The aftermath of sherry Chapter 7.5: Repression never truly helped anyone.

A/N: Now, I can't stop writing. So here you go and suffer from my ramblings. haha

Disclaimer: Getting really tired of typing " I don't own Dc, Gosho Aoyama does" every freaking chapter.

Shiho

There's something about feeling the roughness of the stirring wheel against my palm that is empowering. I like the feeling of being in control. I found that out weeks ago when Rei first let me drive his treasured car which, in all honesty, surprised us both. I know how to drive; they made sure we knew how to drive various types of vehicles way back in the organization. I never told any of my friends about this although I think Shinichi had an idea. And speaking of the guy, a small smile tugged on my face as I remember how shocked his expression is when Rei ever so casually threw me his car key. I'll never get over his slacked jaw reaction. It's nice to think that after everything, I could still surprise him.

"Well, that was an interesting encounter"

The teasing tone came from the man on the passenger seat and I don't have to look at him to know that he's wearing amusement on his face.

"You think so?"

"Well, you're not being all quiet and looking like your drowning on your own black hole of thoughts so I think that went pretty well"

I snorted at that. I like how he knew how I felt about the detective and never uses it against me. Shinichi was certainly my weakness and it's rare to find someone to know your Achilles heel and not exploit it to their own advantage. I know Rei wouldn't do that and I don't know where that degree of trust came in but I just do. We have skeletons in our closets, maybe even a whole room of it, and while they would be guaranteed to fuck up any relation we have or would have with other people, it only binds us more.

Throwing a quick glance at him, I pressed on the gas.

The wind blasted inside the car, blowing both of our hair all over our faces and we looked at each other, grinning. Words aren't needed. We both knew we loved it and we are ready for more.

Rei

She still has a long way to go but I'm proud of her for trying. I actually think that she handled the chaos that was tonight quite well. Convincing her to come to that party was not easy but she carried herself regally as she usually does. I'm not gonna lie, I half expected her to fall apart by the end of the night after her encounter with Kudo-kun, but she didn't, and watching her thrilled and emboldened face as she steers us unto the night, I couldn't be more proud.

She lived her life in constant fear and denial of her past that she tries so hard to forget and not to be reminded about them altogether.

But repression never truly helped anyone. It just delays the inevitable.

She needed to accept and embrace what she has gone through instead of blocking it out.

She needs to remember that it was not all doom and hurt. They nurtured and milked her mental capabilities, making her the brilliant scientist that she is. She was trained to protect herself and handle weapons yet she freezes at the sight of a gun because all she associates with it were the dreadful things. They taught her to drive and she loved it but she never drove since her escape. She actually trembled the first time I made her take the driver's seat.

Our lives were far more different than that of others, hers—even more tragic. But we cannot let define us, I refuse to let that be who she is. I refuse to treat her like some fragile thing that needs constant protection when I know that she is perfectly capable of doing so if she only let herself remember how to.

Her hair is unruly, disheveled by the wind. Her lips are curved in a genuine pride and her eyes are focused and sharp. This person is not weak by any means, she's fierce and I'll be damned to let her forgo this persona and live in perpetual fear.

I will not be her protector. Kudo has already claimed that role but I will do everything I can to enable her to protect herself.

Lost in thought, I only noticed that we're already in front of her apartment building when she parked by the side of the road.

" So how was it?" I asked.

" The driving? It was a pleasure as always" she answered with a fake innocent look on her face, which made me smile.

" Stop evading, you know what I was referring to."

" Do I really?"

I groaned at her stubbornness. " I just wanna know if you're okay"

A sigh escaped from her but I can sense that it was more out of relief.

" I don't know but I somehow felt lighter if that makes sense to you. It's like finally breaking through the surface after a few minutes of holding your breath underwater. I once thought that I could just go on about, hoping that our path does not cross which of course is impossible since we are still both living in the same city. But it was not actually that bad, it was actually kind of freeing."

She then looked at me straight in the eyes and smiled tenderly. " Thank you. For nearly dragging me to come. Thank you for knowing what I need even before I realize it myself."

" So does this merit an invitation inside your apartment?"

I laughed out loud when various papers from the dashboard suddenly hit my face. I know I broke the moment but that tenderness on her eyes and the honestly of it was more than what I can handle tonight.

" Glad you got that out before I actually compliment you."

" You can always give me something else" I bantered while giving her a wink.

" Pervert"

" Okay, I'm about to say something. Be ready for it."

All she did was raise her eyebrow.

" Only for you."

I watched as her face flushed and she struggled to keep a straight face and failed to.

She suddenly burst out laughing as I expected she would.

" That's actually very cringey, a word of advice—do not ever and I meant ever say that again to a girl you're dating or hope to date."

" Well, good thing we already got that out and that I'm not dating any other girl anytime soon"

She rolled her eyes, " Alright, Casanova. Time for you to head home. Goodnight!"

- End of Chapter-

A/N: Thoughts on Rei? Lol. These are just mainly my inner ramblings. Sorry, Rei for getting you to carry all of these thoughts!