Transport Into Detective Conan (OC Reader Insert)

Chapter 46: Lens of Deception

Kaiya POV

"Haru!" I exclaimed when we reached the gate of the Kudo Mansion "You're still here?"

Haru lifted his head from near the gate, ears perking up instantly. His tail wagged and he padded over like he'd been expecting me.

I crouched down, burying my fingers in his fur. "You tried to warn me earlier didn't you?" I murmured. "Good boy. I'm sorry I didn't listen before, I've caused everyone so much trouble didn't I?"

Haru tilted his head, watching me with those sharp, knowing eyes.

I smiled faintly "Tell him and Vermouth... thank you. For the warnings. For the help...and for watching over me, even when I didn't know it."

Haru nudged my hand with his nose, then stepped back, tail swishing once more. Without another sound, he turned and trotted off, disappearing beyond the gate.

*************

The evening wind felt cold against my face as I watched Haru leave.

"You shouldn't be standing in the open" Shuichi said from behind me.

"I needed the air after being in that warehouse" I sat down on the porch steps, rubbing the dust from my sleeve.

Then I reached into my pocket and handed him the neatly folded handkerchief Mary had given me earlier.

Shuichi looked at it and froze for the briefest moment "Where did you get this?"

"Mary Sera" I explained. "Your mother showed up just in time and broke the door open. Then she stole my motorcycle" I shrugged.

"That sounds like her" he had a slight hint of amusement in his tone. He carefully folded the handkerchief again before slipping it into his pocket, like it was something far more valuable than it looked.

I hesitated before asking "Seems like they're looking for you" I said quietly.

"It is safer for them if they continue believing I am dead for now." he shook his head.

I looked down at the porch steps, remembering the cold look in Gin's eyes. I couldn't really argue with that after what happened today.

****************

"Come inside you both it's getting chilly!" Jodie's voice called from the doorway. "What's wrong, Kaiya?" Jodie noticed my expression.

"I...I've been thinking about witness protection," I admitted.

"You've come to a conclusion?" Jodie paused on the steps.

I hesitated before answering "Vermouth... tried to convinced me to."

Jodie's eyes narrowed, and I saw the flash of anger across her face before it disappeared. "Vermouth?" she asked incredulously.

I nodded "I know the pain she has caused you.... I do. But... the truth is, without her, things would have gotten a lot worse for me today."

"Still... it would take me time to even begin to trust her," she murmured.

"I don't think she's always this way by choice" I turned to face Jodie.

"Kaiya..." Jodie shook her head lightly "She helped you. And that... that means something," she said quietly. "But it doesn't mean I'll forgive her. Not yet. You know that, right?"

I nodded.

"Even if agree to it... hiding won't do any good now will it?" I pulled pulled out the cap I had recovered earlier and brushed a bit of dust from the brim "the only way this ends...is if we take them down."