Sugar, Sugar ★

Chapter 1 - 雨.

"...When the young man, who neglected to love and sought only to be loved, found someone for whom he truly cared, he realised that he had lost even the words to express those feelings... ... ..."

Finished the sniper, Paikaru, who was sitting by the edge of Shinichi's bed, a hardcover book in his hands.

Slumped posture, soft and melancholic tone, head down, refusal of eye contact.

"That wasn't exactly the nicest story, but it was interesting regardless! Thank you for reading to me."

Shinichi flashed a bright smile at the taller one who had his back facing him. It was a shame that Paikaru didn't turn to look at Shinichi's expression. Paikaru nodded slowly, closing the book and placing it down.

So the Eastern Detective has Dissociative Amnesia. And it doesn't seem like he'll be getting any memories back soon. Paikaru isn't sure if he should be glad, mad, sad, or confused. Obviously he cares enough to visit Shinichi every single day and keep him entertained whenever there are no jobs but... Shinichi isn't Shinichi anymore. The guy isn't 'tsundere' or serious in any way-- from what Paikaru has observed. He's peppy, bubbly, bright... Affectionate. Shinichi has gone through some grave depersonalisation. Is it even acceptable to call him "Shinichi" now? He's so sweet and gentle. Sweet like a packet of lollies and gentle like the calm rain...

Paikaru couldn't help but mentally call this amnesiac "Ame-shin."

"So I was wondering, it's been a whole week and you've refused to tell me your name. Is there any particular reason why?"

Flinch, twitch, scratch, fidget. He's definitely hiding something.

That was the eighteenth time Ameshin had asked that darn question. Paikaru has been counting. Lips quivered as the Osakan briefly glanced over his shoulder. The cap he wore as Heiji was effective. It casted a shadow over his eyes, concealing his emotions.

"If ya want ta call me, give me a name. I don't care what it is. Just anythin'. I don't mind."

Ame frowned, but it only lasted for two seconds or less. He grinned brightly, scooting over so he was closer to Paikaru.

"Hattori. That's your name, isn't it?"

Paikaru squinted, tensing up and keeping as still as a log. If Shinichi knew his name all along, then why was he being so persistent? Did he want a self introduction? What the heckie.

"How did ya..."

Paikaru started, only to get interrupted by a string of melodic laughter. So sweet and soft. The teen sniper blinked, holding up the brim of his cap. He's never going to get used to Shin... Ameshin's behaviour. He's like a child in a teenager's body. The complete opposite to what he previously was.

"I heard Mouri and some others talking about you."

Crap. Have they starting catching on to the fact that Paikaru was the reason why Shinichi was like this? Paikaru huffed a sigh. No, there's no way for them to find any form of connection. He tugged his cap and rose. Straightening his posture and facing forth. Away from Ameshin.

"Ah, I see. Well... I better get goin'."

Sounds fatigued, seems stressed out, bags under eyes.

"Hattori."

Ameshin spoke, getting as close to the edge of the bed as possible. His body still ached from the wounds inflicted, so he grimaced. He reached a single hand out, patting Paikaru's shoulder reassuringly.

"Take care."