AN: Sorry for the delay. New job kept me busy. Hoping to update sooner this time and to finish the story in next two or three chapters. Just a heads up, this story is NOT EDITED.
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Eri jolted awake. It was a dream. No… It was a damn nightmare! How can Kogoro betray her like that? Damn it Eri, it was only a dream. Well, she's been having the same dream for two days now. And it was so explicitly vivid. She wouldn't mind if she was the woman but it had to be Reiko. Since that day that Kogoro left her alone in her bed. The dream was so real and it always end with that same conversation that Kogoro confesses his love for that bitch.
But that would be a possibility right? They are always together. Besides, why should she care if they are together, isn't that the reason why she is divorcing him albeit she has yet to file for it?
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Reiko is going through the case again when she heard the phone rang. It was Hiroaki Takeuchi who is calling. He asked her if he can meet him alone in his apartment at 7PM that night and that it is regarding the case five years ago. Immediately, the prosecutor agreed.
After work, she informed Kogoro of the meeting. He didn't come as requested by Hiroaki. When she arrived, the wife of Hiroaki Takeuchi joined her in the elevator. It appears that Takeuchi sent some weird mail on her phone. Upon arriving though, Takeuchi is on the balcony as if to jump. Reiko tried to stop him but before she knew it, Takeuchi jumped off the balcony.
The horror in her eyes is evident. The police arrived together with Kogoro, Conan, and Ran. Immediately, Reiko ran to the detective's arms and cried. Eri also arrived a little later and saw Reiko ran to him. She put aside the feeling of jealousy though. This is not the time.
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The following night, Kogoro and Reiko attended the funeral for Takeuchi only to be met by his angry wife who is blaming the prosecutor for her husband's death. She said that Takeuchi did it because of the prosecutor's pressure. Ran, Conan, Midori and Eri also arrived at the funeral. Earlier that day, the newspapers circulated blaming the prosecutor for the suicide citing her pressure on the victim.
"Can we offer you a ride?" Eri asked the prosecutor.
"Alright." Reiko said.
Midori drove the van, Kogoro seated beside Midori while Eri and Reiko sat beside each other. Ran and Conan are in the back.
"Would you mind if I ask you a few questions?" Eri said politely. Even she knows that the prosecutor doesn't deserve the contempt she is receiving now.
"Sure, if I can answer them."
"First, why did you go to Takeuchi-san's condo?" Eri asked. Kogoro is just listening. He already knows everything except for the reason why Takeuchi committed suicide.
"He called me that day. He said he wanted to tell me the real truth."
"What did he mean by the 'real truth'? About his wife? Or that case five years ago?" The lawyer asked.
"So you knew?" Reiko then said.
"He was one of your fellow members in S.I.D?" Kogoro butt in.
"Yes. It started at the Takeuchi Construction scandal. But we began to suspect it involved bribery in a political level and joined forces.
"But then the key deponent of your case, the construction design office's manager committed suicide and turn the case into a maze, right?" Eri stated.
"And that manager is actually Takeuchi's boss. We could've resolved the case in his testimony but he suddenly changed his story entirely which caused me to have no choice but to cease prosecution."
"And then he married in Takeuchi Construction and became a prominent person." Kogoro added.
"How come you know a lot, Kogoro?" Eri asked.
"I told him. I already told Mouri-san everything."
Eri is upset. That idiot didn't tell her.
"Then five years later, he became your suspect in that hit-and-run accident, right?" The lawyer then concluded.
"From the beginning, I suspected he was covering for his wife, but I didn't want to lose the chance to reopen that case."
"So that's why you held him on further grounds, huh?"
"My apologies."
Conan cannot contain himself any longer. He peered through the prosecutor's seat then asked. "But still, if he said he wanted to tell you the truth, why would he jump to his death beforehand?"
"That's something I wish I knew as well." The prosecutor replied.
"It certainly is strange." Eri said. "Would you mind detailing what the situation was?"
The prosecutor proceeded on how the accident happened. Conan upon hearing the story knew that something is definitely not right.
Right now, Eri just wants to go and unravel the truth. But it doesn't mean she doesn't feel hurt with her husband ignoring her. Worse, she has to see her husband giving Reiko comforting glances through the rearview mirror. Then she heard him giving direction to Midori on how to get to the prosecutor's home. To top it all off, she has to watch her husband leave with her and enter the prosecutor's home.
Reiko headed straight to the sink to grab a glass of water. Kogoro, closely followed her. The two just had knowing look on their faces. Then Kogoro hugged her and she just cried. The detective picked her up and brought her to her bed before he settled to rest himself on the couch.
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The next day, Kogoro went with Conan to investigate the crime scene. They have identified that it is a murder case and not suicide. Kogoro informed Conan to let Eri know.
The following day, Kogoro was surprised when Reiko filed for resignation. Reiko was just in her office sorting out her personal belongings when her assistant called that Eri wants to talk to her. Reiko then asked her assistant to let Eri in.
Kogoro gave his soon to be ex-wife a polite smile as if she is just some stranger. Eri noticed how comfortable Kogoro is in Reiko's office when he doesn't even go to hers. The lawyer tried to put this off her mind. After all, she is not here about personal matters but rather to talk to her rival.
Eri surprised both Kogoro and Reiko when she asked if she would like to walk. The prosecutor agreed and the three headed out.
Outside, the two women walked together while Kogoro maintained his distance.
"Thanks for the other day." Reiko said and meaning it. Removing Kogoro in the picture, the two women admired each other's intellect. "Did you receive a follow-up regarding Takeuchi-san's case?" she then asked.
"With the suspect deceased, the case has been dropped."
"I brought enormous trouble for you as well, Kisaki-sensei." Reiko then said and meaning it.
"You bet, you did and I am not talking about the case." Eri thought in her mind. "By the way, I heard you requested approval for your resignation. That true?" the lawyer asked. Reiko didn't answer though. "Are you telling me you wish to quit being a prosecutor?"
"It's a fact that my actions led to a suspect's suicide. I am prepared to any punishment that maybe handed down."
"And what of the hit-and-run case?" Eri asked feeling the depression of Reiko.
"Another prosecutor will be collecting evidence and preparing to prosecute his wife."
"Are you sure it is all right?" The lawyer asked again.
"The law demands that the truth be uncovered. It has no real relation to my personal matters."
"Is it true even if you're letting the murderer off the hook?"
The prosecutor was evidently surprised and halted. "Murder?"
"Yes. Takeuchi-san's murder was only made to appear a suicide, or at least that's a strong possibility." Eri then said surprised that Kogoro haven't told her.
Kogoro approached the women. Reiko looked at him as if asking why he didn't tell her. "Reiko, I didn't tell you because it is just a possibility. Yesterday, I went to the scene and saw some traces of the possibility that it is indeed a murder but we are still lacking evidence that would pinpoint Takeuchi Mariko as the suspect."
Reiko understood the detective right away. If there's anyone who knows what she is going through, it is the detective who is always with her. She knows he doesn't want to give her any false hopes. "Don't worry Kogoro-chan, I understand."
Eri caught the smiles of the two. She understands what Reiko is going through right now and Eri is helping her out not for her but for the truth to be uncovered. The display between Kogoro and Reiko though isn't something that she likes to see.
Kogoro proceeded to explain to Reiko that what she saw is just an illusion created by her naked eye. Upon discussing everything, Reiko understood and decided to retract her resignation.
Before Kogoro and Reiko left though, Kogoro went to Eri a little distance from Reiko so she cannot hear. Then he gave him a slight bow.
"Eri, thank you for helping out Reiko." He said then turned his back to her to join Reiko.
The lawyer wanted to cry. She is still his wife but he's been treating her like someone he doesn't know.
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During the court hearing, Conan stunned Kogoro and explained the murder trick. Takeuchi Mariko hit her husband with a brick. She then proceeded to put a jacket on her husband and use a hanger to hang him on the balcony. When the prosecutor arrived, she tried to join her in the elevator to give an impression that she just arrived from work. Conan explained through Kogoro that due to the darkness and perhaps shock, Reiko didn't notice the unusual movement of the victim's body. Due to the pressure, Mariko accidentally blurted out that she threw the brick used for the crime. The judges decided to end the trial.
Right after the hearing, Kogoro and Reiko left. Eri didn't even see them in the court lobby. Ran, Conan and Eri went to have something eat. Afterwards, she dropped off the two and headed home.
Once she entered, loneliness coursed through her. Finally, the case is resolved. Next thing, their divorce. Eri knows that she has to file it soon and she ran out of excuses to herself already. Kogoro doesn't seem to be interested in her anymore. See how he treats her like a stranger. How he would try to avoid her if he can. Sure he does those before but it was more of a playful thing for him. But now, he does it because he is treating her like some acquaintance. But maybe it is for the best. After all, they have to be civil for the sake of Ran once the divorce is finalized.
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Conan and Ran are in Eri's office two days later. They were discussing the events when Midori came in and said that Prosecutor Reiko and Kogoro are there. Eri's heart skipped a beat upon hearing her soon to be ex-husband's name.
"Good afternoon, Kisaki-sensei." Reiko greeted. Kogoro remained outside. "Can I speak to you in private?"
"Yes. Ran, Conan, can you leave us for a moment?" The two complied immediately.
"Well first, I would like to thank you for the case."
"Where are you headed?" Eri asked seeing her suitcase.
"Oh Kogoro and I are going off for a vacation. I was given a suspension with cut on my salary because of what happened. I figured, I can use some time off." Reiko then said.
"I was reprimanded by my superiors too. So you and my husband are going on a vacation." Now that the case is over, the undying battle for Kogoro has started again.
"That's the second thing I am thankful for." Reiko then said. ""Thank you Kisaki-sensei."
"For what?"
"For giving me a chance. You don't know how much you made me happy."
"What are you talking about?"
"Do you know what my dream is Kisaki-sensei? My dream is to finally see him remove that ring in his finger. When he did, I just knew there is a God somewhere up there. So thank you for giving me a chance with Kogoro. He loves you, you know, always telling me that he cannot betray you. But you're divorcing him so thank you for this chance. I will not waste it."
"He loves me?" Eri was definitely surprised hearing it from Reiko.
"He told you that, right? You just chose not to believe him. But it's all water under the bridge now. I just have one more favor to ask."
"What is that?"
"Don't try to interfere with us. You had your chance with him and you chose to let him go. Now it's my turn. He still loves you now but I promise to erase you from his heart and make him love me. I hope you find the right person for you Kisaki-sensei. Just like I found mine."
Eri don't know what to say. She chose jealousy over his love for her. Now it's too late. "I do not take orders from you." Eri then said.
"It is not an order Eri, it's a fact. That's why I asked him to go with me. So I can start erasing you in his heart. And I know I can be the good partner he needs. We've been living together for two weeks now. I do admit into tempting him Eri. And I know he denied everything. But you chose to believe the lie and let him go. Do you even know why he let you go ten years ago? Did you even ask him why he didn't come after you? No Eri. You just left him when the going gets tough. Do you even know why he didn't contest that divorce of yours?" When Eri remained silent, Reiko continued. "That's what I thought. But it's all over now anyway. Perhaps, you no longer love him, it's been ten years. Time can change everything even our feelings. We have to go now." Reiko bowed and then left.
Before she could come out though, Eri spoke. "I will talk to him."
Reiko smiled to herself. "What for?"
"I don't answer to you." Eri then pushed the intercom. "Midori, can you send Kogoro here please?"
Moments later, Kogoro entered Eri's office. "You wanted to speak to me, Eri?" He asked.
"I shall leave the two of you then. See you at the car, Kogoro."
The detective nodded as he looked at Reiko who left. Once the door was closed, Kogoro turned to Eri. "Yes, Eri?"
Eri tried to hold her tears. She made a mistake. "Anata… Don't… Please don't…" Eri said. She doesn't really know what to say.
Kogoro just looked confused. "Don't what?"
"Don't go with her." The tears that she's been holding back fell.
"Eri…" Kogoro is still confused. He saw Eri's tears. Leaning over her table, Kogoro took off her glasses and held her face with his hand as he wiped her tears with his thumb. "Don't cry, Eri."
The lawyer just met his gaze. She can see confusion on his face. Doesn't he get it? "Anata…"
"Am I hurting you again, Eri?" He asked. "I don't want to hurt you anymore."
"No… I am hurting myself. I hurt myself because I didn't believe in you."
Kogoro remained silent. He walked to Eri's side and gently kissed her hair. "Eri, I never really deserved you. Divorcing me is the best decision you made."
"But…"
"Sssshhh… Everything will be alright. Go with the divorce, Eri. I just one request."
"W-what?" She asked looking at his eyes.
"Don't ever think that I replaced you with Reiko. Don't ever think that there's any woman I could possibly love more than you." He then cupped her chin and placed a passionate quick kiss on her lips. "Goodbye Eri… Thank you for everything."
Eri wants to hold his hand. She wants to tell him that she loves him. But he left. Perhaps, never to come back again. Someone that she used to know.
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(AN: This part will be a songfic. I just feel the need to add this song on this story. Song title is Don't Say Goodbye)
Today I heard my favorite song on the radio
I close my eyes and saw our first hello
And then I saw the time we fell in love
In each other's arms
I open my eyes and you were gone
Eri lied on her bed. She's locked herself inside her room and cried. It was their favorite song playing on the radio. She had been in love with him since they were young. All the fights she had with him then were to get his attention. For him to notice her. Little did she know that he did.
-FLASHBACK-
"Why do you always need to protect me?" Eri asked irritated to Kogoro.
"Because I love you! I love you more than anything else in this world"
-END FLASHBACK-
Eri stood to turn off the radio. She didn't need a reminder of their favorite song. She doesn't want to remember how happy they were. And then her thoughts drifted into her leaving him. Ran was young. Yes Kogoro insulted her cooking. She left their home thinking that Kogoro would go after her. But he never did.
Suddenly I realized how I love you so
And how I get surprised without your love
Since the time we said goodbye
It's hard to make you stay
How I wish you'd never go away
She didn't even say goodbye. Because they aren't really supposed to end everything. She loves him. Yes she focused everything on her work. Yes she became successful but not one night passed by that she wished he was there with her. That she would feel his embrace, his kisses. That he would say again how beautiful she is. And that he loves her.
CHORUS:
Don't say goodbye
It's hard to let you go
Tomorrow seems so far away for me to know
If you and I will always be in love forevermore
Just leave me with the memories
All alone
All alone
But earlier, he said it. He said goodbye to her. It was like a thousand daggers pierced through her heart. After the divorce, it would only be their memories that would be left. She won't be with him anymore. She had always blamed Kogoro's attitude as the reason for their separation. But she just gave up on him.
Today I read your letters
And waited for your call
I wondered if you think of me at all
And then I turn the radio on
And heard our fav'rite song
Then I knew you'll soon be coming home
Then, Eri rummaged through the box that kept their memorabilia. There it was. His little notes to her that she kept since high school. None of them contains anything special. She went through and read it. Mostly just sweet nothings. A lot of guys do those but Kogoro is not like any of those guys.
Does he even think of her? Does he remember all the things she's remembering now? Is he creating new memories with Reiko? All she wants is to have him back.
CHORUS:
Don't say goodbye
It's hard to let you go
Tomorrow seems so far away for me to know
If you and I will always be in love forevermore
Just leave me with the memories
All alone
Should she just let him go? Can she let go of her happiness? Can she live knowing that he is spending his forever with someone else? Eri tried to look inside her. The answer is NO. She cannot. And she won't. She will get her husband back. And not Kogoro or Reiko can stop her.
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AN: This song popped in my mind to write some background for them… Another one on Kogoro's end as well in the following chapter.