Chapter 22: Reunion

"… and that's how I ended up here with you", Conan ended his narration, including not only how he shrunk, but also how he came to guess Ran's worries.

Taking every word in, knowing how much they meant to Shinichi and how much it relieved him to share his story, Ran needed a few minutes to properly digest the whole story.

"It sounds like a fairy tale or science fiction novel.", she finally pointed out, now understanding truly, not only why she felt this feeling of affection for Conan, but also why Conan, behaviour was swaying so strongly between too childish and too mature. He would have to work on his act, to make it more believable.

But this was something she saved for later because right now there was only one thing, she cared about. Slowly turning her upper body over to Shinichi, she embraced him, softly pressing her cheek on his, displaying every ounce of love she could find in this gesture.

"I really, really missed you Shinichi.", she breaths out his name for what feels like the first time in years, accepting everything he has confessed to here, including his current condition.

"Aren't you mad at me?", Conan now ask, voice containing a small pinch of bitterness.

Instead of giving him a direct answer, Ran only pulled away from him and flipped his forehead lightly, "You silly, of course I'm not pleased that you lied to me, but I totally understand your reasons for doing so. Besides it is my own fault for not figuring out the truth, even though I had all the needed evidence. However, I expect no more lies in our future cooperation."

Conan's eyes nearly plopped out of his head when he heard Ran's demand, "Cooperation?! Ran, haven't you listened to me? These guys are dangerous and they will not…"

"…hesitate to kill anybody who is connected in some way to their target. You already said that." Ran interrupted her younger brother, who is technically older but is biologically still younger than her, "But if they ever catch you they will kill me nonetheless, so I should rather help you not to get caught in the first place."

"I won't get caught!", Conan interjected and Ran had to snicker slightly over his sulking face, "Then there is nothing to worry about, so why shouldn't I help", Ran concluded, clearly knowing that she had the upper hand in this argument.

This fact was also apparent to him and so he sighed heavily but accepted the help of his new ally, in the end.

"HOWEVER" he added sternly, "You will not fight them, you will not chase them and if I tell you to leave me behind you will do so."

Ran only snorted slightly at his request, "The third point is an absolute no go! I have lost you once already, I won't lose you a second time, even if this means that I have to tie you up and carry you."

"But Ran, I'm still in a child's body, I can hide way better than you can, nobody suspects a kid, not even them.", Conan argued back, trying hard to sound as strict as he could in this body, clearly failing in his intent.

"If you have the time to hide, we also have the time to run. Besides didn't you say the FBI is involved, let them handle the direct contact.", Ran pointed out, not ready to lose this argument and because Conan was all too familiar with her stubborn nature he had no choice but to accept her decision, silently promising himself to keep her as far away from them as possible.

"But what do we do about our daily routine?" Ran brought the next topic up," I mean, people will notice if I suddenly stop to pick you up or drag you away from the crime scene."

"That's true. We could agree on a sign that signals that I'm done with whatever I do, so you can pick me up then." Conan voiced the idea which sounded pretty good to Ran and she was quick to agree to, before a teasing smile started to bloom on her face.

"Am I allowed to scold you?"

"If you think it absolutely necessary, go ahead." Conan only sighed, "but don't overdo it. Too much can be as suspicious as too less."

"Don't worry, unlike you I don't have to catch a murder AND play child. I only have to watch you, so not much is changing for me?"

"You were watching me?"

"Isn't it normal for a big sister to watch over her little brother? Besides it's also normal for a couple, right?", Ran added, her checks starting to flush, but not as strongly as Conan's whole head, who rivalled a tomato with his colour.

"I guess it isn't.", was the only thing he could answer, trying to hide his blush behind his fringe. He was always so cute, especially when he was embarrassed, but now that Ran knew he was actually Shinichi, she couldn't help but find him even more adorable.

"Awwww", she exclaimed, her voice sounding like a purr and she promptly swooped the boy up in her arms, hugging him tightly.

"Ahhhh, Ran let me go, now is not the time for this!", the boy interjected, clearly displeased with the close contact, even though he has practically accepted her as his girlfriend earlier.

"Well he was never one to appreciate physical proximity.", Ran thought to herself, deciding that she would teach him to be less reserved in that aspect.

Knowing that he was right too, she set him back down on the sheets, plating a faint kiss on his cheek,

Even though it was only a brief contact, Conan was completely stunned by the small contact of her lips.

"I'll have to bear a lot of teasing from now on.", he contemplated, but when seeing Ran smile genuinely at him for what felt like the first time in months, he decided that it was worth it. At least from now on he could tell her anything and whatever might happen, he was sure she would not leave him.

And what was there more for him to wish for?


As always all right go to Gosho Aoyama, the original creator of the Detective Conan Universe.

Greetings

Well, that is how my first story ends. I will post an epilogue chapter soon which shows how they live from now on, but aside from that I'm done

Of course, I really wanted to thank everybody who read my story and truth be told, I never expected so many people to read it at all. Seems that I underestimated the Detective Conan fan-fiction community. Of course, I am happy about every comment (well not every comment, nobody likes the "You suck" type of comment" and I am really amazed how well you seemed to receive the story. After all, even though I think I did a fairly good job, I am not 100% satisfied with how the story turned out. The mood swings where to suddenly, the drama to forced and whole project was too rushed.

But enough with the self-criticism, I'll just have to do it right in my next story, because this was surely not my last. I can't exactly tell you when I will start the next one, but I do have some ideas in mind, so it probably won't take too long. Also, I intend to write longer chapters, with more time in between the releases. If the story is short enough it will possibly even end up as a one shot, because I thought the chapters didn't manage to uphold the mood of the previous ones very well.

But that's all for now. Sorry for the long ranting, which probably only 10% of you guys read (I mostly don't read these comments too), and again a huge thank you for reading, sharing, rating and following my story.

I hope you liked it and if you are thrilled for more, consider following my account. For those who absolutely can't wait, I have started a fan-manga of Detective Conan, which you can find by checking my profile description, should be the third lowest line.

Thank you again and farewell

Ikasul