So this is a story that I've been thinking about for a while and decided to start. This branches off my one-shot the Request and follows from that. Anyway, some things to mention before you start, in this fic, Kaito's a year older than Shinichi. I know most people say he's the same age, but since they never actually stated his age in the manga, I always assumed he's a year older than him. I don't know, he just seemed that way to me. That's just me. But anyway, I hope you enjoy the story.

Prologue: One More Favor

"You know, Kudo-san. Just because you know who I am, doesn't give you the right to harass me," Kaito said idly into his phone as he walked down the street. He had been grocery shopping, seeing that his mother decided that she wanted to take another trip to France and let him by himself again. Perhaps she was trying to give him more freedom since he'd be starting college soon. That might have been the case if she hadn't been asking him for more favors concerning his "night job." Honestly, how the hell his dad managed to work with that woman was beyond him. Either way, it was starting to get annoying.

Yusaku laughed on the other end, "I know, I know, but this isn't an idle call, Kaito-kun. This is about my request I asked of you a few months ago."

Kaito shook his head at that. He remembered all too well the favor the novelist asked that night, "What about it? I've been keeping an eye on him like you asked, even outside my night job."

"I know you have and thank you, Kaito-kun," Yusaku said, "But I'm going to need you to be a bit more active in your watching now." His voice had suddenly become very serious which made Kaito stop in his tracks.

"What do you mean?"

Yusaku told him what he meant and what he wanted Kaito to do. After a few moments of silence, Kaito burst out laughing. Poker face be damned, there was no way he couldn't find this hilarious and not laugh like this.

"Are you serious?" Kaito asked through fits of laughter.

"I am, Kaito," Yusaku said sternly.

Kaito tried his best to calm down, but it proved a bit difficult. Once he got his laughter under control, he said, "Alright, alright you're serious. You do know that he's going to kill you once he finds out this was your idea."

"I know that, but he's just going to have to deal with it," Yusaku said, obviously trying to sound serious even though he too thought it was very funny, "Besides, you have the perfect cover already, so now's the best time for it."

"Now I know where that devious mind of his comes from," Kaito snickered, "He obviously learned how to blackmail from you."

"You say that like it's a bad thing," Yusaku taunted, slipping into his old banter he once used with Toichi.

Similarly, Kaito slipped into his Kid persona, "And you people called me the criminal. If anyone has a truly devious mind it's you and that son of yours."

"So says the thief that makes it his job to infuriated any and all forms of authority," Yusaku quipped back, unable to hide his smugness from the old days.

"Ah, but at least my actions bring joy and wonder to others as I give the police a merry chase," Kid stated. He heard Yusaku laugh on the other end and wondered if this was always how his dad and him acted towards one another, or if they used to be like himself and the small detective.

Yusaku stopped laughing, but the mirth was still in his voice, "Alright, you've made your point and we could go around in circles for ages at this rate. Anyway, you'll do it?"

"Oh, I suppose so," Kid drawled, giving a sigh, "You already are holding my identity over my head and it's not like he can get me into any more dangerous situations than he already has. He's already tried to blow me to bits. Besides, he's a trouble magnet and if anything, needs someone with experience to look after him."

Yusaku snorted, "I don't suppose you'll need any help then?"

"Oh, I think I can manage," Kid laughed, "After all, it is my area of expertise. Your wife should know that."

"Alright then," Yusaku said, becoming serious once again, "Yukiko should be there in a few hours. Don't worry, though, she doesn't know your or his identity, she just knows she's working with Kid."

Kid shook his head, "Tch, what a formality; you already knew that I'd agree. Heh, a sly fox indeed."

"Well, of course," Yusaku stated happily, "You may be a thief, but you're no villain."

"Careful, Kudo-san," Kid warned, "For all you know I may be a wolf under this sheepskin of carefree demeanor."

"Heh, if that were the case then I'd truly be a fool," Yusaku laughed, "You and I both know that isn't the case, no matter how hard you try to make it look otherwise."

"Ah, to be see through so easily," Kid feinted horror, "I must be losing my touch."

"Not at all," Yusaku stated, "It's just that you're actions speak louder than your words."

"Oh? So, you're a counselor now?"

"No, but I have seen too much not to know that actions like yours aren't performed by those with evil hearts," Yusaku said, simply.

"You should stick with writing, Kudo-san," Kid said, "Poetic words as such should be placed on a page."

"You should know considering your riddles," Yusaku retorted, "Enough of this already. You'll help, correct."

"On my honor as a thief," Kid vowed solemnly.

"Thank you, Kaito-kun," Yusaku said, truly grateful. There was a pause before he continued, "Try not to drive Shinichi too crazy."

"I give no such promises," Kid smiled before hanging up. Kaito laughed a little as he walked back home. This was going to be fun.

So Yusaku and Kid concocted a plan of some sorts. Anyone want to guess what Yusaku asked Kid to do? A hint - If Shinichi were to know, he'd probably murder both of them. This is going to be fun to write.

Disclaimer – I don't own Magic Katio or Detective Conan