The nightmares usually came when Hakuba tried to sleep during the beginnings of a storm. The tea and the alcohol helped, but they usually came anyway. That night was no different, except that it was also the night of a KID Heist. Hakuba had intended on attending, but when his nap was hijacked by some rather painful memories, he decided to take the night off.

Still, the approaching rain didn’t stop him from wandering into the city, hands in his pockets, jacket bundled against himself. It wasn’t cold… at least not too cold, yet. It would be once the rain started, but for the moment it was almost too warm. The barometric pressure of the gathering storm clouds pressed upon Hakuba, and he sighed at its display.

Once in the heart of the city, Hakuba gained access to one of the taller buildings with his ridiculously lucky key card, and took a seat on the rooftop to watch the distant lightning storm – and what he could see of the heist. Which, really, wasn’t much. Just the strobe lights and some of the clumps of the crowd wandering about below the heist. 

But Hakuba had given up the idea of chasing Kaitou KID. At least that night, when his head ached as much as his heart did. So really, it didn’t matter. 

Hakuba checked his pocket watch and looked back at the crowd, curiously. If he knew Kaitou – and he had to admit that he at least had a passable knowledge of his skills and routine – the show was likely to start any moment now. He could almost hear the screaming fan girls, could almost see Nakamori-keibu’s disappointed face when he realizes that he’s lost yet again. 

The detective smiled to himself, pulling a bottle of cheap beer from his coat pocket. It wouldn’t be good, but it would keep him relaxed while he watched the unfolding events. He popped it open, took a swig, then settled back.

Let the show begin.