I'm sorry for updating so late. I remember starting this story during my early high school years when I got interested in reading and writing. I knew I was late but even so, I loved it. Detective Conan is my favorite anime of all time for obvious reasons, but perhaps some not so obvious. When I began with this story, my mind set was, well that of a child. Now as an adult, I'm aware of the sudden difference in our minds (past and present) as well as our mastery in the art. Still, I love to write and this story was my first. It was my first attempt to publicly allow others to read something that I created and I was happy with the reviews. Even with my flaws stitched within the story, I still love this story. I had a professor telling me that stories are experiences and this story is no exception. Although a fanfic, I would always imagine Haibara falling in love and how she would deal with it. I felt she was unfamiliar with the subject and because I was able to provide a mean in which to make these imaginations real through words, they began to solidify.

Even now, at my age, I can remember the sort of feeling I had when I got my first few reviews and how I tried to develop Haibara while trying to keep her true and constant to the series (awkwardly/an ongoing battle). So, now with these feelings still intact, I will continue on writing and may the day come when this story may finally reach its conclusion.

-sorrowXdarkness June 24, 2014

Chapter 10

"Please take a seat." Haibara said as she guided him to the couch, by one of the sofas. Masudo went along with her thoughtful command and Haibara excused herself from the premises to the kitchen. The structure of Dr. Agasa's house was unique to say the very least. His home was an open-plan structure, with his kitchen positioned practically at the center of the left side of the building from the front entrance with no wall separating it from the living room. It was like one big lobby-like room with bookshelves surrounding nearly the whole first floor outline. There was even two beds on the opposing side from the kitchen. Masudo noticed how quiet it was, and realized it was probably just the two of them.

"Haibara-chan…" Masudo said just loud enough for Haibara to pick up while in the kitchen. The kitchen was relatively small with a circular countertop with a circular unit in the center.

"Y-Yes?" Haibara replied back. Unknown to Masudo, Haibara was placing one of her aprons on.

"Where is Dr. Agasa? Did he already turn in for the night?" Masduo looked around from where he was sitting.

"Hakase probably still fixing one of his customers' device that he sold to. He got a call about it puffing up fumes whenever it is starting." Haibara began as she moved around the kitchen to get the needed supplies, like cup, pot, fork and so on, all of which were stored in the cupboards/cabinets under the countertop.

"Really? What kind of invention did he sell?" Masudo asked, slightly interested. Although he shouldn't be, being there with only Haibara somehow caused him to worry a bit, but why?

"Um, I think it was an instant breakfast maker. It was intended to make breakfast easy and delicious without the hassle but I knew it would end up as a failure. His inventions usually does." Haibara said, adding her own comment with a touch of annoyance to further add the sting. Somewhere in this city, Dr. Agasa let out a sneeze.

Masudo smiled a bit from hearing her words. They were sharp and precise, just without the harmful effects. He was sure that although Haibara may have sounded mean, they were actually providing the opposite effect on the professor. Still, there was more to the smile than just that. Masudo was getting to know a side of Haibara that she, herself, was minimizing, especially whenever he was around.

"I see…does he have assistant or some kind of helper?" Masudo asked unknowing of the impact it held on Haibara. After a moment, Haibara nearly dropped the cup she selected for him. Recently, Dr. Agasa began receiving help from the man who was living in the Kudo's residence. A man Haibara seemed to fear and tremble whenever he was around. The man that she felt the very presence of a member from the black organization, Okiya Subaru.

When Masudo noticed she had yet to reply, he stood up and made his way to the kitchen. All he could see was her back pointed to him Making sure not to make a noise, he peered over the countertop, and saw Haibara standing there by the stove, cup at hand. Upon closer inspection, he saw her fingers tightening around said cup as her eyes were shut tight. He made his way behind her and with a touch of his hand, he called out to her. "Haibara-chan?"

"Aah!" Haibara replied, dropping the cup, resulting with it becoming shattered remains. "I'm sorry!" Haibara immediately said as she leaned down to pick up the pieces but before she could, a hand stopped hers. Haibara was surprised by the hand, Masudo's hand, clamping onto her wrist.

"It's dangerous to pick them up with your hands. Let's get a broom and clean up this mess, alright?" He looked at her worriedly but with warmth. It extremely effective with Haibara as she began to loosen up and give in.

"Ok." She nodded as she closed her eyes. Masudo finally let go and saw a broom and pan nearby and used them to clean up the mess. Haibara simply watched, granted that she moved out of the way. Looking down at the remains of her cup she had chosen, she wasn't embarrassed but rather sad. When he made sure every last piece was inside the trashcan, he turned and caught a glimpse of her face.

While she was caught up staring on the floor, he surprised her by pulling her cheeks slightly, making funny faces. Her dumbfounded look made it even more funnier as he softly laughed while looking at her. Her cheeks were beginning to turn red, but not because of him pulling her cheeks.

"Good, at least you stop making that face." He cheered, with a smile. Haibara's eyes were widening from realization before softening. Her hands instinctively latched on top of his that were still on her cheeks.

"Thank you."

Doki Doki

There! Masudo became stunned by her look. For a moment, he felt a sudden beat coming from his chest. He was about to pull away from her but stopped in the last minute. Right now, she was using them and was in need of them. That still didn't change the flushed look he was having. Fortunately for him, Haibara had her eyes closed while she was absorbing his warmth and feeling his protection.

Minutes later, his spell he unknowingly cast onto her began to weaken as she began to realize the situation she was in. They were close together, both body and face. Haibara was sure she could feel the soft breeze coming from his lungs.

These hands belong to Masudo. They're surprising warm and uplifting. W-Wait a minute! These hands belong to Masudo! Masudo is in front of me. I can see nothing more but his face, his eyes, his nose and his lips.

It was no surprise that Haibara was about to erupt from embarrassment but before she could, Masudo opened his mouth.

"Since it's just the two of us, maybe you would like to receive your gift now?"

Huh?…OH THAT'S RIGHT!

FLASHBACK

"Well…if you're able to withstand the whole date, I'll treat you to something as a reward. Would that help?"

"Like what?"

"I'll buy you something as a reward but I won't tell you what. It will be a surprise."

END OF FLASHBACK

"You bought it already?" Haibara asked in surprised, hands now to themselves.

"That's right. When we were at the bookstore earlier, I noticed they have a small trinket stand and well, when I saw it, it reminded me of you." Masudo said as he reached into his pocket and took out a small envelope before handing it to her. Haibara took it with excitement clear in her eyes, though she tried her best to retain herself.

"Can I open it now?" Haibara asked, blushing tremendously without a care. This was big for her, to receive something from the one her heart beat madly for.

If you continue to make that face, you'll only make it harder to say yes.

Masudo thought before replying hesitantly, "Y-Yes, go right ahead." He then immediately turned away, to await for her reaction. Truth be told, he was nervous right about now. I shouldn't be. I was just giving a small gift to a little child.

No, that's not right. Haibara-chan is more than just a little child. She's a girl with feelings and desires. Feelings I beginning to feel as we-

Masudo quickly stopped himself. W-Wait, what am I saying?!

While Masudo was caught up in his thoughts, Haibara was opening up the small envelope. She allowed the gift inside to slide down into her palm, revealing a familiar figure.

"It's…." Haibara began, stunned by what was resting on her hand but her voice broke through Masudo's confliction with himself.

"Y-Yeah. If you don't like it, I'll get you something else." Masudo offered but Haibara refused with the shook of her head.

"No, I like it. I really like it." Haibara began, lifting the object to her face as it swayed back and forth. "It reminds me of Mimi." Haibara smiled as she viewed the neko head phone strap. It had a strong resemble to Mimi, Haibara's pet and companion. "Masudo-kun, thank you." Haibara said as she gave him a glimpse of a young girl smiling at pure happiness.

oooOOOooo

"Here you go Masudo-kun. Sorry for the delay…" Haibara said sheepishly, placing the cup of freshly brewed coffee on in front of him. After receiving his gift, Haibara decided to right away attach it to her phone. She was beyond happy but she knew she still owes him some of her coffee. Putting the phone inside her apron's pocket, she recommenced on making the drink.

Masudo decided to take a seat on one of the bar stools around the outer countertop, and watch her.

"Thank you." He blew on the coffee a bit before taking a quick sip. Whoa, his eyes nearly lit up. This was practically one of the best coffees he ever had, maybe the best. But how could a ch-. No…Masudo in his mind, shook his head. I shouldn't compare her to be like most children. She was indeed unique for her age and should be taken seriously. He looked down at his cup and saw his reflection moving about. What am I doing? I don't even know anymore…

Haibara noticed something was on Masudo's mind that been bothering him. She leaned forward slightly and hovered in front of his face. "Is there something on your mind?"

Masudo was taken aback by her closeness as he pulled back, nearly spilling his coffee.

"N-No, it's nothing. Really…" He tried to smile but then, he knew she knew that he was lying. It was pretty obvious. "Actually…no…" He putted down his drink.

At first, Haibara was shocked. "Was the coffee not to your liking?" Haibara said right away. Did I make a mistake in my calculation?

"No no, it's not that. There is something on my mind. Something that's important, but at the same time silly."

Haibara felt relieved to hear it wasn't because of her coffee but then return to her concerned look. She walked over to the other side of the countertop and took a seat next to him, facing his way. "What's on your mind?"

"I'm just a bit confused and conflicted to say the least." He began.

"About what?" She looked over at his face, her hand reaching out and resting on his hand closer to her. Masudo was aware of her hand but made no move to stop her.

Masudo let out a sigh. "I…I can't see you like this…"

W-Whaat?

"W-What do you mean by that?" Haibara said hesitantly. Did I do something wrong? Too fast?! Too slow? Or…maybe not good enough?

Masudo looked at the face Haibara was making, because of him. He already beginning to feel guilty for being responsible for that but he needed to continue. He needed her to understand.

"Like I said, I can't see you like this…as a little kid."

D-Did he really say that? You can't see me as just a little kid? Then...

"Then does that m-mean you see me as…" Haibara waited for him to finish the sentence for her. She needed to be sure.

"That's right, but please understand something Haibara-chan. Seeing you as someone like that is also problematic."

"Problematic?" Haibara repeated his choice of word.

He nodded before continuing.

oooOOOooo

"Thank you for the coffee." Masudo said as he pushed the iron gate opened. Haibara stood by him, with her slippers on, still wearing the apron.

"Y-Your welcome…ano, Masudo-kun?" Haibara began, looking at him undecidedly. Masudo turned back to look at her, and knew she wanted to say something to him. He bent down to her level and smiled before answering, "Yes?"

There, Haibara broke through any wall of uncertainty. She gathered up all of her strength and with a speed beyond what Masudo expected, poured out a little bit of her love to the side of his cheek, catching him by surprised. During those few seconds, Haibara remembered what they talked about just before this.

FLASHBACK

"Problematic?"

He nodded before continuing. "Yes, problematic for you and me both. I know that there's something going on between us. I believe we shouldn't be concern with any outsiders, but the fact over the matter is, they are involved. Just as two people paired up, other people are affected by it." He said before taking another sip.

Haibara took in his words slowly, making sure not to create any delusions or misinterpretations. What he said made sense to her. It was understandable to be concerned about it. She knew that Masudo was very much concerned about her well-being much as his own, maybe even more. She knew it wouldn't be easy and also knew it would be quite a while for them to be socially allowed, much less accepted.

"Haibara-chan, as of now… I feel…" He stopped, leaving Haibara worried about what was to come. This could just be the turning point for their relationship.

He turned to her and place a hand to cover her own, almost forming a sandwich with his hands.

"I feel that whatever we have now is enough. Granted that these feelings we may have could cause some problems, I hope to continue on with you. Though I can't quite say we're be an item but rather something that's in motion. Something that may seem to be undefined by others, will be something meaningful to just the two of us."

Haibara was surprised. He wasn't going to throw it all away and acted like it never happened or giving it up. No, quite the opposite. He was giving her, them, time, allowing each of them as well as the both of them to grow, separate but together.

So, this is alright with him… Haibara thought. Of course she would be happy to hear those words but also she also felt content. They may mean the same if not similar but for her, they were distinct. Happy and content. Happy was pretty obvious to anyone, if they were to see them and understand them, but content also because with his words, he pushed away any doubts or negative thoughts from her.

"So Haibara-chan…if you don't mind, let us keep what we have going in our own pace. Are you okay with that?"

END OF FLASHBACK

Pulling away, Haibara smiled at the stunned look Masudo was showing to her. "Goodnight, Masudo-kun." She said. Her heart was beating tremendously, without restraints, but she didn't seem to mind.

Unfortunately for her, his surprised look was short-lived as he mirrored her with his smile. "Right. Goodnight, Haibara-chan." And just like that, he left. Haibara waved at him goodbye while still standing there by the gate.

"Tonight couldn't have been any more perfect." Haibara said before returning inside, making sure to close the gate and to wait for the professor to return.

-END OF CHAPTER 10

OMAKE:

Beep Beep

"Hm?" Haibara looked down at her apron and took out her phone. "Someone just texted me. Oh, it's from Ayumi-chan."

Hey Ai-chan,

I'm curious to hear about how your "double date" went. Call me when you can, 'k? .

-Ayumi :3

Haibara shook her head in disbelief. Still, Ayumi would probably be the person Haibara would turn to, to tell her story. God, Haibara was beginning to get excited. There were just so many things that happened today. So many glorious things to share and re-visit. Haibara clung to herself tightly with her arms. She couldn't help herself, she was that blissful.

-END OF OMAKE

Well, that's all for now. Please let me know if I'm going too fast, too slow, not at all in track with the story (missing the point), or even losing what made this story good.

Until next time.

-sorrowXdarkness