flamehearted.

@stealthxjet

It was two minutes before nine when Shinichi got back to the house. He was actually back earlier than he expected, a rarity that almost never happened. A quick look at the entrance confirmed that Kazu wasn’t back yet, though from what he knew of the blond’s schedule, Kazu should be back any minute now.

     He’ll be able to greet Kazu home for once.

It was a sappy thought and he was well aware, but still he didn’t fight the smile that spread across his face ( besides, no one was around to see ). It’s been a while since he and his boyfriend could spend the night together, both their schedules were rather unconventional and none of their breaks would match. And during the few times they were both free, it seemed that something always popped up to interfere ( whether it was one of Shinichi’s cases or something with Kazu’s trekking ).

But they still managed to make it work, was able to find time for each other in the littlest of ways, something the detective was still trying to wrap his head around. ( he really couldn’t understand what he did to deserve someone who was willing to compromise so much— )

With a tired heave, he slumped down on the couch, intending to sit there while he waited for Kazu to finally return. He wondered if the other had dinner yet, and Shinichi probably should have called and asked before buying some take out, but he wanted his early return to be a surprise. ( besides, worse case scenario they would just eat it tomorrow )

He glanced at the clock hanging in the living room, noting that only a few minutes has passed, and shook his head in an attempt to rid himself of his tiredness. ( he wanted to greet Kazu back properly and talk before they retired for the night, he didn’t want to fall asleep just yet ) Kazu would return any moment now…and Shinichi should put the food on the table instead of it being left on the floor now that he thought about it…He should get up now…in…just…a…moment…

He leaned against the front door, {s t e a l i n g} the moment to catch his breath. He assumed immediately he was home {b e f o r e} Shinichi (even if this Parts War took a little {l o n g e r} than usual) and considered {w a i t i n g} for the detective to return from work. However... it was a bit {c h i l l y}, and Kazu had a feeling Shinichi wouldn’t be too happy if he found him {s l e e p i n g} outside the front door.

With a huff, he {h a u l e d} himself to a stand and went inside.

Immediately, he noted the {s t r o n g} scent of Chinese food. His first thought was pure {p a n i c}, thinking someone might have left the {o v e n} on, but when he hurried into the living room, he found the source of the smell; {a c t u a l} Chinese food... and Shinichi, who had fallen {a s l e e p} on the couch. The panic was replaced with {a d o r a t i o n}. Kazu smiled {s o f t l y}, placed his bag on the floor, and approached his sleeping boyfriend.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, quickly snapping a photo of the {c u t e} sleeper. He set it {p r o m p t l y} as his wallpaper and put the phone away.

{G e n t l y}, he placed a hand on Shinichi’s shoulder. The thought to let the detective sleep {c r o s s e d} his mind, but Kazu was hungry and he was sure Shinichi was, too. And, dare he add that he had {m i s s e d} Shinichi and rathered his company {n o w} than later.

[After all, couldn’t Kazu have one {s e l f i s h} moment once in a while? After a night such as this one, he could really use the kind of {c o m f o r t} only Shinichi really brought him.]

“Are you sure you wanna come along?” He couldn’t helpbut ask. The fact that the other followed in the first place wasindicative, but he felt like he should make sure that the other knew what hewas about to get into. “I do believe that this attack had to do with thethreat. And, I’m also sure that this won’t be the only attack whoever is responsiblewill make. Which of course means, you could be the next target. Itwould be safer if you didn’t go running around town. It’ll be best if you stayed in agroup as well…As a precaution.”

The detective paused to allow it to sink in. He didn’thave enough understanding of the blond to be able to predict how his reactionwould be. If it was Hattori, Shinichi would have probably been punched by nowfor trying to keep him away from a case. He could only hope that Mikura had amore civil nature than that. Still, he wouldn’t take back what he said. It wasn’tlike he was forcing the other to do anything anyways. And what Shinichi saidwas the truth. It was basic tactics to stay in a group, the saying ‘strength innumbers’ existed for a reason.

Then again, it wasn’t like he would allow Mikura toget hurt if he did end up tagging along. He was hired to protect the Council membersafter all. Well, technically he was only hired to figure out who was behind thethreats (and now assault), but he is a detective and that meant he needed toensure that the least amount of incidents happen. He has always considered takingcare of the well-being of others was part of his job, and he wasn’t about tochange his mind now.

“Just…think about it.” He turned to face the front, nownot looking at Mikura even though it was still clear he was talking to him. He brieflywondered if the driver could hear them. Unlikely, given the divider betweenthem was up, but Shinichi shifted closer to the blond anyways and spoke in asofter voice. “Whoever sent the threat was able to infiltrate the meeting placeof the strongest Supernats. They had enough confidence to carry out their plan,and was smart enough to succeed.”

It was the first point that bothered Shinichi since hewas asked to investigate. They weren’t dealing with bubbling fools. Whoever was behind this, planned it out well. “And now they were able to attack one of the ones thought most powerful, and still get away.” If looked at purelyattack power, a strong wizard or some others could probably fight well against a vampire, but thenumerous heightened senses vampires had made them particularly formidable. You just couldn’t easily sneak up on one. “Thesepeople are dangerous. I just don’t want you to take a risk you don’t have totake. I promise that I won’t give up on this case until I find out who is responsible and stopthem. All you really need to do is take care of yourself…I don’t want another personto end up harmed.”

Yet.

                               “Besides, you’ll need my help, anyway. I’ve got more than enough influence in the magic world to make this investigation easier for you. And if you think I’m just gonna stand around while my friends are still in danger, then you clearly don’t know me as well as you think you do.”

He pulled the seat belt over his shoulder and clicked it into the seat, then rested his back against the seat.

                               “Don’t worry about me. They don’t call me the Flame King for nothing.”

He leaned forward and patted the back of the taxi driver’s seat.

                               “Chou Zaidan Medical Centre, and step on it!”

⪡ ♘ ⪢                     The taxi driver glanced back at them, snake eyes narrowing at his customers, then nodded. The car lurched forward, merging into traffic, and taking off as quickly as the car and traffic would allow him.

⪡ ♘ ⪢                     They arrived at the hospital twenty minutes later and they ran inside, together, quickly.

The vampire was in room 826, recovering from some pretty severe injuries. Kazu honestly felt terrible for the guy; he could hardly breathe without pain but it was vital they know what happened. And, speaking of which...

>> “I don’t know... I was attacked from behind. I didn’t get to see him very well...”

Though soon after feelings of displeasure rolled off the blond and the detective couldn’t really tell if it had anything to do with how close Shinichi was at the moment. While Mikura was the one who moved closer himself, it’s already been a couple of minutes already and Shinichi was still trying to sap as much warmth as he could. Maybe the other was only displeased about something else, but the timing of the feeling rising had the detective sure it was something about him. Well, he was probably warm enough now anyways. Feeling came back to his limbs and he only had the occasional shiver — nothing like the violent shaking he had a few moments ago. He still wasn’t about to take off his coat anytime soon though, even if he wasn’t planning to leave when he could. And well, it was nice for the other to be concerned, but all Shinichi wanted to do was go home. He was about to say as much, when the other then offered to walk him back to his house.

All Shinichi could do was blink for a moment, surprised despite himself. While he did expect to be asked if he was alright — it was common curtesy to ask if you witnessed someone seeming ill — he didn’t expect the other to offer more of his assistance. Most people stopped at the question and moved on about their day after receiving a reassurance, didn’t they? And more than that, Shinichi made Mikura nervous. Granted, it might have less to do with Shinichi himself and more about the fact he had to question the other, but still. He would have expected the blond to try and get away as soon as he could have. Shinichi internally winced. Just how bad did he look? He didn’t doubt that Mikura was a good person — and good enough to show concern for even a stranger, but that concern had to sprout for some reason.

Again, stupid visions.

But bothersome as his visions were, it didn’t change the fact that Mikura was showing kindness and Shinichi would be rude to brush it off. Which, didn’t mean he couldn’t decline it. He gave the other a smile that would hopefully reassure, and shook his head. “I’m feeling much better now, thanks to you. I really will be okay going home by myself.” And he was speaking the truth. He should be fine heading home right now. Even if his shivers reappeared once he was out in the cold, his house wasn’t that far and near hypothermia wasn’t the worst thing he’s faced. (He ignored the fact that he typically faced more life-or-death situations a month than the average person did in their lifetime.)

Though, Mikura’s first point was something to ponder. What if it did happen again? Normally visions didn’t bother him frequently, and he’s never had them twice in one day…But he’s never had such a strong vision where he was feeling the effects for so long afterwards. Still he said, “I doubt it’ll happen again. I just got a bit cold due too…” Well, Mikura was willing enough to use his powers in public, safe heaven or not, for Shinichi, the least he could do is explain to the other about what happened. “Well, I can, erm, see…visions.” It was probably the first time he’s ever said that aloud, and he felt a bit silly saying so. (He blamed the movie industry. How many times was that a cliché line given in supernatural films? Really, Shinichi was almost insulted every time he heard that line said in the dramatic way movies were.)

He cleared his throat just for something else to focus on then how awkward his words were and continued, “And so, I just saw some snow,” Some being a huge understatement, “And it became really cold. But I won’t have to worry about it happening again.” He’s never had the same vision twice. A few rare times he’s had a vision that related to another, but never about the same exact event. (He hoped that wasn’t another thing that was going to change.) “So, thank you for your offer, but — ” And he cut himself short as two small ding sounds was heard. Curious, he pulled out his phone to see a new text. It was sent to a numerous amount of people, and after reading the content he figured only those in the Magic Council — besides him since he was on their case — received the text. It was short, but the implications were rather worrisome.

        « One of the Vampire Council Member was attacked. Alive, but hospitalized. Caution is advised, the previous threat is not to be taken lightly. »

This was bad. An attack already? Shinichi still didn’t have much to go on. Cases that involved Supernats were always difficult — there were always so many different abilities to consider and evidence was difficult at best to find — but he had hoped he could have closed this case before anything like this happened. “I need to go.” Shinichi said, already making his way to the door without looking to see if the other would follow. “I need to find out what happened. Hospitalized. There are only a few hospitals around that could accommodate a Supernat…much less a Vampire…” he continued to mumble to himself even as he called for a cab and rattled off the Hospital that he wanted to go to. He was so focused he forgot about his companion and didn’t realized he had started shivering again.

The Line of Fuck You -- Kazu-mun

⪡ ♘ ⪢                     Visions? Well, that clearly explained a lot. He had heard of psychics who had visions, but this was a whole new level. Were visions usually like this? Kudou seemed just as shocked by this as he was -- or, at least, he looked like he was trying desperately to hide the fact. Kazu couldn’t be certain but... something about this was definitely wrong.

                               “What kind of stupid vision is that?”

He didn’t mean to sound cynical, but what the fuck? Really?

                               “S-Sorry... Was that all it was? Snow? Are you sure?”

Before he could press any further, he felt his phone vibrate in his back pocket, followed by his usual text notification sound. He hesitated, watching as Kudou went for his phone, then sighed, extinguishing the flame in his hand and going for his own. When he opened the message, he felt his blood run cold. (Ironically.) Was this really happening? A vampire? Attacked? How?

He was startled by the detective’s sudden movements, jumping a few feet back. He barely caught the words Kudou threw over his shoulder as he walked away. Kazu grabbed his hot chocolate, careful not to spill it or burn his hands, and hurried after him.

He paused to grab his coat and scarf off the hanger, throwing it over his shoulders and whipping his scarf around his neck. He swung the door open and slammed it behind him, instantly blasted in the face with the icy breath of winter.

                               “Ah, shit...”

With a heave, he sprinted up the steps, barely noticing the markings of his former shoe prints burned into the snow, then caught up with the other. He panted for a moment, scrambling to keep up with him, then stopped abruptly when he did, too. Kazu said nothing, waiting patiently for the cab to arrive, then sliding in with Kudou when it finally did.

                               “Think this has got to do with that threat?”

Another sharp intake of breath (cold — too cold to breath —hurts — but he needs air — needs to breath — BREATH —— )

And suddenly he was in the bar again. His breath was stillcoming too quickly for normal and he became aware of how badly he was trembling. Hetried to control it, but it was nearly impossible to. His teeth were clatteringalmost violently and he could barely even grab at his arms with his shaking. “J-just…am-moment.” He managed to stutter out because even with this oppressive cold hewas still observant of his surroundings and could tell Mikura was ratherfreaked out.

Stupid visions.

Shinichi couldn’t deny that they were helpful at times, butgenerally they just caused him trouble. And it was still so damn cold. Trying, rather pathetically, towarm himself up he attempted to create friction by rubbing his arms, but it wastoo difficult to even move his hands. He really couldn’t do much of anythingreally, so he sat there, slightly bent forward, trying to will the coldnessaway. It didn’t really work, but after some time he managed to gather hisbearings. He was still freezing, but at least he didn’t feel like he was goingto die from the cold anymore. He was glad the bar was so warm, he was really afraidhe would get hypothermia for a moment. With a deep breath, he looked up to see Mikuralooking absolutely terrified, and Shinichi could feel it too, so he tried to reassure him.

“I-I’m f-fine.” Damnit. That was probably not veryreassuring. And he was still shaking slightly. He reached behind him totake his jacket that he hung on the back of the chair and put it on. After amoment he put on his scarf as well. He could only imagine the odd image hemade, but he didn’t care at this point. He just wanted to be warm again. Toobad his clothes were lacking any warmth. But, it was getting better at least. “I’m…reallyokay.” He was glad his stutter went away, though his voice was quieter than hewould have liked. “Just…got a bit cold for a moment.” He gave a weary smile, alittle embarrassed with how strange his actions for the past few moments musthave seemed. His explanation was probably bizarre as well, given it really waswarm inside the bar and it wasn’t like there were any windows for the cold airoutside to come through.

He briefly wondered if Mikura was aware of his abilities, buthe didn’t bother to ask. He never did advertise it and for the most part theywere easy to hide, but it was hard to hide much of anything with his risingfame. People could probably figure he was a physic who could see visions ifthey read about his strange lapses of attention. He’s passed on messages forfamily members to the deceased before as well, though he doubted they would goon and babble about his powers when he did them a favour. Though, he supposed itdidn’t matter, but it never hurt to have surprise on your side. And with the lessinformation people had about him, the less things they will find that theycould take advantage of in an attempt to gain the upper hand against him. Perhaps his thinking was a bit morbid, but it’s kept him alive at least.

Normally his visions didn’t affect him so harshly. Even withthe stronger visions he would only feel the effects for a minute or twoafterwards, but right now he was stillfeeling the cold. It was unusual. And annoying. As if his visons weren’t badenough before. He really hoped this was a onetime occurrence. He straightenedhimself out to look more presentable, even if all he wanted to do was curl intohimself and try and trap whatever body heat he had left.  He side-eyed the coffee maker a few feet awayfrom them, before turning his attention back to the blond. He’ll just pick someup on his way out. He really wasn’t feeling up to doing much of anything atthis moment. He would probably try and finish this meeting up quickly. He hopedMikura wouldn’t mind too much.

He stammered to apologize and ensure his safety but Kazu didn’t believe him. He had no clue what had just happened, but whatever it was, it wasn’t good. Though, with the biggest danger out of the way (the unresponsiveness), the next came the cold the other couldn’t seem to defend himself from.

Kazu moved so he was beside Kudou, his back blocking outsides from seeing them. He held his hand out in front of the detective and a flame appear mysteriously in his palm. Small but hot -- hopefully to help warm up the detective faster.

                               “Be careful. Let me know if you get too hot.”

He was a Fire Mage after all. What use would he be if he couldn’t warm up the cold body of those frozen? He knew that not an eye would care to see magic abilities in the Nest but the subconscious effort to keep it a secret took over before he had a chance to consider. Regardless, he was here now and hopefully a help.

                               “Good thing I’m here. It would suck if you had get warm on your own, eh?”

He chuckled, trying desperately for a joke after something so terrifying occurred. What was it? What had happened? He really wanted to know but perhaps asking now wasn’t the best idea.

His anxiety was causing flare-ups from the flames in his palm, like they wanted to jump out of his hand and go free across the bar. Stronger than usual, but nothing he was worth noting. It happened constantly; Spitfire warned that it was due to the immense amount of magic in his veins, the fire burning with desire to be set free to scorch the word. He wasn’t on the Magic Council for nothing...

                               “Feel any better yet?”

He waited a few moments, then tore his eyes away from the flame when Kudou asked his final question.

                               “No... Are you sure you should go home like this? What if it happens again?”

What if... what happens again? He had no idea. But he didn’t want to hear tomorrow how this guy died of a brain tumour or something.

                               “C’mon, at least let me walk you home, okay?”