Author's Notes: Hello everyone! This is my very first fanfiction, and I hope you will have as much fun reading it as I did writing it! Before I get flamed for spelling errors, I want to point out that this is written in British English, so 'realize' will be spelled as 'realise'. Thank you!

Disclaimer: Gosho Aoyama owns Detective Conan. I only own the plot of this story.

Ran found it hard to breathe as she stared at the cold, lifeless form of Kudo Shinichi. Tears prickled her eyes and she bit her lips hard.

No…this couldn't be happening.

Desperately, she grabbed his hand and squeezed it. Yet, the chilliness of the air around him only ascertained the fact that her childhood friend, the maniac crazy about solving cases, was now dead. He lay on the hard cemented floor rigidly, his pale lips slightly apart. He was still donning his navy blue Teitan High uniform, the first few buttons of his coat unbuttoned in his usual fashion.

Ran could hear the Lord of Death silently sniggering, mocking her as he dragged the last of Shinichi's spirit along with him to a place where mortals could not reach. A lone tear fell to the ground as Ran placed her palm on his chest, checking his heartbeat.

Nothing.

Ran blinked rapidly in a futile attempt to keep her tears from flowing. She looked at the peaceful smile on Shinichi's face and found it harder to keep her emotions in check. Just how could such a good lad leave the world at such a young age? Life was unfair. The criminals who had murdered him were long gone, while an innocent man had his life taken away from him. It wasn't fair!

In the humid afternoon, Ran could only watch helplessly as her first love drifted further and further away from her. The sky turned a gloomy shade of grey, as if feeling the melancholy of the tragic couple who were forced to be separated. Another tear trailed down her cheeks, and Ran wiped it away hastily.

Pitter. An innocent raindrop hit the pavement. Without warning, it soon turned into a heavy downpour. The dark clouds hovered in the sky, millions of silver pins falling back to Earth. Shoulders shuddering, Ran broke down and the overflowing tears rolled down her cheeks. Head hung in shame, she covered her face as she cried loudly.

I'm so useless! I couldn't even protect the one I love!

Her heartbroken sobs resounded loudly through the air, followed instantly by a clap of thunder. Unable to control herself anymore, Ran held onto Shinichi's clothing for dear life, and shut her eyes tight.

"Shinichi! Don't you leave all on my own!" she wailed, hitting his chest with as much strength as she could muster. "You jerk! How could you go now when you haven't fulfilled your promises?" Ran sniffed loudly, and punched the ground in frustration. "And I didn't even confess to you! All these feelings of mine were bottled up in my chest…and now –" she swallowed hard, "I don't even get to say those words."

She shook Shinichi's shoulders and continued, "I never told you I love you, you idiot! I've always loved you! How could you not notice it and leave me, huh? I love you, I love you, I love you!" she lunged forward and engulfed Shinichi in a warm hug. "I've only loved you, Shinichi…it was always you. You were always the first one who would notice that I'm feeling unwell, and you were always the first one to wipe away my tears when I'm feeling down, and you were always the first one to greet me in the morning…"

She took in several deep breaths, her hands trembling. For the first time, she took a good look at Shinichi's face. He had high cheekbones, a high-bridged nose, fair complexion, full plump lips which he probably inherited from his beautiful mother. His jet black hair complemented his delicate features perfectly, a few strands of hair always sticking upwards at the back of his head.

He indeed was handsome. Ran had always known this, but she never noticed how good-looking he really was. She could understand his fan girls' feelings now, even just a little. Gingerly, she lifted her finger and trailed along his cheekbones, his nose, his eyes, his hairline, and his lips. Her finger lingered on them, as if trying to remember all the small details. They were slightly dry and cracked, and Ran choked back her tears.

"Why, Shinichi? Why do I always have to cry when it comes to you? Do you really dislike me that much? So much that you can't even bear to stay with me?"

In the chilly night, Ran buried her head in the crook of Shinichi's neck, not noticing a dark shadow behind her. The mysterious person loomed over her, her eyes cool and piercing.

"I can save him."

Ran's eyes widened. Her heartbeat quickened, and it was so loud that Ran thought she had imagined the voice. She blinked rapidly, before turning around slowly. Time seemed to pass excruciatingly slowly as Ran finally came face-to-face with the last person she had expected to see.

"What?" she spluttered.

The renowned chemist gazed at her condescendingly, her sharp chin tilted upwards as she folded her arms across her chest.

"You heard me," she spoke slowly, enunciating every word with dry sarcasm.

Ran froze; at that moment, blue, cobalt eyes met with soft, caramel eyes. She stared at the woman before her with her mouth hanging open slightly. This can't be real…right? She glanced at Shinichi, and lifted her head again to meet the chemist's gaze.

"He's dead," Ran said simply, hoping her voice would not break. She spared another glance at the man in her arms lovingly. "He's dead." She stroked his hair with a gentle smile, suddenly forgetting that a third party was still watching them.

"Not if I save him."

"Shut up."

"I really can."

"Shut…up."

"Just hand him over to – "

"Shut up!" screamed Ran. Fresh salty tears started streaking down her chin again. "He's dead, he's dead, he's dead! Stop trying to raise stupid hope in me! You know it. You know that he's can't be revived! Just stop it and go away!" she roared, pure fury in her eyes. Ran still could not grasp what was happening. Had Shinichi really passed away? It just seemed surreal. No, it was impossible. Shinichi was too perfect. He was too young. No, he did not deserve to die. Ran tried to calm her erratic heartbeat.

In…out…in…out.

She sniffed. "What do you want?"

The chemist smirked. "Easy. Just him and his body for as long as he is in the process of recovering."

"In exchange for his well-being?"

The tension in the air in told everything Ran needed to know. She knew that the chemist definitely did not do this out of noble intentions. In fact, she had a feeling that the chemist had deadly thoughts in her mind. Still…if Shinichi could be revived, it couldn't be that bad, right?

Ran knew that she had to make her choice carefully. This was a huge gamble, and if she did not play her cards right, she would have to pay a price.

"I can't promise you that," the chemist said with a tight smile, "but I promise you that he'll be alive the next time you see him."

Ran narrowed her eyes in distrust and vaguely remembered the person's face. Where had she seen her before? Why did she look so familiar? Suddenly, it became clear as day to Ran: the woman was the famous scientist that was featured in the newspaper. It seemed that she had invented a drug that cures cancer. What was her name again…?

"Miyano Shiho," Ran whispered with a venomous glint in her eyes. Dr. Miyano stood at a height of 1.67 metres, her black stilettos complementing her black shirt and grey jeans. She had short, wavy hair that naturally brownish-blonde and tickled her slender, white throat. Dr. Miyano was an exquisite creature, yet her eyes were frighteningly emotionless. They seemed to be empty, like abysses that were filled with darkness.

"Hurry up. He doesn't have much time left."

Time was ticking by at an alarming speed. Ran knew that she had to make her decision, fast. Without thinking, she shouted out the first thing that came to her mind.

"Fine!"

Dr. Miyano arched her eyebrows. "Are you sure?"

"Go, before I change my mind!" Ran said, deflated.

For once, satisfaction swam in Dr. Miyano's blue orbs. She smiled triumphantly, her lips curling upwards into a beautiful crescent.

"Oh, I forgot to mention. You are not allowed to tell anyone about Shinichi's death, nor are you allowed to make contact with Shinichi at any time."

Ran clenched her fists. Taking in shaky, deep breaths, she seethed, "I know. Leave us alone. I want to talk to him for one last time." Dr. Miyano did not look surprised. She stepped into the dark alley and her shadow became smaller and smaller. Ran shifted her gaze to Shinichi, her hardened eyes softening. The translucent moonlight shone on Shinichi's beautiful face, and it seemed like the world stopped for a while.

For a while, Shinichi was still alive, laughing with her.

For a while, Shinichi was still Shinichi, dreaming to become a great detective like Holmes himself.

For a while, Shinichi was still hers…hers to be with, hers to fight with, hers to love.

Under the moonlight, Ran hugged Shinichi, snaking her arms around his sculpted back. Slowly, she moved her hands upwards, feeling every single muscle, every single bone, until she reached the back of his head. Ran closed her eyes with a contented sigh, smiling sadly. She tried to remember this moment – she really did – and placed her lips tenderly over his. It was not passionate, not fiery, yet filled with love. Love of the purest kind, without any foul intentions.

It lasted for only a second, but it felt like an eternity.

She would remember this kiss for life.

Ran braced herself mentally and looked up with fire in her eyes. "Dr. Miyano, I'm ready."

"Finally."

An old Porsche 356A screeched to a halt. Its blinding flashlight caused Ran to block her eyes. A few moments later, she realised that strong beam of light was gone. Panicking, she spun around and Shinichi was nowhere to be seen. Just then, Dr. Miyano rolled down her window with a cheeky grin. "Oh yeah, just in case you need to contact me, go to Subaru Street, Blk 323. A person will be there to see to you personally."

Dr. Miyano held up three fingers.

"The code is 313. Good luck."

The blinding flashlight came on and Ran did not bother to block it anymore. She watched as the car drifted further and further away from her sight, and once it fully disappeared, she dusted herself off and walked home with a blank, tired face.

Fixing a deadpanned gaze on the white concrete, Ran stood on one of the last steps of the second flight of stairs to the entrance of Mouri's Detective Agency. Her fingers trembled against the coarse skin of the handrails, and with dread, lifted her heavy head to meet the unwelcoming sight of the slightly ajar door.

With a defeated sigh, she strenuously dragged her feet up the stairs and clasped the door handle. Just as she tightened her grip on the gleaming metal, she caught the musky scent of beer and animalistic roars of euphoria reverberating through the air. Instinctively, she flung open the door, and screamed, "Dad!"

But Mouri Kogorou was hardly sober. On his lap sat a beautiful model, who could be no more than twenty, giving him butterfly kisses. Giggling inanely, he stroke her sleek blonde hair, and drank from the can of beer he held in his other hand. Only a few seconds after Ran's rude intrusion did he notice her presence.

"Shoo! I'm having fun," he hiccupped.

Sneering, she marched up to the teenager. "Get out of this place!" Ran said, grabbing her Louis Vuitton purse from the sofa, and throwing it out of the door. "Out - now!

"What?" the girl spluttered. "Say what – oh my gosh I can't believe what you just did – bitch!" With one last furious glance at the bristling girl, the teenager fled, smoothing the wrinkles in her sundress as she ungraciously exited from the suffocatingly small living room.

Too tired to deal with the drunken mess before her, Ran was about to enter her room when she heard a slurred question.

"How did your date go?"

Ran stiffened. "Great enough."

Mouri wriggled his eyebrows. "My little girl has grown up!" He stared at Ran expectantly. "Well?"

"What?" Ran replied, a bit too quickly.

Mouri sighed irritably. "Has he proposed?"

"He won't."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I am."

"He's a decent guy, you know –"

"Of course I know! But what can I do now? He's dead, Dad. He's dead!" Ran cried, her perfect façade crumbling to pieces. "I know that I love him. I know that I would be happy being with him – but what now?" Tears flooded her eyes. "Nothing! I have less than nothing – some crazy psychopath came up to me and took his corpse! I can't even mourn him…"

"You are not allowed to tell anyone about Shinichi's death, nor are you allowed to make contact with Shinichi at any time."

Damn. Ran covered her mouth as she realised her fatal mistake. What if...Dad stirs up troubles and tells the police? One wrong move could cost Shinichi's life.

"Are you done with your tirade?" Mouri chuckled, winking at his cute daughter. "I know. Guys tend to be an ass on their first date – so much so that you would wish them to be dead – but it's okay!" Abruptly standing up, he hiccupped before reeling towards Ran. Leaning in, he whispered with an encouraging smile, "It just heightens the sexual tension."

Throwing his head backwards, Mouri guffawed loudly and Ran stared in disbelief at him. Retreating a few steps, Ran never took her eyes off of her father, while trying to decide on a suitable emotion to feel. She groaned as she accidentally kicked the chair, and glared at her insane father who was stripping and laughing at her misfortune.

"That's it! I'm going to bed. Goodnight."

Mouri watched his daughter stomp off with a bemused smile, but it slipped as soon as Ran was out of his sight. Furrowing his brows, he pondered his daughter's behaviour that night, and thought that something was amiss.

"Maybe I'm thinking a bit too much," he snickered, dismissing that thought.

Unable to balance himself, Mouri fell backwards and landed on the sofa, where he spent yet another night in the comfort of solitude.

The engine roared to life as Miyano Shiho stepped hard on the accelerator. Obediently, the black vintage car zoomed past the glamorous city lights and the inconspicuous, run-down buildings. It was almost like watching a movie. Everything in the outside world seemed so normal – families laughing heartily at an inside joke, siblings bickering over the recent disappearances of their favourite toys, teenagers bearing tattoos and crossing the road without a care in the world – it was so normal that it was abnormal.

People did not realise it. The world was in fact a dangerous, unsafe place. Every night, there were gangsters, thieves, terrorists, and bloodthirsty criminal masterminds out to get them. And yet, they smiled like there was nothing wrong with the world – like they were not aware of the darkness that surrounded and threatened to eat them whole.

Fools.

Her mobile phone rang.

"It's me." It was Gin's signature drawl. "I'm done with that good-for-nothing APTX 4869 buyer. How's the detective?"

Shiho calmly turned the steering wheel twice to the left. "Dead."

"Good. And you've disposed of his body, I believe?"

"Yes," Shiho paused. "I'm slightly concerned though. The public is bound to notice if the detective goes missing for more than a few days."

Gin laughed. "Don't worry. It's already taken care of. Our agents will fabricate a cover story when his house explodes tomorrow."

"What about Fujimoto?"

"Who's that?"

"Our APTX 4869 client."

"Oh, him? I used APTX 4869 on him," Gin chuckled sinisterly. "Ironic, isn't it? He got killed by the very drug that he initially agreed to purchase."

Shiho pursed her lips, frowning disapprovingly. "I don't like how you are abusing my drugs, Gin. They are not meant to be - "

"Sherry," Gin cut her off effectively with a low, husky voice. "Learn your place."

There was a hint of danger in his voice, but Shiho was too angry to care. "But I've never intended for this to be a poison! The 'incomplete detective' was created for a completely different purpose, and you know it."

"Sherry," Gini said warningly once more. "We have already discussed this before."

Shiho opened her mouth to protest, but decided against it. "I understand," she said begrudgingly, narrowing her eyes.

The tense silence hung. "I will inform Anokata of your commendable work." Click.

Shiho's eyes darkened sombrely as she carefully placed her phone on the passenger's seat. This was a very dangerous game she was playing, and it was too late to go back now.

Author's Notes: Please drop me a review and tell me what you think of this chapter. Thanks a lot! :)