Fated Friendship

The Masked Murderer

It had been an odd experience for Heiji.

With most boys his age, all he talked about was schoolwork – and that was rare, since he was the top student in the class – sports, girls, food and lastly, kendo. That was pretty much what all his conversations revolved around.

In that short bus ride with Kudo, he'd talked about the case, the mechanics behind the voice-changing bow-tie, the crime syndicate and Sherlock Holmes. And the conversation had never been more engaging! Talking about Sherlock Holmes – and that was certainly something to remark about – or any of the other odd topics had not felt like a bore; it had been a back and forth volley of witty comments, sarcastic remarks and genuine laughter. And while Kudo might have looked like a kid (Seven year old, Hattori! Seven! Not six!), Heiji could clearly see the seventeen-year old genius hidden behind the black framed glasses.

For once, Heiji did not have to stick to socially accepted topics – because murder and arson and kidnappings certainly didn't count – and it was...freeing. From the way Kudo had relaxed beside him, hands folded behind his head, cheery and loud tone absent, Heiji knew he felt the same. For his part, Heiji would have been glad if Kudo never used that sugary voice again – it was creepy! – but, as his rival had pointed out, it was necessary. It was part of the cover as Edogawa Conan, and along with his appearance, helped keep any suspicion at bay.

"Didn't work with me." Heiji had pointed out.

"It did at first," Kudo corrected with a smirk, "you paid not one whit of attention to me during your last visit."

Heiji had grumbled at that, "That's 'coz I was lookin' for ya! Not some kid in glasses!"

Kudo had only laughed at that.

It was when Heiji was half-way to Osaka on the bullet train, that Heiji realised he'd forgotten to get Kudo's phone number. While most seven year olds wouldn't own a phone, Kudo was a different case.

"Ah well," Heiji relaxed back in his seat, "next time then. And I've got to repair my phone too... at least the sim-card was not damaged."

And it was a long time after that, that Heiji realised what he'd said. 'Next time? Does that mean...?'

'...You two are getting along well now, aren't you? Looks like you finally became friends...'

Ran's words echoed in his mind, 'Yes, Ran-san. Maybe we are...becoming friends.'

...

As soon as Heiji reached home, Kazuha and his mother had pounced upon him, asking if he was alright. Apparently, Kazuha had tried calling several times the past two days but had been unable reach as his phone had been broken.

"If you had not returned by tomorrow," Shizuka said, "I would have come there myself!"

Seeing the brief look of concern and then relief appear on his father's face, Heiji realized that they had truly been worried.

"Calm down, Okan, Kazuha! I just got caught up in a case," Heiji placated them, "and my phone was destroyed by the killer so that no one could call the police."

"Another case?" Kazuha said, "Every time ya go to Tokyo, you get caught up in a case!"

"Ah, well..."

"Let him sit down and relax, Shizu. Kazuha-chan." At Hattori senior's words, they finally let him settle down.

Half an hour later, Heiji had related the whole story to them, carefully omitting the fact that he'd been knocked out and put to sleep by Kudo.