Title: Christmas Shopping
Theme: Day Six: Hot Chocolate
Pairing: Conan(Shinichi)/Ran
FYI: 3,400 yen is about $30.00

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It was Saturday morning, and Christmas was only a few days away. Much to his dismay, Conan had gotten dragged out along with Genta and Mitsuhiko for the day. Apparently, Ayumi's Mother had taken the girls shopping for Christmas gifts.

Shinichi had to stifle a laugh at the thought of Haibara on a stereotypical girl's shopping day. But he himself was no more free from the day-to-day trials of being a child than she was. With the girls gone, Mitsuhiko had suggested a boy's day to counter it.

Much to Conan's dismay, Ran had taken the phone-call and told Mitsuhiko that she'd bring Conan to the cafe the trio was meeting at. This of course, left no room for him to make an excuse and spend a day doing something productive- like searching for clues about the Black Organization or re-reading A Study in Scarlet for the hundredth time.

Sitting around the small cafe table, the three ordered up warm mugs full of hot chocolate and sat about talking about what they wanted for Christmas and what they were getting for others.

But the real trouble began when the subject turned to girls.

"So, Conan- you getting any girl something nice for Christmas?" Genta asked with poorly disguised jealousy.

Not thinking as he wiped the chocolate froth from his mouth, Conan shrugged, "Just Ran..."

Genta and Mitsuhiko exchanged a glance before stammering out their questions.

"You mean you don't like Ayumi-chan?"

"Or even Haibara?"

Realizing his mistake, Conan waved his hands, "Ah--no no! I like them just..."

"Not like that?" Genta asked with a grin.

Mitsuhiko elbowed Genta in the side, "Maybe he only goes for the older girls."

Conan slumped down in his seat as the two others ignored his protests and continued to speculate on his love-life. After several whispers between the two, he heard them cheer. Blinking back to attention, Conan was already dreading what new adventure they'd planned for the day.

"So it's settled then," Genta said taking the lead, "Mitsuhiko can get Haibara a gift. I'll get one for Ayumi and Conan can get one for his high-school girlfriend."

Smacking his forehead, Shinichi lamented his predicament once again.

"Oi, oi... aren't boys this age supposed to be afraid of girls or something? Ah well, I do need to get Ran a gift from Conan- their stupid joking aside..."

"All right! Shounen Tantei shopping mystery!" Mitsuhiko chimed in as the boys paid the waitress and headed down the street, "Puzzle number one- what to get the girls..."

"Hmmm..." Genta frowned, "Well there's a new Kamen Yaiba toy out."

"Genta, these are supposed to be gifts for them- not ones we want ourselves."

"Oh."

Resigning himself to the adventure, Conan shook his head, "Let's just head to the mall and look around."

"That's our Conan, always one to come up with the best idea!" Mitsuhiko replied, proudly patting Conan on the back.

And as they headed down the street, Genta and Mitsuhiko started singing 'Jingle Bells.' Luckily for anyone around, Conan wasn't in the mood to sing.
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They'd looked at toys, clothing and everything in between. Finally, the three boys found themselves nervously standing near the jewelry displays.

"I'm not sure I have the money for this, Genta..."

Genta pulled out his pockets, "Yah, neither do I."

But despite their distress, Conan seemed to be rather intent on observing the selection of necklaces. Thanks to an i.o.u. from KID, he'd gotten a fairly nice ring- something he was still having Professor Agasa check for legitimacy- but he still needed one more gift for Ran. And what better, he noted on looking at the gold necklaces, than something that would match his other gift?

"Oi, Conan- do older girls really have this expensive of taste?"

Mitsuhiko nodded sagely, "Of course, they expect jewels and clothes and all kinds of things! That's what they're nothing but trouble."

"But...then why are we getting gifts for Ayumi and Haibara?"

He paused, "Um...because we like them?"

"Oh..."

Checking the money in his pockets- and thanking his parents for sending him a little extra secretly that month- Conan pointed to a nice gold chain.

"Ma'am, how much is that one?"

"Ah, it's only 3,433 yen. It's on sale today."

"I might have to use it as Shinichi's gift if that ring falls through... Ahh, there goes all my money..."

Biting his lip and figuring it was the least he could do if he couldn't turn back in time- Shinichi nodded, "I'll take it."

"Wow- you really like Miss Ran!" Mitsuhiko exclaimed.

"I wish I had that kind of money..."

"Um... it's just a thank you since she's watching me since my parents are away..." Conan muttered, blush betraying his intent.

The two other boys exchanged a knowing look, "Uh-huh. Sure."

Making his purchase, Shinichi sighed. Sure- older girls were expensive to buy for. But when you had to cover for the fact you might not make in person, it sometimes was the best you could do.

Ignoring the taunting he got the rest of the trip out, Conan made sure to tease right back as the other boys selected their gifts- a teddy bear for Ayumi and a book for Haibara. As they walked back to Professor Agasa's, Conan couldn't help but think of Ran's face on seeing his gift.

"She'll be surprised, then touched, then probably start crying because she's an idiot like that," He laughed inwardly, "I suppose that's what makes it all worth the trouble of buying it though. Just to see her face light up like that, makes it all worth it."

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