A/N: I am so super duper sorry for the extremely long wait! I had to find the motivation/inspiration to write this. Plus, I had to totally revise this one a hundred times. But it's finished! C:

I'm still not sure how much I like this one, buuut it shall have to do for now!

Enjoy! ~

oOo

Conan had noticed some changes in Ran since Shinichi had departed. She was quiet. She distant. Her cooking was definitely not at it's best either. She no longer worried about picking up around the agency and at the apartment either. She wasn't involving herself in Conan's life anymore. He felt like he was losing her.

"Ran?" Conan climbed onto the couch in the agency where the girl sat, gazing at a map of sorts. Conan tried to catch a glimpse at the paper as the girl remained silent and circled something on the map.

Osaka

Osaka? What the hell was in Osaka? Conan peered carefully at the girl through his spectacles as she hastily folded the map, "Ran?"

"Huh?" Finally, she looked in his direction, "What?"

"I'm hungry." He complained, rubbing his stomach. Much to his surprise, she dug in her pockets a bit before pulling out some money and tossing it onto the coffee table.

"I'll be at home." With that, she left the agency. Conan blinked at the money on the table, then at the door that had not been properly closed in the girl's sudden departure. He sighed, disheartened, and closed it. He proceeded to climb back onto the couch, staring dejectedly at the untouched money. Kogoro looked up from his paper.

"What's her problem?" He asked, nodding his head toward the door. Conan merely shrugged his shoulders in response.

"She's been acting so weird lately." Conan muttered to himself.

"Maybe she has a boyfriend.." Kogoro smirked, returning to his crossword puzzle in the newspaper. Conan didn't stop to think about the possibility of Ran having a boyfriend.. she was always talking about Shinichi. But, it was definitely possible. Something troubled him though.. why would the girl have a map of Osaka? It didn't seem to add up.

It was starting to get to Conan. He was becoming easily irritable, mainly because he didn't know what the love of his life was up to. He promised himself he'd find out. Something did tell him she was probably planning a trip to Osaka.

Excellent observational skills, Shinichi.

He thought to himself sarcastically. What was the use of being a top-knotch detective if he couldn't even figure out what was wrong with Ran?

Some things aren't that simple, Shinichi. Girls are more complicated than murderers.

Conan rolled his eyes as the last thought crossed his mind, "Mouri Detective Agency." Kogoro began cheerfully. The phone rang? Why hadn't Conan heard it? He was so caught up in his thoughts concerning Ran.. the girl was really messing him up. Maybe it wasn't anything serious though. Maybe he was just overreacting and he really had nothing to worry about. He was probably just getting himself all worked up over nothing.

"Who was it, Kogoro?" Conan asked as the detective hung up the phone.

"Eri.." Kogoro muttered, heatedly. Kisaki Eri? That was Ran's mom.

"Oh, what did she want?"

"Nothing." That also struck Conan as odd. Eri had abandoned Kogoro.. she moved from Beika City to Tokyo because of him. Why was she suddenly calling out of the blue?

Maybe she wants custody of Ran.. and is planning on moving to Osaka. Ran could be meeting her there..

Conan exhaled in annoyance. His imagination was getting the better of him and his mind was running amuck. He knew Ran better than that. She would never leave her father. She would never leave Conan..

The boy hopped off the couch, "I'm going to my friend's, Kogoro, see ya!" He ran out of the agency before Kogoro could say anything or stop him. Once he was about two blocks away from the office, he walked the rest of the way to Agasa's house. Conan found himself at Agasa's back door, and entered without knocking. He wandered into Agasa's study, where he found the old man sitting at his desk, messing with another one of his latest inventions.

"Hey, Hiroshi." said Conan as he climbed onto the desk, with difficulty.

"Huh? Oh! Hello, Shinichi! I didn't hear you coming in."

"Came in through the back. May I use your phone? I need to make a call."

"You don't need to ask, Shinichi! Go ahead." Professor Agasa exclaimed waving a screwdriver that he held in his hand.

Conan smiled at the man as he picked up the phone and dialed a number, "Hattori residence." A male voice answered the phone. Conan recognized the voice, it belonged to Heiji's father, Heizou.

"Is Heiji home?" Conan asked, biting his lower lip. He should've used his bowtie.. Heiji's father might wonder why a seven-year-old is calling his sixteen-year-old son.

"Yeah, hold on." There was some muffled talking before someone else spoke into the phone.

"Detective Hattori, how can I help you?"

"Heiji, I said it was a LITTLE boy!"

"I know, Dad.." Conan heard Heiji mumble.

"Hattori, I need your help."

"Who is this?"

"What other kid would call you?!" Conan shouted into the phone.

"Ah.. Kudou." He could imagine Heiji smirking, causing a frown to grace the boy's face, "What do you want?"

"Can you do me a favor?"

"Other than the ones I've done for you since your little accident? I don't know, Kudou, I'm a pretty busy—"

"Nevermind, Hattori," Conan interrupted, indignantly, "Forget I called—"

"Okay, okay," said Heiji, "What can I do you for, Kudou?"

"I was wondering if you could just keep an eye out for Ran. I think she might be going to Osaka."

"You think? She hasn't said anything to you about it?"

"Not a word.."

"Yeah, of course I'll keep a look out for her.. any possible reason you think she might want to come out here for?"

"None that I can think of right now.. maybe to meet her mom, but it doesn't make sense to go all the way to Osaka for that. She called the agency earlier and Kogoro seemed a little bruised after he hung up."

"Maybe Ran's mom is suing the detective?" Heiji idly said, fidgeting with something on the other line. Conan hadn't taken that into consideration, but it didn't seem plausible to the boy.

"I doubt it.."

"Yeah.. that all?"

"If there's anything else, I'll give you a call."

"Yeah. But, if I don't get back to you, it's because I'm solving a case.." Conan could just visualize the smirk crossing Heiji's dark face. He knew the guy was just teasing and trying to lighten up the tension he could probably taste over the phone, but the mini detective was in no joking mood.

"Yeah, yeah." Conan hung up the phone.

oOo

Conan had returned to the agency fifteen minutes after his conversation with Hattori Heiji. Kogoro was right where he was when Conan left. The boy took a seat on the couch and crossed his arms over his chest, moodily. A few silent moments passed when the door swung open and Ran entered, announcing her arrival.

Kogoro glanced up at his daughter, not uttering a word as he went back to his newspaper.

"Dad." Ran felt Conan's eyes burning into her as she marched to her father's desk, but tried to ignore his stare as she tried to get her dad's attention, "Dad."

"What do you want?" He mumbled, absentmindedly.

"Is it okay if I go to Osaka?"

"Absolutely not, Ran." His eyes remained on the paper.

"Dad!"

"And why would you need to go all the way to Osaka?" Conan straightened up, waiting for the girl to speak.

"My history teacher wants to take the best kids in the class on a trip to a war museum in Osaka."

"And you're top of your class?" Kogoro finally looked at his daughter, brow raised. Ran's eyes widened.

"Dad!" Kogoro chuckled at his daughter's expression, "Dad, this is serious. I really want to go."

"All right, all right, fine. Where is your permission slip?" Kogoro held a hand out for it.

"I don't need one."

"Why not?"

"Because it's a weekend trip. You don't need one if it's on the weekend."

"Hm.. when are you leaving?"

"Friday, after school, and I'll be back Sunday."

"All weekend?" Ran nodded. After a few moments of consideration, Kogoro sighed and nodded, "All right.. this Friday?" Another nod, "You better be careful, Ran."

"I will! Thanks, daddy!" She lunged across the desk to wrap her arms around her father's neck, planting a kiss on his cheek. The corners of Kogoro's lips curled into a very small smile as he returned his daughter's embrace. She withdrew from his arms and bounded out the door once more.

Conan remained seated, frowning in her wake. Class trip to Osaka? That didn't sound familiar to him at all.

oOo

Friday

Ran sat on near the window of the train she had boarded earlier that day. The scenery was changing as the train zoomed by. Any minute, it would slow to a halt at the station in Osaka. She couldn't believe her lie worked. Ran felt horrible about lying to her father and Conan, but it had to be done. She was fed up with Shinichi. She wanted to find him herself and bring him home with her once and for all.

How she was going to do that, she wasn't sure. She didn't even know where to begin her search.

Maybe I rushed into this without really thinking things through..

It was too late to turn back now. Although decisions had been reached hastily, she was glad. Otherwise, she never would've gone through with it and she'd spend the next month, sitting by the phone, visualizing Shinichi's face in the clouds, wondering when he'd call.

The only plan Ran had was the one formulated on the train: get a hotel room, and track down Hattori Heiji.

He would know where Shinichi was. Maybe he was with Shinichi. After all, Conan did say he was in Osaka with Heiji.

Once the train stopped, the girl grabbed her suitcase and hurried off. Ran had told her father she'd be gone the weekend, but packed enough clothes to last her a week and a half. The money she saved and got from her father before leaving Beika City should last her.

"Okay.. let's see.." Ran stood on the sidewalk of a busy street, suitcase at her feet, hand raised to shield her eyes from the blinding sun. She had already reserved a room at one of shabbier hotels. It was the only one she could afford. A taxi pulled up, and the driver asked if she needed a ride. Ran flashed him a smile, thankfully and gathered her bags.

The taxi driver took the girl to the hotel she requested. After Ran checked in, she tossed her things into the room and went to wander the city. Ran had no clue where to find Hattori Heiji.. but, she refused to leave until she found him.

Suddenly, someone caught the girl's eye. She realized it was Takagi Wataru, who was Megure's assistant officer. She tried to hide herself, but to no avail. Wataru recognized Ran and waved an arm to catch her attention. She thought about acting as if she hadn't saw him, but she made the mistake of making eye contact so she reluctantly went over to him.

"You're Mouri's daughter, aren't you?" Takagi Wataru asked.

"Sure am!" Ran laughed nervously, rubbing the back of her head.

"Where's your dad?" Wataru looked around for Kogoro. Ran risked being a bit more truthful to Officer Takagi and hoped he wouldn't say anything to Megure or Kogoro.

"Actually, Officer Takagi.. I'm here by myself. I told my dad I was going on a class trip to see a war museum. Please, don't tell my dad. I'm here looking for the Hattori residence."

"Hattori residence? Well.. Hattori Heizou is the head of the police force for the Osaka Prefecture. If you go to the police station, I'm sure you'd be able to find an officer who could tell you where he lives." Wataru explained, "So.. what're you really here for?" He asked, smiling suggestively. Ran arched a brow at the gesture before blushing.

"I need to see the Hattori boy, Heiji."

"Heizou's son?" Wataru appeared puzzled for a moment before laughed, shooting Ran a grin, "Don't worry, nobody knows you're here." He added, winking. Ran's blush deepened. She considered telling him whatever he was thinking was way off, but decided against it and thanked him before hurrying off.

Just as Wataru said, a man at the station, Officer Ohtaki, knew where he lived. Officer Ohtaki said he often worked with Hattori, so he said he'd give Ran a lift, saying he was headed to his house anyways. Ran drove in the police car until the pair came to the Hattori residence.

Officer Ohtaki escorted her up to the front door. He rang the door bell, then stepped back, waiting for someone to answer. A couple minutes later, a male with a dark complexion answered the door. Ran identified the boy on the spot as being the very Hattori Heiji she was searching for.

"Can I—oh! Officer Ohtaki! My father's been expecting you."

"Thank you, Heiji. This young lady would like you speak to you." Officer Ohtaki said, motioning toward Ran.

"Oh, of course.." Heiji let Officer Ohtaki pass, "You know where my father is." Ohtaki nodded, then disappeared from sight. Heiji leaned in the doorway, eyeing the girl, "What are you doing here, Ran?"

"I'm looking for Shinichi.. Conan told me he was here."

"Just missed him." Ran narrowed her gaze at Heiji.

"Where is he?"

"He went to America to visit his parents." Heiji replied, calmly.

"You're lying."

"I'm not, Ran."

"Yes, you are! That doesn't make any sense! Why in the world would he visit his parents? He's missing so much school!"

"I don't know, Ran.. but he's not here."

"I know he didn't visit his parents, Heiji, atleast have the decency not to lie to me about something like that."

"Okay, okay.. he's not in America. But he isn't here. I don't know where he is. I don't know why Conan told you he was here."

"I know you know where he is, Heiji. What is he trying to hide? What're you keeping from me?"

"It's not my place to say, Ran.."

"Oh, so I don't have a right to know? I've only been his friend since we were little kids, Heiji!"

"Listen, Ran, I made Shinichi a promise. I can't break it. I can't lose his trust."

"Is he seeing somebody else?"

"He.. I don't know."

"Who is Sera?"

"I have no idea."

"Really?"

"Ran, look at me," He grasped her chin with his rough hand, "Why would I have any reason to lie to you?"

"I'm sorry, Heiji.." She sighed, gloomily. He released her chin and took a step back, observing her every move.

"Don't be. You're upset. Kudou's a jackass for making you worry so much. He's also an idiot not to realize how crazy you are about him." Ran's cheeks reddened and her eyes widened.

"W-what're you talking about? I'm just worried about him because I'm such a wonderful friend."

"You're jealous!"

"I am not!"

"Please, Ran, you came all the way from Beika City because you're worried. And you think he's seeing someone because he seems to be avoiding you."

"So he is avoiding me!" Heiji burst into laughter. The corners of Ran's lips twitched and curled into a smile.

"I wish you lived closer, Ran. I could use a friend like you around to brighten my day."

"You know, you could visit."

"Yeah, but I'm always busy. I am a detective, you know." He huffed his chest out proudly. Ran chuckled.

"Oh, goodness.." Heiji laughed, "Anyway.. I'm sorry for the way I reacted earlier—"

"It's fine," he interrupted, " I could only imagine how you must feel.. with Kudou always gone.. Hey, I'm meeting with Kazuha.. do you want to come? Maybe it'll get your mind off of Kudou."

"Thanks.. but, it's okay. I don't want to intrude."

"Oh, it's no problem! Kazuha actually mentioned you a couple of weeks ago." After a few minutes, Heiji finally convinced Ran to come along with him to meet Kazuha. The couple walked until they came to a diner. Heiji showed her inside, then the girl followed him until he went to farthest table from the entrance. There, Ran spotted Tohyama Kazuha sitting down, sipping on soda. She looked up as the two approached and smiled broadly.

"Ran!" She exclaimed and hugged her tightly. Heiji went to order something to drink. He returned with the glasses, then sat across from the girls. They did manage to get her mind off of Shinichi for a few hours.

"I had better get going.. it's getting late." Ran said, looking at the clock on the nearest wall.

"Do you want me to call a taxi for you?" Heiji asked, as the three slid out from the booth.

"No, I'm fine. Thanks again, Kazuha, Heiji."

"No problem!" said Kazuha as she smiled. Ran thanked them again for a great time and left the diner, arms crossed as she walked. She allowed her mind run wild as her feet carried her away. Where was Shinichi? What was he trying to hide? What didn't he want Heiji to tell her? What didn't he want her to know?

Snap.

The simple noise brought Ran back to her senses. She stopped and glanced over her shoulder. The night street of Osaka was as packed as the day street in Tokyo. Despite being around so many people, Ran felt so alone and disconnected. Without warning, someone clasped their hand over her mouth, scooped her into their arms and took her down the dark alley she had stopped in front of.

Once the hustle and brustle of the street had died down, the man roughly planted her on her feet before shoving her against the nearest brick wall.

The figure loomed closer and closer. Suddenly, there was a flash of white in front of the frightened girl. She dropped to her knees and covered her face, so whatever happened between the dark stranger and her hero were unknown to Ran. When it was completely silent again, she looked up to her savior.

He held out a hand to help her up. He was garbed in a white top hat, along with a white suit, and gloves. He seemed awfully familiar to the distraught girl, but she could place a finger on it.

"Who are you?" She asked. He gave Ran a small smile before replying.

"Call me Kid."

"The Kid?" Ran asked, in amazement, "The Kaitou Kid?" He smirked, nodding.

"The one and only."

"Wow.. t-thank you, Kid.." Ran stared. Kaitou Kid grabbed the tip of his hat and bowed.

"Watch your step next time, Mouri Ran." Just as quickly as he appeared, he was gone. Ran looked forward to see nothing, then up at the night sky.

How did he know my name?

oOo

The weekend had come and gone. And Ran never came home. She knew Heiji wasn't lying to her when he said Shinichi was no longer in Osaka, but she wasn't ready to totally believe it yet and go home. She went through all that trouble and she was still hoping she'd see him out on the streets.

Ran was so shaken up by the encounter in the alley that she only left her hotel room during the day and made sure to be in doors before night fell. She caught herself hanging out with Heiji and Kazuha most of the day and grew unusually attached to the couple, especially Kazuha. The girls could definitely relate to each other.

It was Wednesday evening when Ran decided to give her family a call.

Remember, don't mention Friday night. You don't want them to be more worried about you than they probably already are.

She grabbed the phone off the nightstand and dialed the number to the agency. When nobody answered, she hung up.

Where could they be.. at home?

Next, she dialed the number to the apartment, "Mouri residence." Rang out the familiar, male voice.

"Conan?"

"Where are you?"

"I'm still in Osaka.. don't come looking for me, all right? I'm fine. Say hello to Dad for me."

"No, wait—" She quickly hung up the phone. If she stayed on with him any longer, she would spill everything to him. She couldn't do that. Not now.

Oh gosh, I'm going tot be in so much trouble when I go home..

She tried not to think about it though. Ran sat down on the edge of her bed for a few minutes, then changed into something comfortable to sleep in. The last thing she remembered before falling asleep was the gentleman thief known as the Kid.

oOo

"No, wait—" Ran slammed the phone down. Conan listened until the dial tone sounded.

Dammit..

Conan tossed the phone onto its cradle, then paused for a moment before picking it back up. It rang and rang until it was picked up by a male, "Hattori residence."

"HATTORI!"

"What the hell do you want, Kudou?" Heiji's irriated voice floated from the other line.

"Where is she?"

"Uh.. I don't—"

"Don't play stupid with me! I know she's there! She just called, let me talk to her!"

"She's not here, Kudou! Okay—she is, but I don't know she's staying. We've seen her every day since Friday, but she never lets us walk her home because she leaves before dark." Conan held the phone against his ear.

Ran was still in Osaka.. What in the world was she even doing over there?

"She was looking for you.." Conan heard Heiji say, quietly, as if reading his mind, "She's really worried about you, Shinichi.. you should've heard the things she was saying. This girl is head over heels, Kudou."

"I-I know.. do you think you can watch over her for me until I get there?" Conan asked, shakily. He could just imagine her.. all by herself.. it was killing him, not being able to hold her, or help her the way Heiji could. He hated how he had to rely on certain people to help him.. like Kogoro, or Agasa.. the Kid and Hattori.

"Sure thing, Kudou.. hey, I overheard my dad talking to his partner about these men in black. They sounded a lot like your fellas in Beika City. I'll keep a look out for them too."

"Thanks a lot, Heiji.. I really, really appreciate your help."

"No problem, Kudou. See you." Conan hung up the phone, took his glasses off. He rubbed his eyes. As he put his glasses on, Kogoro walked into the living room, eyes landing on the boy.

"Who were you talking to, Conan?"

"No body, Kogoro. I'm going to spend the night at a friend's house. See you!" Conan ran out of the house before the elder detective could stop him. He ran all the way to Agasa's house, where he entered through the back door and went into his study. Agasa was sitting down, reading a book and drinking a cup of coffee. He looked up as Conan walked in, panting heavily.

"P-Proffesor Agasa.. I need you to take me to Osaka!"