Disclaimer: I don't own any characters of Detective Conan. They all belong
to Gosho Aoyama; I only use them for my fanfiction.
~This may be a long chapter so I'm sorry it took so long. I really don't like real long chapters (unless they're real interesting and cool^^) so it takes a while. I hope you enjoy.
Chapter 3: The strength of Love
Ran couldn't move. She was numb with surprise. "How did you really get tangled in all that?"
"I don't know; guess my curiosity got the better of me." Conan shrugged. "I really regret though. I hate it. It sucks being a kid again, mostly because no one listens to me since 'I'm only kid'." Conan sighed. "But the main reason is that I can't see you...Ran." He looked up at the beautiful girl beside him. "I would give almost anything to be myself again, so that I can be with you." There was a pause. "I think I may even give up my detective skills to be with you Ran. I love you."
Ran gasped. "Shinichi..." Ran's eyes started watering. "I love you, too." She picked up the small boy in a tight embrace and as she let go, she said, "I don't care what size you are, you'll always be my Shinichi." She smiled, but it instantly turned into a frown. "But how could you? You lied to me!!"
"Ran, I..."
"He did it for your sake, Mouri-san," a voice said from the doorway. Both teenager and child turned to look. It was Ai.
"Ai-chan, what are you doing here?"
"Haibara, what are you..."
"I'm here because I don't wish for Mouri-san to kill you for something that's not your fault. Yes, your curiosity was one factor, but without the drug, you may still be living as Kudo Shinichi instead of Edogawa Conan. You could be dead, but I've known you long enough that you'd rather be dead as Kudo Shinichi instead of Edogawa Conan, am I right?"
Conan nodded sadly.
"Shinichi, she knows...?" Ran turned in astonishment to the small boy.
"She-"
"I am the one who created the drug that shrunk Kudo into his current form."
"You mean, you work for them?" Ran scooted back a bit on the bed.
"Used to, Mouri-san, used to. Besides, I ran away from them and they're still looking for me. You can hate me, Mouri-san, and I don't blame you, but I ask that you don't torture your boyfriend there as he plays a very important role in me finding the cure for APTX4869," Ai said as she walked into the room and stood next to the bed with her arms crossed. She looked at Ran and saw a flicker of fear cross her face. "I know you may be afraid of me, but I'm completely unarmed and can be no threat to you," Ai paused, "unless I turn myself in."
Ran's eyes grew wide with fear. "You wouldn't do that, would you? You wouldn't do that to Shinichi, would you?"
Ai remained silent.
"WOULD YOU?" Ran's voice was almost a scream.
Ai sighed. "I won't. You have my word for it."
Ran relaxed a bit. "But how can I be sure you keep your word?"
"Kudo-kun knows."
Ran turned to Conan sitting next to her. She totally forgot he was there.
"See what I mean, Ran?"
"Ehh, what?"
"I'm only a kid; no one pays attention to me." Conan grinned. He was teasing her.
"Shinichi! That's not true!" Ran retorted, but realized the true meaning of it when she saw the grin on his face. "Shinichi, I'm going to get you!" Ran leaned over to tickle Conan.
"Ahh!!!!" Conan yelled playfully as he ran from the room.
"You can't get away from me!!" Ran chased after the boy who dashed from the room.
Ai watched the two race around Kudo Shinichi's unoccupied house. You don't understand, do you, Kudo-kun? Ai sighed. I didn't expect you to, either. Wish me luck, your antidote is on the way. Ai shook her head as she exited the room and descended the stairs. She left the house and went back to Hagase's house next door. I didn't tell you and got you all worked up because first of all, it may not work, and second of all, you just risked everything to explain the story to Ran. I can't beat that, Kudo. I don't give up because I...I...love you...Ai smiled sadly as she passed the professor on the computer with a 'I'm back' and wend downstairs to her lab. I know I'll never win your heart; Mouri-san is just too...nice, no, not nice, charming? Beautiful? No, trustworthy and understanding. Yes, that's right. Ai closed the door to her lab and started her experiment again. I would never be doing this if it weren't for you, Kudo. This antidote is what makes you stay by me and I'm going to try to make you happy, so that I maybe....maybe could be happy again.
* * * *
Kaito ended his narrative about his father being Kaito Kid, how he was murdered, why he didn't want to help that damn organization, how he had found out about it, and decided to take his father's place to maybe draw out his murderers. He sat silently staring at Aoko. She was expressionless. For the first time in his life, Kaito couldn't tell what Aoko was thinking. Kaito sighed. He leaned back in his chair and thought, Tousan, I'm sorry I couldn't achieve my goal. I guess I'm just not as good as you, right? I'll miss mom. Take care of her for me, okay? Kaito smiled sadly. He sat up straight again and said, "Well, are you guys going to do something about me?"
"You're not Kaito Kid, huh?"
"Ehh?" Kaito was surprised that Nakamori was the first to speak. "What do you mean?"
"Your father was the one we were really chasing and now that we know he's, well, dead, there really is no use to imprison you as you've always returned your stolen goods. So..."
Kaito's jaw literally dropped to the floor as Nakamori stood up, walked up to him, and took off the handcuffs on his wrists. Kaito sat staring at his wrists as if the handcuffs had disappeared into thin air.
"You're free to go, man. Although if I ever see you in that phantom thief uniform, I won't be letting you go."
Nakamori sighed as Kaito sat motionless, wide-eyed and in absolute surprise. "Move it, kid, before I get Aoko to whack you with a mop." That got him moving. Kaito hopped to his feet, bowed to Nakamori and all the officers in the room, ran over to the stunned Hakuba, patted his head, bent down to the smiling Aoko next to him and kissed her on the cheek.
"I'll be waiting for you," he whispered in her ear, before turning and leaping out the window.
Everyone leaped out of their seat and found Kaito running down the street, yelling and cheering. He hugged a lamppost and kissed a tree.
"He's really gone crazy..." Nakamori said to no one in particular.
Aoko just smiled as she looked at her father, and as he nodded, exited the meeting room swiftly.
* * * *
Ran and Conan were racing each other through the lawn when Hagase appeared by the gate. Both teenager and child stopped the chase and came up to the smiling professor.
"What's up, Hagase?"
The professor smiled and cleared his throat. "I heard it all from Ai, about you telling Ran the truth. I just got back and saw you two running around the front yard. I wanted to tell you that, Shinichi, you may have told Ran to keep your own feelings down, but they're still out there and now both of you may be targets."
Ran smiled a bit. "It's okay, professor. You don't need to worry about Conan-kun. I'll take good care of him. Come now, Conan, we have to go home since you have homework to do and I have to make dinner." Ran took the young boy's hand and dragged him from the house. When she passed Hagase, she whispered in his ear, "Please take care of the mess we made. I will do my best to keep all suspicion away from Shinichi, I mean, Conan. I know you're worried and I thank you for that. I love Shinichi, which is why I'm going to protect him. I'm so glad he told me the truth. He thought I wouldn't be able to understand, but I guess my love for him is just too strong." Ran smiled and walked away with the young boy trotting to keep up with her fast pace.
Ran and Conan arrived home as if nothing had happened. Kogoro, as usual, was sitting in front of the television watching his favorite singer, Yoko, sing and dance. Conan smiled at Ran and followed her into the kitchen.
"Thank you, Ran. For understanding."
Ran smiled. "Love is strong and my love for you will be stronger than anything you throw my way, even if your situation was a real unbelievable one. I almost didn't believe you, but once I though about it, it all makes sense. Obviously with you and Hattori's occasional slips." She bent down and kissed him on the cheek. "I've done that many times before, but it's never felt so good."
For the first time, Conan didn't blush. His smile grew wider and he said, loudly and childishly, "Ran-neechan, I'm hungry. What's for dinner?"
Ran laughed. "All right, but you have go do your homework first. Let's see, how about teriyaki with rice and miso soup? I'll even make something for desert."
"Yippee!!!" Conan cried as he flew from the room and settled himself at the kitchen table to start his 'kiddy' homework. He was done in less than 5 minutes and he took a book, A Study in Scarlet, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and started reading. When Ran came out with dinner a half hour later, he was so into the book, he didn't notice until she whispered, "Mr. Holmes, your dinner is ready," in his ear.
Conan jumped but smiled as he put away his book and homework, dragged his backpack to the sofa and settled himself for dinner. Wow, Ran's taking this so well. I guess she really loves me a lot. I love her too and this is perfect, except my current body size but... Conan stuffed some teriyaki into his mouth along with some rice. I'll live until Haibara comes up with an antidote. He smiled as Ran scolded him for getting rice on his face. He saw a glint of amusement and love behind Ran's frown. I love you, Ran.
* * * *
Kaito sat on the roof of his house. It was weird being here since he had expected to be in jail and be hated by everyone he's known. But instead, his mom just smiled and Nakamori was being extremely nice. I guess that everyone knew Dad and they don't blame me. Man, I was surprised anyone believed all that. Maybe they've doing research and my story verifies the truth. Kaito shrugged. Oh well, at least I hope Hakuba won't tease me at school tomorrow. This is big thing that could be a big advantage to him. Kaito sighed. Let's hope he doesn't get me too bad about me being Kaito Kid, but that's over now. I'm back to being Kuroba Kaito and I will never be anything else again. Kaito looked up at the full moon in the black sky. Tousan, thank you, for my luck, I guess. I just hope Kudo has a much good luck as me when he reveals his truth. Kaito smiled. Wonder how I knew that, Tousan? Well, I sort of bumped into him on the street, even though he didn't notice and I could tell by the expression on his face that he was going to break soon. I have a feeling he already did, like me. Sayonara, Tousan. I will always remember you.
Kaito turned as he heard a noise behind him. It was Aoko. She was smiling and she looked so...beautiful.
"Oh, hey."
"Hello," she replied as she took a seat next to him on the roof. "Do you come up here often?"
"Yeah, it makes me calmer when I'm frustrated and it gives me a chance to talk to my dad."
"I see." Aoko was silent for a while. Then she said, "You know, my dad believed you because he had been doing research on you for quite a while. He though that it was very odd that you would be alive again after an eight year disappearance. I guess he got some info and your confession made his research correct."
Kaito smiled. "It's nice to know that someone trusts me"
Aoko poked him lightly. "I will always trust you, even if you don't think I'm trustworthily enough."
"I NEVER thought that!!!"
Aoko just smiled.
"Aoko, how come you understood my reasons so easily?"
Aoko laughed. "I'm not really sure. When I heard your story, I just believed it. It could be because I've never heard you lie before, maybe except about Kaito Kid, but I think it's because I...I..."
"I love you."
Aoko gasped. "Kaito?"
"I do, it's not a joke. I love you, with all my heart, Aoko. That's why I decided to come and end my career as Kaito Kid, because I couldn't stand to hurt your feelings anymore. I loved you too much to bear it."
Aoko smiled again. "I love you too. I guess love can be so strong that nothing can stop it, ehh?"
Kaito nodded. He put his arm on her shoulder and drew her close to him and did something unexpected. He kissed her on the lips. Aoko's eyes shot up, but she didn't pull back.
The two teenagers drew apart after the kiss and sat on the rooftop, talking to each other, like a real couple. They stayed up there for a while and finally went back into the house and parted their ways for the night.
"I'll see you tomorrow, at school."
"Yeah, good-night."
"You too."
~to be continued~ Okay...so that's that. It's really not that good as I was sort of rushing but I'll fix it if someone will tell me where to improve and how. ^^ Thanks, The next chapter will probably be the ending, and it may take a while since I have a HUGE exam coming up and all the schoolwork I'll miss when I'm on the trip. Anyways, please review and I appreciate all comments made to help me improve. You can also talk to me directly by emailing. Thanks!^^
~This may be a long chapter so I'm sorry it took so long. I really don't like real long chapters (unless they're real interesting and cool^^) so it takes a while. I hope you enjoy.
Chapter 3: The strength of Love
Ran couldn't move. She was numb with surprise. "How did you really get tangled in all that?"
"I don't know; guess my curiosity got the better of me." Conan shrugged. "I really regret though. I hate it. It sucks being a kid again, mostly because no one listens to me since 'I'm only kid'." Conan sighed. "But the main reason is that I can't see you...Ran." He looked up at the beautiful girl beside him. "I would give almost anything to be myself again, so that I can be with you." There was a pause. "I think I may even give up my detective skills to be with you Ran. I love you."
Ran gasped. "Shinichi..." Ran's eyes started watering. "I love you, too." She picked up the small boy in a tight embrace and as she let go, she said, "I don't care what size you are, you'll always be my Shinichi." She smiled, but it instantly turned into a frown. "But how could you? You lied to me!!"
"Ran, I..."
"He did it for your sake, Mouri-san," a voice said from the doorway. Both teenager and child turned to look. It was Ai.
"Ai-chan, what are you doing here?"
"Haibara, what are you..."
"I'm here because I don't wish for Mouri-san to kill you for something that's not your fault. Yes, your curiosity was one factor, but without the drug, you may still be living as Kudo Shinichi instead of Edogawa Conan. You could be dead, but I've known you long enough that you'd rather be dead as Kudo Shinichi instead of Edogawa Conan, am I right?"
Conan nodded sadly.
"Shinichi, she knows...?" Ran turned in astonishment to the small boy.
"She-"
"I am the one who created the drug that shrunk Kudo into his current form."
"You mean, you work for them?" Ran scooted back a bit on the bed.
"Used to, Mouri-san, used to. Besides, I ran away from them and they're still looking for me. You can hate me, Mouri-san, and I don't blame you, but I ask that you don't torture your boyfriend there as he plays a very important role in me finding the cure for APTX4869," Ai said as she walked into the room and stood next to the bed with her arms crossed. She looked at Ran and saw a flicker of fear cross her face. "I know you may be afraid of me, but I'm completely unarmed and can be no threat to you," Ai paused, "unless I turn myself in."
Ran's eyes grew wide with fear. "You wouldn't do that, would you? You wouldn't do that to Shinichi, would you?"
Ai remained silent.
"WOULD YOU?" Ran's voice was almost a scream.
Ai sighed. "I won't. You have my word for it."
Ran relaxed a bit. "But how can I be sure you keep your word?"
"Kudo-kun knows."
Ran turned to Conan sitting next to her. She totally forgot he was there.
"See what I mean, Ran?"
"Ehh, what?"
"I'm only a kid; no one pays attention to me." Conan grinned. He was teasing her.
"Shinichi! That's not true!" Ran retorted, but realized the true meaning of it when she saw the grin on his face. "Shinichi, I'm going to get you!" Ran leaned over to tickle Conan.
"Ahh!!!!" Conan yelled playfully as he ran from the room.
"You can't get away from me!!" Ran chased after the boy who dashed from the room.
Ai watched the two race around Kudo Shinichi's unoccupied house. You don't understand, do you, Kudo-kun? Ai sighed. I didn't expect you to, either. Wish me luck, your antidote is on the way. Ai shook her head as she exited the room and descended the stairs. She left the house and went back to Hagase's house next door. I didn't tell you and got you all worked up because first of all, it may not work, and second of all, you just risked everything to explain the story to Ran. I can't beat that, Kudo. I don't give up because I...I...love you...Ai smiled sadly as she passed the professor on the computer with a 'I'm back' and wend downstairs to her lab. I know I'll never win your heart; Mouri-san is just too...nice, no, not nice, charming? Beautiful? No, trustworthy and understanding. Yes, that's right. Ai closed the door to her lab and started her experiment again. I would never be doing this if it weren't for you, Kudo. This antidote is what makes you stay by me and I'm going to try to make you happy, so that I maybe....maybe could be happy again.
* * * *
Kaito ended his narrative about his father being Kaito Kid, how he was murdered, why he didn't want to help that damn organization, how he had found out about it, and decided to take his father's place to maybe draw out his murderers. He sat silently staring at Aoko. She was expressionless. For the first time in his life, Kaito couldn't tell what Aoko was thinking. Kaito sighed. He leaned back in his chair and thought, Tousan, I'm sorry I couldn't achieve my goal. I guess I'm just not as good as you, right? I'll miss mom. Take care of her for me, okay? Kaito smiled sadly. He sat up straight again and said, "Well, are you guys going to do something about me?"
"You're not Kaito Kid, huh?"
"Ehh?" Kaito was surprised that Nakamori was the first to speak. "What do you mean?"
"Your father was the one we were really chasing and now that we know he's, well, dead, there really is no use to imprison you as you've always returned your stolen goods. So..."
Kaito's jaw literally dropped to the floor as Nakamori stood up, walked up to him, and took off the handcuffs on his wrists. Kaito sat staring at his wrists as if the handcuffs had disappeared into thin air.
"You're free to go, man. Although if I ever see you in that phantom thief uniform, I won't be letting you go."
Nakamori sighed as Kaito sat motionless, wide-eyed and in absolute surprise. "Move it, kid, before I get Aoko to whack you with a mop." That got him moving. Kaito hopped to his feet, bowed to Nakamori and all the officers in the room, ran over to the stunned Hakuba, patted his head, bent down to the smiling Aoko next to him and kissed her on the cheek.
"I'll be waiting for you," he whispered in her ear, before turning and leaping out the window.
Everyone leaped out of their seat and found Kaito running down the street, yelling and cheering. He hugged a lamppost and kissed a tree.
"He's really gone crazy..." Nakamori said to no one in particular.
Aoko just smiled as she looked at her father, and as he nodded, exited the meeting room swiftly.
* * * *
Ran and Conan were racing each other through the lawn when Hagase appeared by the gate. Both teenager and child stopped the chase and came up to the smiling professor.
"What's up, Hagase?"
The professor smiled and cleared his throat. "I heard it all from Ai, about you telling Ran the truth. I just got back and saw you two running around the front yard. I wanted to tell you that, Shinichi, you may have told Ran to keep your own feelings down, but they're still out there and now both of you may be targets."
Ran smiled a bit. "It's okay, professor. You don't need to worry about Conan-kun. I'll take good care of him. Come now, Conan, we have to go home since you have homework to do and I have to make dinner." Ran took the young boy's hand and dragged him from the house. When she passed Hagase, she whispered in his ear, "Please take care of the mess we made. I will do my best to keep all suspicion away from Shinichi, I mean, Conan. I know you're worried and I thank you for that. I love Shinichi, which is why I'm going to protect him. I'm so glad he told me the truth. He thought I wouldn't be able to understand, but I guess my love for him is just too strong." Ran smiled and walked away with the young boy trotting to keep up with her fast pace.
Ran and Conan arrived home as if nothing had happened. Kogoro, as usual, was sitting in front of the television watching his favorite singer, Yoko, sing and dance. Conan smiled at Ran and followed her into the kitchen.
"Thank you, Ran. For understanding."
Ran smiled. "Love is strong and my love for you will be stronger than anything you throw my way, even if your situation was a real unbelievable one. I almost didn't believe you, but once I though about it, it all makes sense. Obviously with you and Hattori's occasional slips." She bent down and kissed him on the cheek. "I've done that many times before, but it's never felt so good."
For the first time, Conan didn't blush. His smile grew wider and he said, loudly and childishly, "Ran-neechan, I'm hungry. What's for dinner?"
Ran laughed. "All right, but you have go do your homework first. Let's see, how about teriyaki with rice and miso soup? I'll even make something for desert."
"Yippee!!!" Conan cried as he flew from the room and settled himself at the kitchen table to start his 'kiddy' homework. He was done in less than 5 minutes and he took a book, A Study in Scarlet, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and started reading. When Ran came out with dinner a half hour later, he was so into the book, he didn't notice until she whispered, "Mr. Holmes, your dinner is ready," in his ear.
Conan jumped but smiled as he put away his book and homework, dragged his backpack to the sofa and settled himself for dinner. Wow, Ran's taking this so well. I guess she really loves me a lot. I love her too and this is perfect, except my current body size but... Conan stuffed some teriyaki into his mouth along with some rice. I'll live until Haibara comes up with an antidote. He smiled as Ran scolded him for getting rice on his face. He saw a glint of amusement and love behind Ran's frown. I love you, Ran.
* * * *
Kaito sat on the roof of his house. It was weird being here since he had expected to be in jail and be hated by everyone he's known. But instead, his mom just smiled and Nakamori was being extremely nice. I guess that everyone knew Dad and they don't blame me. Man, I was surprised anyone believed all that. Maybe they've doing research and my story verifies the truth. Kaito shrugged. Oh well, at least I hope Hakuba won't tease me at school tomorrow. This is big thing that could be a big advantage to him. Kaito sighed. Let's hope he doesn't get me too bad about me being Kaito Kid, but that's over now. I'm back to being Kuroba Kaito and I will never be anything else again. Kaito looked up at the full moon in the black sky. Tousan, thank you, for my luck, I guess. I just hope Kudo has a much good luck as me when he reveals his truth. Kaito smiled. Wonder how I knew that, Tousan? Well, I sort of bumped into him on the street, even though he didn't notice and I could tell by the expression on his face that he was going to break soon. I have a feeling he already did, like me. Sayonara, Tousan. I will always remember you.
Kaito turned as he heard a noise behind him. It was Aoko. She was smiling and she looked so...beautiful.
"Oh, hey."
"Hello," she replied as she took a seat next to him on the roof. "Do you come up here often?"
"Yeah, it makes me calmer when I'm frustrated and it gives me a chance to talk to my dad."
"I see." Aoko was silent for a while. Then she said, "You know, my dad believed you because he had been doing research on you for quite a while. He though that it was very odd that you would be alive again after an eight year disappearance. I guess he got some info and your confession made his research correct."
Kaito smiled. "It's nice to know that someone trusts me"
Aoko poked him lightly. "I will always trust you, even if you don't think I'm trustworthily enough."
"I NEVER thought that!!!"
Aoko just smiled.
"Aoko, how come you understood my reasons so easily?"
Aoko laughed. "I'm not really sure. When I heard your story, I just believed it. It could be because I've never heard you lie before, maybe except about Kaito Kid, but I think it's because I...I..."
"I love you."
Aoko gasped. "Kaito?"
"I do, it's not a joke. I love you, with all my heart, Aoko. That's why I decided to come and end my career as Kaito Kid, because I couldn't stand to hurt your feelings anymore. I loved you too much to bear it."
Aoko smiled again. "I love you too. I guess love can be so strong that nothing can stop it, ehh?"
Kaito nodded. He put his arm on her shoulder and drew her close to him and did something unexpected. He kissed her on the lips. Aoko's eyes shot up, but she didn't pull back.
The two teenagers drew apart after the kiss and sat on the rooftop, talking to each other, like a real couple. They stayed up there for a while and finally went back into the house and parted their ways for the night.
"I'll see you tomorrow, at school."
"Yeah, good-night."
"You too."
~to be continued~ Okay...so that's that. It's really not that good as I was sort of rushing but I'll fix it if someone will tell me where to improve and how. ^^ Thanks, The next chapter will probably be the ending, and it may take a while since I have a HUGE exam coming up and all the schoolwork I'll miss when I'm on the trip. Anyways, please review and I appreciate all comments made to help me improve. You can also talk to me directly by emailing. Thanks!^^