Wow, never thought I need so much words to build the plot, but I'm glad It's done also because university starts again next week and I'm not sure how much time I will have for writing then. I think in this chapter, there not so much KazuhaxHeiji moments but in the next chapters, I promise ;)

Hope you like it :)


„Accountant!"

„Are you kiddin' me?! No way! Sometimes I think you just saying a job which pops up in your mind to provoke me," Shinichi replied annoyed.

"Pah!" Heiji leaned back on the bench he and his friend had been seated since half an hour now. He crossed his arms behind the head and commented in a huffy tone," Sooo, and what's he doing according to you, Mr. Smarty-pants?"

"Lawyer, of course! Look at the tie. And specialized in environmental law, according to his shoes." Shinichi looked very pleased with himself and also leaned back.

Heiji took a closer look on the guy who stood in front of a shop, eyeing the goods behind the window. His face put on a pissed expression while grunting. "Could be. Wasn't really concentrated. I mean it's a home match for me here in Osaka. So gave you credit. I'm too nice, sometimes."

"Yeah, right," Shinichi gave him a doubtful side glance.

"Maybe it would be easier if the girls wouldn't let us wait forever."

"For Ran, it isn't that long."

"And we're not even allowed to go in. Like if we're dog. When I had tried to walk in, they looked at me like I committed a capital crime," Heiji commented bugged.

"Of course, man! It's a lingerie shop," his friend grinned. "Ran never allows me to go in with her."

"Doesn't seem to bother you."

Now, Shinichi let out a guffaw. "Of course not. Okay, let me explain it for you slowly. My fiancé is going to buy new lingerie." His grin went even bigger. "And she wants to surprise me later when we're alone. Get it! When it comes to me, she can stay in there as long as she wants."

Heiji just nodded with a slight blush on his cheeks which caused Shinichi to laugh even more.

"Man, it's so great to have Kazuha back, so you can make this experience on your own."

"Ahh, just shut up," Heiji replied embarrassed. Looking to the shop where a lot of their products were shown in the window, his eyes laid on a black lace halter garter dress with attached stockings. Transparent in the front. Suddenly, his imagination wandered, visualize Kazuha in that outfit. Suddenly, heat build inside his body, spreading very fast and created an even brighter blush. Heiji tried desperately to focus his eyes on something else but also the other clothes in the display weren't helpful. Lace and leather corsets, push-up bras with skimpy V-strings and very revealing nightgowns. In the end, he fixated his full attention on a shop three houses besides which offered tools and other DIY products. On every item his eyes laid on, Heiji recapitulate if he might need it regardless of the fact that he only lived in a small apartment without much to repair.

Shinichi watched his friend's intensive staring and tried hard to suppress a saucy comment.

"So, what's your next move with Kazuha? I mean, after there were no walls between you two anymore, literally. Will she also move to Tokyo or…?"

"Hmm…," Heiji's features went extremely weighed down, gazing into the distance.

"Maybe you should talk about it first without ruffle. To see where your relationship gonna turn next," Shinichi said in an encouraging tone.

"I'm…I'm not even sure if we have a relationship," Heiji replied so low-voiced his pal nearly missed it. There wasn't even a need for him to turn his head to know Shinichi's expression. The long overdue explanation he avoided already for three years. "You know, our relationship just started when that happened. It was…hmm…only one month," he was also astonished by the realization. It had felt so much longer and more intensive because of the strong bond their lifelong friendship created. "Neither me or she have raised the subject since then."

"But why didn't you ask?" Shinichi didn't get it.

Heiji let out a big sigh. "Everything she got through the last three years was my fault." Finally, the words, which floated in his head all the years, bugged and depressed him, made him feel more than guilt-laden, were out. "She missed her graduation; her parents separated because of this story while her mother had a mental breakdown. She had to celebrate her 18th birthday alone in prison, surrounded by murderer, dealer and other rabbles. I mean, even now she will be marked as murderer and formal inmate by society. There will never be a normal life for her. Never. Because of me. How can I even ask her to be together with me?" He let out a bleak laugh.

Shinichi had no answer or even cheerful words. Seeing his friend with that hopeless expression on his face made him also feel miserably.

"Maybe….I'm just a coward. Honestly, I was too afraid of her answer. As long as I avoided the theme I lived into an intermediate state where I didn't have to face the unavoidable truth. I had to live three years without her, I cannot stand the rest of my life."

"Man, sounds like we really need a drink. Or rather a dozen. I send Ran a message that we already head to the restaurant." Shinichi slapped him encouraging on the back and stood up.


Ran and Kazuha arrived right on time. Shinichi just managed to build his friend up so the girls wouldn't notice something. He encouraged him that his situation might not be as bad as he imagined. And that a proper discussion with her seemed to be a better idea than never ending uncertainty.

Their shopping trip gave the impression of a real success regarding the quantity of shopping bags. Kazuha seemed to be in high spirits. Her cheeks were rosy and her eyes sparkling, Heiji noticed pleased. And indeed, she really enjoyed the day. She missed these shopping tours so terribly. Just chatting with another woman about vanities and looking after fancy stuff had felt so incredibly great. And now her first time Okonomiyaki since three years. Awesome day!


"Oh no! Please tell me you didn't!" Shinichi struggled really hard to maintain on his chair while laughing himself to tears. Ran was in similar condition, dabbing her eyes with a tissue.

Kazuha put a spoonful of chocolate dessert in her mouth but also couldn't suppress a bright grin. Heiji sat on the other side of the table, pouting with red cheeks.

"It was your idea," he tried to justify himself.

"God, I was kidding. Seriously, which person would really do THAT. I mean in real life," Shinichi wiped a tear from his cheek. "You called me out of bed. I just wanted to go back to sleep. You made such a drama because of that dead guinea-pig. Oh, and I also suggested you could get yourself a costume of that animal and take position in her bedroom. Why hadn't you tried that out, hmm?"

Now, all three burst out laughing. Heiji's expression got even grumpier. "Maybe you would have gotten a proper belly rub from Kazuha," Shinichi gasped between laughers. But suddenly, he stopped. Heiji had grabbed his chocolate pudding and smashed a handful in the face of the young detective which expression turned into full bafflement. Ran and Kazuha nearly collapsed with laughter.

"Thought, you're in need for seconds," Heiji noted with dickish smile.

"Come on, I help you cleaning up," Ran stood up and pulled Shinichi with her before he could give a proper response in the direction of the delinquent.

"Seems that things didn't change even after his retransformation, right Onee-san? Maybe you still need highchair and bib," Heiji cat-called at them. Only Ran's grip around her finance's arm prevented him from storming back. But Shinichi managed to dart an angry glance at his friend before disappearing from their visual field.

Heiji turned back to Kazuha with a very self-satisfied smile. "You want some?" she offered her dessert plate into his direction. "Since your own is in Kudo's hair now," Kazuha winked. He caught his spoon with such a mischievous adorable smile which reminded her of their childhood when he got an idea for a prank. Normally, they got caught and their moms gave them a good telling-off. Or Heiji's father. But Heizo never blamed her, just his son for persuading her in such nonsense. Heiji just endured it with stubborn expression. Never dragged her in, too. With their moms, they never stopped blaming the other one with often led to a fight between the children. But with his father, Kazuha always had the feeling that Heiji felt responsible for protecting her in these moments. Heizo Hattori really loved Kazuha and treated her like a daughter and Heiji never wanted to destroy their relationship or his father's good opinion of her. And she remembered that she really loved him for that. When he stood there with his head down, his eyes fixing the floor and his lips pressing together tightly, Kazuha kept by his side and took his hand in hers. Heiji never showed any sign in his expression that he noticed this action but when their hands were intertwined, he squeezed her hand. She always knew she gave him comfort with that, although he never ever admitted it. In these moments, he was her hero. And when Heizo was done with his son, she always felt a bit upset. Then, Heiji pulled her with him, outside and gave her this adorable boyish smile which had made her heart beat faster. And even after all those years, it still had the same effect on her, she noticed with a light blush on her cheeks. Slightly embarrassed, she started eating the dessert in silence and even Heiji didn't say a word.

After a few minutes, Shinichi and Ran returned. When they arrived at the table, he bumped against Heiji's chair who just put a spoonful dessert in his mouth and immediately choked on it. "Oh man, I'm sorry", he said without any regret in his face or voice while Heiji coughed heavily.

"I just got a phone-call from Sousuke-kun. He, Takuya-kun and Mio-chan arrived yesterday and doing karaoke close by. They asked if we would like to join them," he turned to Kazuha. "They are from our university, too. Heiji and I are in the detective club there and they are a few of our members."

"Since two month, Shinichi is president of the club," Ran added with some proud in her voice.

"Yeah, and this," he slapped Heiji on his back, "is my substitute."

"Really?! Heiji told me that you both joined the club but that's new," Kazuha replied with surprise. "Congratulation!"

"Thank you," Shinichi smiled. He glanced shortly to his pal and added," You know, Tokyo University had a lot of great clubs. Also Aikido. I mean, If you think about studying, it's really a great place and also a renowned educational establishment."

Heiji looked baffled to his friend. You scoundrel, he smirked.

Kazuha seemed perplexed and also a bit self-conscious. "Umm, well…I'm not really sure right now. I mean, it's really hard to join a good university, especially Tokyo University. The acceptance tests are extremely tough. I'm not sure if I could…"

"But you learned for them over the last two years. You can do it," Heiji smiled encouraging.

"And you also made your high school diploma. Not in a normal school but it's the same in the end. You've got everything you need. And imagine: we would study together. Just think about it, okay?" Ran said warmly and took Kazuha's hand.

"I will," Kazuha nodded firm and squeezed her friend's hand.

"So, what about karaoke now?" Shinichi asked to everybody around.

"Are you gonna sing, too?" Heiji asked with a smug smile which earned him a pissed glance from his pal.

"You know, Ran and I go now and you and Kazuha come later when you have finished your dessert. I'll send you the address."

Heiji gave him an appreciative look for giving him time with Kazuha alone which Shinichi responded with a knowing nod. He and Ran left with the shopping bags they wanted to stow away in Shinichi's car before heading to karaoke.


That son of a bitch, Heiji cursed under his breath. He just left the restaurant with Kazuha and learned that Shinichi let the bill to him. That's why he was so eager to leave. I'll get back at you, my friend. Just wait…

"Look, the moon is so close overhead you feel you could reach up and stir him around," Kazuha looked dreamily in the sky, then smiling disarmingly at him.

His anger disappeared and left nothing but a warm feeling inside his chest caused by her smile. Suddenly, the urge to kiss her was overwhelming. To hold her in his arms and just feeling the softness of her lips again. But the fear of her rejection kept him from doing the last step.

"Yeah, it's really beautiful," he simply commented and continued walking by her side. He racked his brain on how to start the conversation. Maybe with our last arguing.

"You know, I'm really sorry about not telling you about your mom. I…"

"I know you are. And I know you tried to protect me and I appreciate that. It's not so much that you lied to me. I mean, don't get me wrong I'm extremely pissed because of that. But…," she tried to find the right words," in former times, we told each other everything. I knew every detail of your life. As petty and stupid it might had been, I knew it. Now, I..," she sighed heavily," I feel expelled. From your life. I know it's stupid but I hoped even through three years of separation, we could remain that close like before." Kazuha tried to hold back tears." But we're not, right?" She looked at him with an incredibly sad expression, tears flooding her eyes now.

Heiji wasn't able to contain himself any longer and took her in his arms. Her head rested on his shoulder while he stroked comforting over her hair, the other arm around her waist. Her hands clung hard on his shirt, wearing out the fabric, but he couldn't care less at the moment. He knew she was right because he also noticed but didn't admit it. With every visit, he had felt more like talking to a stranger. Outsiders might not see a real difference in their behavior to each other but they did. And it hurt so much. Heiji placed a kiss on her hairline. "No, we're not," he whispered which made her cry even more. Removing his hand from her head and put it under Kazuha's chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. "But we gonna be again!" Heiji declared with steady voice, grim determination reflecting in his eyes which caused a small smile on her lips. "You think so?" "Of course! If not us, who else?!" he smirked self-satisfied. Kazuha couldn't help but chuckled about so much display of confidence. She leaned her forehead against his, closing her eyes. Heiji cupped her cheek with his hands, caressing the soft skin with his thumbs. They both lingered in that position for some time, enjoying the intimacy. "And how do you think we gonna do that?" Kazuha whispered against his mouth, eyes still closed. "Umm…" Heiji tried to clear his mind. The last minutes, he simply enjoyed her closeness and nearly forgot what they had talked about earlier. Remaining in their position with closed eyes, he responded," to begin with, we should being honest with each other and tell what's on our minds and about our day. Even petty stuff. Like we did all the years before." "Hmm, sounds like a plan," Kazuha replied. She put her hand on his cheek and rubbed the tip of her nose against his. Heiji's arms encircled her waist, pulling her closer. "Hmm," he murmured. "And to start with: today, I throw chocolate pudding on Shinichi," he grinned. Kazuha lifted her head and looked at him."I was there, too," she replied a bit confused. "I know but it was so great, I have to tell again," he smirked. "Ahou," she chuckled head-shaking. "Hey! If I had changed too much, you wouldn't have recognized me anymore," Heiji defended himself, half earnest only. "You're right! What would I do without a friend who smashes food on other people," she said with a raised eyebrow and added a quietly muttered: "… like a monkey."

" 'cuse me? What did you say?"

"Umm, nothing," she put an innocent look on.

"Yeah, right," Heiji, again, had a sly glance on his face. He pressed her even tighter against him, hands wandering up her back, sending electric vibes down her body. Suddenly, she became very aware of his presence. His hard chest pressing against her, the steady heartbeat pulsating under her hand and the addictive smell of his after shave. He used a new brand, she noticed by the way. More mature with a hint of sandalwood, buckskin and green apple. God, he smelled so good. She needed all of her strength not to jump on him, kissing him senseless and ripping off his clothes. Heiji bent down to the left side of her neck, stroking his nose over her skin up to her ear. The beard stubble brushing over her cheek while his mouth came closer. "What did you say?" he asked again with a deep, husky voice which created goose bumps over her body. "N-Nothing, really," Kazuha's voice was very high and squeaky. His glance met hers, a seductive smile playing around his lips, eyes heavy-lidded.

"Finally, I found you, Heiji-kun," someone yelled behind her. Heiji looked over her head, surprise showing on his face.

When Kazuha turned around, her jaw suddenly dropped. A young woman approached in front of them. Kazuha never saw a more beautiful person. She had even facial proportions, flawless fair skin and beautiful light blue eyes. Her dark hair was wearing over her small shoulder like a silk curtain. She had a well proportioned hourglass-shaped figure and even if wearing just a plain shirt and jeans, she looked like a goddess. Suddenly, Kazuha felt extremely unconfident. Her clothes hung like sackcloth over her figure. Her hair was a messy huddle and her make-up a disaster. And did she feel a pimple developing on her chin at this very moment?

"Mio-chan! What are you doing here?" Heiji asked with a smile on his face.

"Searching for you, obviously," she winked with a beautiful smile, showing her even white teeth. Her saucy answer made him chuckle.

Kazuha looked from one to the other, feeling more than unnecessary.

The female turned her attention to Kazuha. "And you must be Kazuha-san. Heiji's childhood-friend. It's really great to meet you. I'm Mio, Heiji's fellow student and also member of the detective club."

Her speech seemed nothing but kindness but there was something that troubled Kazuha. Maybe it was the way she said childhood-friend. Like something from a long time ago, a grown-up man doesn't need any more. And she also noticed the look of the other women to Heiji which showed more than simple friendship. Or was already more between them? How could Kazuha know what Heiji did over the last three years? He didn't tell her everything, she knew for sure. And this Mio seemed to be more than willing. Jealousy spread in Kazuha's mind and body, made her feel even more miserably.

"I'm here because of a murder case in the karaoke bar. We need your help," Mio explained, addressing to Heiji.

"Really? Kudo can't solve it on his own?" he was more than surprised.

Mio put on a mischievous grin. "Maybe, but it's really interesting and I thought you won't miss."

"Hmm, really? Interesting, you say?" he glanced to Kazuha, not sure how to decide. But Kazuha saw the sparkling in his eyes. He already tasted blood.

"What are we waiting for?" she simply asked which earned a radiant smile from Heiji and made her heart beating faster again.


When they arrive at the crime scene, Mio and Heiji immediately joined Shinichi and two other young men who stood together with Otaki-san. Kazuha was very pleased to see the police detective again. He nearly didn't change but seemed to lost a bit weight. When he saw Heiji, his face showed surprise, joy and panic at the same time which seemed very suspect for her. Heiji pat him pacifying on the shoulder and made a defensive gesture which seemed to calm the police detective down. Then, he pointed into her direction. Otaki followed his gesture and saw Kazuha, his face lightening up immediately. He came over and took her hand in his.

"Kazuha-chan! Oh, I'm so delighted to see you. Your father already told everyone at the headquarters of your return but seeing you standing right in front of me is even better. You know, we all were so devastated when we had to arrest you. Worst day in my whole career," he became misty-eyes and spontaneously hugged her. Kazuha was surprise first. They have never been that close but she was very toughed by his affection. Over his shoulder, she saw Heiji smiling at them. When he let go of her, he added," And also seeing you and Heiji together reminds me of the good old times when Heiji helped on the cases. Didn't feel like already three years since I last saw that boy on a crime scene."

Kazuha frowned. Why three years? Heiji moved to Tokyo two years ago. And he visited Osaka regularly. That can't be. And by the way, he always stumbled into cases. Like Shinichi and Mori-san. But when she tried to ask Otaki about it, one of the forensics called for him. He gave her warm smile and headed back to the crime scene. Kazuha decided to ask Heiji later. She went to Ran who sat on a bench near the entrance. "The same as usual, hmm?" she sat down.

"Tell me about it! It's like Shinichi's way is paved with corpses," Ran signed. "I think I will never really get used to it."

"So, you're waiting here for him?"

" Yeah! And also because of the lack of space. Five up-and-coming-detectives swarm round with police and forensics in a tiny room."

"Too many cooks spoil the broth, hmm?" Kazuha smirked.

Ran chuckled. "Maybe. But they're a good team, actually."

"Even Mio-san?" Kazuha couldn't suppress to ask.

"Right, you already met her. We couldn't kept her from running after you two. She said, Heiji's help is necessary. Shinichi doubted that but she was too eager."

Of course she was, Kazuha pressed her lips together.

Ran seemed to misunderstand the action. "Not that Shinichi doesn't appreciate Heiji's skills and his smart deductions. He just thought it wasn't that difficult and he didn't want to disturb you," she added hastily with a slight blush.

"Of course not, Ran-chan. I would never ever think that," she tried to calm her friend. Ran smiled relieved. "And Mio-san is a detective, too?"

"Yes, she is really smart according to Shinichi. He said, she is nearly as good as he and Heiji. A detective-freak."

"Hmm, really? And also very pretty," Kazuha commented. "A pretty and smart girl who likes solving cases." She got the feeling of someone punching her hard in the stomach.

Ran didn't miss the tone in her voice. "But there is nothing between Heiji and Mio, really. Just friendship, believe me," she said stern. "You know, I'm tired of waiting. Let's catch a cab, get our new clothes and try them on in your place. Then watching a romance movie with a lot of ice-cream, okay? They won't miss us. As usual," Ran rolled her eyes, then smiling mischievous. "By the way, we drive home tomorrow. And I think, we need a bit more girl-time."

Kazuha wasn't sure. One the one hand, she wanted to see Heiji solving a case. Seeing the glimpse in his eyes again. On the other hand, she wanted to be as far as possible away from that Mio. She had enough of her for one evening. And also, Heiji didn't seem to participate on solving the crime. He just stood alongside, watching his friends. But then, Mio appeared on his side, whispered something in his ears which made him chuckle. They seemed very close, Kazuha noticed frowning. "Okay, let's do it!" she declared.

"Great!" Ran smiled widely. "I'll tell Shinichi."


The next morning, Kazuha was more than sad. Heiji, Ran and Shinichi had to go back to university. Exam period started and they had to study. She knew that already. It was the time when Heiji couldn't visit her in prison and had to stay in Tokyo. She always marked the days in her calendar until he came back.

But his time, she wouldn't just wait for his return. No, not this time. This time, she wanted to start her regained life. Finally…


So, what do you think?

Reviews are very welcome :)