Semi-sequel to "Stealing Immortality", randomly set somewhen in The Grey Zone timeline. All thanks to Icka as usual for not minding me playing in her Universes. Disclaimers to follow.

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The Grey Zone: Taken
By Jaelle

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"Well, this is somewhat awkward."

"You're telling me," The Kaitou Kid gave a half-bow to the man whose fingers had tangled with his own when they both reached for the elegant crystal necklace. "I had no idea Europe had so many thieves. Uh, speaking of which, please tell me you're not going to pull out a sword or reveal that you've had an affair with my father?"

The other thief laughed gaily. "What an interesting tour you must be having! Be reassured though, I have no sword, and I fear I must disclaim that particular honour. Although..." his free hand reached down and caressed Kaitou's cheek softly. "If he was anything like you in looks, I fear I may have missed a great opportunity."

Kid felt a hot blush crawl up his face. "Uh, thanks, I think."

"Can I dare to hope that opportunity is knocking a second time?" His rival asked seductively.

"Glurk," Kid swallowed hurriedly and ordered himself not to let go of the necklace. "Unfortunately not."

The other thief's head tilted inquiringly. "Not interested?"

Kid decided to go with honesty. "Already taken."

"A thief who is taken?"

"I know," Kid said, a little of his self-possession coming back as he thought about Hakuba... who was probably leading a squad of policemen through the art gallery right now as a matter of fact... "But, sometimes it's not so bad."

"No," the other thief was amused now. "Indeed it's not so bad to be taken."

Kid told himself firmly that that hadn't been meant as sexual innuendo. Oh, who was he kidding? He blushed again.

The sound of running and shouting began to filter into the gallery. There was also a gunshot, which made Kid raise his eyebrows. It wasn't like Hakuba to lose control of the cops like that.

"Oh dear, it seems as my annoying rival has once more arrived upon the scene." The other thief smirked and disengaged from Kid and the necklace. "As an appreciation of your charming company, and as an apology for my rival's boorish behaviour, I leave the necklace to you."

"Thank you very much," Kid said steadily, neatly slipping the necklace out of the display and tucking it into his coat.

"But..." and before he knew it, Kid had been swept closer to the other thief. "I do claim one prize tonight."

**

"Rude poncy bastard with a stick up his ass..." Hakuba had been ranting furiously ever since he'd returned from the heist. Kaito was watching him thoughtfully, not saying anything, as the detective paced backwards and forwards across the room. "Just waltzed in and took control! Told me to stay out of the way, that this wasn't a game for kids! Creep! Moron! Bozo!" He struggled with himself for a moment. "Creep!"

"You said Creep," Kaito pointed out helpfully.

"Yes, but I was inserting it in place of a much ruder word," Hakuba explained tightly, before sighing and letting his shoulders slump. "He kicked me out of the scene," he said dejectedly. "I had to watch the whole thing from the sidelines."

"Never mind," Kaito soothed. "You'll get another chance."

"Should I be happy about this?" Hakuba raised his eyes to the sky and consulted the heavens for an answer, before shaking himself and looking annoyed. "Ugh, that man just got me so angry and wound up, I'm acting like an amateur thespian!"

Kaito's mouth twitched. "It's been a bit of a night for dramatics, all told."

"Oh, and how was the play backstage then?" Hakuba looked hopeful. "By any chance did a certain annoying leading character make a pratfall of an entrance?"

"There were no pratfalls," Kaito sniffed. "This was a quality performance thank you." He paused, "There was an epilogue though. A, er, a gift, from one thief to another."

"You got the necklace AND a gift?" Hakuba raised his eyebrows.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Kaito said innocently. "And who said the gift was for me?"

Standing up, he swooped upon Hakuba, grabbed him and dipped him gently in one smooth motion.

"A prize," he explained to the astonished detective, "from one thief, to another."

Leaning down, he kissed Hakuba quite thoroughly, his arms straining at the weight of the other boy.

"Not that I'm complaining but... this was the prize?" Hakuba asked when they broke apart.

"Mmmm," Kaito hauled him up with an effort.

"From Eroica, with love."

End

Disclaimers: Kaitou Kid and Hakuba are the property of Gosho Aoyama. Eroica and Klaus are the property of Aoike Yasuko. The Grey Zone Universe was the cracked out idea of Icka M. Chif. No infringement intended, blah blah blahdiddy blah.

A/N: Well, uh, I was just reading volume 2 of Eroica and it just came to me. I TRIED to send it away...

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