" I still don't think it's a good idea."
" Oh come on! Ya' of all people, who jumps over waterfalls on a daily basis sa's that it's a bad one?"
"Hattori, what you suggest and what I do are two completely different cases. Do I live an adventurous therefore little bit dangerous life? Why of course. Does your idea involve possible mental injuries to my fiancée or the lady we are trying to help? Yes of course. Why do I fail to see the common thing in the two?"
" And why do I sense ya're trying ta make fun of me?"
" I'm merely enlightening the problems in your flawless plan."
" I had not asked that Ran goes up ta that sick man and offer's herself."
In a response Shinichi eyes widened and his features darkened dangerously.
" Try and break in the process. I dare you Hattori."
" Oh come oon! I said I hadn't asked it. I only suggested ta finally let her ask her own questions herself." The look on Shinichi face still didn't change. " Of course we would go with her and keep an eye on her all the time."
" Much better, but I still don't believe we should. We can always wait."
" And just how long do you wish to wait? We're trying ta help her but our hands are bounded if you don't let us take a little risk."
" Kazuha… " Shinichi massaged his temple, a strong headache coming." I've just explained to your lovely darling why I think this plan represent way much more risk than we usually take." If his head hadn't scream from pain he would have laughed at the pair instantly heating up.
" Anyway you can't say no to Ran-chan all your life and it was her idea to begin with." Kazuha was quick to come up with a protest and trying to get out of her embarrassment as fast as possible. Heiji on the other hand was completely lost.
" I know." Shinichi grumbled. They had no idea just how dangerous this little trip could be. What if this Aoko was already dead? What if she changed? And if she was living happily somewhere else? Why do they have to care at all? Why did Ran have this inexplicable mission in her pretty head. Of course she wanted to help everyone but for crying out loud it was a childhood memory! Anything could have happened since then.
" Anyone mind telling me why did I have to listen to all of this?" Shiho spoke up after taking a sip from her coffee glaring daggers into the poor host's head. Just great. One more thing to cause headache.
" Ah, 'cause we thought you can maybe come up with a reason that Mr. I'm Too Afraid Ta Let Anything Happen Ta My Love would accept as well, an' since you are quite good with science and stuff maybe you could get him ta understand that there's nothing ta be afraid of." The dark skinned young man beamed at the grumpy looking lady.
" And may I ask why isn't the most important factor of this problem not represented in the conversation?" Haibara sighed again.
" You mean Ran-chan?" Kazuha quirked her eyebrows. "Now that you mention it, why isn't she here Kudo?"
" Because I can clearly represent her interest." This headache won't go away in a day or more.
" Oh really? Mind to explain it to me, how can you represent your wife's interest if you're clearly the only opponent to her suggestion?" Haibara leaned forward in her armchair, earning giggles from Heiji and a death glare from the host.
" Mind your own business Haibara."
" I would love to. But some friends of yours dragged me into this."
" You could have said no."
" Hadn't had the chance. "
" Sorry to interrupt but dinner is ready." Ran stepped inside the living room. " What was the topic?"
" Nothing interesting" Shinichi tried to reply quickly but failed as Hattori's voice outmatched him in power.
" About why won't your stubborn husband agree to your plan."
" He's not my husband yet! " Her face colored a little bit but she smiled anyway. " And? Any success?"
" Nope. He's good as a donkey." Kazuha stated her face in her palms and her looks disappointed.
" Maybe next time." Ran smiled sadly then decided to change the topic. " Shiho-chan I hope you stay with us for dinner, I have some questions for you and Kazuha."
" Oh it's about the dress isn't it?" The green eyed lady was up to her feet disappointment vanished in a second.
" I guess I can't refuse such a nice invitation." Shiho shrugged nonchalantly and followed the lady of the house, leaving the gentlemen to themselves.
" One they, they will kill me." Shinichi sighed after the ladies were out of eyesight.
" You mean… which one?"
" Both of them. But most probably Haibara. Her gaze can kill anyone."
" That happens when you piss off some upper class person."
" I had no idea it was her work. How could have I know? Everything was like Ran would have had it only the cake tasted a little different and some flowers weren't the same. Tell me honestly, would you had noticed the difference?" Shinichi was desperate to make his point.
Heiji couldn't blame him as well. Who on earth would have guessed that most of the party they had for their engagement was organized by Shiho - or Haibara as Kudo called her for unknown reasons – and not by the happy bride to be. The style was elegant and classic, not too luxurious but wealthy to say the least, the whole picture pointing to the bride's excellent taste. How could they had known it was someone else's work? Just how?
" It's okay buddy. We all know it couldn't be helped."
" We'll see what will you mess up at your engagement party." Shinichi murmured.
Kaito couldn't concentrate. All these papers before him meant nothing just numbers and names and places he rarely visited and see, why should he care about them right now when he had a way better task to attend… should attend after finishing his task with the papers.
It was rare to see but Aoko got sick, catching cold after she decided to go for a night swim in the lake, dragging Kaito with her. It was amazing to think that he could take care of her just a little doll in the dollhouse, bedridden and depending only on him. But first the numbers and dates and places. How he hated administration.
After a quarter hour he gave up, called for Jii, his butler and gave him the tasks to finish. When the old man left his office room he opened the secret door and went straight to Aoko's room.
She was lying there covered in her sapphire blue bed, hair scattered all over the pillows that were decorated with black lace, her lips parted a little since she couldn't get enough air through her nose. The sight before him was the perfect illustration for the Sleeping Beauty. Sort of.
Aoko suddenly sneezed and woke up in the process, making an adorably worn out and sleepy face.
" Good afternoon Sleepyhead." Kaito smiled at her handing a tissue towards her.
" Kaito… Did Aoko wake you up? " the young noblemen chuckled.
" I should be the one asking that."
" Then why are you here?"
" To make sure everything is fine and nothing bothers you." He sat down into one of the elegant armchairs next to her bed crossing his legs and watching the girl carefully.
" Then you have time to spend with Aoko?"
" That would be the situation. Do you have any wish?"
" To get better." She stated with a serious face, which was way beyond adorable.
" To achieve your noble aim you have to follow the doctor's orders." He responded with a serious face.
" What shall Aoko do then?"
" The first step shall be to blow out her pretty nose so she can get enough air." He acted like a strict but kind doctor would. And Aoko obeyed him.
" The second step shall be to make that dirty tissue disappeared, thus it can't ruin the rooms atmosphere. " he offered his palm, and the girl hesitantly put the said object into his hand.
" Aoko thinks it's not the most hygienic thing to do." She frowned. But Kaito only smiled at her mischievously.
" And the third step shall be for the patient to lie back comfortably and enjoy the show. " and with a clap of his hand the tissue was gone, but in his place a three dozen flowers in all kind of blue appeared while more petals flown around them covering her bed in an instant and filling the room with the pleasant and lovely scent.
Aoko lied in her bed with awe in her glossy eyes trying watching as one of the petals landed on her nose. She turned her eyes to show him as well the little present, beaming with happiness.
The young noble man rested his head in his palm, his elbow propped on the arm of the chair staring at her with soft eyes. He nodded his head with a grin when he saw what she was trying to tell with only her eyes, afraid that if she opens her mouth the petal would fall. After silent but happy conversation Kaito stood up, gently took the petal from her nose, placing a innocent kiss to its place then looking down at the little bit confused lady.
" And the doctor's last order would be to go back to sleep. You need to rest."
Aoko only nodded her head eagerly then turned to her side, clutching herself in a smaller form, eyes shut just like a little kid would do. Kaito remained in his place observing her face then after about five minutes, when he saw her features relax he tucked her a little placed one last kiss to her forehead and left the room.
Special thanks for the lovely review for BlackBlue1, you warmed up my heart and give strength to write this chapter, so I hope you like it :)
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