Disclaimer: I do not own Detective Conan. If I did- fluff. Shameless fluff. Everywhere.
The day I knew love a man lost his life.
Yeah,
Romantic.
It's an ill-timed epiphany, really. Since love isn't like, and a crush is hard to differentiate from a forever type of affection. But with wholehearted sincerity I can say it became clear during that somewhat... tragic day.
It happened while I'd been thinking back on a small crush at age six; both of us young preschoolers. As a girl who faded into the background you'd guess he won my affection with a flower. Some small gift. Maybe a kind word.
No.
He gave me no special attentions. It's merely observation of his character that reeled me in.
Rarely was he selfish, more often than not, decisions he made followed a righteous moral compass which even surprised adults. And it didn't stop there. He spat out facts no other child could. Could go so far as to outsmart detectives at times, and not by luck or pure chance; he simply knew. Yeah, his ego hit the roof more than anyone would like to admit, but I couldn't find it in myself to dislike his gloating. He had a right to gloat.
The memory of that boy detective still floats into my mind whenever I'm in a pinch since he always had an answer; always had a clue.
And if anything, I wish I had that little detective now...
"Men are searching there now. Try heading up north," a group of men spoke in a hushed whisper. Sneaking about the night for their target.
The one in charge sent his men a direction opposite of mine, since I managed to deceive him earlier. However, my wits come in short bursts so... now what?
I kept calm and surveyed my hideaway between the two buildings. Nothing around looked helpful. The dumpsters weren't high enough for me climb onto the roof. No makeshift weapons.
I can't stick around. Get spotted in this alley, and they'll have me cornered, I thought whilst peeking over a trashcan.
Two men dashed by. My breath caught as I hit the pavement.
With a hand over my thudding heart, I reconsidered the situation. All in all, not that bad. Despite having shot myself in the foot already. I dropped my head onto my knees. Modern day vampires in the life of crime, this syndicate only works after nightfall. It's their signature. The big neon sign they wear that should've been the easiest thing to avoid, yet here I am, strolling about in the dead of night. What did I expect!? It's a bizarre calling card, but as a large syndicate, they like the media to know what crimes they've committed. However, they do take issue on letting members go, in that they don't— therefore I'm running.
Helpless to curiosity, I snuck out of my hiding spot to search for anyone still lurking around. A crowd of people drew nearer, but thankfully, mere passersby. Hide a tree in the forest. So, I walked a few paces behind them, hoping for secure cover as we delved deeper into Japan's crowded streets.
When we meandered into a populated area I ran, but as luck would have it, the first corner I rounded brought me into interference.
The guy who bumped off me stumbled and gasped, "whoa!"
"Ouch!" I shouted upon hitting the ground, and immediately cupped my mouth. A quick glance around found more than a few people staring. Center of attention, I scrambled for my footing, and took off. Till the stranger grabbed my arm.
"What's the rush?" he asked. His cap shadowed most of his features, but from the tone he sounded more curious than concerned. And not even a hint of aggravation considering I'm the one who was being careless. Suspicious. An alarm went off in my head.
I hastily blurted, "Sale!"
"For what?"
"Would you!" I kicked him in the shin and ran off.
"Ouch!" He dropped and clutched his leg.
I escaped him successfully, but lost track of where I intended to go, and found myself wandering around a dead part of town.
Great, all the the stores are closed over here. Without the seclusion and cover of bustling townsfolk a cloak of unease wrapped around tight, but it seemed like they weren't around either, so I took a breather and reevaluated my situation. After rubbing the sweat from my forehead, I looked left then right, and came to a conclusion.
...I'm lost... Wait- that ramen shop looks familiar, so I was going the right way? I stretched my tired legs for another bout of running. But right as I took off something yanked my leg back. I tripped, then quickly looked back to my foot, and spotted someone else's next to it.
He smirked at the sight of my ire. I couldn't discern why in the world my pain would please this stranger, then it hit me, he's the one I kicked earlier.
I snapped sotto voce, "you think that's funny!? Ya idiot!"
I don't like to admit it, but my mindset is it doesn't matter what I did, what you did is worse, so sometimes there's no reasoning with me. He motioned his shoulders as if to say I dunno. Although that look on his face said otherwise.
I planted both hands firmly on the ground and swung my leg around, hit both of his legs, and knocked him flat on the pavement. He surrendered with a scowl spreading over his face. I hid a laugh at the sight, and dusted myself off.
After loosely helping him up I realized our difference in height. I grinned up to him and he smiled down to me; a silent way of reconciling with each other. We hadn't even introduced ourselves, yet somehow it felt as though we became friends.
He opened his mouth to speak when fear struck my eyes, striking confusion in his. Those pursuers were rounding the corner just mere seconds away from where we stood.
I grabbed the guy's upper arms, swung him into a nearby alley, then asked, "could you help?"
Although puzzled, he didn't hesitate to answer, "sure."
I snatched his hat and jacket then put them on.
It's just an act, I convinced myself. Although when I spoke next my voice still quivered, "lean over."
I cupped his chin in my hands, and gently pulled his face closer until our noses touched. I whispered for him to put his hands around my hips, and he complied. My palms hid the small space between our lips, and we closed our eyes. As the pursuers passed they joked about our PDA, but other than that, they left. The hoax succeeded.
The two of us were only breathing on each other, but as soon as they were gone we yanked apart.
I slipped out of his jacket, mumbling, "thanks."
He pushed it back into my hands. "Keep it, I won't pry anything out of you, but I think you need it more than me."
Even after such a situation, this stranger still felt willing to help me. "Thanks a lot." I expressed my gratitude the best I could with a hug. "We'll meet again!"
He patted my back. "Sure," sarcasm riddled in his voice conveyed how much he believed my statement.
Then we went our separate ways.
Making it home got me in the clear— well no, let's be truthful here. Getting home just got me into another mess of trouble. My parents gave me the scolding of a lifetime for staying out past sundown. And as punishment, I've been appointed kitchen duty for a week.
Luckily Grandma had been waiting for me at the kitchen table; she smiled and asked, "did ya find it?"
I pulled out a metallic microphone keychain. "Yeah."
Under this roof my grandmother is the only one capable of understanding me. I collect keychains. My collection consists of anything personally appealing so in a way it represents me. Although I'm not too keen on singing, the microphone is special.
What happened was I accidentally left it at a restaurant we visited earlier. And of course, business was booming when I returned to search for it, so I ended up losing track of time weaving in and out of the crowds of people. And before the hour occurred to me, night had already fallen onto the sky. Luckily by then the keychain was back in my hands.
The microphone keychain is one my parents gave me as a child when I won a talent show for singing a song called I Am from the anime Inuyasha. I had an obsession with the anime at the time— that abruptly ended with the first well I fell into. It hurt. And although the microphone itself is now a beat up unidentifiable scrap of metal, the memory embodied by it is my own finely cut diamond. I keep it close to remind myself that there will always be a place for me at home no matter how long this takes.
I removed the borrowed jacket and hat then started on the dishes when my parents walked in.
Mom pointed out the new additions to my outfit. "Did they spot you?"
"No, but they were patrolling."
Dad walked in. "Do they know we're here then?"
"Probably not in this particular area."
My parents seemed pleased with that and left. Ever the professionals, they have to question everything awry in this 'life' we've created. The people we spoke of actually did sorta spot me, but I'm fairly certain it was only my voice they heard. They aren't aware I've dyed my hair, so it's safe to assume they'll dismiss me as the wrong person.
After completing my punishment I ran down the hall, and plopped into bed. The cushions immediately put me under their spell which erased any memory of starting school tomorrow. So there everything was, spread out, when I woke up. My backpack empty, and school started an hour ago. Everything in my head felt like cursing, but colorful words aren't meant for me. So, the frustration came out physically as I nearly broke my supplies while putting them away.
With everything packed up, I double checked myself in the mirror, and left.
What was it called? Ah whatever, it was a... left? On this street? No, right. I sprinted through somewhat familiar neighborhoods until my new school came into sight.
"Teitan," I read aloud while climbing the locked entrance gates. Then I entered through the front doors and patrolled the halls for my new class.
Although quiet on the outside, 2-A is my destination. I slid the door open. All the half-glazed eyes locked onto me in a silent standoff. It's never the best feeling to interrupt class, so I almost pushed the door closed to pretend like I picked the wrong room.
"I got a memo, but are you the new student?" the teacher asked.
I regained my composure. "Yes."
She invited me to the front of the class, then gave an introductory, "class this is Sachiko Keiko."
I bowed to my new classmates and smiled. "Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you," the class echoed.
After she assigned me a seat it was business as usual. Although the rest of the period I received the occasional odd glance from classmates. Time seemed to fly otherwise, and the end of school came before I knew it.
"Ah, hey!"
I jerked back at the voice, and low and behold, the boy I didn't kiss last night stopped at my locker.
My face lit up. "I told you so!"
"Wait, how long have you had that spot?" He pointed at my shoe-locker as he opened his own. Apparently our lockers were right across from each other.
"I'm new actually."
"And in my grade it would seem." He eyed my second year textbooks. "That's funny."
I looked up from checking the contents of my bag, asking, "why?"
He rested an elbow on my shoulder. His smiled gradually grew wider as he waited for me to understand. "I wonder."
He took a wide step back as I swung my bag at him. "I get it, I'm short!"
"Oh, who is this?" A girl with long brown hair smiled at us. At her side came a girl with short blond hair.
"Hm?" He took notice of them and said, "oh, this is-" His head snapped back to me. "Wait... who is this?"
All their sudden attention sent me stumbling. I had to regain proper footing before answering, "I'm Sachiko Keiko."
The blond haired girl boldly pointed to herself. "Well, I'm Suzuki Sonoko."
"Mouri Ran." The brown haired girl softly smiled.
The boy grinned and winked just before saying, "Kudo Shinichi." Then Shinichi turned to the two girls. "She's new here so be nice."
"Nice? What's this? Keiko did you bribe him?" Sonoko met me shoulder to shoulder with a smile.
My hands shot up in defense. "No, I just met Shinichi yesterday."
"I see." Ran elbowed Shinichi. He rolled his eyes then left while they took me arm in arm out the door, barraging me with questions.
Unwilling to answer them, I wiggled out of their grip. "Wait I- I have to talk to Shinichi about something."
"Okay." Upon release they chuckled and watched me scurry up to Shinichi's side. He gave me a bemused smile as we began our walk home.
Shinichi laughed after he heard my side of what just happened with those two girls. Apparently the three of them are childhood friends. He also explained that their curiosity meant no harm.
"Do you have my things?" Shinichi asked then added in, "Keiko," with a little laugh in his voice. Simply knowing my name seemed to lighten his spirits.
"Yeah," I smiled. "They're at my house. If it's alright, you can come and pick them up."
"Sure." He grinned.
As we walked we talked. Oddly enough, his personality felt so right. Like we'd known each other for longer than today. Every shared joke; we understood, and at times even countered with another. We tossed in personal stories so easily, and could even tease each other about the details without feeling awkward or embarrassed. For example Shinichi explained how his parents have been living overseas. I asked if this gave him full rights to jump on the bed. He told me that yes, yes it does. That- that's amazing... But then he tried to brag about being a detective. He supported the fact with some extensive descriptions of cases he's solved, and although he seemed to fit the role, I had to be the skeptic.
"Liar," I declared.
"Why do you doubt me?" Shinichi asked.
"You're too young!"
"If you need proof." The confident smile which crept across his face sent a wave of unease through me. "I already know you're actually 15. I'm 16, but we're in the same grade. You're in Track. You have a habit of weaving your fingers in and over each other. Your favorite color is sky blue. And finally, your original hair color is brunette, not blonde." He smirked, looking expectantly, as if he could go on.
Fear began cresting over me. Who is this guy? "...how...?" my voice sounded so small I barely recognized it as my own.
"For starters, I noticed a chip of sky blue nail polish still on your pinky."
I flipped my fingernails up and noticed a chip of nail polish, like he said, and scratched it off.
"Awhile ago when you checked the contents of your wallet, I saw your birthdate on the ID inside."
I felt for my wallet, still there.
"In your hair the roots are already starting to grow its original color back."
I plucked a hair and examined it, he's right.
"Lastly, you're involvement in track is obvious because of how you ran off yesterday."
"Huh?" I breathed, still half in shock.
"When you bumped into me, and hit the ground, you almost sprinted off in the runners position. Your thumbs pointed in with the other fingers pointed out, and on your toes. Until you realized what you were doing and just dashed off," he concluded.
Impressive, I never really noticed any of this myself, I thought. "Except," my voice started out big, "my favorite color recently changed to green. That's why the nail polish is almost all gone. And I'm only 16 because I have a late birthday in December." I smiled as though it were my win.
"Touché." Shinichi raised an eyebrow.
I pointed my index finger at him to imitate a gun. He gave me a puzzled look.
"You're a good detective, but be careful of whose business you get into." I leaned closer. "Your nose will get caught somewhere you don't want it. And trust me, I don't think you'll like the smell." He shoved away my hand, so I reached for the open sky, "Choose to breathe the free air!"
Shinichi appeared to be rather unamused, as though he's heard this speech somewhere before.
"There's that... Then there's those with a stench that breathe our free air. Would you still say that if thieves, murderers, and rapists ran free on the streets with no one to stop them? For every criminal there's a detective that must catch him." Shinichi smirked, seemingly pleased by his own words.
"...I guess you're right." I lightly smiled in defeat.
"Also." He gravitated closer, held me by the shoulder, and tilted up my chin up. "I would only be able to sleep soundly at night knowing you're safe, Keiko."
With a straight face I took his hands tightly into mine. "I would be safe, yes. But I would not be content with life if you were gone." We held up our pleading act a good second or two before doubling over laughing till our sides began to cramp.
But all jokes aside, we eventually arrived at my home. I led him in then waved a hand to point out Shinichi's belongings in the kitchen. "Here you go, kind sir."
He wrapped the jacket around his arm then put the cap on. "Thanks. So, is it normally this quiet?" Shinichi asked when he noticed silence scratching at the walls.
"My parents are at work, but my grandma should be in her room." I pointed upstairs. "My room is at the end of this hallway from the kitchen. And although I called dibs, my parents got the biggest bedroom in the house upstairs..."
Shinichi picked up a family photo of us. "Your parents look like nice people."
"...Yeah." A disheartened smile came over me. He spotted my expression and set the picture down.
Shinichi stepped through the door, pointing as he did so. "I'll be going then."
"Be careful," I said as he rounded the front gate.
"I will," he spoke as if contradicting me.
"Really?" I crossed my arms. "Ya know, my mom says that the spirit of a cat wanders our block."
His eyes narrowed, looking all the world like a skeptic. "Oh?"
Still I pushed, "it's true... cats have nine lives in the afterlife as well. You can hear them at night..."
"Then I'll be sure to catch it, and gift it to you." Shinichi leisurely fixed his hands behind his head.
I flinched. "Don't..."
A look of intrigue came over him. "You're scared of cats?"
"No." I scowled, yet somehow evoked a grin from him.
"See you tomorrow." He waved me off.
"See you."
I closed the door and leaned against it, simply soaking up the moment. How right. He came into my life like a friend from another life. Yet... how odd. I could almost swear that I had met him somewhere before, from his personality to how we clicked, but I'd remember... right?
Authors Note
A very special thank you to M.T. Pockets and Saia-chan for helping with revisions.
This story was created... so long ago. When I first discovered fanfiction it was on Quizilla, made little sense, but sparked this magical idea that I'm sure you are all warmly familiar with; there's more to love. And the best part? The people who love what you love are the one's creating it! You love Detective Conan? Me too! What do you love about it? The crimes? The romance? The humor? Your ideal OTP? There's a fanfiction with just that. And there is literally a fanfiction for all that on this site somewhere. It never fails, everyone can find something they love here, and that's beautiful.
So, here's to the authors. Thank you for sharing your imagination. And thank you putting our favorite characters into situations that would otherwise be frowned upon by parental society. You have our love.
Equally important, here's to the readers. You spread fanfiction you love like the plague. Fic recs, PMs, blogs, profiles. You find the fanfiction authors create, and get them known. Without you fanfiction wouldn't even exist, because no reviews, typically means no touch. Thank you for reading, and keeping this pastime alive.
Now, as for this story. I created it way back in middle school, yet still find it enjoyable to write because it's simple day-to-day fun, with a dash of drama here and there. I do plan to complete Then Don't Change since the entire plot has been laid out from the start. Already published chapters have been revised for improved grammar, which is 18 and under, and select scenes were omitted/recreated as I saw fit, but I understand if you would not like to stick around.
Thank you for reading.
