Dumb Cop, Liar Cop (Continuation!)

When You Catch a Cold (Extended)

"ACHOO"

Kaito's sneeze vibrated through the precinct, shaking his entire form,

"...Are you sure you didn't catch a cold during the stake-out?" Kokichi asked sarcastically, hands gripped sassily to his hips, "I told you to wear a thicker jacket, idiot."

Kaito hardened his stubborn glare, unwilling to admit he was right. His I-told-you-so smirk was horribly infuriating, almost as infuriating as the way he was brushing off their moment of intimacy from last night,

"Will you be alright?" Shuichi said worriedly, fiddling with his fingers with a nervous energy, "That sounded pretty serious."

"I'll be fine-"

"Take the day off and rest for the weekend," Kokichi pointed a finger accusingly at Kaito, "I don't want the cold spreading to the rest of the detectives."

"Don't be ridiculous," Kaito argued through sleeve-covered mouth, "We are busy as hell right now. I can't miss work because of a few sniffles."

"Nothing good will come from sending a sick person into action," Kokichi rebutted, hands haughtily on his hips, "The rest of the team is just as capable, I'll handle all the cases your working on."

"You're insane," Kaito grumbled, "We've talked about how you can't do everything by yourself! Ever since you got that phone call, you've been so stressed-"

Kokichi's glare cut him off, eye's darting over to a confused-looking Shuichi, "I told you not to talk about!"

"I know, I know," Kaito sighed, "But after everything that happened from Kaede's passing, how the hell am I suppose to take any time off?"

"I can manage it," Kokichi reassured coldly, but Kaito just scoffed in response,

"Are you serious? You're the busiest out of all of us!"

Shuichi nodded meekly, "He is right... you just became the lieutenant. You have all of Kaede's responsibilities."

Kokichi hardened his scowl, but found himself unable to reply,

"Don't think we haven't noticed you always rushing out of the police station, mumbling some nonsense-"

"And staying after hours, even later than the janitor," Shuichi finished for Kaito as he delved into another coughing fit.

Kokichi finally pulled on a plastic smile, illuminating his eyes with a faux sparkle, "Well alright the, Shuichi can help me! He can be my partner while you're on leave!"

Shuichi's eyes widened in surprise, but he gave a confident nod, "Of course lieutenant."

"..." Kaito looked between Kokichi and Shuichi, both looked far more confident in their decisions than he did, and he was feeling worse by the second...

"Fine," Kaito muttered, "Only if you have Shuichi help you..."

"Gonta can help too!" Gonta exclaimed from across the room, "He will take some of Kaito's cases!"

"Nyeh, if it makes all the annoying coughing go away, I guess I could help too..." Himiko conceded, resting her head on her desk with closed eyes.

Tenko pumped her fists into the air, "If my Himiko~chan wants to help, I'll have to assist as well!"

"If everyone's pitching it, it would seem plainly polite to do the same!" Tsumugi exclaimed, giving Kaito a reassuring smile.

"Alright! Alright!" Kaito voiced, using his hands to help lift himself from his desk. He had to take a moment to recollect his senses, noticing Kokichi pushing him towards the door as he came to,