Kiss of Death

Chapter 19

"Fairy Tales"

A/N: There will be lots of references in this chapter. A lot of people actually demanded more CoAi scenes, so I'll be focusing on these aspects, although I'm already dropping hints for some mysteries that will be used later on.

Other ships include: MitsuhikoXAyumi (not a popular ship, but I think they are much suited for one another. I just think it's really wrong to ship Ayumi/Conan and

For one thing, Mitsuhiko was nervous.

Not because of Ai standing there in her crimson dress, but because of two things- first was that he wished to win Ayumi's affections. The other issue was there was this ominous sinister cloud looming over Conan, and the force seems to be directed at him. It didn't make any rationalities as to why Conan would have such a sinister presence.

Unless... Jealousy? -Mitsuhiko thought.

That didn't sound right.

There was no way Conan could be envious of anyone, much less of Mitsuhiko. In fact, Conan should be the item of envy, almost every boy desired to be in his electric-soccer-ball kicking shoes. Unless... He is jealous of the fact Mitsuhiko is getting accompanied by Ai? Maybe. He had seen the manner the two interacted, like they were a married couple looking after them.

It was becoming their daily routine, as shrunken adults, to be guide their much younger friends. Being more mature, the pair found themselves often looking after the Detective Boys, even Professor Agasa, preventing the delinquents from landing themselves in grave trouble. Conan would usually be the strict one, reprimanding them whenever he rescues them from a hairline escape or when they intervene with his dangerous cases. While Ai was gentler, coaxing them, warning them that they should stay close to her to keep them away from harm -or rather, from Conan lecturing them again. They often work together, much more like a married couple than partners-in-investigation, when it comes to this task. He would count on her to look after them while he's on his detective work, while she'll remind him to be more lenient in disciplining them because they are just children. Truly, their relationship is undefined -more than a friendship, yet nowhere near being a romantic couple. Their bond lies ambiguously in grey areas between the platonic and romantic. Nevertheless, they work together in all other aspects, be it as unofficial investigation partners or like a marital pair with no wedding ring, their dynamics is unbeatable.

It was difficult for Mitsuhiko to comprehend it when he was younger, but now, he found it an aspiration. If he found himself a partner, he would want to have a chemistry with her like how Conan and Ai would have. Oddly enough, everyone seems to notice their dynamic teamwork, except for the pair themselves.

"Mitsuhiko-kun! Conan-kun! Ai-chan! I'm glad you all made it!" Ayumi happily chirped. The attire she wore had Mitsuhiko's jaws dropped, Ayumi was stunning in her baby blue A-line dress. The part of the skirt was slightly glittered, giving Ayumi the glow of an innocent and sweet lady. The sight was enough to put the angels to shame.

"Have you seen Cedric? He's not here yet..." the girl asked, disappointment wearing on her adorable features.

"Uhm- he said he'll be late. He'll call you later-"

"Alright, sure!"

"Kudo-kun, shall we go inside and perhaps capture the thief?" Ai suggested, side-glancing to Mitsuhiko, almost as if signalling him to make his move on Ayumi. Yet, the freckled boy could only stay rooted at his place, hands by his side awkwardly.

Dressed in her best formal attire, Ayumi ensured that this night would be perfect to impress the foreign boy. She knew that his amber eyes will lit up with fire once she charmed him with her cheerfulness and adorable features. She made sure there was no single hairstrand that was out of place or creases on her baby blue dress. Yet, the unexpected happened to destroy the magical vibe of her supposedly dreamy night- Cedric was nowhere to be found. Was she- she was unsure how to have a term for it- was she dumped? But it can't be!

Can it?

Cedric was very eloquent in his speech, gentle in his actions and there was sincerity in his voice. He tried to get along with everyone, despite the brashness nature of his friend, Tyler. That boy... he was every girl's dream. Maybe she was only being unrealistic? It was repeating all over again, just how she wasted years crushing on Conan. Conan seemed so- what was it?- Perfect. A boy who excelled in academics and detective skills, protective of his friends and extremely attractive even at the tender age of 7 at that time. Yet, on hindsight, she began weary of his ignorance to the female psychology and complete undying focus on his detective work, that she had no chance to keep up with his inquisitive mind. This same notion, it was replaying like the same song on the track, but with a different boy. A single teardrop fell on Ayumi's cheek when she realised how similar Cedric was to Conan. Both are enthusiastic Holmes fans, loves to hear about mystery cases and matured in their intelligence beyond her capacity.

To her credit, she was holding up her studies well (which was on par with Mitsuhiko's), but in terms of general knowledge and solving crimes, she was no match. Sure she had a fantastic photographic memory, in which aided her in getting good grades and remembering critical evidences in cases, but that was it. As she grew up, it doesn't interest her anymore. In fact, it saddens her to have witnessed so many atrocious crimes. How can a human kill another living flesh of the same species? -she thought. Hence, causing her to deviate from the mystery-solving group and becoming more interested in dance instead. That was a better alternative, a path that never showcased any deaths, as long as she didn't encounter the darkness of the dance industry like the one in "Black Swan".

That was her path, but what of her loveline? Was it really as clear? She was being superficial when it comes to boys- she only knew Cedric for about two weeks for Venus's sake!

Ayumi could see it now -she was taking the same path that Ran journeyed. The identical phase of being blindly infatuated by a boy whom she know well yet did not know fully. Like Ayumi, Ran grew up with Shinichi -knowing all angles of his personality except for one. Ayumi wasn't all certain what was entirely going on with concerning Shinichi's disappearance, but she could sense that there was a deeper truth that was concealed from Ran. In short, she had the hunch that Shinichi had been lying about travelling and solving cases. No high-school teenager would have the right mind to cease education and travel to solve cases in just a flash, without even notifying the schoolboard. The fact that Shinichi was gone for three years made his reasonings even more suspicious. It's not like Ran and Shinichi's friendship was weak- but it may have been confused with love and infatuation. If Shinichi truly have loved Ran, would he have disappeared like that? If Ran truly did love Shinichi, then why couldn't she understood his interests in solving cases and figure him out? Maybe they did love one another, but could love really conquer it all? Ayumi wondered. It all seemed like high-school fairytales, but most of these crushes seem to die out. Similar to a fabulous tale about a prince rescuing the dear princess and then immediately marrying, it wasn't all "Happily Ever After", right? There should be sequels to these books, where they struggled with one another's differences or even raising a royal family without their children growing up to be spoilt brats. After all, you can't simply marry a person you've barely known. What may have been a fairytale, might have been a disastrous marriage later on.

That was something she wished to avoid.

But how could she avoid marrying the wrong person if she kept falling for someone not suitable for her?

Lost in her thoughts, she accidentally bumped into a guest and almost tripped, regaining her balance but lost one of her high heels in the process. Boy, she was mortified. Not only Ayumi's partner did not show up, she almost made a fool of herself!

She was beginning to tear up during this unexpectedly ruined night that she had been planning for weeks.

So much for fairytales -she sighed.

"Do you want a drink? I'd like to have some iced coffee myself" Conan asked Ai.

"I'd like to have one glass of champagne please," Ai smirked, earning an annoyed glance from Conan. "Just kidding, I'd have iced lemon tea," she answered.

"Okay-"

While waiting, Ai spotted Mitsuhiko approaching an upset Ayumi from a distance. The poor girl must've been distraught. Yet, Ai was confident that Mitsuhiko could finally confess his feelings towards Ayumi.

Sure enough, Conan handed a glass of the beverage to her, "here you go, Haibara."

"Thanks-"

"Why are you smiling?" Conan asked, noticing that rare expression she had. Ai pointed in response, the look of curiosity disappeared upon seeing Ayumi and Mitsuhiko together. Conan smiled as well, but also felt equally a pang of guilt -he was mistaken. He thought there was a possibility that Mitsuhiko had been calling Ai because he was attracted to the strawberry blonde, but in truth, Ai was just helping out Mitsuhiko in gathering the courage to court Ayumi.

Conan can't help but feel stupid. Dumbfounded even.

Of all conclusions he had made in his work, this had to be the one that he had mistaken. How could he have been so blinded by emotions?

Maybe that's why the Envious people had their eyes sewn shut in "Dante's Inferno". The green little monster can be a dangerous being -he laughed to himself.

"Let's go," Ai said, grabbing his hand like she did in the Haido Hotel years ago, "I want to have a closer look at their interactions without getting to suspicious." She led him to the place where people were waltzing, much to Conan's protests. She guided his hands to rest on her waist, albeit uncomfortably.

She smirked at him playfully, "don't tell me the Great Detective doesn't know how to waltz," she teased, then placing her arms around him.

"Don't be stupid, of course I know," he scoffed in arrogance, the kind of annoyed grumbling attitude was back on him again. "It's just a shock that the social elites are still into these things."

They started to move in synchrony, as the musicians continued to play Patrick Doyle's "La Valse de l'Amore".

"Ah-ra, so you don't consider yourself as an elite? That's a shock, coming from someone who plays the violin and used to live in a mansion all by himself," she commented, rolling her eyes, "the waltz is actually really beautiful. Sadly, it declined with monarchy. Many people think that intangible heritage like the arts and historical artefacts are irrelevant to the modernisation of the human society, but I think it's good to preserve some token of humanity's memories. Even fishes go back to their birthplace to lay the next generation, after all."

"Now, that's a shock coming from a scientist who talks about the value of the arts," Conan satirically remarked, maintaining the eye contact with her. At that moment, he was glad that their height was on par.

He noted how her eyelashes were long, and it looked pretty.

It was so cruel for such a pretty girl to grow up in a syndicate. The joke that life gives us -he thought silently.

"Now I think you're the one being stupid," she huffed, her eyelids fluttering unconsciously as she continued to gaze at him, as if she was challenging his mental strength, "the waltz did make people fall in love, you know," she said as she pointed out Ayumi and Mitsuhiko.

The girl was holding back her tears. She will not cry in public-she promised!

Just then, someone held out her missing footwear towards her. Mitsuhiko nervously chuckled, "Hey Ayumi-chan... Seemed like you lost your footing." Mitsuhiko then chuckled some more, realising the lame pun he had made in front of the object of his affection.

She joined in the laughter, "I guess... I guess I did." As if on instinct, the two teens started to move along the "La Valse de l'Amore" music.

With their fingers intertwined, she forced a smile- well, she had yet to recover from her disappointment. "I thought you came here with Ai-chan," she pointed out, gritting her teeth. She really felt relieved upon Mitsuhiko's presence, and didn't want him to leave.

"Oh, that? Well, she only accompanied me-"

"Why don't you go to her? She was so stunning in her dress. She's incredibly pretty," Ayumi sighed, a hint of enviousness escaping from her.

Mitsuhiko chuckled. "But I think you're pretty too," he whispered to himself.

"What-?"

Oops. Ayumi wasn't supposed to hear that comment. He silently cursed himself for that slip of the tongue.

"Uhh..."

Awkwardness followed. He attempted to cover it up, "well, we all know that Ai and Conan have a special connection. It's just that, they are just in a state of self-denial, but everyone else can see it. Haha-"

At least he tried to cover it up, but it failed badly.

He sighed. Honesty should be the best policy to explain this. "The truth is, Haibara-san came here with me so that I can gather up the courage to actually tell you how I feel." The confession made Ayumi flabbergasted.

"Wait, did I just- confess to you?!" he stuttered in a state of panic, with paranoia rising, "oh fu-! I should not have said that. No, no, no-! Ayumi-chan, you should've just forget what I said!" The redness was getting evident on his freckled cheeks. Did-did he just messed it all up? On top of it, he humiliated himself. "I think I had too much alcoholic drinks-! Just, oh no- I wish I could just stop talking."

"Mitsuhiko-kun, you do know that alcohol makes a person more honest. Besides, I could tell that you're lying," she interrupted, causing him to blush even furiously like a human made up of tomato skin.

Ayumi laughed endearingly at his anxiousness. "Oh Mitsuhiko, you look really cute when you get flustered." Now, that perplexed him.

"Wha-?"

"No, I didn't mean to laugh at you. It's just, it reminds me of those days when we were still kids, and you'd get flustered over something you were embarrassed or guilty of. Those good old days..." she said, "so you were saying that you actually have feelings for me?"

He trembled at what he heard. Trembled! It's all or nothing- there's no turning back. "Yes, I- I've liked you, for a very long time actually," he confessed, feeling relieved at the sudden lightness on his chest, "I know I'm not the type of guy that you would go for. I'm not that smart, or good looking..."

Well, shit. His insecurities are showing.

"Mitsuhiko-kun, I think you are smart!" she said cheerfully, noticing him becoming grim.

"Not to my satisfaction at least. I've still have a lot to learn," he explained, "and yes, looks do attract the eyes, but I think I have enough wisdom to know that physical attractiveness fades over time, so looking for that in a life partner might be pointless, albeit it's always nice to look presentable, such as fixing your hair and taking care of your hygiene."

He pressed on. No turning back now- "What I am sure of, is my feelings for you. I'm not going to lie to you, Ayumi-chan. I used to have a crush on you and Haibara-san, both when I was younger. But you know what I realised? That you were the one for me. Sure, Haibara-san is pretty, intelligent and sweet- even if she's cold at times- just like how you were attracted to Conan when you were a kid. Haibara-san and Conan-kun are like our older siblings or parents, always taking care of us. But you? I've always seen you as that whole-hearted girl that I'd like to spend my life with. Even if I couldn't have a chance... then I'd watch you smile happily with someone, at least-"

"-oh sorry, Ayumi-chan, I've talked too much-"

He turned to leave.

"Wait," she held him back, "my grandmother, Granny An, once told me that she dated a beautiful and a genius German boy. Golden hair, green eyes- typical that would catch any girl's attention. She thought she was lucky and yet, she didn't end up with him because he had too many secrets- I didn't know what those secrets were- bottom line, he didn't love her. She'd always remind me that, it's important to consider someone who's truly sincere towards you, not just superficial attributes. I do forget Granny An's advice at times, especially when it can all be tempting. I loathe myself for being naive... Still dreaming of a charming prince boy to sweep off my feet..." she elaborated, sadly.

"It's not a crime to daydream of such things. Everyone wants to be loved, everyone desires to have their own happy end," he reassured.

She looked up at him, sharply. Filled with determination. "It's not a crime, but it is still a daydream. I really feel stupid right now- I've been relentlessly looking for a non-existent ideal guy and ignoring your feelings! I don't think I deserve a happy end, Mitsuhiko-kun. Only princesses do, not bitches who are ignorant of people's feelings..." she frowned, the innocent vibe that she was giving was melting. She was no longer a child- she matured now, and fairytales are just made up stories for one to get through their suffering days.

"I'm sorry, Mitsuhiko-kun," she said softly, "I've must have been a real jerk to you. Anyone- anyone who is sincere and certain towards the person they like deserves a happy end, I think. I hope, it's okay for us to go out some time? Let me make it up to you."

"You mean...?" he piped up, an enormous hope was radiating from him all of a sudden.

"I can't guarantee that we'll eventually be together. It's cruel to promise you something I'm not sure of..." she said pragmatically, "but I do want to give both of us a chance and get to know you even better. Just think of it as- what do people call it?- dating!"

"Dating...? That's interesting-"

"I'd also want you to know the ugly sides of me," she continued, "and if one of us decided that it we won't work as a couple, then it's okay. I wish we could stay friends, I hope? Though, I really don't want us to arrive at that conclusion."

Mitsuhiko smiled. Sure it won't be easy, but what struggle was easy? One's heart is like an artichoke, a farmer has to work hard to earn it. The thought of dating and making her fall for him, or even him falling even deeper for her- excited him. A list of places he wanted to go on dates with her flashed in his memory. He will ensure that this chance won't slip from his fingers. He replied, "sure, I'd love that."

Ai continued to watch the story of a young love from a distance, but stopped when she noticed that Conan was distracted as he scanned their surroundings while waltzing. The music was coming to an end.

They welcomed Phoebe to the stage where she sang "So Close", along with the musicians playing the instrumental part.

I didn't know this bitch could sing, given that nothing pleasant came out of her potty mouth. And maybe, heaven knows what her mouth has been to- Ai scoffed mentally.

Again, she noted that Conan was looking around.

"What do you observe?" Ai asked the modern Sherlock Holmes.

"Everything- I see all of it," he answered, "Like how that stain on that lady's dress indicates that she drank a red wine moments ago, or how that man is trying to commit adultery based on the tan line on his ring finger where his wedding ring is supposed to be. Or, simply that kid who borrowed his mother or sister's white shirt because the shirt's buttons are on the left."

"-because a woman's dress shirt has buttons that are always on the left, because it was easier for right-handed ladies-in-waiting to dress the rich women in the olden days. Men's dress shirt normally has buttons on the right," she finished his sentence.

"You observe everything, but not finding what you're looking for-"

He remained silent. Whatever he was looking for was probably relevant to the plan he was doing. The melancholic classic music reminded her of Vermouth's words.

She knew what Vermouth meant by giving Conan the antidote and to test him.

"Romantic dreams must die. So I bid my goodbye, and never knew..." -The song said.

"Kudo-kun, I know the Apotoxin 4869 has hindered you many things, especially your happiness..." she started.

"Haibara, don't-"

"No. Hear me out. We can't deny it, the Apotoxin 4869 has ruined your life as Shinichi Kudo, and I was one of those that was responsible for developing it. Surely, I am also responsible for killing many others who didn't shrink like us," she continued.

"But, you had no choice-!"

She pressed on, "Listen, Kudo-kun. I did have a choice, but they threatened my sister's life. But, that doesn't make it any better. It's still not an excuse, and for that, I'd like to make it up to you..." She placed a small container in his pocket.

"So close to reaching that famous happy ending, almost believing this one's not pretend-"

"Is this...?"

"Yes. That's the completed antidote of the Apotoxin 4869. You see, Kudo-kun, when you ingested the drug, Gin used water too. The Apotoxin 4869 is only irreversible when consumed purely, but water should dilute it enough for the antidote to work. You can still go back as Shinichi Kudo, once this is over. You can have your life back," she squeezed his hand lightly, biting her lip in anxiousness.

He was in disbelief. Didn't he told her to stop the research already? There was a squeeze in his heart, like he felt betrayed. The melting pot of miscible emotions returned, but this time, no violin to scream through it.

"But, that means, you can't return to Miyano Shiho-"

"That's alright, there's nothing for me to return to in that life. But you? You still have something. You don't have to solve cases in the dark, as Shinichi, you can take credit that you deserve-"

"But Haibara-"

"I'm sure you can take night classes to finish off your education. Maybe the Tokyo Police Department will even hire you without any degree certificates since you're already competent as a detective-"

"Haibara, listen to me-"

"-and, I'm not finished. You can just reveal that Shinichi's death was a hoax to protect yourself from a large syndicate. That's half-true anyways. Moreover, you can still... you can still find someone. Being Edogawa Conan, I'm sure it's a hinder to feel or get intimate with someone, since the girls that are physically our age are a decade younger mentally. But if you're Kudo Shinichi, it shouldn't be a problem-"

"Haibara, do you even know what you are talking about?-"

"Yes, I do know what I'm saying," she stated. Her heartbeat was erratic, emotionally prepared to see that elated smile on him, just like how he receives a temporary antidote from him.

"I don't think you fucking do," he said firmly, there was a sense of cold spite in it, "I've been through a lot as Edogawa Conan, stop saying like it was the worst thing that happened to me. Because even if it is a fucking shit experience for me, at least I got to meet you, damn it!"

Lucky.

No one really heard him even though he had raised his voice, thanks to the music and inaudible chattering among the guests.

If it wasn't for the overwhelming ache in her, she would have been surprised to hear it. But now, she felt enormously weak. "Kudo-kun..." Ai said, holding her stomach and forehead, "I suddenly don't feel well." Her legs wobbled, supporting herself against him. He managed to catch her in time.

"Come on, let's go some place more quiet," he said, furiousness fading in him and guiding her through the mess of the crowd.

Ayumi and Mitsuhiko spotted them. "Is there something wrong with Ai-chan?" the girl asked in concern.

"Nothing's wrong," Conan replied, "she's just unwell and it's probably because her dress is too tight."

"Well, then I'll help her," Ayumi made a step forward, but Conan ceased her.

"No, I don't wish to ruin the moment between the two of you, now please, excuse us," he replied tersely.

"Well, that's strange-" Mitsuhiko mumbled.

Conan brought her to the underground carpark. The place was nullified of human activity. Ai, feeling nauseous, clutched onto him tightly. Her forehead was touching his, their faces dangerously close to one another. "I don't know why I feel so... light-headed," she mumbled, her vision blurring and becoming unstable. Her breathing was uneven.

The boy didn't answer, merely caressing the frame of her skull. Her sea-green eyes, her lips- they were so hypnotic and inviting. "It's almost as if- someone had drugged me with something and my head hurts... my stomach hurts..." she grumbled lethargically.

"As if, someone placed it on my drink..." she trailed off, a spike of memory of Conan handing her a glass of iced lemon tea earlier arrived at her deduction, "it was you! Kudo-kun... you son of a-"

He continued touching her face, there was guilt and pity in him as he watched the girl struggle to stay awake. He whispered, "I'm sorry Haibara, the plan can't work if you're here. I don't want to escape from my fate. I can't lose you."

She fought her eyelids to stay open. "You can't! If you go, you might die!" she yelled.

"Fate doesn't exis-"

She didn't get to finish her sentence.

He pulled his face away when she finally had her eyes shut. It would be horrible if he'd kiss her while she's asleep. Irony, Aurora was supposed to wake up after the kiss. What an alternate universe. It wasn't really what he expected, but the slight nose-to-nose touch was enough to numb his senses for a while. Truthfully, a part of him was afraid that he'll never be able to touch her lips again- the future isn't filled with promises.

"Forgive me for being selfish, Haibara-"

He pulled up an earpiece from his pocket.

"Cedric, begin plan phase 2-"

A/N: So the music piece is from Cinderella live action and Enchanted. I really wanted some references to have the "Fairy Tale" ambiance. But I wanted to juxtapose it with reality, that's why I used Ayumi and Mitsuhiko's view to show the difference between fiction and real-life romance. Personally, dating and getting to know someone is a good step when forming romantic relationships, as compared to impulsively marrying someone like how they portray it in Fairy Tales. Not really a love expert here, but I think it's best if two people would not rush when establishing romantic relationships. That's one factor romances in fiction fail to address to us, so a lot of us suffer in realising the cold hard truth when we experience it ourselves.

There's a reference to the Sherlock Holmes movie and Dante's Inferno. Dante's Inferno had a lot of references in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, in which Conan Edogawa's voice actress voiced Envy (hence, the little green monster referring to Envy). Also, sorry for italicising the f-bombs because I am using the f-bombs to indicate Conan's emotional state (as said by Heiji previously). Conan does curse a lot in the original Japanese language like "damn" and "crap".

Also, I started part-time working. But I'd try to quicken my updates because a Detective Conan fandom wattpad account wishes to review my work, but I'd think it's better to have it reviewed once the story climaxes at chapter 25-30.