Detective Conan Fanfiction

Kiss of Death

Chapter 13

"Tough love"

A/N: Okay, CoAi moment ahead! Prepare a box of tissues everyone.

Ran hummed her favourite melody while taking out a few cutleries from the kitchen to serve her guest. She was far from relief and thanked the heavens for Tomoaki's safe arrival.

She no longer wanted to grieve for someone's death.

She entered the dining room, where Kazuha, Heiji, Agasa and Tyler were waiting. "You can eat to your heart's content. Just don't forget to give me feedback on the curry!" she chirped, giving a smile that never changed since she was a child.

"So this is how Japanese curry tastes like," Tyler stated as he chewed another spoonful of Ran's delicious cooking.

Ran laughed at his compliment, "so how did you find school today?" she asked the teen, hoping to be acquainted with him.

"It went okay, quite mundane things," he replied, "until that boy with glasses went lip-lock with a girl named Haibara. It was quite a scene in the school." This earned a jaw-dropping reaction from the rest of the people sitting among the table, in particular Agasa choking on his meal. Ran immediately stopped dead in her tracks.

"Are you kidding? I knew that those two were close, but I never expected that they would be that intimate!" Agasa said, breathing hard and coughing up his food.

"I knew it-!"

"What a brat, going so fast in his first kiss," Kazuha commented slyly, "well, at least he made such a bold move for his age. Unlike a certain idiot here." She glanced at Heiji, who noticed it right away.

"Oi-oi, what do you mean by that?"

"Nothing..."

The married couple began taunting each other, satirizing in every possible manner. However, their increasingly loud volume in their squabbles seemed to drown out in Ran's ears, like it didn't matter.

She dropped the plate she was holding, still in a trance and not bothered to pick up the fragmented pieces as she tried hard to process the news.

Conan and Ai kissed.

It's weird. I should be happy that my "little brother" had found a possible match, but as he grows up there are times where Conan reminds me too much of Shinichi. It's like this uneasy feeling that Shinichi had long preferred me with someone else even before I started dating my spouse. And if Tomoaki's theory was right... I hope he's wrong...

"Tomoaki! Explain what kind of bullshit is this!" Ran screamed, pointing angrily at the board that was filled with an enormous mindmap of the hypothesis of the Black Organization and APTX 4869.

"Listen, Ran," he replied, trying to be as calm as possible, "8 years ago, a close friend of mine, Julias Cisson, disappeared mysteriously. Among his items that was hidden in a secret compartment were all clues that pointed out to this mysterious syndicate and files on a dangerous drug, "APTX 4869". Among its side-effects was that it can shrunk a grown adult to a physique of a child."

"And what does my father, Conan-kun and Ai-chan have to do with this?"

"You see. There was a file on a woman named "Shiho Miyano". It stated that she created the drug but gone missing," he explained, handing a photograph of Shiho to Ran. Her wife vividly exclaimed, recognizing the woman in the picture.

"I've met her before!" she gasped, "she was with Shinichi the last time I saw him."

"Indeed," he nodded, "and that little girl named Ai, looks like her. Isn't it a coincidence that your childhood friend, Shinichi, has an uncanny resemblance and similar personality to Conan?"

"But... Conan is the Kudo's second son. Of course he would look and think exactly like Shinichi!" Ran retaliated, with an increasing demand.

Tomoaki snapped his fingers, before continuing, "that's what a normal person would say. But under scrutiny, there's a co-relation to Kogoro's fame. Ever since Conan moved out, your father's fame declined rapidly. Conan also appeared a lot in the Kaitou Kid's heists, which he stopped Kaitou that the normal police force couldn't. Even if you say that he's a child of an ingenious mystery novelist, he is extremely brilliant for a child his age."

"That's not possible..."

"And remember that time you kept Conan's Sherlock Holmes toothbrush because he didn't want to throw it away, but you had to replace it with a new one? And on the same day, we visited Shinichi's supposed grave, we went to his mansion to clear up the place?" he added, to which Ran could only nod reluctantly.

"Well, I got their toothbrush, it should contain their saliva on it. So using those, I got a friend who's working in a forensic lab to run a genetic test on it. The results? Perfect match. Normally, the DNA fragments should have small variations in the pattern, although they are supposedly brothers. But no, both columns aligned perfectly. They were identical- not even a single difference," Tomoaki continued, babbling away."

"But, you're only talking about the chances right?" Ran asked, a little more irritated and afraid of the incoming conclusion, "there's still a possibility that these tests have some fault in it."

"You can say that. What is more baffling was how they handled Shinichi's funeral. Don't you find it odd that they didn't allow the coffin to be open when the deceased only got shot?" Tomoaki posed a rhetorical question, "the only rational left is that the coffin's empty to begin with."

At this, Ran shook her head profusely, covering her ears. She broke into sobs, "no! I don't want to hear anymore! I've thought about that possibility that Conan and Shinichi are the same person, but no, they are not! If they were, then it means that Shinichi lied to me. And Ai-chan was the reason why he shrunk!" She sank to her knees, crying more loudly.

"Ran, I'm sorry," he muttered, lowering himself to speak to her at the eye level, "I didn't want to go about investigating. If it is true, then I know it'll hard for you that your childhood friend lied to you. Heck, I didn't even know that you were the renowned sleeping Kogoro's daughter when I met you, and I certainly didn't marry you to be advantaged to this whole case. Still, my friend died and nobody really knows. The more I discover, the more I want to uncover the truth even though I'm fearing the truth will be the worst."

"Shut up, shut up! You sound like Shinichi when he goes about in those stupid cases!" she screamed at him, still in her hysterical cry.

He remained calm nonetheless, uncovering her hands from her ears. "Ran, I may not be a brilliant detective and I'd rather save lives than to look at the dead. But can't you understand why Shinichi likes to uncover the truth? When all is a facade and illusion, no matter how picture perfect it is, you'll still be living a lie. Breakthrough these web of lies and risk suffering from the painful reality. We need to be brave enough to not deny what we've been blind about."

"But all this... It's too much... Shinichi's dead! Long gone!"

"Why do you think I'd uncover if Shinichi's still alive when it might risk my relationship with you? I understand he was your first love and first love is hard to battle, but I'm willing to risk it because I don't want to turn a blind eye. My friend's been killed and there's no justice. What's more there's a dangerous drug that shrinks or kills people and I can't do anything about it. Even if it'll mean the truth will challenge our marriage, I have faith that we are both strong enough to overcome this." Tomoaki explained wholeheartedly.

"Look..." she mumbled, blurting out any words she could find, "just... don't talk to me for a while, okay?"

"Geez Ran! How clumsy can you get?" Kazuha reprimanded while she sweep the fragmented pieces of the plate. Ran broke off from her nostalgic state. That argument with Tomoaki was a few days back, right before he needed to go off overseas. Yet, the tsunami incident left her scrambling in fear for his safety that she let the conflict of this slide. She knew that she couldn't afford to lose Tomoaki especially when they had just argued.

She wasn't going to commit the same mistake.

"Eh? What happened here?" Conan's voice made Ran slightly jump, having appeared from the study room and had the bandages done.

"Nothing..."

"By the way Conan," Kazuha started, grinning sheepishly, "a little bird told me you and Ai-kun kissed today? What's next?"

"It was an accident. Accident," he replied tersely. He ensured that he had emphasized on the word "Accident". The boy ignored the pinkish spray of colour forming on his nose.

Heiji leaned forward, having the same idiotic grin, "oh really? Then what about the one at Shangri-La Tokyo Hotel when we were investigating about the Jim Cisson murder case? I saw you two on the verge of kissing each other when your Detective Badge interrupted. You looked so pissed like it was such a cockblocker."

At this, Conan couldn't find any words to rebuke and defend himself. "Hattori, you bastard..." he grumbled, fuming beet red helplessly. He looked away, only to glance towards Tomoaki's direction. He suddenly remembered his disbelieving discovery in the study room.

"Anyway, it's getting late," Conan chewed his lip, "Hakase you better return home with Tyler later. I'm not eating because Haibara already mentioned that she will cook dinner." Conan was itching to get away from the awkwardness in the atmosphere.

"Okay, but no hanky-panky in my house! You and Ai-kun better not do anything weird," Agasa joked, a little uncomfortable about the idea that the pair would be being lovey-dovey at his own place.

The boy can only respond with a bored pair of look, "Hakase, don't make me tell Haibara that you ate an unhealthy meal of curry," he said.

"No! If you tell Ai-kun then I'm done for. Fine, I'll shut my mouth," Agasa pleaded. Conan smirked at his own victory.

Conan proceeded to collect his shoes at the shelf. "Ran-neechan, I'll be going first, okay? Haibara's waiting, I don't want her to worry," he said nonchalantly.

If they kissed, and they are actually Shinichi and Miyano-san... Why do I feel like the drug separated me from Shinichi? And if they end up together, then it's quite ironic how Miyano-san created the drug and they met. Almost like they were meant to be...

"Conan-kun, take care of Ai-chan, okay? I wish you the best of luck."

"Come on Ran-neechan," he pouted, "Haibara and I don't share that kind of relationship!" He gave a small laugh and hurriedly left. Ran watched the boy with glasses walked away, just like Shinichi's departure when they parted ways in the Tropical Land.

Why can't you see that Ai-chan means a lot to you, Conan-kun? Everyone can tell that you love her more than you acknowledge, except for you. You refuse to face the truth, don't you?

"Tadaima," Conan grumbled, "Agasa and Tyler are coming home soon. Can we eat? I'm really hungry."

Silence followed, with Ai nowhere to be found. The living room was dark, almost making the place eerie.

Is she here? Crap, what if they took her?

Conan momentarily panicked at the possibility. He rushed to her room, praying that she'll be there.

"Haibara!" he yelled, bursting into her room. He shut his eyelids for fearing the worst.

"What are you shouting about?" Ai questioned with an annoyed look. He fluttered his eyes open, blinking at his own confusion.

So she's safe. Guess I was just overthinking.

He sighed, mentally chuckling at his own ridiculousness. "Haibara, I'm hungry. Let's eat," he said.

Ai seemed to ignore him, having her phone in her hand. "Well, if you're really that afraid but still want to check if she's okay, then I'll just accompany you."

Who is she talking to?

"Okay, I'm going to hang up now. Night, Tsuburaya-kun-"

Why is Haibara talking to Mitsuhiko again? And I've got the feeling that they are hiding something from me. Haibara always confided matters in me more than anyone else. Moreover, why don't they talk in person instead on the phone?

"I placed dinner on the fridge because it might spoil. Just use the microwave to heat it up again. I've eaten dinner already," she informed, still not facing him.

"Say Haibara..." he mumbled, causing Ai to look at him. They felt the same intensity upon meeting each other's eyes. Intimidating, yet warm.

"Before you say anything, Kudo-kun, what happened to you?" she asked, referring to his injured wrist and arm.

"It's no big deal, really..."

"Really? Because it looked like you got into a car accident!" she shouted, frowning, "Kudo-kun, what exactly are you up to?"

"I'm fine... You don't have to worry..." he grinned optimistically, with a thumbs up. He expected her to relax. But no, she grew more infuriated.

"Kudo-kun, you have no idea what they are capable of. You might be killed!" she screamed.

"Haibara-"

"Tadaima!"

Agasa greeted as he opened the door. He and Tyler got inside the house. "You can make yourself at home, Tyler. By the way Ai-kun, we've already eaten at Ran's place," Agasa informed, unaware of how piercing the information was to Ai.

So I guess he still longs to see her. What more things are you hiding from me, Kudo-kun?

Ai pondered, getting uneasy of the sensitive topic regarding Ran. It was a taboo for them to debate about indeed, afraid that it might touch a nerve or two. Yet, before Ai could react, Conan grabbed her lightly by the wrist and guided her to the basement to get out of anyone's earshot.

They weren't finished with their heated debate.

"I know the risks, Haibara. You've got to understand the reasons why I'm always pursuing them. I want to protect everyone, you got it?" he explained in a low voice. She tilted her head to the side, avoiding his gaze. She found it hard to mask her emotions upfront.

"Anyway, what did you want to tell me, Kudo-kun?" she spoke softly, like any loud sound would wake up a sleeping beast.

Conan fidgeted with his fingers, remembering Tyler's advice. It made him anxious. Deciding that it was now or never, taking a sharp inhale, he said, "Haibara, I know we've been through a lot and there's going to be a Kaito Kid's heist during that dance night everyone's talking about. I know a lot of girls asked me to go with them, but I've turned them down because I don't know them very well. You're the only girl that I'd be comfortable with. Because, you know, you're my partner." He sheepishly grinned upon blurting out his request.

At this, Ai's heart skipped a beat. True that Conan had been annoying her to go with him, which she refused, but to think Conan's view of her as his partner-in-investigation remained unchanged after all these years.

"Thanks, but Tsuburaya-kun wants to keep an eye on something, but he's not confident of doing it all by himself. I promised to accompany him," she answered cooly. Hearing this, Conan's smile disappeared. He bowed his head low.

"Why..." he blurted out, almost like a whisper, "why is someone always chosen over me? Haibara, what must I do to prove myself to you? I've been so restless, protecting you because I'm afraid they'll take you again..."

Ai was rendered speechless at his sudden emotional turbulence.

"Tell me, what must I do?" he continued, now facing up towards the ceiling, "Haibara, believe me, your safety is my first priority. After I failed to save Akemi, I never wanted someone to die in my arms again. Can you at least give me the slightest sign that my efforts are not futile?" He slowly opened his eyes, trying to blink the hot tears away.

"Your first priority?" Ai questioned, on the edge of losing her temper, "don't lie, Kudo-kun! Everyone knows it, Mouri-san has always been your top concern and nothing else. I was always here, it's just that you never noticed..." She hung her head low, unable to look at him anymore.

"Is that why do you push me away, Haibara? I didn't risk my life and fall off the skateboard for nothing! What's worse is you chose to go to that stupid Masquerade night with Mitsuhiko. I'm the one who was always taking measures just to keep you safe, not him or anyone else," he said, his face twisting into a frown. There was an intense vibe rising from him, which intimidated Ai.

As hard-headed as she always was, she decided to retaliate, "such bullshit. You don't know how much I ached and sacrificed before so that you could be with her. I never asked for you to risk your life."

At this, the shrunken detective tugged his bangs lightly in frustration. He was angry. No, he was beyond furious. "God damn it, Haibara. I'm trying. You may not see the effort, but fuck, I am trying. I would take a bullet for you if I have to."

"And so did I. But you always had your focus on someone else. Trust me Kudo-kun, I cared for you more than you ever did, but you don't even stop to notice. I gave up on you a long time ago," Ai rebuked.

"On someone else?" he questioned, irritated, "Ran? Why the heck is everyone always trying to bring her up to me? Ran, Ran, Ran! It's getting annoying."

"Because you still love her," the strawberry blonde blurted out, followed by a weak whimper. She was about to cry.

"And even if I've looked up to her as my sister, it used to ache when she's always the one in your mind. Because I can never take her place," she said faintly, battling her hardest not to fall apart. She shyly looked away again.

"Haibara... I never knew you felt that way..."

"Don't be so arrogant, tantei-san," the strawberry blonde smirked, "I said 'used to'. Why did you think I didn't want to go with you to that stupid Masquerade that the school forces us to go?" Her demeanor suddenly changed, like with the snap of a finger. She ought to stop being mean for the person she cares about, but revenge felt so good to someone who had hurt you.

"Haibara...?" Conan stuttered, growing afraid of the vibe she was giving. It was like she got possessed by a demon after her almost emotional breakdown.

"I gave up on you," she continued, "just like Ran."

Conan visibly cringed at the name. Ai was sure that she crossed the line. But she was too exhausted and thus was blinded by the repercussions. He had hurt her so many times by neglecting her feelings, right? So how was this any worse?

"And now, I understood. It's no wonder she left you. It's hard to love someone like you, Sherlock," she added.

The modern Sherlock Holmes opened his mouth to argue, but shut it again. He was overwhelmed. Too mad, too exhausted, too hurt to even retaliate. Her vehement words worked like poison on his veins, a dagger that impaled the flesh of his heart. Not wanting for her to see him in such a state, he turned her back on her. He wanted to tear up, unravel the boiling fury that was about to explode. It was so evident by the whiteness around his fisted knuckles. He searched around for something, something to punch, something to take out his anger on.

He was about to hurl his fist on the metallic door when someone knocked on it. He opened it, Agasa appeared.

"Shinichi?" Agasa started, "I've heated up dinner. It's on the table."

Getting out of the room, Conan replied, "I'm going to sleep. I lost my appetite."

The modern Sherlock Holmes slammed the door shut.

He hated to admit it. She was right.

It was difficult to love a person like him.

A/N: Genetic testing is used in forensics, personal items can be used like toothbrush (contains saliva) or other items that has bodily fluids or blood on that person can be used to test whether someone's blood related or are the same person. Anyways, that was such a bomb of confession there. This was one of the CoAi scenes I almost cried when I read what I just typed.