – there are five parts in total.
The anime counterparts to these files (219, 479) are likewise excellent and are highly recommended. For further Hakuba goodness, make sure to read the Magic Kaito manga
(available on DCTP)and watch the Magic Kaito anime – there aren’t that many episodes, so it’s easy to get up to speed. You can even skip to when Hakuba shows up (volume 3, chapter 2 in the manga; episode 7 – ‘The Splendid Rivals’ in the anime) if you just want the good stuff!
“You don’t have to look so horrified ….I just ….” He started as the shocked expression came across Hakuba’s face then shook his head. The was no point in saying what he wanted to say. What he had been wanting to say for a while now. Hakuba wouldn’t understand nor accept it. He was still human and needed people but his need for Hakuba seemed to be so much stronger than what he had ever felt before. The other balanced him out and provided a great foundation for him. Hakuba kept him from slipping so many times before with just the little acts of persistence.
Kaito sighed and started to head back up stairs with his hand on the railing to take his weight off his thigh which was starting to throb painfully. “Come on up and I’ll show you the way.
Horrified? Had he looked horrified? It wasn’t what Hakuba had intended, but he supposed he could imagine. Grimacing at his own foolishness, he followed up the stairs without comment – at least for the first few steps. But once Kaito was on the main level, he hefted a sigh.
“Kuroba-kun… I’m sorry; I didn’t mean for you to think that I felt burdened or anything. Honestly, I… I’m touched that you called me. That you asked for my help.” He continued up, holding onto the handrail to support his fatigued body. “It means a great deal to me. I… I always hoped I’d be of service to you one day…"
“Okay! That’s it!! I called you because you are the only person I have. The only one I can trust. I’m sorry that it was so late. I’m sorry that I inconvenienced you but DAMN IT I need you.” He shouted and yanked the door open. Warm air blasted him in the face and he walked into the concrete room. Opening the steel door he welcome the flames licks and tossed the bag inside. As it burn the door was closed and he went back to Hakuba.
“I need you … ” Kaito said again tired. Covering his the side of his face with his hand. "I’m tired.“
He began to head back up stairs towards the living room. Just before exiting the room he turned back to Hakuba. “I’m sorry, thank you. There’s a guest bedroom up stairs if you want to use that.”
I need you.
Hakuba felt the words long before he heard them, realized what Kuroba was trying to say. It was as if the heat from the incinerator tore through him, too, stealing his breath and his thoughts, and everything else all at once. The detective was left staring at the other boy, mouth open in speechless surprise.
Apologies, confessions, vulnerabilities… It took a few seconds for Hakuba to remember that none of this was a dream. It was real, and Kuroba was drunk off his ass and in pain. Emotions ran close to the surface in tumultuous waters; they’d nearly knocked Hakuba over.
He watched helplessly as Kuroba walked past him, started up the stairs, trying to sort out in his mind what he was supposed to do with all of this feeling that overwhelmed him. Finally, a few seconds later, he gave a nod, following after. "Y-yes… thank you, Kuroba-kun, that would be appreciated.”
What should he say about the rest of it? Anything? Nothing? He felt so entirely lost. Everything was changing.
“Why… hello there~?”
