Officer Takagi sighed as he walked with heavy footsteps toward the vending machine on the third floor. There was one on the seventh floor, the same floor of the first division but he felt he wanted to get as far away as possible. Just for a little while. His mouth clenched tightly, he stepped out of the elevator and made is way slowly down the hall. He absently noted that the halls were empty. He wasn't about to complain, in his current state he didn't want to be bothered by anyone.
The young keiji was feeling significantly more exhausted than usual. Things in his life were a little shaky at the moment. His 25th birthday was next week and it seemed despite all his best efforts that nothing was working out for him.
Reaching the vending machine he reached into his pocket for some coins before forcefully jamming them into the slot. He felt he had done at least a few important things. The bomb in Toto Tower, having his head bashed in with a rock, getting beaten to near unconsciousness with a baseball bat and then shot… You would think at this point he would have managed to receive a promotion.
Takagi glared into the vending machine glass as he realized he hadn't selected anything.
He understood he was young, he understood that pay raises and upgrades shouldn't come easily. Takagi pressed a random button and folded his arms. Perhaps his current frustration was brought on by the fact that several officers of his ranking had just been promoted by Megure-keibu. These several officers have not worked with the first investigation unit as long as he has. But perhaps they had not made mistakes like him.
Sure Conan-kun had been the one to diffuse that bomb, sure he had been injured due to his own lack of awareness and yes, when he charged the man who had taken his gun he was only thinking of her and not his comrades. He sighed and ignored the can that dropped out of the vending machine.
He knew it made sense that he had not been promoted. He worked hard but it wasn't like he actually ever solved a case. The primary goal of his career. He accompanied the inspector very often and during most of these investigations, the famed Sleeping Kogoro would solve them before he could even process all of the information.
He was beginning to doubt that he would ever be promoted. He had just received his second reprimand, including another pay cut. He had received it from Matsumoto himself. Takagi bent down and grabbed the can of cold coffee.
He shouldn't have moved from his position but the Detective Boys had shown up just as the robbers came his way…He couldn't have allowed them to get hurt or worse. Takagi halted his movements just as he was about to open the can as he realized he probably wouldn't have blown their position if Conan-kun had been with them. But unfortunately he hadn't been and so the young detective had rushed out to stop them with disastrous results for the police.
Thanks to him the bank robbers had gotten away though were later found and arrested by the three officers who then received a promotion. At the same time he had been awarded a very lengthy and embarrassing reprimand from the Chief. At the time he had been grateful for a pay cut as opposed to getting fired. He was certain Matsumoto had seriously considered it.
Now with two official reprimands adorned with pension cut he was walking on thin ice. Never mind being promoted.
Takagi turned his head to the side as a soft sound graced his ears. He was a little surprised to see Shiratori in the company of Kobayashi-sensei down the hall. He watched as she silently handed him a wrapped dinner. He wasn't close enough that he would be noticed but he did manage to catch the blush on her face as she leaned up to press a gentle kiss to his lips. Takagi's own cheeks flushed, a little bit out of embarrassment and a little bit out of jealousy as the inspector wrapped an arm around her.
He was then reminded of the other aspect of his life that was failing… Satou-san would never think to make him dinner and she certainly never initiated a kiss…not unless he asked for it.
He took a sip from the can as the couple broke apart and waved to each other before the young school teacher left. Takagi leaned against the wall uncaringly at the startled expression the older man had when he turned and noticed him. He kept his stare as the older man walked up to him, an annoyed expression on his face.
"Takagi-kun, what are you doing down here?" He asked rigidly.
"I could ask you the same thing Keibu-san." Takagi said his eyes flicking to the parcel held in one of his hands.
He felt a little satisfaction as Shiratori seemed taken aback by the rude undertone in his voice. Though it was soon his turn to be startled when the older man placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him an empathetic look.
Silently, Takagi followed his superior back up to division one. As he walked his mind drifted to his partner. No one had been angrier with him than she had. Though maybe angry was not the right word, she had seemed annoyed and even a little ashamed of him after he had come out of Matsumoto's office and hadn't said much to him since. Takagi cringed as he stood in the elevator with Shiratori. It was a shame too because if there was ever a time when he needed her support, it was now.
He sighed again as they both stepped out of the elevator earning him a look from the other officer. It had been terrible when he had managed to catch her at her car as she arrived for work the following day. He had greeted her cheerily as he always did even though he had felt like he was walking on pins and needles. Satou had cast him a quick glance before resuming her rummaging in her car. He had foolishly opted to continue as he started up some idle chatter about the weather and such. When she turned around with her bag on her shoulder he had been so wanting that he had dared to lean in for a good morning kiss. He had only wanted to brush them against hers briefly.
It had hurt when she turned her head away and his lips connected with her cheek instead. He was still feeling hurt about that but had since decided to leave her be. If she was upset with him there was nothing he could do. He was just too exhausted to beg for her forgiveness. Besides, he didn't really see why wanting to protect the children made him so horrible.
He sat at his desk and managed to catch a disapproving look from Megure-keibu. Keeping up a neutral expression on his face he grabbed a report and started writing in it. He would have to work harder to redeem himself.
He tried to drown out her lovely voice as she spoke with some of the other detectives that were working with her on a case. Of course the three who had just been promoted were among those investigating with her.
It was then that a jarring thought came to mind, perhaps they were incompatible. The image of her turning away from him lit up in his mind. Maybe she felt that he was not on par with her, holding her back even. His eyes widened involuntarily, he didn't want to admit it but it was true. She could certainly do much better than him, she was likely beginning to realize it. How could he blame her? Getting married…having a family…life was expensive. A man who can't manage to provide for his loved ones was not a very good choice for a husband.
He made another large sigh, earning him a few stares but he didn't notice. He loved her more than anything but it was time he faced the reality of the situation. There was no use if the love he felt was no longer reciprocated. He somehow blocked it out as he continued to work, hoping he was overthinking it, he loved her too much to accept it as fact. He purposely stayed two hours extra before silently packing up his things and leaving without a word to anyone.
He put a great deal of effort into driving home; he didn't want to hurt someone because he was lost in his sickening thoughts. When he entered his apartment he slumped down onto his bed with his phone. He looked at it longingly wishing she would call him. He scrolled hesitantly down his contact list to a newly added number.
He had gone home for the weekend to see his parents a few days after his reprimand. As his mother kissed him gingerly when he entered his home he was beginning to think she was the only woman who would ever love him.
They had seemed to agree with his decision but they were prone to bias. He was surprised when both of his parents suggested he consider another career. He had brushed that suggestion of quickly aware that his mother's eyes were starting to water at the mention of how often he seemed to get injured. Another surprise came when a beautiful young woman he had never met before was ushered into the kitchen as dinner was set out. He glanced to his father who gave him an apologetic smile. He had never expected his parents to arrange a marriage meeting, they had always expressed their dislike for it. After they had been introduced all four of them had dinner. Wataru knew he should have been suspicious when his mother told him he would feel better if he washed up and dressed nice for dinner. The two hadn't said much to each other and then his parents seemed to have disappeared at some point. Eventually Takagi got over his shyness and the two had gotten on well. His awkwardness returned when the subject of careers had come up. Apparently his mother had already told her that he was a detective though she had not bothered to tell him that the young woman they had invited over was a paediatric surgeon working in Tokyo. He had been very impressed though the fact he found most appealing was that the woman seemed interested in him. It was comforting that there might just be one other than his mother who could possibly find him nice. Even when he told her about his partner she seemed undeterred, insisting that he at least take her number. She had pointed out that there was nothing wrong with being friends.
Takagi turned on his back as he looked at the same number. His fingers hovered over the key pad, uncertainty and discomfort etching across his tired features. Rubbing his eyes he put his phone aside, changed and went to sleep.
The next day at work was no better than earlier in the week. He had once again arrived the same time as Miwako but this time he knew better than to approach her. He did paper work for most of the day until the inspector got a call and he was told to tag along. By the time they got back it was later in the afternoon and Takagi was starving. He was busy trying to ignore his empty stomach when Shiratori touched his shoulder and told him someone was here to see him.
Takagi got up quickly, assuming it was the homicide witness he and Megure had asked to give a statement at the station. He blinked slowly a few times as he was met with the soft smile of the young doctor instead of the portly old man from earlier.
"I hope I'm not bothering you Takagi-keiji?" She said softly, a smile gracing her lips. He stuttered knowing full well that the entire division was staring daggers at him and listening to every word that would be said.
"Oh, no I was just about to go buy lunch." he admitted sheepishly, as his face heated.
She smiled brighter, "Perfect, I brought this for you." She said as she placed a wrapped parcel in his hands. He couldn't help but to flush a very deep red as he awkwardly thanked her.
"Your mother told me that you love a big bento so I hope you don't mind but I made a lot for you."
Takagi could only nod, sure that he looked like a complete moron.
"Uh, um, thank you Yamato-sensei."
"It's no trouble, I have to get back to the hospital but I hope you enjoy it." She said before simply turning to leave. Takagi watched her go and then turned around only half aware of the large amount of muttering between his colleagues.
He sat back down at his desk and unwrapped the box. He couldn't rid himself of his blush as he pulled the adorable, tiger patterned handkerchief off it. He smiled for the first time in days as he slipped the first bit of food into his mouth. It was delicious, not only was she a surgeon but she must have been a master chef as well. He quickly ate the abundant food, trying not to make too much noise. The meal had been the best thing that had happened to him in a while.
He worked overtime again, placing several completed forms and reports on the inspector's desk. He turned to leave, his jacket already on, when the inspector uttered a goodnight. Takagi answered the older man and quickly left surprised that there had been no hint of irritation in Megure's voice.
When he arrived home Takagi quickly placed his unfinished work on his coffee table before heading into the kitchen. He looked in the fridge and the cupboards but didn't see anything that could rival the lunch he had had earlier on in the day. Takagi decided to skip dinner, there was no point in eating if it wasn't going to be as good.
After taking a hot shower he changed and got back to work on his reports. He wanted them finished and on the Keibu's desk early tomorrow morning.
He looked up when there was a soft knocking on his door. He stood and made sure his sweat pants hadn't slipped down to far before he opened it.
He was met with a very serious pair of violet eyes framed within silky black locks.
"Wataru-kun, may I come in?"
Takagi's heartrate rose as he nodded and stepped aside for her to enter. She hadn't left his thoughts for a second.
Not sure what to do he went back to his living room and sat down on his couch. She followed, placing something in his hands when she sat beside him. He looked over at her blankly as he held the wrapped bento.
"I made you dinner." She said with finality to her voice that he would never dare question. He looked back at the bento and his heart filled with warmth and happiness.
"Thank you, Miwako-san." He smiled at her, wishing he could explain how happy and relieved she had just made him. She nodded motioning for him to place it on the table before she took his face in her hands. She touched their noses together. "Listen, I'm so sorry I turned away from you that day in the garage." He thought she was going to say more but she pressed her lips to his instead.
The kiss quickly deepened as Takagi pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her. She kissed him full on the lips making sure to leave him breathless. She broke off for a moment to pull his head back as she straddled his lap. He groaned when she kissed him aggressively, angling her mouth slightly.
She pulled away again, gasping for air. "I, I felt really bad about what happened last week. I'm sorry if you thought I was…mad at you. I wasn't. I'm sorry, if I had been there I would have been able to cover you."
Wataru's eyes widened in amazement as he too breathed in heavily.
"I felt so inadequate compared to you, there you were protecting the kids and I wasn't even there to help you. I felt like I wasn't on par with you, that you could do so much better than me."
Her eyes started to water. "…And from the looks of things you obviously can."
Takagi didn't know what to do so he pulled her into him. He never would have imagined that they were thinking the same thing. He pulled away from her a bit and her tears seemed to have disappeared. They kissed again, feeling reassured in each other.
They shared the dinner before making their way to his bedroom. They stayed up late and talked (mostly), before falling asleep held in the other's arms.
Why do half of my fics end with them falling asleep in his bed? Oh well, it's nice.
I'm so late with this update. I am very behind on my writing. Hopefully I will be able to catch up soon! I was very displeased with myself for not updating this in 2011. Thank you readers! RnR please? I need to know who still loves this pairing, Lol.
Satou/Takagi forever!
