Title: That's Life . . .

Author: RedHerring1412

Chapter 3:

Two months later

Ran finally seems to be settling down at last. Letting Shinichi go happened a lot quicker than any of us expected. However, trying to live life again took a little bit longer. Thankfully though, she finally did. She even managed to get a couple of dates. Sadly, they didn't last very long on account of them being scared off by Ran self-defensive reaction. I think between the fist through the wall when she was upset and kicking perverts in the face . . . well, they kinda avoided her after that. Oh well . . . at least she got over Shinichi. Perhaps the fact that about a week after my 'confession', his parents showed up to apologize completely for his behavior. They were completely disappointed that he turned out this way (they disowned 'Kudou Shinichi'). Then of course, the restraining orders probably helped. Between the fact that Shinichi isn't allowed anywhere near Mouri Ran or Edogawa Conan probably put her mind at ease. At times she seems sad, but she did grow stronger from the experience. She is going to make some man very happy someday.

On a happier not, Haibara-san was officially adopted by Professor Agasa. I am not completely sure on the details there, but it seems like she is rather happy about that fact. True, they may not act any different from before, but I have heard her call him Grandfather on occasion. My parents have also hired her on as their housekeeper (privately) while they are away. Now my house isn't quite so empty anymore. At least there aren't as many ghost stories about that place now.

As for me . . . well . . . if truth be told, I still feel rather guilty about what I did. At the very least this time the lies this time will cause me the most pain, not her. That is what I try to believe anyways. I also plan on not telling any more lies, if I can help it. The lies that are already set don't count. For now there is peace. Still, the plan is not quite completed yet. There is still one more person that must sever all bonds with Kudou Shinichi. Me.

We are all sitting down to dinner on a wonderful autumn day. As I hear a certain car drive up and the doors shutting, I know that the day for the final phase of the plan has come. When the doorbell rings Ran hurries to answer it. "Who could that be at this hour?" Listening to the old man grumble is nothing new but I feel my heart pounding as Ran opens the door. There is some muttered discussion going on. It only pauses for a moment when Ran loudly gasps, which is quickly followed by some quick discussion. When I finish my dinner, the conversation finally ends and I wonder how well Ran is reacting to the news.

Entering quietly, Ran comes over to me. Looking at me with a sad, pale face, she asks me, "Conan-kun? Would you come into the living room please? There are a couple of people here to see you." I give her a look that has curiosity written all over it (just for show of course) and follow her into the other room. As soon as I spot the room's occupants I let out a shout, "Yuusaku-jiichan! Yukiko-baachan!" I run up to my mother to give her a hug. Wrapping her arms around me she lifts me up and returns my hug.

"Ah! Conan-chan. It has been a while. How are you doing?" We prattle on like that for a little bit while everyone settles down in the room. Finally sitting in a comfortable position with me on her lap she finally pops the question. "Ne, Conan-chan. How would you feel about going on a trip with us?"

Making my face seem joyous was a little harder than I thought, but I managed to pull it off. "Eh? Really? Do you really mean it?"

"Why of course. We talked it over and my husband agrees with me that such a trip would be best."

"Really? Does she really mean it Yuusaku-jiichan?"

My father looks over at me with a serious expression on his face. "Conan-kun."

I settle down as I pretend to just notice his expression. "Eh? What is it Yuusaku-jiichan?"

"There is something very important that we need to tell you. Now I want you to be strong about this, okay? Its going to be something that is going to make you upset, but just hear us out, okay?"

"Huh? What is it?"

Setting his hand on my shoulder, he lets out a sigh. Despite the fact that I know what is coming next, I can't help but feel the tension that floods the room. "Conan-kun . . . There has been an accident. You parents . . . there is good evidence that they died upon impact. As a result . . . well . . . they left it in their will that should anything happen to them . . . All that they own is left to you. However, you are still young and they requested of us that we should take care of you until you can support yourself. As things are, we . . . Yukiko and I, have decided to adopt you, or at least make you our legal heir. We have known you well enough since you were a baby that we both agreed on this. We know you are truly a good person at heart. Now we are asking you if you are willing to go with us when we travel. It may be a little difficult at times, but we hope to teach you enough that you can live your life as you want to. In all, you will learn many new things and, when you feel that you are ready, you can return home anytime you want to, alright? Do you understand everything I just told you?"

I nod my head as I stare at the ground. "I...I understand. I even agree with you in what you say but . . . can I stay here for another week though? There are a couple of things I want to do and a few people to say goodbye to before we go."

"We understand. Take as long as you need. We'll be waiting at our house so call when you are ready to go."

All is quiet in the house as I hear my parents drive away in their car. I sense movement toward me and I look at Ran. She is kneeling before me with tears in her eyes. "Conan-kun . . . "

It wasn't until she brushed my cheek that I realized that I was also crying. "Why? . . . Why do I feel so sad yet so happy at the same time? Why?" As she envelopes me within her arms I am once again reminded of a previous time where we held this same position. Once again, we cry for a future that will never be.