Dumb Cop, Liar Cop (Continuation!)

Somewhere Grey

A week.

It had been a week since the case of Angie Yonaga came to a close.

A week since Korekiyo had been arrested for his crimes.

A week since Kokichi stormed out on him.

And a week since he last saw him.

                              ~♡~

"Gyah!" Shuichi crashed into Kaito, the papers in his hands scattering as he tumbled backwards.

"Hey! You okay there?" Kaito reached down, extending his hand to his sidekick.

Shuichi gave him a sheepish grin, "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention," he allowed Kaito to help him up, immediately starting to pick up his belongings, "Things have been very stressful since... you know,"

Kaito nodded, "It wasn't right for him to leave you in charge! I mean, you're a rookie! How are you suppose to run the joint?" He leaned down, helping Shuichi with his task.

"Thanks," Shuichi said, taking the papers Kaito had picked up from him, "And I'm sure the... captain... has his reasons for choosing me, so I'm trying my best!"

It was still difficult for any of them to refer to Kokichi as their captain. That was admitting that they would be stuck with him, and no one wanted that,

"You've grown a lot Shuichi! And it's only been a few weeks since we both came!" Kaito exclaimed, fists pumped high.

"You really think so?" Shuichi inquired while rubbing the back of his neck, "I guess the people here have just been really... helpful."

"But don't think your journey is over!" Kaito continued, "There's still so much left to achieve!"

Shuichi gave him a confident nod, "Of course. Oh, speaking of which, I really need to get this to Kirigiri! Your assignment is on your desk and..." he shifted his eyes away, "While your out, if you hear news of Kokichi. Please tell us all."

Kaito dawned a more serious expression, "I will,"

"Thank you," He ran past him with a small smile on his face.

Of course that brat has to cause more trouble for us all, Kaito thinks, walking into the station,

He just left. No excuse or apology, just a little note leaving Shuichi in charge. I even checked his apartment every day before and after work, and asked the women next door to keep a look out. There's no doubt he hasn't been home. Surely it has something do with his weird behavior after we pinned Korekiyo. Dammit, he better be safe-

"Kaito!"

His thoughts were interrupted by a call for his name. Looking up, he saw the usually lazy red-head waving him over enthusiastically.

He indulged in her implied request, walking over to her and Tenko's shared space, "What's up Himiko!"

She pointed to the painting hung up on the wall holding their conjoined desk. It was quite familiar to him. A painting important to their previous case, "Do you like the spot I chose? It took a lot of mana to come up with this spot!"

"It's perfect!" Kaito decided, not mentioning the fact he couldn't see any other place for it, but he'd let Himiko he happy. She had been in this state of euphoria ever since she received the painting. He remembered her telling the story in perfect detail. The painting arrived on her doorstep two days after the crime with a little note she had shown him,

Remember her with this. Bring the world the energy lost with her passing. Make Atua proud.

Kaito didn't understand the situation at all. He knew Kokichi was the one with that painting, but it seemed impossible he would give it away. Moreso, he knew of Himiko's love of Angie without ever directly speaking to her outside of work? He knew Kokichi had an ulterior motive to all of this. He isn't considerate enough for such a kind gesture, or caring enough to take the time to learn that about her, but he decided against telling Himiko. She needed this.