Surprise

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When Shinichi had awoken that morning, he could tell that Ran had been closeby.

It was just a feeling, but it was a comfort that had become an intricate part of his day since everything had begun. It was the small peace of his day that allowed him to continue the charade.

That allowed him to pull through the day, even with the few scant hours of sleep he'd had recently. Waking up in her bed after finally falling asleep in the front room.

She did so much for him, whether she had been aware or not. It was time to come clean with everything.

So they had breakfast, his nerves nearly causing him to drop random pieces of his meal, but he got ahold of himself.

It was time.

Kaito's presence made it easier in its own way. They weren't alone.

There was nothing romantic or special about this. No special dramatics or dinners at memorable restaurants.

It was the plain and honest ugly truth in a thief's living room.

He unraveled before them, Kaito interjecting pieces here and there if it became too much for Shinichi from his small understanding.

Ran took it all in grace.

She understood.

He hated himself for how understanding and loving she was, after all the emotional turmoil he'd had a tendency to leave her in.

He wished he could have kissed her back then, during their school trip when the drug had worn off.

Shinichi didn't know if he'd ever get the chance. Haibara would never allow it if she got wind of the possibility.

Kaito sympathised with them in an odd way, but they didn't ask the hows or whys.

This was for them. They could meddle in Kaito's affairs when all was said and done with the Black Organization.

They would pay him back for the help he'd brought them, even if he'd been an unwitting participant.

"When I finish things with the Black Organization, I'll help you."

Kaito stared at him blankly, "That's a nice thought and all-"

Conan shook his head with sharp eye contact, "I don't know if my father has looked into Toichi's murder, but I'm going to look into it. Your family deserves Justice just as much as everyone who's been hurt by those people. I won't help you steal, certainly, but I will find out the Truth of your father's murder."

Kaito glanced away sadly, "I'm… not really sure my dad's dead anymore."

Ran frowned as Conan gave him a searching look, "What do you mean?"

The Magician sighed with a ruffle of his hair, "My mom… she worked with someone who was dressed as a black-colored Kid. Seemed a lot like my dad… but it could've been her for all I know. I don't know if it was to challenge me, or what… but she's made me question if any of this was even worth it. I just… I wanted to find the ones who killed my dad and reveal them to the authorities." He waved a hand, "And she wrenched it."

Conan frowned, a hand under his chin as Ran looked at Kaito sympathetically and questioned, "Why would she do that?"

The shrunken detective piped up, "Probably because she didn't want her son getting into his parent's messes. Considering what is actually known about the first Kid and Phantom Lady, I can't say I'm shocked."

Kaito glanced away in a slight sulk, "Still, why make me question if my dad's still alive or not?"

Ran bowed her head, "That is pretty cruel."

Conan closed his eyes, "Well, if nothing else… I still would like to look into it for you, seeing as the ones close to you are… questionable."

Kaito made a face, Akako immediately coming to mind, "Yeah…"

Ran smiled, "I'll help where I can, too."

Kaito looked between the two before slowly smiling, "Don't expect me to call."

Ran giggled, "Wouldn't dream of it."

Conan rolled his eyes, "Why would I ruin the fun of the chase like that?"

Kaito huffed, "Detectives are so boring."

Ran laughed, "He really can be."

Conan squawked, "Ran!"

And so, with explanations made and friendships formally forged, each followed their convictions. Ran supporting Shinichi-Conan as needed during investigations while acting none-the-wiser. Kaito making his heists ever more intricate and exciting for the chase.

Shots were fired, blood was spilled, but the Truth would one day be revealed for all.

The End.

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This wasn't how I had planned to continue/end the story, but I didn't want to explain the Org twice in this fic while reading it over today. All the same, it's a bit of a lackluster end after contemplating where to go with this for so many years. However, I didn't want the story to wear out its welcome or continue past its original goal- Ran and Shinichi finally setting the score straight over his identity.

It's lackluster, I know. I had thought about having Ran meet Aoko. The four going to a bakery and a murder happening (I can't write mystery for the life of me) using a magic trick. Eventually after reading things over today I thought- I need to bring this to a conclusive end, because I've thought of this fic pretty constantly. I didn't want to leave it incomplete while I've been mass-writing my Kingdom Hearts series. It's less than what you all deserve after sticking it out with me for five years. All the same, I'm grateful for the reviews over the many years I've been writing, and I hope you all stay healthy and well after this hell of a year.

Happy Holidays, Happy New Year.

Stay safe.