Chapter 4~!

Disclaimer: Don't own it.

Labor Pains

"What are we going to do with all this stuff? There is no room." Ran said as she looked at all of the gifts. Eri laughed.

"We would have to rearrange your room." She answered.

"We'll do it; you won't have to do anything." Kogoro said as he opened the door to Ran's room. "But we can do it tomorrow. Right now we should all get to sleep."

Ran nodded. "Good night, everyone," she said.

"Good night, Ran-neechan." Conan said as he watched her enter the room.

He sighed as he turned to walk into his current bedroom.

"I'm going back to my apartment." Eri said. Kogoro nodded and walked her out. "Call me if something happens," she said. He nodded and watched her climb into a cab.

The baby shower was a success. Nothing bad happened and it was a good thing too. Some were so certain that the baby would have made the entrance so early.

Conan lay there looking up at the ceiling. We have two more weeks to go. I can't wait to see him and hold him. I wonder what my parents were talking about. He eventually closed his eyes and fell asleep.

The Next Day

Conan walked in to Agasa's living room. It was about noon at the time.

"Shinichi, good morning, how are you this morning?" Agasa asked looking down at the small boy.

"I'm great this morning. Right now, uncle and auntie along with my parents are rearranging Ran's room to get is ready for the baby."

"How is she doing this morning?" Ai asked as she stepped out. Conan turned to her.

"She's fine. She woke up extremely emotional though."

Flashback…

Ran stepped out of her bedroom and Conan turned to her.

"Good morning, Ran-neechan."

"Good morning, Conan."

Conan handed her a plate of fresh fruit. "Want some?"

She looked at him as if he had insulted her.

"Are you saying I'm fat?" She asked as tears formed.

'Great…' "Ran-neechan, please don't cry. I didn't mean it like that." He tried to comfort her.

Kogoro and Eri stepped into the room. "What did you do?" Kogoro asked. Conan stood up.

"She just started crying. All I asked her was if she wanted some fruit."

Eri looked down at Conan. "It's not your fault, it's just the hormones. You have to go easy on her."

Conan sighed. "I'm going to Professor Agasa's house." He started walking out the door.

"Shin-chan, where are you going?" Yukiko asked as she saw her son. Conan looked at her.

"Are you here to help out?" Conan asked. Yusaku nodded.

"Yeah and we're gonna try to get Ran-chan to come live with us. There's more room to raise a family." Yukiko said. Conan blushed.

"I don't really wanna stick around today, Ran's a bit emotional this morning."

"Hormones. You know what, Shin-chan? I think you should stay here. You are the cause of her emotions right now." Yukiko said.

"Was that supposed to be a guilt thing? I just…want to get away for a few minute to an hour. I'll come back."

He started walking again.

"Shinichi." Yusaku said. Conan paused and turned around to face him.

"Yeah, dad?"

"I wanna talk with you for a second." He turned to his wife. "Go on, I'll be there in a few minutes." Yukiko nodded and continued into the apartment.

"What do you want, dad?"

"What are you gonna do about this?" Conan was confused.

"What do you mean?"

Yusaku took out his cigarette.

"You're gonna kill yourself if you don't stop." Conan said coldly.

Yusaku sighed and looked down at his son. "We were all talking about it last night at the shower, about what your plans should be."

"Plans? What kind of plans?"

"Plans about you and Ran and the baby."

"Like if I plan to marry her and help her raise a family?" Conan sighed and looked ahead. "I don't know. I will definitely help her raise him. I am the father afterall, but marriage? I don't wanna think about that too soon."

"I understand, but if we all think it's something you should consider. Kogoro doesn't know. Eri was gonna talk to him about it but we don't think she did." Conan didn't say a word. He just stood there. "Here," Yusaku offered him a box.

"What is that?" Conan asked looking up at his father.

"It's a ring, an engagement ring."

Conan took the box and opened it. "Dad, I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything. When the time comes, when you want to ask for her hand, weather it's today or tomorrow or years from now, you give this to her."

Conan closed the box and looked up at his father. "Thank, dad."

"Now, go on. Get some fresh air and see Agasa. Just don't be too long." Conan nodded and watched his father go up the stairs.

End flashback…

"Is something bothering you, Shinichi?" Agasa asked. Conan shook his head to clear his mind.

"Huh? Oh," he looked down.

"Shinichi? Is there something going on?"

"Well, dad thinks I should marry Ran."

"Do you want to?" Ai asked. Conan sighed.

"I do, but not any time soon. Maybe in a few years, after I revert back to my normal self permanently and after I graduate high school."

"That would make sense. But I wouldn't wait too long after your son is born." Ai added.

"Of course not, I would want him to know and understand that I am his father and that his parents are married and care for him so much."

"Oh," she reached in her pocket and pulled out a small pill. "This is the antidote. I'm not sure how long it'll last. I doubt it'll withstand 24 hours but it should exceed 4. It'll give you enough time to witness the birth of your son and so you can hold him and be there with her." Ai said. Conan nodded and he took it.

"Thank you Haibara," he said. She nodded.

"Just don't take it until it's time. You don't wanna risk taking it too soon."

"Have you thought up any names yet, Shinichi?" Agasa asked. Conan shook his head with a sigh.

"No, we're gonna name him when he is born and when we're together."

"You don't have any name in mind?" Ai asked. Conan turned to her and shrugged.

"I do…but I don't think Ran will agree with them. I want my son to be named Conan."

Ai grinned. "In remembrance of your second childhood?" Conan nodded.

"I suppose. I mean it is because of this incident that he is coming into this world." He sighed with a smile. "I mean, he probably would've come at a different well-prepared time," he blushed as the words came out of his mouth. "But this is good too."

Time was going fast. Conan looked at his watch.

"I'm gonna go back to the apartment. Would you want me to call if she goes into labor?"

Agasa smiled. "Of course, I'll be there for you."

Conan smiled and nodded. "Alright then, I'll see you sometime." He turned and headed out.

"Does he seem a bit strange to you?" Ai asked. Agasa looked down at her.

"What do you mean?"

"He just seems…a bit bugged by all this."

"He's happy about it but…you really blame him? This isn't really something he planned."

Ai nodded and looked down. "I don't know, I just have a bad feeling that something bad is going to happen."

"Like what?"

"Something…I just don't know what or when but it's soon."

Mouri Residence

"The guys are in there just as clueless as ever." Yukiko said as she sat down at the table handing Eri and Ran a cup of tea.

"They think they know how to build things. I just hope the build it right." Eri said.

Yukiko laughed. "They will, after a few failed attempts." They both laughed.

Ran looked down as her cell phone rang. She picked it up after seeing the ID.

"Shinichi!"

"Ran, how are you?"

"I am doing fine." She snickered. "My dad and your dad are in the bedroom trying to build the crib for the baby. They can't do it."

"That's our dad's. Listen, I cannot make it home right now, but I promise I will make it back when you go into labor. Conan said he'll call me and he'll do the calling to everybody."

"That's nice of him. Shinichi, I really wish you could be here."

"Me too. But, as long as I know you and the baby are healthy, the happier I become."

"I love you, Shinichi."

There was silence. "I love you too."

Tears formed in Ran's eyes. "Thank you,"

He snickered. "I have to go. I'll see you soon, hopefully." She clicked off.

"What's going on with Shinichi?" Eri asked. Ran looked up at her.

"He just called to check up on me and the baby, that's all."

Of course he already knew the status as Conan but he figured he'd call her as himself…to show he still cares.

A few minutes later Conan walked in.

"Hi, Conan-kun." Ran said. She smiled at him. "I'm sorry about my emotions earlier."

Conan smiled and shook his head. "It's ok. It's not your fault at all."

Kogoro stepped out of the room.

"Did you do it right?" Eri asked curiously. He looked at her.

"Yes," he said. Conan ran to the room to check it out.

Yusaku turned to him and then back to the crib. "Well, what do you think?"

Conan nodded. "Nice job."

The room seemed a bit more crowded because of all the new things.

Everyone came in and looked at the room.

Ran gasped. "Wow, it looks good." She looked at Yusaku and her father. "Thank you."

"No problem. Hopefully next time, it'll be Shinichi."

Conan turned away with a blush.

Ran blushed slightly too.

"How about we all go out to lunch?" Yukiko asked.

"You don't have to do that," Eri said. Yukiko smiled.

"It's alright, we'll pay. We want to."

"That's a good idea," Conan said looking up.

Ran nodded. "I'm hungry,"

"Ok, then. Come on." Yusaku said. Everyone followed behind.

"Kogoro, you can drive us all, right?" Eri asked. He groaned.

"I suppose."

"Conan can sit on my lap," Yukiko grinned.

Conan sighed and blushed. He wasn't a little boy, though he looked like one. It would bug him to sit on his mothers lap.

Ran set her hand on her belly as she felt the baby move inside. She snickered, "He's practicing soccer in there." She joked.

Conan looked up at her and then to her belly. "Can I feel, Ran-neechan?" He asked. She nodded slowly. He smiled as he felt him. "Hi baby. I am…Conan your, somewhat brother, I suppose."

They all snickered and laughed. He wanted to claim to be the baby's father but that would be such a stupid murder trap for him being in the car with Ran, Kogoro and Eri who all know Judo and or karate.

They all stepped out and entered the restaurant.

"How many?" A waiter asked as he walked over.

Yusaku looked at him, "Six,"

"Follow me," the waiter said. He brought them to a round table. "I'll be b-back to take your orders."

There was something strange about the waiter's gestures, the way he spoke, the way he stuttered. His eyes seemed to not be focused at all.

"Order anything you want," Yukiko said.

"Yukiko, it's too expensive." Eri said. She didn't want her to do all of this.

"Eri-chan, it's ok. You may order anything you want. If you feel guilty don't buy so much." Yukiko laughed. Eri sighed.

"I'm not gonna order a lot." Eri said looking at the menu.

Kogoro grinned. It was nice knowing rich people. It was even better if they paid his way. He was glad to know that eventually they could possibly be in-laws, not that he wanted it to happen.

Conan looked at Ran. "Ran-neechan, don't be afraid to pick out anything you want," he told her.

Yukiko turned to Ran. "Go on Ran, you can get anything. You're eating for two don't forget." A grin was on Yukiko's face. Conan sighed and ignored it.

The waiter stepped back. "Do you know what you want?"

"We're still deciding," Yusaku said looking up at him. Conan believed his father also saw his gesture. "But we know what we want to drink."

The waiter reached to grab his pen. "Shit, sorry I must have dropped my pen."

"I have a pen you could use," Yusaku said offering his pen. The waiter grabbed it.

"Sorry about this, it's my first day here."

"It's ok, we all make mistakes." Yusaku said. The waiter laughed in a nervous tone.

"Ok, for drinks, I will have some red wine." Yukiko said.

"A martini please, make it apple." Yusaku said.

"I'll have beer." Kogoro said.

"Any specific brand, sir?" The waiter asked.

"Anything is fine,"

"Some cola."

"Water please, niichan." Conan said. Ran nodded.

"Me too, water will be fine."

"Ok, I'll be back with your drinks in a few minutes." The waiter turned and walked away.

A few minutes have passed by and the all decided on something to eat.

The waiter walked back over and started setting their food on the table.

"Sorry about this, I burned myself earlier this month, pretty bad. These pans are hot."

"Thank you," Yusaku said. The waiter nodded shakily.

"You're welcome," he turned and walked away.

There was a scream. Everyone stood up.

"Help! She's dead!"

Kogoro, Yusaku and Conan all ran ahead of everyone to see the body.

Sure enough, she looked down.

Kogoro kneeled down to check her pulse. He looked up. "She is indeed dead."

"Call an ambulance!" Someone shouted.

Conan looked at the girl. "No, call the police. This is murder."

Yusaku looked down at his son. He hasn't seen his son solve a crime yet…except in London that time. Only in the London case he didn't see much of the criminals defeat.

A few minutes later, the police arrived on the scene.

"The victim is Sora Takahashi, age 23. She had been working here for almost a year now." Takagi said to MeGuere.

MeGuere turned to Kogoro in annoyance. "And it's no surprise seeing you here at all."

Kogoro laughed. "Oi, I'm just doing my job as a detective."

"Get the alibis and relationships of every suspect." MeGuere said looking around the kitchen. "Time of death?"

"She died between 2:13 and 2:37 this afternoon. Cause of death seems to be of poison which is being analyzed right now."

Conan walked around the kitchen to find some clues. He searched high and low of any sign of poison, like cleaning products or possibly some kind of seasoning that could be mixed into a chemical compound.

"The suspects are, Michiko Ito, Shinji Kondo and Kai Suzuki." Takagi informed Inspector MeGuere. Takagi flipped the notepad. "All have been co-works for a year. Kai is another chef here and he doesn't decline being in here around the time. Shinji's and Michiko's alibi could be confirmed, they are both part of the waiting staff."

Conan looked around. "Even if they were not in the kitchen at the time…it doesn't prove a thing. If the victim was poisoned, anyone of them could have done it."

"Conan-kun, maybe you should stay out of the way," Ran said walking over to him, trying to pull him away.

"No!" He froze and looked up. He sighed. "I mean…"

"Don't worry Ran, he'll be with me." Yusaku said saving Conan. Conan thanked him. Ran sighed and walked over to sit with Eri and Yukiko.

"Thanks dad," Conan said. Yusaku nodded.

"Do you have any clues yet?" Conan looked up.

"I don't know, Shinji seems pretty suspicious."

Yusaku nodded. "As expected from you, he did seem a little off."

Conan looked up. "Yeah, I am almost certain he had something to with the murder. His gestures weren't clear; he had a pen but then lost it. He claimed that he was new and he has been working here for a year." He looked under the cabinets and stoves and ovens.

"Do you have to hold us here, like this? I had nothing to do with it." Michiko said. MeGuere turned to her.

"You're a suspect all suspects need to stay until we have a confirmed culprit."

Conan walked to where the victim was found. He looked up at the pot on the stove.

He grabbed a stool and climbed up. He looked around and then noticed the pen. He grabbed it with a cloth.

Yusaku walked over. "That is his pen, right?"

Conan nodded. "Yeah, but I need proof of him poisoning her." He looked to his right and saw a small dish pan with a few spoons.

"A saucier is someone is tastes the sauces and soups. Do you think the poison was entered by the spoon or sauce?"

"If it was the sauce…then someone else would've died. The spoon would have the same affect because the spoon went into the pan." Conan said. He looked at the spices and then he noticed a spice container. "The towel,"

"She wiped her hands…but how did it get into her mouth?"

Conan grinned. "She bit her nails."

"Juzo, I know who the culprit is." Yusaku said, calling the inspector by his name.

"Go on…Yusaku, let's hear."

"What!" Kogoro shouted.

"Well, let's go back to when we arrived." Yusaku said. They all walked out to the entrance and stood there. "Our waiter took us to our table. He seemed very nervous for some odd reason. He stuttered as he spoke. He left the table as we all looked through the menus. When he came back he was missing something, his pen."

"Waiters should always carry pens? Did he lose it?" MeGuere asked.

Yusaku grinned. "He claimed to have dropped it. So I gave him my pen so he could write things down. He came back shortly after and gave us our food. Just seconds later, there was a scream."

"The victim was poisoned."

Conan coughed.

"The victim had a habit of biting her nails. You could tell by the way they were cut." Yusaku said.

Conan nodded. "There is a towel by the spoons and bowl."

Takagi walked over and grabbed it.

"As the saucier tastes the sauce or soup they put their unused hand under the spoon to catch anything that drips. After they taste it, they use the towel to wipe their hands down. After doing so, she bit her nails, therefore the poison was transferred." Conan said.

"Conan-kun, how do you know so much?" Detective Sato asked looking down at the boy.

He looked up and rubbed the back of his head. "I saw it on a drama once."

"How can you tell who the murderer is?" MeGuere asked Yusaku.

"Oh, that's easy." He reached for the pen, using a cloth of course. "If the victims fingerprints are on this pen, that is proof that our waiter is the murderer."

Takagi nodded and took the pen and towel to forensics.

"Yusaku…you better be right."

"I am right. The victim must've known she was gonna die."

"She did break up with him a few days ago." Michiko said. She looked down. "She wanted to call of the relationship for awhile and then broke up with him. He was gonna quit his job after tonight."

MeGuere turned to Shinji. "Is this true?"

"Yes…but it doesn't prove that I killed her."

"If there are traces of poison in or on the pen along with your fingerprints, you will go to prison." MeGuere said.

"Ran, are you alright?" Eri asked. Ran looked up, taking slow easy breaths.

She nodded. "Yeah…I'm fine." She stood up. "I just have to use the bathroom," she turned around and headed to the restrooms.

Yukiko watched as she left. She turned to Eri. "I think she's gonna go into labor soon, did you see the way she was walking?"

Eri nodded slowly. "Yeah, hopefully it won't be tonight."

In the bathroom

Ran looked at herself in the mirror. She felt a few pains. She didn't want to admit to it, but she had a feeling that she was going into labor.

She took a few breaths as her second but first painful contraction came.

She groaned. Water splattered all over the place. She was really scared about this. She turned to grab some paper towels to clean up the mess.

Restaurant

"Inspector, we have analyzed the pen and towel. The waiter's fingerprints along with the victims were on them both."

"Any poison?"

Takagi nodded. "Yes, on both."

"You're under arrest!" MeGuere shouted and instructed the police cuff him.

Yusaku, Kogoro and Conan watched as the police escorted the culprit into the car and drove off.

"Where's Ran?" Kogoro asked.

"She went into the bathroom, but she's been in there for awhile." Eri said.

Conan turned to face the restrooms. He didn't know why but he had a strange feeling.

They all walked towards the bathrooms.

Eri and Yukiko walked in to see Ran having another contraction.

"Ran!"

At that, Conan, Yusaku and Kogoro ran into the bathroom.

Conan slipped but was caught by Yusaku.

"Careful, Conan." Conan looked down at what he thought was water, but it was mixed with some blood and a little bit of some other fluid.

He looked at Ran in shock.

Yukiko and Eri turned to the three men. "She's in labor,"

Conan froze.

~End of Chapter.

I think the next chapter (or at least the one after) will end the story. However, I may have an "added" ending.

Thank you~!