bakerstreet | dialogue prompt!

What...!? It's not a--

[ ...Forget it, he's not arguing with that. Two words in and he already knows, he's just fallen right into another one of Ouma's pointless traps. With a frustrated noise that cuts off in his throat, he slinks back in the seat, taking a moment to cool his head. Things have been happening in succession for a while by now, so he's long overdue for some time to himself.

He's never found car seats particularly comfortable, he thinks, but after the kind of day they just had... it feels nice. Even the discomfort from the seat-belt feels minor, and soon enough his eyes find themselves drifting closed, and his mind almost fades with the quiet rumbling from the engine and wheels. ...But he probably shouldn't fall asleep. ]

Besides, it's more likely to be a problem for me that I brought you there. So if anyone's taking risks with this, it's not you.

[ If that's how Ouma wants to play, he can have an annoyingly vague hint to puzzle over too. ]

[Huh. Kokichi eyes Shuichi as he settles in for the ride, expression simultaneously thoughtful and entertained.]

Iiiinteresting.

[He is intrigued now. But it almost feels like asking about it would be losing somehow. So he lets it go – they'll find out when they get there, and Shuichi can choose to consider the blind faith Kokichi is putting in him by doing so if he wants.

There are other things he's curious about anyway, now that they have a spare moment to talk about it. Kokichi flops back into his seat, refastening his seatbelt.]

So that guy and whoever he's working with must be after you because of that thing you stole, right? But isn't that weird? I mean, if they wanted it and knew it was there, why leave it there for thirty years?

[ For all that it's worth, he does. He realizes on some level Ouma's trusting in him -- just like they've mutually been doing for a while. He hates to admit it, but it feels... nice. It's like progress of some sort. ]

I didn't steal it.

[ He's holding on to that one, though. It's not "ethical" stealing like Ouma originally teased him, either. ]

I'm allowed to make calls like that about evidence if I want. ...I-I mean, so long as I still turn it in.

[ Which he will. No matter that he's not the one in possession of it right now, but anyway, given what happened after he'd say that his instinct was right to remove that piece from the scene. The question is... just like the other is asking, why? Why was it sitting in the jukebox this whole time? If anything, he's been turning the same problem in his mind, but the only thing he can say so far is... well, Ouma's got a keen sense. ]

I... don't know. I've been thinking about why they left it too, but so far nothing I've come up with makes sense. Still... in the fact that they chased us, I feel like they made a mistake.

[ It's pretty obvious, if you think of it. Until then, there was little way to confirm if the person who pulled off the heist was even still there, or hadn't long since accomplished their goal and then left. But now that this happened, they can deduce a few things. ]

[Kokichi snickers, but doesn't argue the first point. Whatever helps Mr. Detective sleep at night, right?]

Yup, yup! I mean, we know the face of at least one person involved with the baddies now. I know Saihara-chan paid attention to an important detail like that. And now we know this wasn't left behind on accident!

[He retrieves the wrapped signet from wherever he'd stashed it with such a quick, smooth gesture it almost seems to have just appeared spontaneously in his hand. Irreverently, he unwraps it and peers at the thing.]

It must be preeeetty important, huh? Enough so that they'd stalk some innocent kids for it. The mystery deepens!

[It's kinda fun being on this side of the mystery for once. Not enough to make him give up his Evil Supreme Leader ways, of course, but he might not mind the occasional team up with a certain Detective of Truth and Justice.

And now that they have a moment to breathe, he should probably let the rest of his group know everything's fine, huh? Idly rolling the signet between his fingers, Kokichi retrieves his phone and returns to that group chat, quickly shooting off a message that makes their driver's phone buzz softly.

There's just a moment's pause, and then on a whim, he creates a new group chat. He doesn't really pause to think on it. No second-guessing himself now. He just goes ahead adding all his darling subordinates as well as Shuichi. The nee chat is quickly christened as he takes a picture of the signet and shares it with the chat, along with a message.]

a fabulous reward for whoever can dig up any dirt on this thing!
☆(>ω・)

[ Ah... why is he taking it out? For a moment or two, he just thinks Ouma might give it back -- it makes sense after all, their pursuers would be targeting the item itself, so it's like cutting risks. As for him... well, he'd probably feel better that way too; if someone has to get chased for this, it goes without saying Saihara would prefer it to be him, and not the classmate he got involved, no matter who it is.

Which is why... he's surprised by what Ouma actually does. Even more so when his own phone alerts him quietly of the second time and he checks his screen. ]

Huh...!? Ah, um... are you sure this is fine?

[ He raises a soft voice at first, glancing uncertainly at his companion beside him. But... it doesn't take him long. If he's doing this, then Ouma is probably serious about it; he can say what he likes with his words, but in the end it's still actions that weigh more. Slowly as he thinks, Saihara's expression changes a little to a more resolute frown on his face, which he finally settles with a firm nod and a traded gaze.

Alright. They're in this together, then. ]

Th-Then... you should give them at least some hints.

[ Which are easy enough to just type on his own: ]

The starting point is... it probably used to be mounted inside a ring.
Standard 18x14mm for size, which makes it more likely to have belonged to a man.
It was used to sign documents of some sort, more than once.

Hm? Yeah, it'll be easier this way. Since I won't have to play messenger if anyone figures something out.

[Unconcerned, he shoots out another nonsensical text. But then he pauses, as if something just occurred to him, and he gives Shuichi a sly look.]

Oh, are you concerned about owing me even more? It's pretty smart of you to be wary! I'm infamously cruel to those in my debt, y'know.

[Meanwhile, there's a barrage of responses rolling into the group chat. On Shuichi's phone, they're still anonymous numbers, but on Kokichi's they're identified by those individual emojis.]

???

Who is this?

a mystery guest??

A mission!!! How exciting!!!

hey hey hey who are you???

guys shut up

Hi!!! ♥

What is happening

[ Normally? He might. He'd be wary immediately from that change of tune, but in the current situation it's really... well, let's just say that he's way more inclined to believe in Ouma's initial reaction instead. ]

No... I'm not really worried about that. You wouldn't be doing this if you weren't curious too.

[ And anyway, the chat is way more disconcerting right now than any Ultimate Supreme Leader (self-proclaimed of evil) on his own ever was. ]

Ah, is there... something specific I should say?

[ He looks at his phone, then at Ouma's, and then back again -- but it doesn't seem to help. Everyone's got... some sort of identifying mark, correct? If he pays close attention and then scans the messages for them... there it is. Someone in chat just referred to another participant by theirs, and it seems to match what's on Ouma's display. So they aren't just something he picked for his contacts alone... or at least, they aren't isolated to his own phone.

That gives him a functional starting point, at least. ]

Sorry, I didn't mean to cause confusion. If it makes things easier, I'll go by 🔎 for now?

[ Yes, it's kind of obvious, leave him be. It's not like he had a luxury of time or of warnings in advance to think. ]

Do I need to teach Saihara-chan how to introduce himself to strangers? I didn't realize you were that helpless...

[The teasing suggests that no, he is not going to give Shuichi any help here. Kokichi's form of introducing people seems more along the lines of a mother bird shoving its chick out of the nest and expecting it to figure out flying on its own.

But at least Shuichi's going for it. Points for taking initiative! Kokichi smiles to himself, reading the message as in comes in through the chat...

And then bursts out laughing. Of course.]

And now Saihara-chan's trying to fit in!!

[ let him live kokichi jfc he's doing his best

Meanwhile, the chat continues exploding in a whole new way. A few of the numbers only responded once or twice before going quiet, perhaps getting to work or having other things going on in real life to deal with. One or two of the contacts added to the chat still haven't chimed in at all. But another few are continuing to blow up their phones.]

Wait is that the infamous detective??? owo

omg

DETECTIVE IS HEREEEE

hi there

omggg are you joining us now? :>

Guys, you'll scare him off lol

[ Ouma's laughing so much... was his message really that weird? He has doubts about that, but he still holds his breath while he checks with the chat, exhaling it softly when the responses don't seem to mind. This feels like it's shaving a few years off his life with the level of stress alone, but... maybe not in a bad way, in the end. It's giving him insight into Ouma, too -- there's no way the other doesn't realize that, right? Then why is he letting Saihara see all of this?

For a group of people he's certain he doesn't know, they were definitely quick to adjust. And what does the first one mean exactly by "infamous"...? He hasn't done anything that grand? If another hadn't already happened to give a detail that debunks that too, he'd assume he was being mistaken for Kirigiri or someone else. It feels a little... elaborate for a prank.

In the middle of his turmoil, he somehow remembers to respond: ]

No, don't worry, I don't mind. Thank you for having me. I don't know about joining precisely, but still... when it comes to this matter at least, I'm willing to answer whatever I can.

[ And, now that he has... ]

Hey... Ouma-kun?

[ His voice still sounds shaky and meek past his lips; he's been through too much in these couple of minutes to feel calm just yet. But there's something that caught his eye over anything else, and he can't overlook it so he steadies himself. ]

Why does it sound like they've heard about me before?

[The chat continues in a flurry, a mix of excited chatter and "so polite!!" and a few questions actually relevant to the mission. Kokichi tucks his phone away, apparently satisfied with the current trajectory of things. He's trying not to smile too much about the whole situation, but he's not succeeding very well.

Ah, well. It's not like it's too unusual for him anyway. Might as well roll with it.

It's honestly a good thing he has that thought just as Shuichi questions him. It means he's already leaning into it, so the smile doesn't slip even as he glances to Shuichi, eyebrows arching with something like bemusement. Should have figured Shuichi would be sharp enough to pick up on that...

Kokichi gives a vague gesture, as if dismissing the question out of hand.]

Obviously I briefed my top subordinates on all my classmates. Good minions should know the people their leader deals with regularly, right? And I only recruit the best people, so it's only natural.

[In the front seat, their driver smirks to herself, but says nothing. Y'know, like a good minion.]

I guess... that makes sense.

[ You know, the kind of sense where he's clearly not convinced and not buying it yet, but he also has no evidence to the contrary so there's nothing else he could say. He can't exactly argue a good point based on only... feeling off.

Unlike Ouma, who's done with the chat, he spends a few minutes making good on his promise and answering whatever relevant questions are asked. It's a strange experience, all in all. He can tell each individual person in the group is sharp in some way; they really do feel like the sort of people he could see Ouma choose, easily for a different sort of reason from case to case. By the time he's done, he's pretty certain he's never felt this exhausted before in his life.

It's not... necessarily in a bad way, though. Tucking his phone away, he leans back in his seat again, exhaling a breath that reads both that he's tired and feels relieved in some way. ]

We can settle a few more things when we get to our destination, too. Most of my case data is still at school, but there's a computer there I can use to at least access some.

[ He feels the need to inform Ouma as they wait, though his eyes soon drift closed. It might not be a bad idea to rest for a minute while he can... ]

I mean... that's what I intend to do, but you'll be able to sleep if you want.

[For those few minutes, there's a comfortable silence – rare when Kokichi is involved. Kokichi leans back to peek out their rear window again, watching the nearby cars as Shuichi texts everyone a bit more.

He can feel the buzz of each text in his pocket, as well as each reply from the others. It's strangely satisfying.

But at Shuichi's sigh, Kokichi turns back at him and immediately notes that weary look. He watches Shuichi's face for a moment, safe to do so while the other's eyes are closed, before he responds with a wry sort of amusement.]

You say that, but it seems like Saihara-chan's the one that wants to sleep right now.

[He grins, and kindly pats Shuichi on the knee.]

I guess a wimp like you isn't used to all this running around! So it's fine if you wanna nap 'til we get there.

[ Wimp...? It's difficult to decide how to feel about that, but still... there's also really nothing he can do. He's more used to difficult, tedious work and to being dragged around than Ouma seems to think, but he stands to gain nothing from arguing with that right now. So as usual, he'll just... quietly swallow the last ounce of pride he has, which already isn't much. ]

...Alright. I'll do that for a bit.

[ If he wants to be functional later, this is probably his best choice. For the moment, they've done all they can and there's little more they can help from inside the car; it's unlikely he'll catch another moment like this, where there's nothing else he can do with his time. Sure, it means looking weak around Ouma perhaps... but whatever.

Settling down, he ends up folding both arms on his chest, sinking further into the cushion as best he can. Overall, it's not really... too bad. Soon enough, he's drifting off with more ease than he thought he could, lulled by the constant and rhythmical curtain of noise that just seems to drown out his concerns. A few minutes later, as the car takes a turn, he's fully asleep while he's jerked to one side as far as the seatbelt will allow, and for some reason his body just naturally decides he can settle right there, his head falling softly to Ouma's shoulder. ]

[ oh fuck

Well, there goes any chance of Kokichi also dozing off for the rest of this trip. He is wide awake now, hyper-aware of the slight weight of Shuichi leaning against him.

He could very easily poke Shuichi awake and tease him for this. It'd probably be hilarious, too. No doubt Shuichi would blush and fluster and fumble for words and it'd all be very cute.

But Kokichi doesn't have it in him. Maybe he's just also too tired, who knows. So he remains still as he can, gingerly digging his phone back out to keep himself busy. If he's gonna be trapped here for a bit, he might as well begin some research of his own on that signet.

Pointedly, he doesn't look up at the rearview mirror. He doesn't need to meet Queen's eyes and acknowledge her as a witness to this gay mess right now.]

[ ...

Funnily enough, this seems to be a comfortable spot for him, because aside from one hand that at some point slips from its perch, he doesn't move much anymore. The fingers from that end up somewhere in Ouma's sleeve, and though they don't quite exactly grasp at the fabric, they still dig in, just enough to be felt on the other's arm beneath. Whatever that meant to Saihara in his sleep, it appears he's content, as for the rest of the way there's no other disturbance or change from his end.

It takes about an hour before he wakes -- by some providence, on his own -- stirring briefly beside his companion before he can manage to get his bearings and figure out where he is. It doesn't immediately sink in. ]

...Ouma-kun?

[ He's close. Why is he this cl-- ]

What... ah!?

[ It's only at this point that he pulls himself up, backing off as if burned, while the hand that fled quickly from the other's clothes travels up, running shakily through his hair. It serves him a double purpose to do so, really, because as much as the gesture itself helps with focus... the way it still lingers beyond that reads more like a shield. A cover to hide just how flustered he feels. ]

I-I'm sorry! You should have-- I mean, I just--

[ Ouma should have woken him. He didn't realize. Etc. He doesn't quite manage to word any of it in full, because... what is he trying to even say? The only part of it that makes any sense is the apology at least, because he's certainly feeling that. ]

[For just a moment when Shuichi first wakes up, Kokichi is quiet and passive. His face is...not quite blank, but at ease. Not discontent, but without the usual exaggerated expressions he's always wearing. He thumbs through his phone, focused on his research.

Until Shuichi pipes up. Whoops. He quickly adopts a grin, one that immediately becomes more genuine as Shuichi processes the situation and, as expected, loses his shit.]

You really think I'm so cruel that I'd dislodge a sleeping Saihara-chan? I bet you think I shove sleeping cats off ledges, too!

[He goes straight for the nonsense redirects. Better to distract himself from the residual warm along his side, the now-foreign looseness in his sleeve after its finally been released.]

Oh, and I definitely didn't draw anything on your face while you slept!

[He didn't. But sometimes telling the truth is funnier when you're a known liar.]

...!?

[ As expected, he falls right for that one too. Fumbling slightly in his hazy state, it makes quite a pitiful show as he rubs at his face, trying hard to smear ink that's not there onto his hand. When that fails, somewhere in the middle of suspecting what happened by now, he resorts to the window beside him and then the mirror straight out, which clears the last trace of doubt that there's nothing actually drawn in the first place.

Damn it. A frustrated groan leaves his lips. ]

S-Stop messing with me...

[ But his voice still feels groggy, and the complaint doesn't come across even half as strongly worded as it could. Now that he's somewhat less high-strung, he can kind of reason it out in his mind. The truth is... Ouma could have done any number of things to him with how careles he got, but in the end... the result is this. Nothing actually happened.

He turns his attention outside instead, where it's mostly gotten dark by this point and the beacons of typical city lights and of buildings and cars are the only guide. Even so, it doesn't stop him from recognizing a slightly familiar store, or the same motorcycle that's always parked at this hour of evening in front of a certain house. Ahead, in the direction they're actually going, a number of taller structures loom as a cluster of silhouettes around a large intersection, and he recognizes those too.

Because... those are their destination. ]

Ah... there. It's the third one on the right -- that's the building we want.

[ Which, from a distance, looks entirely nondescript and blends right in with the others around it, so even if Ouma were trying to guess the reason they're going, he'll have to wait. Because Saihara isn't explaining; that, at least, feels a little like vindication for the earlier stunt. ]

[Kokichi watches out the window as they approach the building in question. He has some theories, at least. But he holds his tongue for once, just humming an acknowledgement.]

Fiiinally. Jeez, did you drag us across the country?

[...Holds his tongue on said theories, anyway. Did you really expect him to entirely stay quiet??

The car eventually pulls up alongside the curb and parks. Their driver takes a moment to stretch her shoulders after the long drive before turning in her seat to face them.]

Should I just leave you here, or will you also need a ride back later?

[Kokichi answers before Shuichi can, leaning forward against the back of her seat.]

Queenie's so attentive! But nah, we're good.

[If the plan is to lay low for a bit and they took this long to get out here, then he imagines Shuichi doesn't expect them to head back tonight. And if he's wrong...well, then Shuichi can figure out the return strategy. Kokichi can't do eeeeverything here, right?]

Weren't you the one offering to even take us abroad?

[ Bold words from someone who can't even handle a car ride across the city to a different district, so of course, Saihara calls him out. The same type of attitude hardly applies to their driver though, for whom he makes sure to politely confirm what Ouma just said. ]

Oh... right, we'll be fine. But thank you for bringing us all the way.

[ In a couple more moments (and maybe with some other traded pleasantries), they make it outside on the sidewalk which doesn't seem very populated right now. There are some people around, but none really seem to be paying them any mind, and the quiet atmosphere makes for a stark contrast with earlier downtown. Without much trouble, Saihara picks his way up a set of wide stairs and to the entrance of the building he'd pointed out, not really checking if Ouma followed -- he kind of assumes he has.

It's a tall, multi-story apartment complex of some sort, though you can tell by a series of plaques on the wall beside the modern-looking door -- it's the type where smaller businesses tend to often rent space. They're all listed there in order, along with the suite number for each, and maybe a contact phone from case to case. Although it's kind of lost among others and doesn't stand out in any way, there is one listing that might look relevant, by virtue of the words "private investigations" beneath the name. Which, quite pointedly, is a different last name from his own.

But it does list the apartment, which is 53 (I'm sorry) -- placing it most likely on the 5th floor. ]

Come on.

[ With that simple call, he makes sure to let Ouma into the building through the door, which opens quite easily with a card that he pulls from his pocket, attached to the rest of his keys. Wherever this is, it's clear Saihara has more than just visited it before. ]

Planes are faster than cars! And they have in-flight movies and flight attendants that give you soda!

[Kokichi whines dramatically, but he does indeed follow Shuichi inside without issue. He only pauses just long enough to scan the nameplates.

Hmm. Yep, that was one of his top guesses. Satisfied, he hurries to catch up with Shuichi.]

I guess you're not planning on introducing me to your parents, huh?

[After what they talked about earlier, it wouldn't really feel appropriate to make a joke along those lines. Pity.]

[ Alright, sure. Planes are faster, but the destinations suggested weren't exactly... close. Chances are, they'd have ended up sitting there a lot longer still, and it's not as if Ouma couldn't just watch something on his phone or ask the driver to stop at some store. Just thinking about it, he's already tired. ]

What...?

[ Which is why, the actual question that follows gives him pause. ]

That's... not really an option, you know? And even if it were, I think I'd rather not.

[ But is it Ouma he wouldn't want to introduce to them, or is it the other way around? He doesn't specify, just conveniently using the button in the lobby to call the elevator and avoid the topic as best he can. Thankfully for him, it's the type of building that has multiple, so with the console now displaying "B" he can use that chance to pretend he's distracted with searching. ]

[It's best not to think on it too hard, Shuichi. Sometimes he's just saying nonsense to be contrary for funsies. It's really not worth the headache.

Unfortunately, there might be a fair amount of that incoming. No longer in control of the situation, all Kokichi can do is wait, and he's most dangerous when idle and bored.

So of course, be chooses to react as if interpreting Shuichi's dismissal in the worst way possible. Tears well up out of nowhere, and he grabs at Shuichi's upper arm to tug at it dramatically.]

Ehh?? Is Saihara-chan that ashamed of me?? Have you just been toying with me all this time...?

H-Hey...!

[ They almost miss the elevator thanks to that, and he has to physically drag Ouma through the open doors to make sure they don't. What in the world is the other even talking about...? Sure, he could see him being a little bummed, since in retrospect that wasn't a very friendly response on his part. But this is... ]

They're just... not in the country right now, what would you want me to do?

[ Which is mumbled while he's trying, a little half-heartedly, to pry Ouma off himself. ]

Besides, I've never... introduced my friends to them. It'd be pretty weird to start.

[ ...Why is he even explaining this?? ]

[His weepy act is interrupted by a grin as Shuichi drags him into the elevator, but he gamely persists. Do you really expect him to just stand patiently in this elevator?? He'll die of boredom.]

Why would it be weird? I mean, of course I'd be the first! 'Cause I'm special, riiight?

[This is a trap.]

[ He's... what? For a second, it flusters him to get asked like that, and his mind blanks out. Not to mention they're in a tiny closed space, and no matter how much he'd been pushing it all away as a problem for later, it's impossible for some things not to surface back up. Like the stuff he'd been thinking of on the train...

But... he still won't be falling for that. When it comes to the answer itself, then it's simple enough. ]

...All of my friends are special to me, Ouma-kun. I'm not choosing favorites.

[ No matter how much the other might be trying to goad him to. But if he wanted to know he's included, then... yes? ]

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what's even the point of DICE if they aren't a ridiculous gang of clowns

they're living their best lives, i support them so much

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oops

👀

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