Chapter 1: Abstract

"Well . . . that's about all I can think of." Professor Agasa paused before continuing solicitously, "Ai-kun, you sure you don't want to come with us?"

The professor was standing by the gate of his house, a battered suitcase resting next to him. The look he gave the little girl was somewhat anxious. It was hard for him to believe that a scientist of Ai's caliber would be uninterested in attending the Academy of Science's annual meeting. His own mind thrilled at the thought of seminars on the latest advances in robotics and symposia on nanotechnology; his fingers itched to incorporate them into some of his newest ideas. Maybe he'd finally finish up the last details on that blasted rocket pack. He patted his jacket pocket absently; he had prepared several batches of calling cards and hoped that he'd be able to make some useful contacts during the week-long meeting.

Ai looked at him silently. She had no business going to such a huge gathering of scientists; not when a significant number of them had relations with the Black Organisation. Not all of them worked directly for it like herself, of course, yet the organisation's influence seeped frighteningly deep into everyday life, and its public fronts distributed money for research in a variety of seemingly innocuous fields. She forced a weary smiled and reassured the professor quietly, "It's probably best that I stay away. I have work to do on the cure anyway."

A short distance behind him, Ran leaned lightly against her suitcase while Conan was perched on top, idly dangling his short legs over the side. They chattered aimlessly as they waited for the professor to finish giving Ai some last minute instructions (Ai rolled her eyes at that; so who was the one taking care of the house when a certain absentminded professor couldn't be dragged away from his toys?). The pair had no real interest in attending any of the lectures open to the public, but since it was being held in Osaka this year, they thought it would be a good opportunity to visit their friends Heiji and Kazuha.

"I wonder how Hattori-kun and Kazuha-chan are getting along?" Ran smiled as she thought of the incessantly duelling duo and sighed happily. "They make such a perfect pair, don't you think, Conan-kun?" She couldn't help giggling softly. "Although, really, a single remark to that effect raises hell faster than stealing a kid's lollipop." She could recall the heated rounds of furious denials and biting insults . . . and, if one looked closely enough, the faint blush on both their faces.

Conan almost snorted out loud. That's an example of a pot calling the kettle black, if I ever saw one. As if driven by the devil, Conan piped up with a sly grin, "I'll bet they're wondering how Ran-neechan and Shinichi-niichan are getting along."

Ran gasped at the sudden mention of Shinichi and felt herself flushing slightly. Really, that boy, she reflected almost exasperatedly. Always taking me by surprise.

Her thoughts suddenly turned inward, to gentler, then sadder, thoughts. Shinichi. How we're getting along, huh? Her melancholy smile was almost a grimace. He's never around nowadays – how can we even 'get along'?

Conan recognised the dejected expression on Ran's face immediately. Stupid brat, he berated himself silently. You just couldn't resist, could you? You'd think by now a great detective would have better sense than to say the exact words that would sink her into such a gloomy mood. Not to mention yourself too. He forced a cheery laugh, "Ran-neechan is thinking of Shinichi-niichan, right? I'm sure he is thinking of you in the same way too!"

I'm sure.

Ran looked into Conan's earnest young eyes. They always showed so much care for her, that pair of eyes. How can I disappoint him? She smiled then, a genuinely happy smile that bubbled up from the depths of her touched heart. "Thank you, Conan-kun. You always know just what to say, don't you?"

Do I?

Professor Agasa's voice suddenly broke through their conversation. "Goodbye Ai-kun! See you in a week!"

Ran turned around and waved to the tiny blonde, "Bye Ai-chan. Take care of yourself, okay? Call the number I gave you if you have any problems."

Conan tossed off a jaunty little wave, but the eyes that met each other were solemn, as unchildlike as unchildlike could be.

Don't take risks now, Kudo.

You take care of yourself too, Haibara.

I'm a little unsure about the honorifics that each character use to address each other. If I made any mistakes, I'd appreciate it if you could let me know.