Detective Conan and Assistant Arthur

by Gale-Dragon

A/U Divergent of the Canon where instead of Shinichi getting shrunk, it's Gin and Vodka! Now the two former assistants have to not only learn to deal with a high school detective trying to get information from them but also learn to deal with the everyday lives of jr high school students!

1. Chapter 1

Detective Conan and Assistant Arthur. Prologue.

~}I{~

A tall man with a slim build, pale skin, ruthless green eyes, had very long silver hair wearing a black fedora with a grey headband, a black trench coat with its collar upturned to obscure a part of his face, a loose white turtleneck, black trousers, and black dress shoes glanced out the window of the train as he tugged his grey jacket closed to keep his body heat in. His codename was Gin. This had to be the only positive thing to happen within the past week, but even then, it wasn't the best-case scenario. It only bought them some time...

"What are the hot drinks you have?" Gin heard his travelling companion ask the staff manning the food cart. The silver-haired man glanced to his right to see Vodka was conversing with the train staff. Vodka has a muscular body, a wide chin making him look more like a member of the mafia, yakuza or simply a thug, wearing a black fedora with a red stripe around it, he also wears black clothes but his shirt is red, and he was wearing a pair of black sunglasses.

Vodka held up his right hand with his index and middle fingers extended when he said, "Two of the last one, one with sugar and one without please." The server prepared the drinks with a smile. Once they were done, the server gave Vodka the drinks. The man with the shades handed the cup with the sugar to Gin before he paid the server for the drinks. The server thanked the two before they continued down the aisle.

Gin took a taste sip of his warmed drink. It was alright, but the silver-haired man felt it could use another stick of sugar. "Aniki..." Gin's attention was on the man next to him. He was quick to note Vodka's body language when the shade-wearing man got out softly, "I'm... Sorry that you lost your Porche..."

Gin let out a huff before he replied in almost an uncaring tone, "It's just a car. No big deal."

Vodka was quiet for a bit, somewhat staring at the liquid in his cup when he stated softly, "It was your car... One that you worked hard to get into Japan..." He slumped in his seat, just watching the steam rise from the hot liquid.

Gin narrowed his eyes before he faced forward when he stated, "And that's precisely why they will be focused on it for a couple of days. Possibly a week if we're lucky." Vodka looked at the taller with a confused look. Gin continued by saying, "They're going to assume that I wouldn't use my Porche as a decoy since I maintained it so well and it is a rare car." He smirked when he added, "I wish I could see their faces when they realise what we did."

Vodka was quiet for a bit as he sipped his drink. The man with the shades then placed his cup on the tray table in front of him before he leaned back in his seat. Vodka let out a soft sigh before he asked the other softly, "How long do you think we can avoid them?" He gripped the armrest that separated his seat from the taller man's.

Gin watched the other. He switched his drink to his left hand and moved his right hand towards Vodka's arm. He suddenly stopped mid-reach, hesitating for a second, before he gently placed his right hand on the other's left forearm. Vodka was surprised by this gesture before he looked at the silver-haired man with confusion written all over his face. "One thing at a time," Gin muttered as he averted his gaze to look out the window of the train. He then added, "Let's get to Beika first, then we'll work on the rest."

Vodka knew the silver-haired man was right. He couldn't help but glance down at the other's hand still on his arm.

The train continued on its route.

~}I{~

An above-average height Japanese teenager with a light complexion, pale skin and a thin yet athletic build, has blue eyes, and short dark brown/black hair with a cowlick in front and distinctive tuft in the back, wearing his blue high school uniform was sitting at his desk writing in a book. This was Kudou Shinichi, a high school detective. He yawned as he finished yet another crossword puzzle book. 'I need to check the difficulty level of these before I buy them... This one was too easy,' Shinichi thought with a board sigh.

A light-skinned girl of average height has a slender frame, yet sports an athletic and fairly curvaceous built, has big blue eyes and dark brown hair that was straight and hip-length tucked behind her ears with short wavy bangs over her forehead with a slightly triangle wave in her bangs came up behind the teenage boy and stated as she tapped him on the shoulder, "Shinichi, the meeting is over. We can start the cleaning now." This was Mori Ran, Shinichi's childhood friend whom he's known since kindergarten.

That was when the teenage boy realised his childhood friend was right when he saw the rest of his classmates getting ready to clean the classroom. Shinichi couldn't help but comment, "Ah, okay." He stood up and tucked the crossword puzzle book in his school bag.

Soon, the class started cleaning the classroom.

Ran nudged Shinichi as they were mopping, getting his attention, when she. asked, "Don't forget, we're heading to Tropical Land tomorrow."

The high school detective smiled when he nodded and said, "Yup. Just you and me. Like I promised." Ran smiled back before they continued their task.

~}I{~

After booking a room at a cheap motel and bought a few bentos for their dinner and then breakfast tomorrow. Gin and Vodka took inventory of what they had on hand.

Aside from the food sitting in the complementary fridge in their room, the duo had these items:

Cigarettes, three and a half packs.

Lighter, two.

Handguns, two. Beretta 92, Gin. Beretta M9, Vodka.

Silencers, two.

Ammunition, four packs. So two for each of them.

Briefcases, two. Black with silver, tin. Black with red, Vodka.

Clothing. Three sets each.

Jackets. Gray, Gin. Black, Vodka.

Shoes. A pair each.

Gloves. A pair each.

Sunglasses. Vodka's.

Reusable water bottles. Two.

Vodka placed the list on the table next to Gin, who was counting the money they were able to withdraw before they had to flee. The bulkier man pressed his lips into a line as he moved to refill one of the bottles and took a sip from it. Vodka couldn't help but feel guilty about their situation…

"Shit!" Gin vocalised when he finished counting. Vodka knew better than to ask what was wrong, but he moved back to the other to lend an ear. The silver-haired man let out a small growl when he said, "This won't last us long, even if we skip a few meals and sell what we can."

Vodka swished his bottle a bit when he suggested, "We can... Try to get some work here? Not permanent, of course..."

Gin clicked his tongue before he asked, "The illegal ones will get back to them while the legal ones require a basic background check..."

Vodka lowered his gaze at the bottle in hand when he suggested, "We can... Steal some dead men's ID and pass as them..."

"For how long?" Gin growled out as he ran a hand through his bangs. He then huffed out, "Either they'll find us or the police will."

Vodka bit his lips at this. While he wanted to point out that his partner was being pessimistic, he knew he was right... 'They've got a big network...' Vodka thought, knowing that that piece of information was certainly true. The bulkier man looked at the taller when he asked, "Then what should we do? If we can't think of something, they'll find and kill us."

Gin looked at the money and the list with narrowed eyes. It didn't matter what they did, they were going to run out of supplies and without a steady income to keep them afloat... Gin knew how big their former employer was and it was only a matter of time before they were found... And killed...

Gin took out a cigarette before Vodka quickly vocalised, "Wait! the motel is no smoking!" The silver-haired man paused and remembered that he did see that there were no smoking signs in the lobby, Gin clicked his tongue in annoyance as he shoved the cigarette back in the pack. Vodka lowered his gaze when he mumbled out, "Sorry, Aniki.."

Gin only replied with a grunt as he went back to thinking over a plan. A smirk appeared on the silver-haired man's face when he finally said, "Since we're going to be dead either way, why not end things on our terms?"

"Huh?" Vodka vocalised in confusion before he asked, "What do you mean, Aniki?"

Gin pulled out a small pill box from his left pocket when he said, "You missed this during your check." He placed it on the table and opened it with his left hand.

Vodka moved over to look at what was inside, which was two red-and-white pills with the letters APTX 4869 printed in black on the side. The bulkier man stared at the pills for a little longer before he turned to the taller man and asked, "Aren't those the new... But! How did you get them?"

Gin shrugged his shoulders when he stated almost casually, "I asked Sherry if I could field test the drug before we had to leave that place. She only gave me two on the condition that I take notes on what the effects are on humans." He let out a snicker when he added, "She's got a not-so-secret hobby."

Vodka couldn't help but stare at the taller man for a bit before he asked, "Sherry... Gave you this new experimental drug... That's still being tested... Just because you asked her? And all she wanted in return was observation notes?"

Gin nodded when he said, "Yeah, but she only gave me two, so that works out for us just fine." He didn't seem to see anything wrong with this.

Vodka, on the other hand, feels something off about the whole thing... He might not have been a lab rat like Sherry, but he knew that two experimental drug pills wouldn't yield much if they were used. Also... "Aniki... How close were you to Sherry?" Vodka couldn't help but ask. Granted, he's heard the rumours about his partner and the science prodigy, but he's also heard the rumours about Gin and Vermouth being former lovers and he completely doubted the latter rumours.

Gin didn't seem affected by the question, but he did comment in annoyance, "Don't tell me you believe those god-damn perverts."

'That was a telling statement,' Vodka thought before he carefully asked his partner, "Of course, not, Aniki. It's just that... She normally doesn't... Hand out anything that's still in the experimental stage. At least, not without it being thoroughly tested..." He pointed at the two pills when he added, "And while I'm not a frequent visitor to the labs, I'm pretty sure those have only been tested on mice and rats."

Gin seemed genuinely surprised when he got out, "Huh? She doesn't? Not even for more data?" When he saw the bulkier man shake his head, he said in an uncharacteristically confused tone, "I... She... Never argued or tried to deter me from using any of the drugs she created... Provided I take notes on the effects of them for her..."

Vodka watched the other's expression before he asked, "You... Didn't know that Sherry... Seemed to favour you?"

Gin slowly shook his head when he got out, "No... I somewhat thought she let me use some of those drugs because she knew I could give her more time with her sister..."

Vodka let out a hum before he asked, "Ah, that makes sense, and I guess she thought if she kept to your good graces then you were more likely to grant her the requests for time with her sister." There was some solid logic to that and it would explain why Sherry was 'Friendlier' with Gin... Vodka glanced at the pills again when he asked, "But how does having these work in our favour?"

Gin then stated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, "We'll use them to end things on our terms." He watched as Vodka's confused look quickly shifted into an expression of shock before he stated, "Not only will taking these will solve our problems, it will also deny Them the pleasure of killing us themselves."

Vodka was... Admittedly mixed on the idea... On the one hand, the silver-haired man was right on the idea, but on the other hand... Gin was practically suggesting that they…

Vodka couldn't help but gulp before he asked, "Aniki... Are you... Sure you want to... Do that?"

Gin looked at one of the walls when he stated in a matter-of-fact tone, "Ah, I can understand that the idea is out there, but it doesn't matter what we eventually choose, we'll be dead anyway." the silver-haired man glanced at the other when he added, "Obviously, we don't have to take them now."

Vodka was more than a little uneasy by the fact that his partner had already made up his mind on this... Issue... 'But then again... He is rather stubborn and will see a plan through until the end,' The bulkier man thought as he glanced away from the silver-haired man. Vodka took a deep breath before he finally asked, "Can we... At least enjoy tomorrow first? Nothing big or anything to draw any attention, but a nice simple day... Just the two of us... Sound good?"

Gin shrugged his shoulders as he closed the pill case and replied, "Sure, we can. There's a few places we can go to." He then pocketed the little case in his jacket pocket when he added, "Do you want to go over everything while we eat our last dinner?"

Still a little uneasy about this whole thing, Vodka stated in an uneasy tone, "Uh, sure, Aniki... Um, let me get the bentos..." He stood up and got the items in question, with a pair of chopsticks for each of them.

Gin gathered up the money and inventory list, splitting the yen in half as he did. He placed his half in his wallet, along with the folded inventory list, and slid the other half to the other side of the table. When Gin did that, Vodka handed him the bento he chose. The silver-haired man accepted the bento, catching the uneased look on the other's face. Gin couldn't help but think, 'He knows it's the only path for us…' The silver-haired man opened the bento and positioned the chopsticks comfortably in his left hand, readying to eat.

Vodka held his chopsticks in his right hand as he started eating slowly. Letting the whole thing sink in... He then laid a map, that he grabbed on the way in, on the table. Vodka looked over the map when he asked the other, "Anything in particular you've always wanted to do but haven't had a chance? It'll help narrow down our... Route."

Gin looked over the map, his long hair slipped over his shoulder as he leaned to see the map better and nearly fell into the bento. The taller man clicked his tongue in annoyance as he used his right hand to push his hair back so it wouldn't get in the way. The strands fell back over his shoulder when he leaned over again. This annoyed Gin as he held his hair back with his right hand as he leaned to look at the map while he ate his meal.

Vodka couldn't help but stare at this oddity. Now that he thought about it... 'This is the first time in about a month since we've eaten at a table...' Vodka thought as he tried to remember what they had. 'It was an evening off, so dinner... I'm pretty sure I made a basic meal…' The bulkier man thought before his attention was back on the taller, who was still holding his hair back with his right hand while he ate and looked over the map. Vodka had to admit that the other looked rather ridiculous... which was very unlike him.

"Ano..." Vodka vocalised before asking, "Do you have anything to tie your hair back?" He pointed his chopsticks at the other when he added, "It'll be easier on you and you don't have to worry about it getting in the way."

Gin looked away when he grumbled out, "Never had this issue before and there's no point in getting something to do so now..."

Vodka thought about that for a bit before an idea came to him. He placed his chopsticks on his bento before he stood up from his chair. Gin let out a "Hm?" as the other walked over to him and he undid his tie. The long-haired man watched the bulkier man move until he was behind him. "Please let go of your hair, Aniki," Vodka asked with his tie in his hands.

Gin's instincts as an assassin were screaming at him to pull away and disarm the other! To use what he has at hand to kill the threat! Gin could feel his heartbeat quicken as the other left his field of vision, as his ingrained training almost reared itself. To attack before being attacked! To disarm the threat! To kill! However…

Gin slowly loosened his grip on his hair, letting it fall free once again, as he retracted his right hand. Vodka immediately moved his hands to gather the other's hair in one hand before he wrapped the red necktie around it until there was enough leftover to tie a simple bow. A small smile appeared on the bulkier man's lips when he said half-heartedly, "There, that should help." He stared at his work for a few seconds before he added in an attempt to be humorous, "Not bad considering it's the wrong type of tie." Vodka then moved back to his seat before he picked up his chopsticks to continue eating.

Gin was quiet as he somewhat leaned over to look at the map and was relieved that his hair was kept in place. It made him wonder why he's never done this before... Ah, there wasn't a need to since their usual diet of energy bars, protein bars, ration pouches, and sometimes those nutrition bars allowed them to eat quickly while getting the recommended nutrients needed to function... Plus his hair was long enough that it didn't really get in the way of eating too often and when it did, it was usually because it was windy. Gin couldn't help but think, 'Meh, that doesn't matter anymore.' And with that, the two talked about their plans for their Last Day.

~}I{~

Kudou Shinichi was brushing his teeth af he went over his plans with ran in his head.

Meet up with Ran in front of Tropic Land. Eat lunch at the food court, and offer to pay for both meals. Go on a few rides, save the Tunnel of Love for last. Have fun. Try to confess feelings to Run at the end of the Tunnel of Love ride. And lastly, become a couple. with Ran. A bonus plan will be getting Sonoko to stop with the annoying and exaggerated teasing.

Shinichi spat out the toothpaste in his mouth before he inspected his teeth in the mirror. He gave his hair a quick comb before he left his bathroom. Shinichi walked past the spare rooms and his parents' room before he got to the stairs. since he wore socks, his muffled footsteps were barely audible when he descended the steps and made his way to the door.

For some reason, the fact that the family shoe rack only had Shinichi's shoes bothered him. Sure, this was the Kudous' main residence, but Shinichi's parents weren't here as much as they used to when he was growing up. It was strange to the detective protegee... He was quite self-sufficient. He could easily budget the allowance for the house, even if his parents handled the bigger financial stuff. Shinichi made sure there was sufficient food in the house and that the appliances were working while his parents handled the house bills (ie, electric, utilities, and general maintenance). Shinichi kept up his stellar grades while practically running a detective agency.

Shinichi slipped his shoes on as he continued his thoughts, and after he locked the front door, he headed off to Tropical Land.

The teenage detective was fine living on his own. He could read any book from his home library whenever he wanted or watch any mystery show/movie he wanted and no one would pester him about doing something 'Productive'. Granted, he had to make sure all the house things were taken care of and all his school assignments were done, but those weren't a problem to complete. If Shinichi got hungry, he could easily make himself something to eat at home. It saved money and helped him keep track of what he had and needed to buy next grocery trip. Although, sometimes he makes too much meal-wise, but it wasn't an issue since he can refrigerate it and reheat it at a later date.

Shinichi hummed before he thought, 'Come to think of it... I have been turning the radio on or playing some music when I read lately... Maybe I'm not liking how quiet the house is with just me…' It was a logical thought process, much like how Shinichi usually thinks. 'Hm, I could rent out a room, but I really don't want a complete stranger living with me... Nor would my parents,' the teenage detective thought as he saw the amusement park in the distance and getting bigger.

Shinichi smiled as he drew closer to the main entrance to the destination and thought, 'But for now...' He extended his right arm into the air and waved it while calling out to his childhood friend, who was standing right at the entrance as she promised.

The moment Ran saw the other teen. She waved back. Once both friends were together, they got their entry tickets and headed into the amusement park.

~}I{~

After Gin and Vodka ate their breakfast and checked out, they were quick to find a pawn shop and sold off their extra clothes, briefcases, one lighter, one of the reusable waterbottles and the three unopened packs of cigarettes. They planned to keep the clothes they were already wearing, the half-full pack of cigarettes, the other reusable water bottle, and their guns, of course. The ammo would have to be disposed of along their chosen route since 'regular civilians' in Japan weren't supposed to have such things on hand. Not a problem for them. They would use the extra money to enjoy their final day, at least that's what Gin says. Vodka was still unsure about the whole thing, but…

}{

Vodka couldn't help but admit that he was enjoying the day so far. He never pegged Gin as someone who would enjoy any type of art. Then again, the glasses-wearing man wanted to visit an art museum too.

They weren't in any rush, so they looked over every piece the building had to offer. Once they were done, they immediately went to their next location on their route. They got rid of their ammo discreetly along the way.

}I{

Ran and Shinichi ate an early lunch at Tropical Land before they went on a few fun small rides. Before they set their eyes on the roller coaster. The overly affectionate couple in line with the two teens was both unneeded and it gave Shinichi some thoughts that he didn't need right now. The teenage detective wanted to focus on the current ride before he subtly urged Ran towards that tunnel of love ride. Shinichi knew he couldn't be outright with that or else Ran would laugh him off before telling him to hit it with the jokes.

Soon they boarded the roller coaster.

}I{

"Interesting name for the restaurant you picked to have our last meal at," Gin commented as he read the sign to the Ramen place they were standing in front of.

Vodka was quick to retort, "I didn't pick this place because of the name!" He looked away from the taller man when he stated in more of a mumble, "It got a lot of great reviews and I thought ramen would be nice... The name is just... A coincidence..."

Gin let out a hum before he commented, "Well, we haven't eaten ramen that wasn't from a cup, so I guess a well-made ramen meal would be pleasant." He looked at the sign to the ramen restaurant again when the silver-haired man thought, 'I'm glad he finally made his resolve...' He then walked over to the place.

Vodka followed when he thought, 'He's probably assuming…'

They walked into the ramen restaurant with the name 'Ramen so Good It's to Die For'.

"Irasshaimase," The waitress with ear-length brown hair greeted the two as soon as she heard the bell connected to the door. She turned to the duo when she asked, "Are the two of you together?"

Gin glanced around before he said, "Yes, so if we could sit together..." The waitress smiled before she guided the silver-haired man and the sunglasses-wearing man to the corner counter in the back on the right side. Gin sat on the right as Vodka sat on the left, more to avoid accidentally hitting each others dominant arm while they ate.

The waitress handed the two a menu each when she asked if they wanted to start with drinks. Gin and Vodka asked for glasses of iced water. The waitress nodded before she told them to look through the menu for their choice of death and then walked off to get the two their drinks.

Gin let out a low hum before he told Vodka, "Nice gimmick, fits with the theme of the place."

Vodka browsed through the menus when he said, "Uh, yeah, it does..." He looked over the list of dishes before he asked the silver-haired man, "Um, you might want to look at the menu... They have quite a few options."

Gin glanced at the menu before he picked it up and opened it. He skimmed through the lists before he commented, "I wasn't aware ramen could have... This many varieties..." To the silver-haired man, it seemed like there were too many options to choose from.

The waitress came back with their waters before she asked if they picked their choice of death. Vodka ordered the Death by Chicken Shota Ramen while Gin and asked the waitress if she had any recommendations. The young woman smiled when she recommended the 'Death Lord' with a lot of enthusiasm. Gin was a little taken aback by the sudden energy before he asked if the 'Death Lord' had a beef variant. The waitress nodded and asked if he wanted that, to which the silver-haired man nodded. She took the menus back as she shouted the orders at the owner/chef, he replied with an "Okay" before he started on the orders.

Vodka glanced at the other when he asked, "Ano, maybe you should tie your hair back before we get the food. It might fall in the soup..."

Gin knew the other was right as he dug in his coat pocket and pulled out the necktie the other used the night before and this morning as a hair tie. The silver-haired man then glanced at the bulkier man as he held the tie at chest level.

Vodka gave the other a flat look when he got out in a tone of the same emotion, "Again?" The silver-haired man gave a small, short nod. Vodka somewhat frowned before he let out a soft sigh. The bulkier man then said, "Alright, alright. Hold still for a bit," before he stood up and walked to the other. Once Vodka was behind Gin, he took the necktie out of the other's hand, gathered the silver hair, and then used the necktie to tie the hair in a loose ponytail. "There, now you don't have to worry about it getting in the food," Vodka said before he went back to his seat.

"Thanks..." Gin replied softly, somewhat avoiding eye contact. It was clear to Vodka that the silver-haired was embarrassed about needing help for this kind of trivial thing.

The waitress came over with their orders.

Vodka's bowl looked like what was expected but Gin's bowl was almost covered with bamboo shoots. The two slowly got the pun of the ramen dish the silver-haired man ordered. They took their chopsticks, almost mirroring each other as they readied their chosen utensil to eat. Both collected a little of the noodles, gently blew on it to cool it a bit and then slurped those up.

"Hmm?!"

}I{ With Kudou Shinichi }I{

Shinichi and Ran rode the coaster without much issue and nothing of note has happened except what was to be expected of this kind of ride.

At least... until they exited a tunnel... where the person sitting behind Shinichi no longer had a head... And his stump of a neck was spewing blood as if it were Mt Vesuvius.

Screams of excitement and joy quickly turned to that of terror and fear...

}I{ With Gin and Vodka }I{

The two were quick to slurp up the rest of the noodles they picked up before they looked at each other when they jinxed, "It's great!" Both were smiling. However, Vodka was more obvious while Gin's was more you have to know his tells to see it.

They then tried different parts of their ramen dishes. Vodka took a piece of chicken and popped it into his mouth with a smile, while Gin took one of the bamboo shoots and ate it. The flavour of the chicken filled the bulkier man's mouth before he commented that it was tasty. "Oh?" Gin commented before he snatched one of the chicken pieces from the other's bowl with his chopsticks and popped it into his mouth.

"Aniki!" Vodka got out in disapproval and annoyance.

Gin smirked, enjoying the chicken, before he slid his bowl closer to the other when he stated, "Take one of the bamboo shoots and it'll make us even." He then chewed on the chicken piece in his mouth.

Vodka frowned slightly before he took one of the bamboo shoot strips from the silver-haired man's bowl. The bulkier man then ate the item. He was relatively surprised by the crisp texture and near tastelessness of the bamboo shoot. "Oh! This is good!" Vodka got out in amazement before he continued chewing on what he had in his mouth.

}{ With Shinichi }{

The high school detective was quick to get involved in the roller coaster murder. Assisting the police in the interrogations.

}{ With Gin and Vodka }{

The two continued to enjoy the ramen.

}{

Shinichi pointed out the flaws to the current main suspect, the girlfriend of the victim. Stating that there was no way that she could have used that kind of knife to decapitate someone, especially on a moving coaster.

}{

"This was a good choice for lunch," Gin stated before slurping up some of the ramen noodles.

Vodka happily nodded in agreement as he slurped up his own noodles.

}{

Shinichi explained as he showed everyone how the true murderer killed the victim. Using the still water and officers as props to Visually show how the murderer pulled the ploy off.

}{

Both Gin and Vodka finished their bowls with a satisfied sigh.

}{

The murderer ended up confessing to the crime, also admitting that she and the victim used to be lovers. She also wanted to use the last gift the victim gave her to end his life.

}{

The two paid their tab before they left the ramen restaurant.

}{

Shinichi and Ran stayed with the police as the murder weapon was found.

}{

Vodka couldn't help but stretch as soon as they were outside the ramen restaurant when he said, "Damn, I can't remember the last time I felt so full after a meal!" That was a memory from the distance past that popped into his mind. A little girl with a missing front tooth gives him a big toothy smile.

Vodka glanced to the side when Gin replied in satisfaction, "Same. I can't believe ramen could be that filling as well as tasty." The silver-haired man pulled out their 'last Itinerary' and asked the other, "Onto our last destination?"

Vodka looked at the other when he nodded and said, "Yeah, let's go." There was no more hesitation or weariness when he spoke.

Gin was quick to notice this and somewhat smiled before they headed off to the last place they'd ever see.

}I{

Shinichi and Ran ended up having an early dinner at Tropical Land, curtsy of the Metropolitan Police, before they decided to start on their way back home. The teenage detective was very mixed on how the day turned out.

On the one had, Shinichi solved a rather unusual case. But on the Other hand... His plans to confess to Run went down the drain...

'So now I have to wait for another opportunity to do that,' Shinichi thought as they left Tropic Land, making small talk with Ran along the way.

}I{ Roughly 15 Minutes Earlier }I{

Gin and Vodka walked along the edge of a park before they found a nice cluster of trees. It would be the perfect location for them, out of the way and you have to look directly between the trees to see anything. meaning it would take a while before anyone will notice any bodies.

The duo sat down within the cluster, each leaning against the trunk of a tree right across from each other. Gin opened the pill container and took out the two red-and-white pills, handing one of them to Vodka.

The bulkier man opened the reusable water bottle they refilled from a vending machine. Vodka stared at the pill of poison before he asked the silver-haired man, "Oi, Aniki... Do you think there's an Afterlife or reincarnation?"

Gin glanced up at the other in confusion, "Why would you bring something like that up?"

Vodka looked up at the darkening Sky when he said, "No reason, just curious."

Gin let out a huff before he said, "Never gave that stuff much thought myself. I know those are part of some religions and all, but that's about it."

Vodka's gaze was on the water bottle when he commented, "I see... But if they are real... There's someone I want to meet again if it's possible." His expression seemed to soften a bit. Vodka popped the pill in his mouth before he took a big gulp of water.

Gin watched the other, not sure what he meant by that. But what the silver-haired man did know was that he didn't seem to like the fact that the other was talking about someone he didn't know about. As he took the reusable bottle, that was handed to him, Gin stated with a smirk, "If that reincarnation thing is real, we'll find each other." He popped the pill into his mouth before drinking from the water bottle to swallow the drug. Gin kept that smirk on when he added, "I know we'll find each other."

Vodka couldn't help but smile at the other's weird attempt to cheer him up. That lasted until he felt a burning pain shoot throughout his body! Vodka somewhat curled over as he fell to the side, the pain making it feel like his bones were melting.

"Vodka?" Gin got out in confusion, somewhat wondering if this was the effect of the drug. At least until he felt it too.

~}I{ 30 Minutes Later }I{~

"Aren't I supposed to walk you home?" Shinichi asked flatly as he and Ran walked down the sidewalk to the kudu estate. He huffed when he added, "You're the one who's bad with directions."

Ran "playfully" punched her childhood friend in the arm when she cheerfully said, "Oh, don't worry no, I can easily find my way home from your house."

Shinichi rubbed his arm as he shot the other a look when he got out, "Fine, but don't blame me if you end up-. Huh?" Something caught the high school detective's eyes. Something inside that cluster of trees.

"End up what, Shinichi?" Ran asked flatly as she gave him a look.

Shinichi moved past his childhood friend to get a better look at what was inside the tree cluster. Ran called out to him, but he didn't quite hear her. the teenage detective just stared at what he found, or rather who.

There lying in the grass between the cluster of trees were two children who looked to be between 11 and 13, both unconscious. One had long silver hair while the other had more of a close shave with his black hair. But the thing that caught Shinichi's attention was the fact that both of these children were wearing clothing that were far too big for them.

The young detective snapped a quick picture of the two as Ran came up behind him to see what her friend was looking at. She gasped before she rushed over to the two children to check on them.

Shinichi carefully followed his childhood friend into the tree cluster as he pocketed his cell phone and said, "Are they..." He didn't want to think that someone could've killed a pair of kids.

Ran quickly checked the two's pulse. She was relieved that the children were alive and carefully picked up the child with the long silver hair, carefully carrying them bridle style. Ran looked at her childhood friend when she told him, "They're still alive! Grab the other one and we'll look them over at your place!"

Shinichi didn't have to be asked twice. He carefully picked up the other child. As he did, the sunglasses the child wore fell off his face and hit the ground. Shinichi carefully crouched to pick the sunglasses up with his currently free hand. 'Hm? This is...' Shinichi thought before Ran urged him to hurry up. The high-school detective did so, abide carefully, before he hassled off with the child clutched in his arms.

~}I{~

Vodka slowly opened his mismatched eyes (1) when the sunlight came through the window and hit him in his face. 'Wait...' Vodka thought before he jolted upright in confusion. 'How? Why?' He thought as he looked around to gauge his surroundings. 'Where?' Vodka thought as he threw off the blanket and stood up from the futon. His blue (right) and black (left) eyes immediately landed on a sleeping Gin, tucked under a blanket on another futon across the room.

Of course, Vodka's first action was to go over to the other to check on him. He hussled over to his silver-haired companion when he got out, "Aniki! Wa- huh?!" Vodka quickly placed a hand on his throat as he said in a voice he didn't recognise, "W-what?!"

He sounded like a child!

What the hell was going on?!

Vodka took a deep breath to calm himself down and tried to remember what happened up until now. There wasn't anything that happened that could've caused his voice to change... Unless... 'The drug!' Vodka thought in shock. But he paused when he remembered that the pill was supposed to kill without being traced... So how come he was still alive? With only his voice being altered?

That was when his eyes landed on a full-body mirror that was in one corner of the room and what reflected at Vodka was something he hadn't seen in close to two decades!

'What the-!' Vodka thought as he moved towards the mirror, his reflection mimicked his movements. He pressed his right hand to the glass when he thought, 'That's impossible!' That was when he belatedly realised that he was wearing a pair of nightclothes that were certainly not his. Solid green with little chibi sheep decorating the clothing, they were also a little tight now that Vodka was aware that he was wearing them.

He had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. He wasn't, but that filled his head with so, so many questions. "Aniki!" Vodka mumbled before his attention was on the sleeping silverette.

Gin had to have some kind of answer! Sherry had to have shared some sort of information about the drug that could explain this whole thing!

So Vodka rushed over to Gin and threw the covers off him. The bulkier man, now child, froze at what he saw! Gin had also been shrunken by the drug! However, the silver-haired man, now child, was wearing a pair of blue night clothes with yellow stars decorating them but his pair seemed more short on the legs. Vodka was admittedly mixed on the night clothing on his partner. On the one hand, they weren't something Gin would wear, but on the other hand, that was part of the appeal, somewhat.

Vodka placed a hand on Gin's shoulder and shook him when he said in a hushed tone, "Aniki! Aniki! Wake up!"

Gin groggily opened his cold green eyes at the action. He blinked his eyes a few times to clear the blurriness away before he looked up to see a pair of mismatched eyes staring back at him with worry. Gin pushed himself to a sitting position as he rubbed his eyes and asked groggily, "Vodka... What's with the sudden wake up?" He didn't notice that his voice was different or if he did he brushed it off as him still being sleepy.

Vodka was direct with his question of, "Did Sherry tell you about any side-effects or adverse effects regarding the APTX 4869 drug?"

Gin looked at the other in confusion when he replied with his own questions, "What are you talking about? And what's wrong with your voice?" He then noticed the clothing the other had on when he asked with a raised brow, "Why are you wearing such a childish thing?"

Vodka bit his lips in annoyance before he yanked him off the futon and dragged him until they were both in front of the full-body mirror. Of course, the silverette protested, at least until he saw his reflection. Like Vodka did earlier, Gin touched theglass of the mirror as his reflection mimiced his movements.

"What the-!?" Gin got out before he finally realised that his own voice was higher than it used to be, like how it was when he was a child. That was when Gin got out in utter confusion and dismay, "How? How did this happen?"

Vodka stared at the silverette with his mismatched eyes in worry when he replied, "I was hoping that... You would know..."

Gin glared at the other when he snapped, "How the hell would I know this would happen?!" He indicated his and Vodka's body when he said that.

The bulkier preteen moved his hands in a calm down motion when he elaborated, "I meant more along the lines of maybe Sherry mentioning something..." When Vodka saw that the silverette was a little calmer, he added, "After all, this is a very specific adverse effect that she would've known about if it happened to her test subjects..."

Gin placed a hand on his chin, thinking these words over. After a solid minute the silver ette finally stated in a logical tone, "Well, Sherry did say that the APTX 4869 hasn't been used on any human test subjects... Just mice and rats... So my best guess is that what happened to us might be either an isolated insolent or what the APTX 4869 does to humans..." He didn't know the finer parts of the drug, so most of his theory was guesswork.

That was when Vodka summarised, "So we turned into kids because the APT X 4869 had some weird effects on humans." He rubbed his face when he grumbled out, "That sounds like something out of a Syfy series..." Vodka then realised a silver lining in all this when he told the other excitedly, "But, Aniki! This means that we no longer have to worry about Them!"

"Huh?" was all Gin got out in confusion.

Vodka waved his hands when he started explaining, "Think about it, our shrinking was unplanned but it's something that only we know about. As far as our former employees are aware, they're looking for two adult men! Since we're now kids, we'll bypass all their searches!"

Gin thought about that for a bit before agreeing, but he couldn't help but add, "But they still have our DNA and fingerprints in their data banks… If they can somehow get our DNA… It'll be over…"

Vodka smiled when he said, "Leave that to me, Aniki, I've memorised the Night Baron virus and I can edit it so it'll only delete every data file with our codenames, even a mention!"

Gin couldn't help but ask, "Wait, you memorised the coding of the Night Baron virus?" When he saw Vodka nod, the silverette couldn't help but comment, "That's... Impressive..."

With that smile still on his face, Vodka said, "And I know how to get the Organisation's tech squad to activate the virus for us without them realising it." He then added happily, "I can get started on that as soon as I have access to a computer."

Gin couldn't help but smirk when he stated, "Good. This more than makes up for you undressing me and putting these ridiculous clothing on us."

Vodka's smile quickly faded when he said uneasily, "Uh... Aniki... I didn't change our clothing... Or brought us to this location..."

Gin's smirk disappeared at these words. He glanced at the mirror when he asked, "If it wasn't you... Then who?"

That was when a new voice cut in by saying, "That was me."

Both the now pre-teens almost jumped out of their skins before their attention was on the doorway. There a 17-year-old teen leaned against the frame, arms folded, with a serious expression on his face.

Vodka paled as Gin quickly moved between the teenager and the bulkier boy in a more defensive posture. The silverette almost growled out, "How much of that did you hear?"

Shinichi narrowed his eyes when he stated calmly, "Enough to know that neither of you are actually kids. Which does confirm my earlier suspicions about the two of you."

Gin narrowed his own eyes in a glare when he demanded, "What do you mean?"

Undaunted, Shinichi stated, "The clothing you two were wearing when I found you." He unfolded his arms to indicate the length of a sleeve when he explained, "Those were made for adults, obviously, you could've rolled the sleeves and legging up to fit you better, but the clothing had no fold marks nor any indication of any alterations. You could've dragged them, but there were also no signs of being dragged. The belts you also wore had wear marks, where they had been constantly set to, both of which were much too big for your size." Shinichi re-folded his arms when he stated seriously, "This made me think that the clothing were originally worn by adults one minute and then kids the next." He shrugged his shoulders when he added, "Obviously, it's a strange theory, but when you eliminate the impossible whatever is left, however improbable, must be the truth." Shinichi narrowed his eyes at the duo when he said seriously, "And the improbable turned out to be very possible, as crazy as it sounds."

Vodka couldn't help but ask in a small state of shock, "You got all that from our clothing?"

Shinichi unfolded his arms, once again, to reach into his pocket and pulled out a pair of sunglasses when he said, "These also indicated that you were originally adults. After all, no one wears a pair of sunglasses that are too large to even fit on one's face."

Both Vodka and Gin recognised the sunglasses in the teen's hands. Those were the pair the bulkier of the two always wore!

Shinichi took a step into the room when he stated seriously, "And given what else you two were talking about, I take it both of you were a part of some big criminal Organisation and were forced to leave it. Recently."

That was when Gin launched his attack on the teen. The silverette's logic was that the kid knew too much needed to be silenced. However...

Vodka looked like he witnessed the impossible when he shouted, "Aniki!" when the improv fight ended as soon as it began.

Gin growled from where he was positioned on the ground. The silverette was now pinned to the ground with his left arm pressed uncomfortably into his back with the much larger teenager also pinning the rest of his limbs down with his own body. The now taller teen's knees were keeping the now smaller man's legs in place while he kept the other arm pinned down with his other hand.

Never has Gin ever been so humiliated before, especially by some smart alick kid!

Shinichi let out an amused hum before he said with a smirk, "Interesting, you're obviously used to fighting, given how fluid your movements were. However, since you shrunk very recently, your perception of your attacks are way off." That smirk was still on his face when he added darkly, "And those guns with the silencers both of you had on you have been completely dismantled and hidden, so those are no longer an option for either of you."

"You brat! You already knew about the criminal aspect before you eavesdropped on us!" Gin snapped, trying to turn his head so he could see the teen better.

Shinichi huffed when he stated sternly, "Duh, there's no innocent explanation for a pair of kids to carry guns that not only have silencers attached but also don't have any serial numbers on them." He pushed the shrunken silverette's left arm further up his back, making him flinch, when the teenage detective stated, "So how could I not think you two were involved in shady things."

Vodka was conflicted about this whole thing. Yes, he very much wanted to save the silverette, but with the way things are, that wouldn't be possible. Vodka couldn't help but ask, "Who the hell are you?!"

The 17-year-old teen smirked when he said, "Kudou Shinichi, high school detective."

The name didn't mean anything to Gin, but Vodka knew who the teen was as soon as he heard. The bulkier now pre-teen got out in shock, "You're! You're that kid who's always solving crimes with the police!"

Shinichi smirked at that.

This had to be the 2nd worst possible scenario for the two assassins... However…

Shinichi still had that smirk when he said, "But I'm willing to help you out by letting you hide here in my place. Obviously, you're going to have to pull your weight when it comes to house duties."

Both Gin and Vodka were suspicious of this when the former growled out, "That's awfully generous of you..." The silverette couldn't help but ask in suspicion, "What the hell is in this 'deal' for you?"

Vodka seemed to catch on when he said in realisation and horror, "You! You want to take down our former employers!"

"Huh?" Gin got out in confusion when he heard those words.

Shinichi couldn't help but say with a smirk, "You hit the nail on the head. There's no way I, as an unofficial member of the Japanese police, can let some illegal Organisation continue working, especially if they're putting regular civilians at risk."

Vodka couldn't help but comment to Gin, "Well... He's not wrong..." The silverette reluctantly agreed with the other. Gin was starting to feel numb from being pinned down for so long.

Shinichi, released his grip on the silverette's right hand before he patted him on the head when he said a little too chipperly for the shrunken men's liking, "Now, you two be good boys by following my 'house rules' and you can stay here as long as you want and not have to worry about food~."

Gin tried to wiggle out from under the teen when he grunted out, "And what makes you think we even want to stay here?"

Shinichi let out a thoughtful hum before he stated, "I'm not going to force you to stay, but I doubt you'll have much luck finding anything better without anyone asking any unwanted questions about you 'kids' and how you're going to pay for the necessities."

Vodka twiddled his thumbs as Gin fell silent. As much as neither wanted to admit it, the teen had a point... True, they didn't have to worry about the Organisation anymore, but now they had a whole new set of problems that they didn't realise they now had. They were children now, pre-teens if they had a guess, and there was no way they could secure an income or find a manageable housing on their own...

Gin clicked his tongue in annoyance before he stated, "Fine, you win, brat... Now get off!" He was really feeling numb in his left arm and legs. Gin knew he couldn't make any sudden movements, or even move at all until the stinging from the numbness passed.

Shinichi stared down at the silverette when he stated seriously, "I didn't hear you agreeing to anything."

Vodka waved his hands when he said frantically, "Okay! Okay! We agree! We'll follow your rules! Just get off him!"

Gin honestly couldn't feel anything but the numbing pain. He barely registered that the teen finally got off him, and that was only because he was looking at the teen. Vodka was by Gin's side before the silverette realised it. The bulkier pre-teen moved the other into a more comfortable position as gently as possible, but even then the silverette couldn't help but let out a hitched breath every time he felt a barrage of needles stinging his nerves when his numbed limbs were moved.

Gin glared at the high-school detective when he got out in almost a growl, "So, what are the 'Rules' you want us to abide by?"

"Aniki..." Vodka mumbled as he tried to keep the other still.

Shinichi folded his arms as he stared down the Shrunken men and stated seriously, "Rule #1, No killing anyone." He half unfolded his arms to point at the two when he added seriously, "I don't know what you did when you were with this Organisation or your positions in it, but like hell I'm going to let you even think of doing that."

Gin clicked his tongue when he grumbled out, "Even if we wanted to, it takes a lot of pre-planning to cover up a murder... Along with the planning of the murder...'' Vodka agreed with that.

That caught Shinichi off-guard when he commented, "I... I was speculating that the Organisation you worked for might've killed people... I didn't know that they... Had an actual playbook for murder..."

Gin scoffed before he said, "Their main business is murder," The siverette shot the teen a smirk when he added, "Good luck taking them down."

Shinichi retorted in almost a serious tone, "But if I do take them down, your safety is 100% guaranteed."

Neither Gin nor Vodka could retort to that.

Shinichi held up his right pointer finger and thumb when he stated, "Rule #2, continuing off the first, No poisoning of any kind on anyone."

That made sense, and the two shrunken men knew it was a major risk to try to poison the teen before them. It'll both put them in a bad position and cause the Organisation to discover where they are.

Shinichi added his middle finger to the count when he stated seriously, "Rule #3, No setting up any incidents where people can get hurt."

Both Gin and Vodka glanced at each other at this. Silently agreeing that those would also take too much pre-planning and preparations to do.

Shinichi caught that moment but pretended he didn't notice when he raised his ring finger and added, "Rule #4, while I understand that neither of you want to be treated or act like jr high students, but to avoid suspicion you're going to have to work on pretending that you are." He lowered his hand when he added, "You only have to act like pre-teens around everyone. But you don't have to pretend around me or Agata-Hakase next door."

"Who?" Both Gin and Vodka vocalised in confusion.

Shinichi waved a hand when he said, "You'll meet him soon enough. I figured you would want someone else to talk normally to and Hakase is trustworthy enough to know that you're really adults that were shrunken back to kids." The teen did have an alternative motive for telling his inventor neighbour, and he was sure the two before him would figure it out, but that was the point.

Gin glared at the teen while Vodka had more of a worried look.

Shinichi then raised his pinky when he stated, "Rule #5, Obviously, don't let others find out who you are."

Gin couldn't help but retort in a deadpan tone, "Do you really have to make that a rule? we know not to do that." Vodka nodded in agreement.

Shinichi shrugged his shoulders when he said, "It doesn't hurt to have it as a rule, just in case." He then added as he added his left thumb to the count, "Rule #6, Learn to live here and adapt to being jr high students."

Gin scoffed when he stated, "Like we have a choice."

That was when Vodka asked suspiciously, "How come you're using the words 'jr high students' rather than 'pre-teens' when you're making these rules?" Gin looked at the other in confusion at this.

Shinichi smirked when he said, "That's part of Rule #6~."

Why did the pair have a bad feeling about that?

Shinichi held up his left index finger to the count when he stated, "Rule # 7, Keep everything in this house in order." He lowered his arms when he added seriously, "If you want to learn the system we Kudous use, just ask and I'll show you." The teen frowned when he stated seriously, "And if you make a mess, clean it up."

Gin and Vodka glanced at each other before the taller of the two stated dryly, "Again, you already know we're not actually kids, so why are you making that a rule?"

Shinichi raised a brow when he stated, "Nothing wrong with having something basic for a rule. Unless you two are bad with cleaning and organising."

Vodka was the one to say shyly, "We're... Not... But we have our own systems..."

Shinichi let out a hum before he commented, "I guess that'll work." He let out a sigh before he added, "Now for the most important thing on our list..."

Gin huffed when he got out, "And what might that be?"

Shinichi shoved his hands in his pockets when he stated with narrowed eyes, "Your names."

"Our names?" Both Gin and Vodka parroted in confusion. Neither understood why this was important.

Shinichi stared at the two when he Stated dryly, "I doubt either of you would want to use the 'Codenames' that you used in that organization for everyday life."

'Oh, that's what he meant,' the shrunken men thought at the same time.

Shinichi raised a brow when he asked the two, "You do have names other than the codenames, right?"

Vodka looked a little self-conscious while Gin got out in a low, unwilling tone, "Can we get back to that... The... Fake names we were given in case we somehow got involved with any law enforcement are known to them..."

Shinichi blinked when he thought, 'That's... Concerning… And rather telling…' He folded his arms when he said cautiously, "Oh... Kay..." The teen pointed at the dresser counter when he added as he kept his arms folded, "Spare clothes are in there. They're my old clothing from when I was 12, but they should fit you well enough for now." He gave them a wave when he said as he headed back towards the door, "If you want breakfast, be in the kitchen in 15 minutes." With that Shinichi left the room.

Things were quiet for a bit before Vodka asked the other if he was able to move. Gin tested his legs and left arm when he said in annoyance, "Yeah..." The silverette could still feel the stinging but it was at a manageable level. Gin carefully stood up, a little wobbly, but he was fine when he got out in that same annoyed tone, "We're going to have to play along with that brat until we can come up with a solution to our living arrangements." The silverette then scoffed when he added, "One that isn't all buddy-buddy with the police would be preferred."

Vodka couldn't help but say in a worried tone, "That's... Going to take a while... And I doubt that Kudou kid wouldn't forget to ask us any questions regarding the Organisation in the meantime…"

Gin huffed before he said, "We'll humour him." He clicked his tongue before he added, "Not like one brat will take down that Organisation anyway."

That was when Vodka said in a worried tone, "True... But..." He sighed before he added, "At least for a while we won't have to worry about the necessities." Gin had to agree with that.

Soon enough, the two decided that they should change out of the night clothes. Gin narrowed his eyes at Vodka, who was quick to reply as he looked away from the other, "I won't look if you don't," The silverette agreed to that as they went through the drawers to look for clothing that appealed to them or ones they wouldn't feel embarrassed wearing.

}{

When they finished swapping into their new clothes, they turned to each other. It still took them a moment for them to register that they were in new bodies.

Vodka was wearing a white button-down shirt with long sleeves that had the top three buttons unfastened paired with ankle-long black trousers and wore a black belt. Gin, on the other hand, was wearing a red shirt under a navy blue blazer with a single button paired with light khaki-coloured trousers that stopped just over his ankles and wore a white belt. Vodka found the shirt a little tight. Not restricted tight, just a little too clingy for his liking. The trousers were fine. However, Gin found the trousers a little too short but the shirt was fine. The silverette didn't like how exposed his ankles were but he figured it was okay for now.

The two stared at each other before Vodka awkwardly asked, "Um, how are you feeling?"

Gin tried to tug the leggings to the trousers down to cover his ankles a little more when he replied bitterly, "Aside from the fact we're wearing kids' clothing... Fine, mostly." He then mumbled something about the trousers not being long enough in annoyance.

Soon the two left the room. They didn't know where the kitchen was in this house, but they followed the alluring smell of something good cooking. It didn't take more than a minute before they found the kitchen. The two shrunken men were sent on edge by... How much food was being cooked and placed on the dinner table.

Gin moved his left arm in front of Vodka, stopping the other from proceeding any further. Shinichi noticed the duo when he placed a plate of mini omelettes on the table and said, "Just in time, I finished with the cooking so all we have to do is eat and then I'll wash the pans I used." The teen then moved to get the chopsticks when he added, "Eat what you want and what doesn't get eaten will be stored in the fridge for later."

Gin narrowed his cold green eyes at the taller teen when he asked suspiciously, "What are you trying to pull with this?" Vodka's black and blue eyes were filled with worry as he stared at the silverette at this.

As Shinichi pulled the chopsticks out from their spot in one of the drawers, he looked at the shrunken silver-haired man with a confused look. The teen raised a brow when he asked, "What are you talking about?"

Gin nodded his head at the table covered with breakfast foods and three empty Plates where it was assumed that the three would fit when he stated with suspicion still dripping from his voice, "There's a lot of food on the table..."

Shinichi glanced from the shrunken men to the table when he said, "Um, yeah... There are three of us... Sure I might've overdid it a bit, but any leftovers can be stored for later..." The teen couldn't help but think, 'What about the table made one of them suspicious?' Shinichi was sure he made sure to make a simple breakfast that would be easy on the stomach, but…

Gin was still suspicious when he asked carefully, "Why even make so much if you aren't planning on doing anything?"

Shinichi just stood there, trying to decode what the silverette was asking. In an unsure tone, the teenage detective stated, "Again, there are three of us and I wanted to make sure that there was enough... And, again, anything that doesn't get eaten can be saved and stored for later..." He raised a brow when he asked the Shrunken men, "You two do eat breakfast, right?"

Gin and Vodka glanced at each other when the bulkier of the two said carefully, "Of course, we do... Just..." Vodka glanced at the table when he added, "We don't usually have that much on the table..."

Shinichi moved over to the table to place the chopsticks when he said, "Um, okay... You don't have to eat everything here." He then sat in his usual seat when he added, "Just eat what you want and the rest will be refrigerated for later."

Gin and Vodka glanced at each other yet again before they slowly made their way to the table. They sat down and cautiously watched the teen. Gin quickly moved the utensils so they were on the left side.

Shinichi couldn't help but comment when he saw this, "Oh? You're a lefty?"

Gin glared at the teen when he said coldly, "Yeah, So?"

Shinichi shook his head when he said calmly, "Don't be so suspicious, I just find it interesting that you are left-handed. That's all." He then took a sip of his miso soup, pretending not to critically watch the two before him.

The shrunken men glanced at each other once again before they cautiously took some of the breakfast foods off the plates in the middle of the table and put them on their plates. Not a whole lot, more along the lines of wanting to try the food rather than eating. Both Gin and Vodka nibbled on the food at first, ensuring that the food was both not poisoned and palatable before they actually started eating. The shrunken duo had to admit that the teen's cooking was pretty good.

Shinichi kept a careful eye on the two, analyzing them. While he could probably write their current actions as uneasiness due to being in a new place and having food made by someone they couldn't trust just yet, he found the whole suspicion about the mini buffet he made was a little odd. True, Shinichi wasn't used to cooking for multiple people, but he was sure he made close to a typical amount for three people. The teen decided to save that odd information for later as he continued eating.

After everyone finished eating, Shinichi packed up the leftovers and placed them in the fridge before he explained to the shrunken men as he held up a plate, "Dirty plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery go in the dishwasher when you're done." He opened the device in question and put the plate on the bottom rack. Shinichi looked at the two when he asked, "Want me to show you where everything is in the kitchen? And the rest of the house?"

Gin unwillingly nodded when Vodka said, "Um, Sure..."

}{ After the Improv Tour }{

"I should've expected something like this, given one of the homeowners is the author of the Night Baron Series," Vodka stated dryly as the tour ended with the kudu home library.

Gin couldn't help but ask, "What do mean by that?" He couldn't help but look around the library in amazement.

Shinichi snickered when he said, "My dad is Kudou Yusaku, and the Night Baron Series is his most well-known work."

Gin's eyes snapped at the teen when he got out in shock, "Your father wrote those?!"

Shinichi gave a proud nod when Vodka stated in an 'I'm not surprised' tone, "Aniki..." knowing that the silverette wasn't good with remembering names, even with authurs to books that he enjoyed. The bulkier now pre-teen looked around again when he added, "I'm surprised by how... Big this library is. Especially for a house."

Shinichi let out a weary sigh when he said, "Well, Dad's an author while Mom can be a... Uh... Little extra..."

The shrunken men glanced at each other at this, neither too sure they wanted to know what that last bit meant.

Shinichi waved a hand to emphasise the books in the library when he said, "Feel free to read any of the books here. Just don't bend or break any of them and try to put them back in the same place you found them." He glanced at the rolling ladder that was attached to the bookshelf he was standing near when he added, "You can use that in case you can't reach something, but please be mindful of how much you can carry with one arm."

Gin couldn't help but click his tongue and stated in annoyance, "Can you stop treating us like kids." As he looked at the shelf that had an odd lineup.

Suddenly, the voice of a young woman called out, "Shinichi!"

The teenage detective turned towards where he heard the voice coming from when he responded, "In the library." Shinichi then shot a glare at the shrunken men, silently telling them not to try anything.

Ran walked into the Kudou Library when she asked, "How are the kids?"

Shinichi motioned his head towards the smaller guys when he said, "I made them breakfast and gave them a tour of the house. They're just browsing the inventory right now."

Gin and Vodka stared at the teenage girl, gauging how she fits into their situation.

Ran smiled and gave them a small wave when she said, "Glad to see you two are all right." She then had a worried look when she asked, "But what happened to you? Neither of you had any injuries nor appeared to be sick..."

Vodka didn't know what to say while Gin said carefully, "Not sure... I don't remember what happened..." The silverette looked at the other shrunken individual when he added, "Neither of us really remembers the past month or so..." Vodka shrank slightly as he nodded in agreement, somewhat hoping he looked unsure.

Ran looked sad before she rushed over to the silverette and hugged him to her chest. Gin stiffened at the contact and even more so when his face was pressed right into the teenage girl's breasts when she said, blissfully unaware of the tension, "I'm sorry you had to go through that."

Vodka couldn't help but feel uncomfortable with what he was seeing, while Shinichi was mixed between uneasiness and jealousy.

Once Gin finally came to his senses, he immediately pulled himself out and away from the girl's grip. The silverette somewhat backed into the bookshelf behind him.

Run realised what she had done and quickly apologised. She then asked him, "Um, by the way, what's your name?"

Gin wanted to get away from this girl! His assassin instincts told him that she was a warrior! Despite the sleeves on her school uniform covering her arms, he was able to feel how the muscles felt! This girl was used to fighting daily! And given the silverette's new size, there was no way he could defeat this experienced fighter right now! 'Name!' Gin thought as he tried to calm himself down. He needed to give her a name! Gin glanced to the right and saw the spines of two books, one by Arthur Conan Doyle and the other by Edogawa Ranpo.

That was when Gin quickly got out, "Conan!" He took a breath when he said, "My name is Edogawa Conan!" (2). Gin was hoping this would work.

Ran blinked when she said in confusion, "Conan? What a strange name..."

Shinichi couldn't help but think, 'Did he... Did he just think of that name on the fly?'

Vodka, on the other hand, quickly remembered that he needed to think up a name to use too.

Gin was quick to say, "My grandpa was a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle, and apparently hounded my folks to name me after the guy... At least, that's what I was told." He was hoping this girl would buy this story.

Ran tilted her head to the side when she said, "I guess that makes sense." Her attention was now on Vodka, giving the silverette a chance to sneak away from the girl. Ran then asked the other, "And your name?"

Vodka gave a small bow when he said in a calm tone, "I'm Hirai Arthur." (2).

Shinichi couldn't help but think, 'Did he just?' That was when he realised something rather specific before he thought, 'Huh, that's interesting.'

Ran blinked in confusion when she asked, "Are you a half-foreigner?"

Vodka shook his head when he said, "No, my mother's was. She liked the name Arthur for a son." He looked at the silverette when he added, "We kind of bonded over our odd names when we first met, and we've been friends ever since." Gin was quick to agree, wanting to get this girl to leave sooner.

Ran seemed to believe the stories before her attention was on her childhood friend when she asked him, "By the way, did you talk to Megure-Kebu about that case? I know they needed statements."

Shinichi nodded when he said, "I did while I was cooking breakfast." He placed his knuckles on his hips when he added, "It was an unusual one with some rather specific information to understand, so I can't blame him for making sure there aren't any holes in it." Shinichi glanced at the two shrunken men when he stated, "Although, I might be busy for a while. Maybe a week."

When Ran asked why, the teenage detective told her that he needed to set up a few things for 'Conan' and 'Arthur' so they could live with him.

Vodka quietly moved to the silverette when he whispered to him, "Looks like we're going to have to get used to these names, and quick if the brat is planning on what I think he is..."

Gin nodded when he whispered back, "Agreed, and not just to humour him..."

Shinichi grinned at the shrunken duo when he told them, "Since you guys are going to be living here, you two can call me Shinichi-Niichan from now on,"

Why did Gin and Vodka have a foreboding feeling about that? Or rather, why did Conan and Arthur have a foreboding feeling about that?

~}I{~

To be continued.

~}I{~

1... Since we never learn what Vodka's natural eye colour is, since the guy is always wearing shades in the canon story, even at night for some odd reason (more on a headcannon for that later). My main headcannon for this is that he's heterochromatic and wears shades to cover them. So in this A/U, Vodka's, now Arthur's, right eye is blue and his left is black.

2... Hehehe! You bet I'm using both of Shinichi's shrunken identities in this! Gin gets the Edogawa Conan identity that we all know and love, while Vodka gets the Hirai Arthur identity that was used in the 23rd Detective Conan movie. Why? Because it's ironic!

}I{