Hello! I just want to say thanks for your support. This is my very first fan fiction and your kind words are very encouraging. Stay tuned!

TWO

"Why are you two so serious?", Subaru said in a curious tone. The two just looked at each other, not sure what to say. "I think it would be best to bring her to the Professor's place.", Subaru said good-naturedly . The three of them went to the Professor's house. Conan wanted to talk in private with Shiho but he didn't want to seem suspicious so he waited until they were inside.

They rang the Professor's doorbell and he answered the door. He was shocked to see Ai in her older body and he led the three inside. The four of them were sitting in silence carefully measuring what should be said, when the Professor finally spoke up,

"Subaru-san, you said Haibara was at your place tonight."

"Yeah Haibara Ai...na-san, right?", he said looking at Shiho for confirmation. Shiho barely nodded.

The Professor and Conan looked at each other upon hearing this name.

"She said she's your little girl's older sister and she went to my place by mistake. It was quite dark last night and it was raining heavily so I suppose she mistook my house for yours. Where's that little girl by the way?"

Older sister... The Professor still a bit startled by this misunderstanding made up a story of Ai being sick and currently resting. Meanwhile, Conan dragged Shiho to the kitchen to prepare some tea.

"Is that true what he said? You said you're Ai's older sister? He didn't see you transform?"

Shiho was deep in thought. Why did he lie? He definitely saw me transform. Or did he? I'm confused.

"Hey are you listening? This is risky."

Shiho mouthed a yes and assured Conan that she was her true form the whole night and that Subaru knew nothing. Conan knew this was a good thing but he still couldn't feel relief. Something was still off. Could they be lying? I doubt Ai would make up a lie with Subaru. I'm overthinking this. Everything's fine.

The kids just got out of school and were heading home. Ai felt bad lying to Conan so she decided to come clean. Conan was deep in thought and Ai said, "Hey, are you still thinking about the other day?"

Conan just looked at her a bit dazed.

I guess not. "Uh, what are you thinking about?"

"Oh, uh, I saw Ran hanging out with another guy earlier today and I'm wondering who that guy is."

"Oh.'" Ran again huh. Well, what's new.

"Did you want to talk about anything?"

"Oh, uh, nothing important."

"Is it about the other day?"

Ai was about to speak when Conan was suddenly struck. He then hurriedly ran away from them. Ai looked on to see where he went and yes, he ran after Ran walking home with Sonoko and her male friend. I guess I can still keep on lying. Ai was feeling troubled and her only confidante was busy running after his lady love.

Ai wasn't feeling very well. She wanted a drink. That night isn't going to happen again. I just need a cup. I can't buy it in stores and the Professor doesn't have any alcohol in his house. I guess I have to sneak in and get some Bourbon at Kudo's house again. I think Subaru has class at this time. I'll just be fast. Very fast. He wouldn't even know I went there.

She went to Subaru's place and searched in the cupboards for some whiskey. Damn it. Did he move them? Where are they? After a few minutes of opening cupboards, she found a bottle. Should I bring this back home? No. The Professor will see. Should I drink it here? Okay. I'll drink one cup here. I'll be fast. I just need to get things off my mind.

She was halfway through her second cup when a concerned voice said, "Drinking again? That can't be good."' Ai thought her conscience was starting to give her a lecture but she looked up and saw Subaru at the kitchen's doorway. The glass almost slipped out of her hands. Damn it. Why does he have perfect timing? Ai was silent.

"Is something troubling you Princess? I will soon run out of Bourbon.", Subaru said jokingly. "Perhaps my company could be of assistance?", he said with a smile.

You are the problem idiot. You're the one who's making things complicated right now. But Ai just kept silent.

"I know a good cafe nearby. Do you want to drink some coffee there?"

I guess coffee wouldn't hurt. I mean, I do need company. Conan is busy running after Ran. The Professor is busy with his invention. I can't tell Yoshida-san and the others about this. I don't even have to tell him anything. Just drinking coffee with someone may be helpful. Ai gave a short nod and she went with Subaru to a nearby cafe.

Halfway through their cups of coffee and neither of them has said a word. With a clearer head, Ai breaks the silence, "Why did you lie?"

Subaru smiled and replied, "I know you don't want them to worry. Fear not, your secret is safe with me Princess. I'll protect it with my life." And he took another sip.

I know this guy gave me the creeps but somehow I feel like he isn't lying.

"Anyway, for your safety, I think you shouldn't hang around my place for a while." You distract me intensely Princess. "I think my walls have ears at the moment."

Ai's eyes widened and she felt a shiver run down her spine. The Black Organization? Are they watching her from his house? Ai clenched at her coffee cup. If she was in her normal size, she might have crushed it. Subaru sensed this fear and he assured her, "Don't worry. It seems like she… I mean they... are only interested in my boring life. I wonder why. But just to be safe, I think you shouldn't have a drink or a sleepover any time soon.", Subaru said this with a smile but low enough to show that he is serious.

Of course not! That was a nightmare.

Ai and Subaru finished their coffee in silence. Somehow Ai realized that coffee may be a better option than Bourbon.