Disclaimer: I don't own Detective Conan that I don't. Gosho Aoyama does!

Summary: Takagi begins his new "life" as a chibi Taru-kun!

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Takagi inwardly groaned at the thought of spending a whole afternoon with Satou-san's mother.

He was pretty sure mothers had this strange urge to know some things if a random kid appeared on their doorstep bleeding and feverish.

Not to mention having to start his life over again, just after his so-called date.

That and he really didn't like to lie, especially when it came to a subject vaguely related to Satou-san.

So anyways here he was, sitting at a table right across Ryoko-san, alone.

"Taru-kun, you aren't a runaway, are you?"

Where had that question come from?

But, I should have guessed that coming.

"No, my parents…."

My parents are in Osaka right now…. And they have a 26 year old man as a son, not a first grader.

But still….

Takagi lowered his voice down a tone.

"My parents, they died in a car accident recently…. They weren't on the news since it happened near a school and the principal didn't want bad publicity….."

Really, he didn't want to got beyond that because any more and he might jinx it.

"Oh, I'm sorry Taru-kun. D-Do you have any relatives?"

Ryoko-san's voice held a tinge of melancholy, as if she were to shed tears if he continued anymore.

Takagi felt awful for playing with her emotions, but he continued.

"Um… I have an uncle, but he's away in the States to become a famous doctor. And my aunt is on her honeymoon around the world right now…."

Well, at least I'm not telling all lies.

Before Ryoko-san could ask anymore questions, Takagi spoke up.

"Please Kaa-san, can I stay with you and Satou-neesan?"

Takagi winced at how childish he sounded, but he had to didn't he?

More than just his life was at stake if those people found out that he was alive!

"Hmm, I guess….."

Ryoko-san sounded, just a bit hesitant so Takagi decided to end the conversation politely.

"Thank you, Kaa-san! I think I should call a few places, to say that I'm staying with a nice auntie for now!"

He blushed as the mother hugged him.

Takagi sighed inwardly as he realized how long today was going to be…

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After making sure that Satou-san's mother was nowhere within hearing range, Takagi quietly dialed the Division One headquarters.

"Ah, Megure-keibu? T-This is Takagi Wataru. I-I'm calling in for a leave of absence. It's a family matter and I will have to go out of Japan for a while. I'll come back as soon as possible. Oh, and please tell Satou-san not to worry."

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Later at lunchtime….

"Stay here while I prepare lunch for us, Taru-kun."

Ryoko-san turned to leave.

"I-It's okay, Kaa-san. I'm not that hungry."

Just then his stomach growled loudly, thereby defying everything he had just said.

Ryoko-san gave him the look.

"Um.. I guess I should have lunch?"

"Good. And after that we're going to have to buy some clothes for you. You look a mess!"

"Really, I don't-"

Takagi was silenced after another glare from her.

Takagi looked at himself.

She was absolutely right, he was a mess.

"I guess I could…."

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The two eventually headed out to the department store.

Before the day was over, Takagi now held two bags all filled with new clothing.

Not to mention the new sneakers that he was wearing.

He didn't really mind, but he felt guilty for imposing on Satou-san's mother so much.

But the worst was yet to come.

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Takagi came out of his room, a small blue vest over a white dress shirt, complete with a small tie.

"You look like a perfect gentleman, Taru-kun! Tomoyo-san would be so happy! "

Who's Tomoyo-san?

Ryoko-san was almost squealing with excitement as she talked on the phone.

At least I know why she bought me these with so much enthusiasm….

The rest of the evening after that moment, seemed to pass in a blur.

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A/N: Dun, dun dun! My idea of a mini cliffhanger! Sorry it's rather short! I promise to make the next chapter longer~ ^^