Kiss of Death Chapter 9
"Domineering presence"
Note: This is a CoAi fanfic. All characters belong to Gosho Aoyama. I AM CHANGING RAN'S HUSBAND'S NAME TO ARAIDE SOON, SINCE HE TRIED TO PROPOSE TO HER IN OVA 9.
A/N: Been awhile since I've updated! Yeah, some chapters don't really contain much AiCon moments but it's because I've also been trying to develop the plot! More AiCon moments are coming up, I'm just building tension and ho ho ho! You guys are in for a MASSIVE treat of AiCon moment in the final chapter! So stay tuned!
Previously: As the plot thickens, the appearances of the Black Organization is becoming more frequent. As Ai and Conan try to keep their identity, they would have to entertain a few guests in the school -Tyler, Phoebe and Cedric; one of the few students of Moriarty school. Amora is currently collaborating with the Teitan Middle School authorities to host a masquerade to give the students a blast before ending the school exchanged programme. But wait, what has Kaito Kid have to be involved with this?
Damn it! How can I not know this? I was too busy wondering where Haibara was at. I need to tell Hattori about this.
Just as Conan was about to take out his phone, it blared. Heiji's name was on the screen. Such a good timing.
"Yo, Kudo. Have you heard about it?"
"Yeah," he stated, "but why?"
"Publicity maybe," Heiji answered, "Kaitou KID's popularity has depleted over the years. My guess is that the old man wants a last duel with the phantom thief before he retires."
"No."
"No?"
"Oji-san was interviewed and said that his intentions was just to collect the treasure. It was KID who challenged him, which is puzzling because normally jewels will attract him," Conan explained.
"Eh, I see..."
"So I have to go-"
"Wait Kudo!" Heiji blurted out.
"What is it?"
"I reconciled with Kazuha-chan already, she's actually in Tokyo now," Heiji said, reluctant to give the information, "she mentioned that she had a catch up with Ran. She did say something about Ran arguing with her husband. I'm not sure, but if you want to console her."
How can I? I doubt she can forgive me.
"Anyway, I have to go now. I still have school. Inform me if there's anything else, alright?" Conan said, before hanging up, without lingering onto the matter regarding Ran.
Forgive me, Ran. I thought you'll be happy with him.
Ai looked at her reflection in the mirror. The image of a 15 year-old girl was gazing back at her, through the strawberry blonde strands of her hair that she inherited from her mother. Then there's the poker face that supposedly should come from her father, serious and cold. Alone in the girl's bathroom, she let a tear cascade down her face.
Everyone knows Haibara Ai -sarcastic, adorable and caring underneath the cold exterior. But Shiho Miyano? An orphaned child that had lost her sister, a girl that spent her abnormal childhood in a syndicate driven to have no choice but to take her life by the poison that she created. But it gave her a brand new life, and she's trying to live despite her dark past. Her heart is merely lost in the bottomless pit of the sea, drowning in the cold, waiting to have warmth. But the heart is beating with good intentions, just all wrapped in the veins of assumptions and being misunderstood.
I'm not even sure what to think. Kudo-kun has been affecting me lately. It's probably the most foolish thing I've done.
"Moping about because you do know you have a lot of rivals, right?" another girl's voice said, in a malicious tone. Phoebe was behind her, staring into Ai's reflection.
"I'm afraid I don't follow your non-sense."
"Should I spell it out for you?" the girl with the chestnut hair walked closer to her, whispering into her ear, "you have eyes on Edogawa Conan." At this, Ai was stunned.
"I don't feel for him that way."
"Don't lie!" she hissed, "I saw you. You stared at him every 20 seconds during our lunch today."
What is this girl up to? Relax, women like Vermouth are much worse. It's just a high school bitch.
Ai regained her composure and gave her trademark smirk, "even so, what are you going to do?"
"We both know very well that we dislike each other," the other girl replied, "but I'd like you to get out of my way. Otherwise, what would innocent little Ayumi would say? She mentioned her old crush on Conan before. She gave up on him because you were much closer to him. She was surely jealous for a moment but you reassured that you didn't like him that way. But you lied."
"You don't have evidence," Ai spat back.
"Even if I don't have proof," Phoebe replied, "you don't need proof. All it takes is good manipulation of the human mind. So? What do you think she'll do if she finds out that her closest friend lied? Love breaks friendships apart."
"So, am I supposed to play a little game of yours? What do you have against me?" Ai questioned.
Phoebe laughed, amused and mockingly, "you appear cold and dignified, yet you actually care. And people love you for it. You don't have to be friendly to be liked. Even the guy I'm dating tried to hit on you. I hate that."
"That's a little ironic for a girl who dates a stereotypical jock to gain popularity and manipulates boys to her advantage," she commented sarcastically.
"Just don't get in my way with Tyler," she barked, "or else, I'll reveal your dirty little secret." With that, Phoebe left like a fleeing ghost.
Geez, I can't even be bothered with your pathetic boyfriend. But I must be careful. Ayumi may like Cedric, but the lying part... She may not handle it well.
Ai exited the girl's washroom, seeing that Ayumi had waited for her.
"Ai-chan!" she waved, smiling sweetly, "We're playing soccer! Join us!"
"Yeah, Haibara. Join us," Phoebe appeared beside Ayumi, clutching onto her like buddies. She smiled towards Ai, which she responded by scrutinizing her eyes.
"I tell you!" Tyler was shouting at Cedric, looking irritated, "basketball is better than soccer!" He then made an attempt to strike a goal, but it hit the rim of the goalpost.
Oi...oi... Soccer is still more fun in my own opinion.
Cedric took the ball and tossed it to Conan, turning to Tyler, he said, "you should ask Conan here to teach you. He's quite good at soccer." Conan picked up the ball and gave a pass to Tyler. He was startled by the unexpected pass but he managed to catch it.
"Not bad, four eyes, let's make a trade," Tyler said, grinning at him, "I'll teach you a few basketball moves and you show me how to play soccer well." He passed the ball back to Conan.
"Sure, why not?" Conan replied, then started to juggle the ball with his knees and feet. He gave another strong kick to the Lebanese boy and tried to score a goal. The ball hit the board then the rim, reflecting to Conan again.
"That was a good try. But try to aim for certain areas of that will pass through the goalkeeper," Conan explained, giving an accurate pass to him. Typer took the chance, but unfortunately he didn't score. He turned to Japanese boy, slightly embarrassed by the failed move.
Conan smiled and picked up the ball. He passed the ball to Tyler, and explained a few tricks that would help in getting a goal. He did what he was told. The ball was able to go in smoothly.
"Yosh, that's great!" Conan looked at him, grinning. Both of them gave a thumbs-up gesture.
Maybe this guy ain't so bad.
Ayumi waved at Cedric, skipping happily over to him, "Mind if we join in? Where's Genta?" She looked around. No sign of him.
"He said he needed something to do. He didn't specify though, and he went home," Cedric answered, staring down on the ground, a worrying expression creased all over his face. Ayumi cupped his cheek, staring lovingly in his eyes. Mitsuhiko glared heavily at the sight, wanting to turn away.
Being observant, Ai noticed this and questioned Mitsuhiko's well-being. "Uhh... I forgot I've got to do something. I'm going home!" Mitsuhiko mumbled, taking his bag and bid farewell. Almost everyone was well aware of the possibility of his sudden motive of avoiding them, but Ayumi looked confused while Cedric remained unaware. Yet, he glanced at Mitsuhiko, which Ai took notice of.
"That was weird..." Cedric muttered before smiling it off, "aren't there classes after lunch? So it's just us without Genta and Mitsuhiko, right?"
"I'm not playing."
"What's the matter, babe?" Tyler questioned, there was genuine concern in his voice. Phoebe shrugged in response, mumbling about sitting on the sidelines because she didn't want to sweat.
Tyler clapped, giving a big grin, he was definitely pumped up for a game of soccer. Conan noticed the sudden glimmer in his pupils, indicating true passion for to learn. "So it's 3 versus 2. Cedric and I must separate so that it won't be imbalanced. Ayumi-chan and Haibara can be in one team with Cedric," he then walked over to Tyler, patting his back, "I believe Tyler and I will take on 3 players. He's quite a fast learner anyway."
"Okay!"
Ai nodded, pretending to reluctantly play soccer, but deep down, the enthusiasm was screaming in her chest. Being influenced by the very boy she admire, she too, grew fond of the sport.
I guess I'll just have to be careful as Conan's on the other team-
All of a sudden, Ai froze.
A domineering pressure was collapsing on her. That suffocating notion, again. But this time, it's stronger.
It's that feeling again. They're here, and it's even stronger than Vermouth's presence. But where? The field is such an open space and it's crowded with the school staff and students during lunch.
"Haibara!"
But who is it? Who's watching over me? They must've found me, but why aren't they making a move? If they discover us, Kudo-kun will-
"Haibara!"
Ai snapped out of her anxiety when Cedric called her. There was still an ominous tension feeding onto her soul, but tried her utmost to conceal it. "You coming? I was explaining my plan to Ayumi," Cedric added, smiling to her.
Folding her arms, she said, "I'm not really in the mood, will you be okay if I sit out on this one?"
"Okay, you don't look well-"
Conan, not far away, noticed the transition in her behaviour. Walking over to her, he asked, "Haibara, what's wrong?"
"I'm fine-"
She headed to the bleachers at the side of the field. "She must've gotten a headache or something. But it's okay, Ayumi and I can play."
Nope, I doubt it's a mere headache. That look on her face. It's no mistake, they are here. But who? Someone, someone here said something weird. What was it?
Conan gave a casual pass to Cedric for a check, saying, "whichever team scores the first 3 will win."
"You got it," Cedric nodded, giving the ball back to the Lebanese and stood with a stance, preparing to defend. Tyler glanced at Conan, who was open but Ayumi was nearby. Seeing this, he did a spin to cut through Cedric and towards Ayumi's side. Conan used it as an advantage to slash through the empty space of the field. Typer passed the ball to him and without hesitance, he attempted to score. A flawless goal. Conan flashed that trademark smirk of his, of which Ai smiled at this. Tyler clapped, impressed by the chemistry of their teamwork. Both boys placed their knuckles together to have a "bro fist".
I guess Kudo-kun still a kid at heart at times. This sport is fun I suppose.
She smirked at the goal he made. She couldn't help it. His influence made her a huge fan of the sport he loves, not to mention, to become a die-hard fan of Higo from the opposing soccer team, Big Osaka. Although the Big Osaka and Tokyo Spirits team members are slowly getting replaced along the span of 8 years, Ai continued to watch with Conan soccer tournaments. Half the time she was enjoying the flow of the game, the other half being distracted by the boy, who was often serious in investigations, to be extremely cheerful while watching a match. She remembered the first time, he placed his hat on her and asked to enjoy in watching a soccer live. As skeptical as she was, she obeyed his suggestion. Now, she was almost as thrilled as him and even enjoyed playing soccer with him, to which she refused to admit. Conan would beat her, of course, yet her competitiveness made her play at her best. Of course, it's better sit at the sidelines, watching him perform all the tricks an adept soccer player could do. She loved how he looked child-like, another persona of him besides the investigation mood he portrayed in murder scenes. In that moment, they didn't seem to worry about being adults stuck in a child's physique or the syndicate. They were simply re-living childhood, as friends. Truly, it was these little gems of memories that she ought to treasure.
"Nice!" Cedric commented.
Ai, at the mean time, clapped as well, but the expression on her face showed that she was unimpressed. "Bravo! For all you know that might've been a tyco shot, tantei-san," she said sarcastically, chuckling through her smirk. Conan could only look at her with bored eyes in response.
Oi...oi... Way to crush my spirit, Haibara. But still, she tries to act normal, yet the presence of the Black Organization bothers her. Damn it! If only I could put my finger on something strange just now.
Suddenly, from the corner his eyes he noticed a figure that was out of place. Among the bleachers, Amora was sitting there, just watching them play. He was too distracted to be aware that Ayumi was already starting the ball. As predicted, she passed the ball to Cedric but Conan figured that it was best to let it go. Conan dropped back to cover the pathway, but was startled when Cedric kicked the ball towards him, immobilizing Conan. He was like a bull charging and the detective was the red cape. This caused Cedric to score into the goalpost.
"So that's one-all."
"That was a difficult way to score," Ai commented sardonically, clapping her hands.
"Don't push your luck, Haibara," Conan replied, before receiving the ball from Tyler.
Geez, but my mind's engaged on the syndicate to actually play well now. I gotta keep in view of the men in black and act naturally at the same time. Maybe Amora's presence is the reason why Ai is being like this. It was just like before, when she first met Amora at the carpark.
Since Cedric was faraway and busy marking Tyler, Conan manoeuvred through the girl's defense, as swift as water moving past sedimentary rocks. He attempted to strike into the goal, but the strength he used was too much and the ball curved harder than expected, missing to score altogether.
Ah shit! I got too agitated that I didn't control it.
Luckily, Tyler caught it at the very base of the field and kicked into the scoring area.
"Hah! In your face! One more score and we'll win," Tyler taunted jokingly at Cedric, laughing a bit. Being great friends, the golden boy wasn't offended, but returned the laugh. Cedric then passed to Ayumi, before giving Ai a mutual glance.
What was that look Cedric gave to Haibara?
Once again, the shrunken detective was in a trance to notice the approaching white-and-black ball towards him. He managed to headbutt it, but his footing was wrong as he strike the ball onto the net.
Ai clapped sardonically once more, chuckling, "now that's a tyco ball, my dear Sherlock Holmes, haven't you forgot simple movements in muscular coordination?" She stood up, having to feel the pressure ebb away. She approached the field for a better view.
"I was just distracted," he muttered, giving a nervous laugh. He visibly dropped a sweat across the side of his face. He was getting comfortable on the way Ai was approaching them.
"My dear... Sherlock Holmes?" Ayumi questioned, looking all puzzled. The pair was stunned by her comment.
It slipped out of my tongue!
Haibara covered her mouth, apparently taken-aback that she's been caught red-handed. She secretly hoped that they were not quick-witted enough to imply anything. She fumed in humiliation even more after seeing Tyler smirk.
Eh? I didn't notice Haibara called me that.
Tyler walked up to him, elbowing his arm, "It's now 2-1. Let's try to have the final score, eh, lover boy." The bespectacled boy shot a glare at him.
Weren't you the one who tried to hit on Haibara? Who's the player now.
Shaking the incident off, Conan received a head pass to Tyler, which he faked a shot and tried to dribble on the right, but was blocked again by Cedric. He stopped dead in his tracks again, thinking that it was not possible to manoeuvre his way through the boy. He switched to the other lane but was futile, so he had to give the ball to Tyler. The Lebanese boy did a jump and kicked the ball, thus scoring.
"Score!" he shouted in triumph in the air. Unknowingly, he did not notice the strawberry blonde was right behind him. Before anyone could react, he knocked on Ai as he was landed, causing her to fall backwards. Spinning to prevent herself from falling, Conan reacted and rushed to catch her, which he successfully did.
Then it went all too fast.
Before they knew it, the pair found their lips crashing onto one another.
A/N: Well, that was uncalled for. They kissed, accidentally, again. When are they going to kiss for real this time? And why is Ai having this domineering pressure on her? It's because the Black Organization is nearby. But who?