Untitled

Past eleven, the city outside had already settled into silence, save for the distant hum of passing cars. Ran sat at her desk with an open history book in front of her, absentmindedly brushing her long damp hair while rereading a section she’d already forgotten twice.

Then her phone rang.

She blinked at the screen.

Shinichi.

For a second, her heart skipped so hard she nearly dropped the brush.

“…Hello?”

“Ran.”

Just hearing him say her name so naturally made her chest tighten.

Shinichi leaned back against his chair on the other end of the line, surprised she had answered so quickly.

“You’re still awake?”

“I’m studying.”

“At this hour?” he asked.

“There’s a history quiz tomorrow.”

“History, huh…” A faint amusement slipped into his voice. “Kyoto history?”

Ran immediately flushed. “No!”

“The kind with Kiyomizudera in it?”

“Shinichi!”

Her embarrassed protest earned a quiet laugh from him.

Honestly, he hadn’t even meant to tease her. But ever since Kyoto, every memory of that trip returned too vividly.

The temple lights.

The cold evening air.

Ran standing close enough for him to hear her breathing.

And that brief kiss against her cheek that still replayed in his head at the worst possible moments.

“You’re awful,” Ran muttered softly.

“What? I didn’t say anything.”

“You know exactly what you’re doing.”

A small smile formed on Shinichi’s lips.

It was strange.

They had talked over the phone countless times before, yet tonight everything felt different. Every pause lingered longer than usual. Every word carried too much meaning now.

“So,” he asked casually, “what else are you doing besides studying?”

“Brushing my hair.”

“Hm?”

“I just showered.”

Without warning, Shinichi remembered the moment in Kyoto when Ran’s hair had brushed against his arm while they stood side by side.

That was when he’d realized how long it had gotten.

“…Your hair really is long now.”

Ran paused mid-brush. “Eh?”

“Your hair.”

“Oh…” Her voice softened a little. “You only noticed now?”

“In Kyoto.”

“Why Kyoto?”

Shinichi hesitated.

“Because…” He exhaled quietly. “We were close.”

The room around Ran suddenly felt much too warm.

Realizing what he had just admitted, Shinichi immediately cleared his throat.

“I mean—it was obvious from that distance.”

Ran pressed a hand against her burning face.

“And…” Shinichi continued before he could stop himself, “your shampoo smelled nice.”

“W-What?!”

“Not in a weird way,” he said quickly. “I just noticed it.”

“You can’t just say things like that so casually!”

“I wasn’t trying to.”

“You absolutely were.”

A low chuckle escaped him again.

Ran buried her face against one arm on the desk, trying uselessly to calm her heartbeat.

“What about you?” she asked. “What were you doing?”

“Reading case reports.”

“At night?”

“I’m busy.”

“Hah. Arrogant detective.”

“Just stating facts.”

Ran smiled despite herself.

For a few seconds, neither of them spoke.

Yet somehow, the silence felt comfortable.

“…Ran.”

“Hm?”

Shinichi stared quietly at the dark window beside him.

He hadn’t planned to say it.

Actually, he was sure he wasn’t going to say it.

But somehow, tonight made him careless.

“Long hair suits you.”

Ran froze.

“You looked… kinda pretty in Kyoto.”

The moment the words left his mouth, he clicked his tongue softly in annoyance with himself.

“I mean—not that you don’t usually look fine,” he corrected quickly, voice turning cooler again. “It just matched the atmosphere there or whatever.”

Ran stared ahead silently, her face burning.

“…You really don’t know how to compliment people normally, do you?”

“Huh?”

“You say something nice and then immediately try to take it back.”

“I wasn’t taking it back.”

“You were.”

“I was fixing the wording.”

Ran laughed softly under her breath.

Meanwhile, Shinichi leaned back deeper into his chair, muttering quietly to himself.

“…This is why I hate talking late at night.”

Shinichi clicked his tongue quietly while Ran continued smiling to herself.

Then he heard the soft sound of her brush moving through her hair again.

Oddly enough, the simple sound relaxed him.

“…Hey.”

“Hm?”

“Don’t fall asleep at your desk again.”

Ran blinked. “How did you know I do that?”

“Because you always do.”

“…You really notice a lot about me.”

“Of course I do.”

The answer came too quickly.

Shinichi immediately coughed into his fist and tried to recover.

“I mean… if you get sick, people around you will have trouble.”

Ran smiled softly at the obvious excuse.

“Okay, Shinichi.”

“And dry your hair before sleeping.”

“Okay, Shinichi.”

“…Why do you keep answering like that?”

Ran’s smile turned gentler.

“Because my boyfriend worries too much.”

Silence.

Then—

“Wha—”

Her laughter rang through the phone before he could finish protesting.

On the other end, Shinichi covered part of his face with one hand, muttering under his breath while trying—and failing—to hide his smile.

And that night, for the first time since Kyoto, they stayed on the phone long after midnight—

not as childhood friends anymore,

((Rain is water, there's a lot of water in this fic, so I think it still counts lol. And if popular, I might expand this to a whole AU fic))

West of Fukue Island, just about as far out of mainland Japan as you can get, is prime territory for a budding marine biologist.  With the East China Sea changing into the Korean Straight, and the upward currents from Okinawa and the Ryukyu islands, it’s quite the intersection of marine life.  Hence why Mouri Ran is here.  With all the interactions of species, it’s a marine biologist’s dream.  But Ran is not only here on a scientific mission.  She’s here to meet up with an old friend who’s helped her in her studies.  She runs her small motor launch out to the rendezvous point, out of sight from prying eyes.  A few white cap waves bounce the boat, but nothing to worry about.  Soon she kills the engine and the boat coasts to a stop.  While waiting for her friend, she deploys a divers buoy and checks her gear making sure it’s in working order.  A thunk is then heard from under the boat, followed by three knocks.  Ran knocks back.  The mystery knock knocks again three times, and Ran responds three times.  Lastly they complete the shave and haircut, which gets a chuckle out of Ran.  As splash is heard as two hand reach up on to the rear deck of the boat, followed by a head of dark brown hair with a cowlick, and the upper body of a young man.

“You’re going to make me do a song and dance routine one day,” he teases.

“That might not be a bad idea, siren songs come natural to you don’t they Shinichi?” Ran teases back.

“That’s a different kind of mer-person.  We mersharks don’t bother enchanting prey, we just go after it.”

“I don’t think that’s true, you’re enchanting to me,” Ran lays down face to face to Shinichi the mershark.  He blushes in return.

“You humans are so direct with your feelings, what happen to courtship?

“Well, we don’t see each other as often as I like, so I think being direct is the best course of action.”  Both smile as small smooch is shared.

“Nice to see you again Ran.”

“Likewise Shinichi.  Anything exciting lately?”

“A few crimes solved, scared some pearl divers, dealt with poachers and illegal salvagers.  You?”

“Another report of mine is published.  Soon I’ll be going on a speaking tour; I’ve even been invited to Australia!”

“Is that far away?” Shinichi asks concerned.

“Yes, but I won’t be away too long.  I wish you could come.”

“Me too.  Someday I think I’ll figure out a way to walk with you humans on land.  As strange as that may be for me.”

“I could always push you in a wheelchair, we’ll make this work someday.”  They hold hands.  “I don’t regret falling in love with you.”

“I don’t either.  And to show you,” Shinichi pulls out of a pouch a pearl necklace.  “Had to negotiate, but I have enough pull to make it happen.”

“Oh Shinichi it’s beautiful!”  Another kiss is shared.  “And I got something for you.  Your favorite treat!”

“Well, I won’t say no to that.  Would you mind?”  Shinichi lifts his arms as Ran stands up, and pulls him further into the boat.  As he leans against the side.  Ran goes into the cabin and comes back with the pie.  Small enough for two people.  She cuts in half and gives Shinichi his half.

“I wish we could grow lemons underwater, this is incredible,” he exclaims between bites.  His shark teeth visible as he eats, Ran is transfixed admiring the pearly whites.  “You have a huge variety of food on land.”

“And you have a much more beautiful environment to live in.  I guess it’s all a matter of perspective.”

“Speaking of,” as Shinichi finishes, “are you ready for a swim?”  Ran nods eagerly as she finishes her pie.  She starts taking off her hat and sunglasses.

“Do you need to put your wetsuit on?”

“Actually Shinichi,” Ran takes off he cover up and unzips her jean shorts, which fall to the deck, “I’m just wearing this.”  The ‘this’ in question is a black bikini.  Shinichi’s eyes go wide; he’s stunned silent.

“You don’t like it?”

“No, no, I’ve just never seen so much of you before.  I didn’t know you could be more beautiful.”  Now it is Ran’s turn to blush.  She kneels down to kiss Shinichi.

“I’m going to get my gear, you can get back in the water fishboy.”  Shinichi couldn’t help but smirk as Ran starts putting on her tank harness and mask.  Her harness in question has two smaller tanks, therefore making her more maneuverable underwater, albeit with less air.  But she and Shinichi know they can share air through kissing.  They’ve tested this numerous times before.  Shinichi plops into the water as Ran comes back and sits on the edge of the boat, back to the sea.  She slips on the fins, fixes her writing pad to her wrist, puts her regulator in, gives a few practice breaths, and falls into the water.  She bobs back up.  Shinichi swims over, and wraps his thresher shark tail around Ran’s legs and embraces her with arms.  He takes out the regulator for a smooch, and a hit of oxygen off the regulator itself.

“Gosh that’s good, you landwalkers are lucky with the oxygen.  All good and ready for a dive?”

((This was fun to write. And if y'all like it, I might expand this into a full fic!))

“STEP RIGHT UP FOLKS, AND DON’T BE SHY!  COME SEE WONDEROUS WONDERMENTS BEYOND YOUR WILDEST DREAMS!” shouts the barker.  All around you could see amusements, midway games, stilt performers, and families carrying popcorn, cotton candy, and stuffed toys for their children.  There’s nothing like it when the circus comes to town.  Especially when the Baker E. Koda ‘Metropolis of Menagerie’ arrives!  The amount of tents and performers is an absolute delight for the young and the young at heart.  And what a menagerie it is!  Not just your classic circus acts.  From exotic animals and feats of daring, to magic acts and vaudeville performances.  The turn of the century’s never seen such a spectacle.  There’s something for everyone!  Well, mostly admittedly.  For some of the performers, some acts feel below them.

“Can’t believe I have to wear this stupid fez,” he grumbles to himself.  The young man adjusts his outfit, centering said fez on his head.  Out on stage, his cohort finishes his final trick to the oohs and aahs of the crowd.  “You’re just doing this until the theater society accepts you; you’ll be doing Hamlet before you know it!”  He beams as his looks in the mirror, and the smile turns to a sour expression as he takes in the pseudo-arabian/south pacific outfit he’s wearing.  “Ugh, I don’t know what annoys me more, that this thing looks absurd or the crowd buys it.”  And with a loud pop, the final trick is accomplished, and the young man readies himself to go on stage, where another young man finishes his act.

“Thank you!  Thank you!  Oh please the roses are too much, but I’ll gladly take the coins you’re throwing.”  The crowd roars a laugh.  “I’m glad your enjoyed the time we spent together as much as I did.  And never forget the day you were amazed by Kuroba Kaito, the Wizard in White!”  And with a clap of his hands, doves fly out into the crowd, thunderously applauding.  “If I’ve whet your appetite for more magic, I’ll be performing again tonight.  And if you dare, you may stay after my evening performance and experience the dark arts of Akako, the Snake Mistress!  I must now rest my powers, but you can still enjoy magic on the stage; magic of the mind.  Please welcome the all-seeing sorcerer, Kudo Shinichi the Truth Seeker!”  Kaito does a sweeping motion to stage right, where a spotlight shines.  Shinichi takes a breath, and steps out in his cloak and garments of deep blue and purple hues with silver trim.  His stage smile never lets on he finds this work degrading, but work is work until you get the stage of your dreams.

“Come my cousin, great me as wizards do!” Kaito proclaims.  Shinichi goes along with it as he clasps the shoulders of Kaito, also wearing a pseudo-Arabian outfit but in all white with gold and pink trim.  As they do their ‘magicians’ secret handshake’, Shinichi whispers,

“I look forward to when I don’t have to do this malarkey.”

“You can’t deny you enjoy the praise.  Besides,” Kaito whispers slyly, “you’ll be on stage with a great view when the ‘march of the Amazons’ occurs.”  Shinichi’s cheeks pinken at the mention of the Amazons; he has a crush one of the circus’s strongwoman.  “Have fun.”  Kaito does one more bow before leaving the stage.

“You should see him when he reveals his birthday gifts.”  Shinichi’s joke gets the audience laughing.

“My friends, magic takes on many forms.  What you will see now is not feats of body or slights of hands, but magic of the mind.  I will find out serious secrets, frivolous facts, and telling truths that none of you will be able to hide.  Yes my friends, you will be the source of the magic.  And if some of you wish not to be fully rendered in your most honest form, I suggest you take leave now.  I will seek out the truth, for one truth prevails above all others.”  Hushed whispers of wonder murmur through the crowd.  Backstage, Kaito is changing, but peaks through the peephole in the curtain.

“Thinks it below him my behind, he’s enjoying this,” he whispers to himself.

“Now I wish no one to be drafted immediately, I will first show you my works, before I ask the brave to volunteer to be read from foot to head,” Shinichi claps his hands together, and points the top of his fingers to the bottom of his chin, ‘assessing the veils’ as Kaito would say.  For someone who thinks carnival work is low, Shinichi is a natural.  “I sense somewhere here…” his eyes scan the crowd, “who’s traveled far…” and he goes to work, figuring out who is who.  Once volunteers start volunteering, he wowed a man who is an iron worker by feeling the callouses on his hand.  He wows a young student by deducing he’s the youngest in his family by looking at his worn shoes; hand-me-downs.  But as he ‘reads the mind’ of an older woman, he hears drums and trumpets; the march of the Amazons begins!  Leading the troupe is their queen, Sonoko the Sublime, who is in fact the daughter of one of the circus owners, and at a push a friend of Shinichi.  Behind her are various women in styles of armor reflecting their role in the troupe.  Some are scouts like Shiho the Sly.  Others are witch doctors, like Kazuha the priestess.  But the warriors are the main attraction, performing feats of strength in the big top from lifting weights, acts of agility through flaming rings and obstacle courses, and even fighting each other to hone their skills.  One warrior, caught not only the eye but the heart of Shinichi, Ran the Unicorn.  Though the name is demure sounding, she is billed as the strongest and most fierce of the warriors.  Her leather armor and bronze shield catch Shinichi’s eye.  He fierce glare, and her clanging sword on her shield can’t fool him.  Two days ago, she was in a purple dress as he escorted her to the local eatery on a date.  Circus policy frowned on relationships among performers, but it still happens.  Shinichi and Ran have help from Sonoko, who supports them and is in fact dating Makoto, King of the Strongmen.  She’s been trying for months to do a show combing both troupes.  Shinichi knows Ran will be great in a starring role, defending her queen from Makoto’s rival.  In his opinion, Ran is Shinichi’s queen and hopes to make that official someday-

“Uh sir?”

“Hm?” Shinichi snaps out of his distraction trance.

“You’ve been starring off for a minute.  Am I that perplexing for you?” the older woman asks.  Her bright blue gown tells everything Shinichi needs to know when he refocuses.

“Your husband just died.”  The crowd gasps in the astonishment, as the widow in sky blue starts to cry.

***

In the staff tent next to the big top, the Amazons are getting ready for their show.

“It’s good to be the queen,” Sonoko says as she powders her nose, “all those men gawking us, it’s delightful.”

“And Mokoto approves of that?” Shiho asks she shines her sword.  Sonoko goes red.

“He trusts me!  And I’m loyal to him.  All those men affirm that I’m perfect for Makoto; there’s no man like him.”

“I don’t think that how it works, Sonoko,” says Kazuha as she laces up her boots.

“I liked how all the little girls were looking at as in wonder.  We show that girls can be princesses, warriors, and even warrior princesses!” Masumi says proudly, fisting the air.  Ran is just sitting at her own bureau putting the finishing touches on her makeup and headpiece, enjoying the spectacle of her fellow performers.  As she adjusts her leather headband, her eyes wander to the photo on the left side of her mirror.  Her and Shinichi stopped at a local photography studio.  He looks so smart in his three-piece suit and bowtie, holding his boater in his right hand as his left clasps her own hands.

‘If only he could be a prince in our show, he’s already my prince in my heart.’ Ran muses to herself.  Out of the corner of her eye, she sees movement outside the tent.  The shadow soon sticks his feet under the canvas, and his turned up Arabian inspired shoes poke up.  Ran immediately smiles and discreetly leaves her fellow performers.  She parts the curtain and grabs the hand of the shadow and takes him outside next to a circus wagon, away from the prying eyes of the circus workers and the guests.  Soon she’s embracing and kissing the shadow, and Shinichi is not complaining as he returns the kisses.

“Are you ready for another commanding performance Unicorn?” Shinichi asks between kisses.

“Sonoko does most of the performing, I’m just there to defeat villains and win hearts in the audience.”

“You’ve won my easily.”

“And you’ve won mine.  How was your show Shinichi?  Still successfully seeking truths?”

“Well,” Shinichi sighs, “it ended early because I was a little too successful.”  He turns his head to show the bright read mark.

“Oh my, what happened?”

“I guessed accurately that a woman was a widow, and she didn’t like that and told me immediately via her speeding palm.”  Shinichi sheepishly rolls his eyes.  “Don’t worry it comes with the territory.”

“Oh Shinichi, I’m sorry that happened.  I’ll make sure after the show is over tonight, that you’ll feel better.”  A long passionate kiss is shared.  “And what’s with the trench coat?”

“I didn’t get a chance to fully change out of my costume, so I’m wearing this to be less obvious.”

“You look like a gumshoe,” Ran chuckles.  “I mean in a way, you sort of are a detective.  Thankfully not dealing with dangerous criminals.”

“Soon I’ll be a detective.  When the theater society accepts me, I’ll be playing Sherlock Holmes on the stage like William Gillete!”

Ran giggles, “His performance still stays will you doesn’t it?”

“He showed me that Shakespeare is not the only high drama an actor can aspire too.  And when that day comes, I’ll seek out a special treasure for you.”  Shinichi kisses Ran’s ring finger to illustrate his point.  The lovers embrace, think of the future they hope to have together.  Just then Sonoko pokes her head around the corner.

“We’re on in five lovebirds!” she teases.  The couple blushes before sharing one last kiss before Ran heads back into the tent.  Sonoko winks her approval before she heads back in.

New ShinRan card.

A/N - Hello. Another short shinran fanfic cause as always I miss them. This is sort of set in timeline when ShinRan were in Junior high. When Shinichi had a game and they lost in PK rounds in the semi finals.

There is a OVA episode called flower of Fantasia about it, this time line is mentioned in the Koushien case and also in the 16th DC movie - the 11th striker.

A/N - It has been inspired by an image I found on pinterest.

A/N - Do let me know your thoughts and comments!! and as always please forgive me for the grammatical errors.

"It was a good game everyone."

"Thank you captain."

"I can see that everyone is hyped up for the game coming in 3 days."

"Keep up the spirits and we shall play with no regrets!!!," said captain Toonoka in his usual hyped and motivated voice.

"Yes captain!!!"

The team, even though exhausted by the day's practice still responded with enthusiastic fervour.

"Thank you for the good work!!"

The soccer team shouted in unison and the two opposing teams bowed down as thanks.

"Dismissed."

"Oi Kudou, Hama, Inoue stay back for a few minutes." Toonoka called out.

The rest of the crowd dispersed as the four people and the coach stayed back.

"Well, I had some first-years run around to gather some more information regarding our opponent of the first match. "

"A few key players to mark and a few recordings of some of their games."

"Go through the video of the recorded game, though I do not think we need to make any changes in our current play style for this match but have a cursory look."

"Yes coach!"

"We can do the reviews at my home today." Shinichi offered.

"Yea, sounds good to us."

"Lets quickly get changed and head to Kudou's house."

The three guys were well respected in the team for being quite level-headed. It was no secret that Kudou was an insane soccer fan but since he was very good at analysing things he was an excellent strategist. Similarly, Hama and Inoue were all rounded players who also had good inputs.

It was fairly common for the soccer club guys to crash at Kudou's house to watch matches and hang out in general, well he did live in mansion which also had an excellent home theatre system. It was perfect to watch matches, movies etc.

As they walked towards the locker room they passed by a few guys from the basketball club.

"Man that was one strange accident."

"I know right!! To think a stay baseball would end up shattering the indoor gym window and at the same time the tempered glass basketball hoop would end up shattering like that."

"Did anyone get hurt?"

"Apparently some one ended up getting caught in the shattered glass shower."

"Eh? Who was hurt?"

"I think it was Mouri from class 4."

Shinichi froze in his tracks.

"EEHHH?? How is it Mouri, the captain of the Karate club?? Of all people how did she get hurt?"

"I dont know there was some sort of commotion."

"Excuse me," Shinichi interrupted.

"Please let me know when did this accident happen."

"Ahh just a few minutes ago, I think Nakamichi-kun from the basketball club took her to the infirmary."

"I see, thanks."

"Captain, you guys, go ahead to the changing rooms, I will join you guys in ten minutes." said Shinichi and dashed towards the infirmary leaving the guys staring at his back.

"Arn't Kudou and Mouri-san childhood friends?"

"Yes, they are, since kindergarten apparently."

"EEhhh for that long."

"Ah"

"But do you think he likes her?"

"I am not sure. But it is Mouri we are talking about? Who does not like her."

"...."

"...."

"...."

"But they have been friends for so long, he has an advantage."

"You idiot, childhood friends are the ones who end up being the furthest apart in such times. First of all, because the person is so close it becomes difficult to distinguish if you like them romantically or not and then if the other person does not return your feelings it is impossible to go back to being friends."

"Followed by, what if the feelings are just a misunderstanding just because the other person is of the opposite gender. It's a lot more complicated than it seems." Toonoka finished with a self-satisfied, righteous expression.

"...."

"...."

"So captain how many shoujo manga have you read exactly?"

"You- You guys!!! how dare you talk to your captain like that!!" Tonoka said, aghast and gave the guys a chase.

"Ohhhh the captain is not denying it!!"

"Hama! Inoue! Be quite otherwise I will shave you hair off!!"

*****

Shinichi had no idea at what time had he started to run. His mind attempting to deduce the severity of the accident.

"Hey you! No running in the corridor! Also why are you wearing outdoor shoes inside the school building?!?!"

"Gomen sensei."

Shinichi stopped immediately and took his shoes off and started running again.

"Heyyy I said no running in the corridors!!"

"Gomen sensei, it's a medical emergency," Shinichi called out without turning back.

****

Shinchi was almost there when he heard some voices coming from the infirmary.

"But even so thank you so much for protecting Aki-kun."

"Don't worry about it. I am really not that badly hurt."

That voice is Nakamichi and ....Ran's voice...

"And I already got first aid as well. So don't cry Aki-kun."

"RANN!!"

Shinichi stopped by the door frame, panting heavily but analysing the scene before him.

Ran was seated on a stool and gently patting the head of boy who clearly looked like an elementary school kid. His small face was flushed and eyes were wet with tears.

Nakamichi was sitting front of her who was tyding up the first aid box.

"Shinichi...."

"Kudou...."

They both started as six pairs of eyes stared at the out of breath, sweaty teenager who was for some reason holding his sports shoes in his hand.

"Did you get hurt Shinichi?" Ran asked slightly surprised and concerned on seeing his dishevled state.

"No I just heard you were in an accident so I..." Shinichi could not finish the sentence now suddenly quite embarrsed by the situation.

"Onee-chan got hurt because of me." came a small sniffling voice.

"Aki-kun its not like that. I am quite glad that you are okay. And see onee-chan does karate so I am quite strong." Ran said, reassuring the child attemting to lift his spirits.

"Who is this and what happened exactly?" Shinichi asked, walking inside the infirmary.

"Aah this is my younger cousin, Aki Yuzuhara, currently studying in Teitan elementary school. Next year he will be joining this middle school so he pestered me to bring him today for a field trip and since its summer vacation and only the clubs and the remedial classes will be on I decided to bring him to school."

"He was watching us play, after practise got over I was just practising some free throws, when Mouri was making her way towards the exit."

"Ehh why use the basketball court exit?" Shinichi asked

"The main entrance stays closed during the vacation Shinichi." Ran added.

Well since Shinichi was in outdoor sports it was natural he was not going to know the gymnasium settings during the summer vacation.

"I see and then."

"It is sort of my fault really," Nakamichi said a little guiltily.

"Its really an accident and I am really not badly hurt." Ran reassured the boys.

"Well I was practising the free throws on the hoop which was near the exit since it was hot and the doors were open. Mouri initailly took the long way around the court but I told her it would be okay to use the shorter route."

"Aki was chasing the basket balls after my throws and well it just happened to fast. A stray baseball smashed in through the upper window and litrally at the same time I had thrown for the hoop but it ended up smashing the tempered glass."

"Aki was so surprised and could not move on time but Mouri with her fast reflexes pinned him down and covered him."

"You know the rest, I removed the glass shards and helped them up and came to give Mouri some first aid."

Shinichi saw her hands where her fingers were covered in individual band aids.

"Its not that bad Shinichi, really," said Ran waving her hands in front of him to show that she was not hurt.

"Also I am wearing the gymnasium clothes so I am in a jacket and all so I did not get pierced with any glass shards," Ran smiled reassuringly to all the boys present in the infirmary.

Nakamichi sighed but gave a grateful smile and said, "Thanks Mouri, I owe you one. You too Aki, say thank you one again."

"Hai, arigatou pretty onee-san." Aki said cheerfully, clearly regaining his spirits.

All three were taken aback by his bashful compliment but Ran playfully tapped his nose.

"Nakamichi, I think you should get going. I suppose you will need to run a few errands." said Shinichi.

"Now that you mention it, since I was the last person there, I will need to clean up the glass shards in the gym and also drop a message to Gotou-san, our club advisor about the damage." Nakamichi said, suddenly listing things off.

"Aki, lets run to see if a few of my teammates are still here, I will need to ask for their help."

"Do me a favour Nakamichi, my teammates must be waiting for me as well, please let them know I will be running a little late and that they can wait at the family restaurant 2 streets away, the usual hangout spot."

"Got it. Anyways, thanks Mouri, see you guys around."

Nakamichi rushed out with Aki-kun in tow. Ran giggled at the kid and waved him goodbye and her eyes met Shinichi. His eyes were calm but were locked onto hers. Unmoving and steady. Seeing the serious look in hie eyes Ran's own eyes softened and a small smile blossomed on her face.

"I am really not hurt Shini-ouch!" Ran let out a small yelp and moved her hands towards the nape of her neck.

"Dont touch it." said Shinichi, swiftly holding on to her wrist.

"Let me do it. As suspected there are shattered glass fragments in your hair. Well since your hair is long and silky it did not get entagled but any small leftover shards are dangerous."

Shinichi grabbed the first aid and circled around her and to have a look.

"Wear gloves Shinichi, otherwise you will also end up getting cuts if there are more glass shards."

"It will be fine I can see clearly."

Shinichi very slowly placed his hand on the back of Ran's neck, she let out a slight surprised gasp. Shinichi moved his hands slowly and placed his hand on the nape of her neck.

Ran felt a rush of heat. His hands felt big and hot against the cool nape of her neck.

As soon as he stopped his hand, he felt the shard. Shinichi picked the tweezer from the first aid box and removed it.

"I will have a quick look Ran."

Shnichi kept his hand on the back of her neck and with the other hand slowly combed through her hair. His movements was gentle and patient as he slowly and steadily gathered bunch of her hair and placed them on her shoulders.

Ran closed her eyes in bliss. Well there was no one woman in the world who did not like to have their hair bushed. It was a hot day but now the sun was setting, the school had gotten quiet as the club activities had gotten over, the chirp of the cicadas was loud, clock of the infirmary was ticking away and in this quiet she heard it as well. Shinichi's and and her own heartbeat. Ran felt as is she had trancsended somehwere, her auditory and tactile senses had expanded and she really felt as his and her heart were beating in unison as if they were always one, two halves of the same thing.

"There all done."

Ran woke up, startled and slightly confused.

Infirmary....???

She looked around, her hair was bunched up on one side of her shoulder, her neck felt cool and she could distinctively feel the bandaid on her neck.

...Right, I got hurt and Shinichi was giving me a first aid.

She turned slowly and looked upwards, her eyes hazy and dreamy but shining and lovely. She felt a sudden gush of warmth enveloping her on seeing him.

"Arigatou Shinichi." she said, her voice was soft and mellow and a tender smile blossomed on her face.

Shinichi pulled away from her, a faint blush creeping up on his neck. He covered his face with his hand, trying to hide his embaressment.

"Its no big deal. Let's go."

They left the infirmary and made their way to the club room.

"Oh, how was your practise game today? Are you excited? The matches will start in three days, right?"

"Yes, everyone is in high spirits and pumped up for the tournament. A few teammates and I were planning to go to my house and watch a few recorded videos of our upcoming opponents."

"I see, wait a minute! Does that mean I held you up?"

"No no dont worry about it, I told them go ahead and wait at the family restaurant. It didnt take long anyway. I just need to get changed."

"I see, do you want to go together then?"

"Sure, wait for me," said Shinichi and entered the scoccer club room.

Once inside, Shinichi took mad gulps of air as if finally he could breath. These past ten minures or so felt erratic to him. the concern which flooded him when her heard of the accident, him sprinting all over the school premises, seeing her and then the rush of relief on seeing her not gravely injured. The next few minutes were even more bizzare.

Shinichi felt as if he had become hypersensitive towards Ran. When he had placed his hand on the nape of her neck, his palms were so much more warmer, the back of his hand felt ticklish due to her hair. However, the torture began when he had to weave through the long, silky strands. The thick locks wrapped around and slipping through his fingers were doing a number on his heart. Considering his ginormous crush on her, touching Ran like this felt extremely intimate and nerve wrecking at the same time.

Phew! Finally made it

Shinichi peeked at Ran, suddenly realising how still she was sitting. The sight he saw simply robbed him off his breath. Ran's face was tranquil, her long lashes were almost touching her upper cheeks, her breath was slow and steady, her full lips were slightly parted and Shinichi had the sudden intense urge to trace them with his fingers and investigate if her hair was softer or her lips.

.....Ran, I thought I could watch you forever, your eyes, lips, smile, hands, your every gesture.

.......I thought I could do it but I am slowly realising how futile this is. I have simply been enchanted.....

..... Even when I know I am sinking, I do not want to be saved. I really want to drown. I have been completely captivated by you.......

He memorised the image of her in his mind as best as he could, cleared his throat and said, "There all done."

Almost like butterfly wings, Ran's eyes fluttered open and she looked up around and met Shinichi's eyes with a dreamy, sleepy smile.

"Arigatou Shinichi."

Might as well pour honey in my ears Ran!!!!

Shinichi trampled down on his urge to pounce on her and crush her in his arms.

These whiplash of emotions is tiring. How come one moment I feel an emotion which almost like devotion but then the other moment I want to do unspeakable things to her?!?!

Shnichi felt shame but somehow managed to keep the conversation going till reaching the changing room bringing him to his current predicament of gulping in air as a way to clear his head off perverted thoughts.

He quickly changed and came outside. Ran was waiting outside holding her bag by her chest. Shinichi automatically grabbed her her bag and said, "Lets go."

Ran was slightly surprised but smiled and fell in step with him.

They spoke about casual things like the upcoming matches, Karate club's summer camp, other plans for summer vacation and reached the family restaurant. The boys were waiting outside for the duo.

Hama and Inoue shared sly a look after seeing Mouri's bandage covered hands and the fact that Kudou was carrying Mouri's gym bag.

"Oooo nice timing! We just got the takeaway as well. Lets go." Toonoka said ethusiastically.

They walked and chatted till reaching a common point.

"This is it for me," said Ran taking her bag from Shinchi.

"All the best for the matches! I will definately be cheering you guys on."

"If you have time do come to see us play," said Tonoka

Ran secretly met Shinichi's eyes, smiled and said, "Of course, I will most certainly be there."

Waving goodbyes, they went there separate ways.

After walking some distance Ran had the sudden urge to look back. The boys were all smiles and looked excited, energetic and so full of youthful energy.

Seeing them like this, seeing Shinichi like this made her happy.

She clasped her hands together, feeling a dull pinching ache in her hands but prayed.

"Kami-sama, please let the scoccer team play with no regrets. Also please heal my hands quickly, I wish to make a teru teru bouzu. I hope all the matches have clear blue skies."

Following the short prayer, Ran rushed home.

*****

I find this sooooo adorablee >////////<

A/N - THIS IS NOT MY IMAGE

A/N - All the credits to the original artist!!

Ran did mention about hanging teru teru bouzu for Shinichi's important matches and so the title. :)

Also in that case is a rare moment when 'Conan' is not really excited for the case but is actually more interested in going on a field trip with his Ran-'neechan'

The side-eye of Conan towards Heiji will always make me laugh :)))

A/N - Hello. Another short shinran fanfic cause as always I miss them. This is sort of set in timeline when ShinRan were in Junior high. When Shinichi had a game and they lost in PK rounds in the semi finals.

There is a OVA episode called flower of Fantasia about it, this time line is mentioned in the Koushien case and also in the 16th DC movie - the 11th striker.

A/N - It has been inspired by an image I found on pinterest.

A/N - Do let me know your thoughts and comments!! and as always please forgive me for the grammatical errors.

"It was a good game everyone."

"Thank you captain."

"I can see that everyone is hyped up for the game coming in 3 days."

"Keep up the spirits and we shall play with no regrets!!!," said captain Toonoka in his usual hyped and motivated voice.

"Yes captain!!!"

The team, even though exhausted by the day's practice still responded with enthusiastic fervour.

"Thank you for the good work!!"

The soccer team shouted in unison and the two opposing teams bowed down as thanks.

"Dismissed."

"Oi Kudou, Hama, Inoue stay back for a few minutes." Toonoka called out.

The rest of the crowd dispersed as the four people and the coach stayed back.

"Well, I had some first-years run around to gather some more information regarding our opponent of the first match. "

"A few key players to mark and a few recordings of some of their games."

"Go through the video of the recorded game, though I do not think we need to make any changes in our current play style for this match but have a cursory look."

"Yes coach!"

"We can do the reviews at my home today." Shinichi offered.

"Yea, sounds good to us."

"Lets quickly get changed and head to Kudou's house."

The three guys were well respected in the team for being quite level-headed. It was no secret that Kudou was an insane soccer fan but since he was very good at analysing things he was an excellent strategist. Similarly, Hama and Inoue were all rounded players who also had good inputs.

It was fairly common for the soccer club guys to crash at Kudou's house to watch matches and hang out in general, well he did live in mansion which also had an excellent home theatre system. It was perfect to watch matches, movies etc.

As they walked towards the locker room they passed by a few guys from the basketball club.

"Man that was one strange accident."

"I know right!! To think a stay baseball would end up shattering the indoor gym window and at the same time the tempered glass basketball hoop would end up shattering like that."

"Did anyone get hurt?"

"Apparently some one ended up getting caught in the shattered glass shower."

"Eh? Who was hurt?"

"I think it was Mouri from class 4."

Shinichi froze in his tracks.

"EEHHH?? How is it Mouri, the captain of the Karate club?? Of all people how did she get hurt?"

"I dont know there was some sort of commotion."

"Excuse me," Shinichi interrupted.

"Please let me know when did this accident happen."

"Ahh just a few minutes ago, I think Nakamichi-kun from the basketball club took her to the infirmary."

"I see, thanks."

"Captain, you guys, go ahead to the changing rooms, I will join you guys in ten minutes." said Shinichi and dashed towards the infirmary leaving the guys staring at his back.

"Arn't Kudou and Mouri-san childhood friends?"

"Yes, they are, since kindergarten apparently."

"EEhhh for that long."

"Ah"

"But do you think he likes her?"

"I am not sure. But it is Mouri we are talking about? Who does not like her."

"...."

"...."

"...."

"But they have been friends for so long, he has an advantage."

"You idiot, childhood friends are the ones who end up being the furthest apart in such times. First of all, because the person is so close it becomes difficult to distinguish if you like them romantically or not and then if the other person does not return your feelings it is impossible to go back to being friends."

"Followed by, what if the feelings are just a misunderstanding just because the other person is of the opposite gender. It's a lot more complicated than it seems." Toonoka finished with a self-satisfied, righteous expression.

"...."

"...."

"So captain how many shoujo manga have you read exactly?"

"You- You guys!!! how dare you talk to your captain like that!!" Tonoka said, aghast and gave the guys a chase.

"Ohhhh the captain is not denying it!!"

"Hama! Inoue! Be quite otherwise I will shave you hair off!!"

*****

Shinichi had no idea at what time had he started to run. His mind attempting to deduce the severity of the accident.

"Hey you! No running in the corridor! Also why are you wearing outdoor shoes inside the school building?!?!"

"Gomen sensei."

Shinichi stopped immediately and took his shoes off and started running again.

"Heyyy I said no running in the corridors!!"

"Gomen sensei, it's a medical emergency," Shinichi called out without turning back.

****

Shinchi was almost there when he heard some voices coming from the infirmary.

"But even so thank you so much for protecting Aki-kun."

"Don't worry about it. I am really not that badly hurt."

That voice is Nakamichi and ....Ran's voice...

"And I already got first aid as well. So don't cry Aki-kun."

"RANN!!"

Shinichi stopped by the door frame, panting heavily but analysing the scene before him.

Ran was seated on a stool and gently patting the head of boy who clearly looked like an elementary school kid. His small face was flushed and eyes were wet with tears.

Nakamichi was sitting front of her who was tyding up the first aid box.

"Shinichi...."

"Kudou...."

They both started as six pairs of eyes stared at the out of breath, sweaty teenager who was for some reason holding his sports shoes in his hand.

"Did you get hurt Shinichi?" Ran asked slightly surprised and concerned on seeing his dishevled state.

"No I just heard you were in an accident so I..." Shinichi could not finish the sentence now suddenly quite embarrsed by the situation.

"Onee-chan got hurt because of me." came a small sniffling voice.

"Aki-kun its not like that. I am quite glad that you are okay. And see onee-chan does karate so I am quite strong." Ran said, reassuring the child attemting to lift his spirits.

"Who is this and what happened exactly?" Shinichi asked, walking inside the infirmary.

"Aah this is my younger cousin, Aki Yuzuhara, currently studying in Teitan elementary school. Next year he will be joining this middle school so he pestered me to bring him today for a field trip and since its summer vacation and only the clubs and the remedial classes will be on I decided to bring him to school."

"He was watching us play, after practise got over I was just practising some free throws, when Mouri was making her way towards the exit."

"Ehh why use the basketball court exit?" Shinichi asked

"The main entrance stays closed during the vacation Shinichi." Ran added.

Well since Shinichi was in outdoor sports it was natural he was not going to know the gymnasium settings during the summer vacation.

"I see and then."

"It is sort of my fault really," Nakamichi said a little guiltily.

"Its really an accident and I am really not badly hurt." Ran reassured the boys.

"Well I was practising the free throws on the hoop which was near the exit since it was hot and the doors were open. Mouri initailly took the long way around the court but I told her it would be okay to use the shorter route."

"Aki was chasing the basket balls after my throws and well it just happened to fast. A stray baseball smashed in through the upper window and litrally at the same time I had thrown for the hoop but it ended up smashing the tempered glass."

"Aki was so surprised and could not move on time but Mouri with her fast reflexes pinned him down and covered him."

"You know the rest, I removed the glass shards and helped them up and came to give Mouri some first aid."

Shinichi saw her hands where her fingers were covered in individual band aids.

"Its not that bad Shinichi, really," said Ran waving her hands in front of him to show that she was not hurt.

"Also I am wearing the gymnasium clothes so I am in a jacket and all so I did not get pierced with any glass shards," Ran smiled reassuringly to all the boys present in the infirmary.

Nakamichi sighed but gave a grateful smile and said, "Thanks Mouri, I owe you one. You too Aki, say thank you one again."

"Hai, arigatou pretty onee-san." Aki said cheerfully, clearly regaining his spirits.

All three were taken aback by his bashful compliment but Ran playfully tapped his nose.

"Nakamichi, I think you should get going. I suppose you will need to run a few errands." said Shinichi.

"Now that you mention it, since I was the last person there, I will need to clean up the glass shards in the gym and also drop a message to Gotou-san, our club advisor about the damage." Nakamichi said, suddenly listing things off.

"Aki, lets run to see if a few of my teammates are still here, I will need to ask for their help."

"Do me a favour Nakamichi, my teammates must be waiting for me as well, please let them know I will be running a little late and that they can wait at the family restaurant 2 streets away, the usual hangout spot."

"Got it. Anyways, thanks Mouri, see you guys around."

Nakamichi rushed out with Aki-kun in tow. Ran giggled at the kid and waved him goodbye and her eyes met Shinichi. His eyes were calm but were locked onto hers. Unmoving and steady. Seeing the serious look in hie eyes Ran's own eyes softened and a small smile blossomed on her face.

"I am really not hurt Shini-ouch!" Ran let out a small yelp and moved her hands towards the nape of her neck.

"Dont touch it." said Shinichi, swiftly holding on to her wrist.

"Let me do it. As suspected there are shattered glass fragments in your hair. Well since your hair is long and silky it did not get entagled but any small leftover shards are dangerous."

Shinichi grabbed the first aid and circled around her and to have a look.

"Wear gloves Shinichi, otherwise you will also end up getting cuts if there are more glass shards."

"It will be fine I can see clearly."

Shinichi very slowly placed his hand on the back of Ran's neck, she let out a slight surprised gasp. Shinichi moved his hands slowly and placed his hand on the nape of her neck.

Ran felt a rush of heat. His hands felt big and hot against the cool nape of her neck.

As soon as he stopped his hand, he felt the shard. Shinichi picked the tweezer from the first aid box and removed it.

"I will have a quick look Ran."

Shnichi kept his hand on the back of her neck and with the other hand slowly combed through her hair. His movements was gentle and patient as he slowly and steadily gathered bunch of her hair and placed them on her shoulders.

Ran closed her eyes in bliss. Well there was no one woman in the world who did not like to have their hair bushed. It was a hot day but now the sun was setting, the school had gotten quiet as the club activities had gotten over, the chirp of the cicadas was loud, clock of the infirmary was ticking away and in this quiet she heard it as well. Shinichi's and and her own heartbeat. Ran felt as is she had trancsended somehwere, her auditory and tactile senses had expanded and she really felt as his and her heart were beating in unison as if they were always one, two halves of the same thing.

"There all done."

Ran woke up, startled and slightly confused.

Infirmary....???

She looked around, her hair was bunched up on one side of her shoulder, her neck felt cool and she could distinctively feel the bandaid on her neck.

...Right, I got hurt and Shinichi was giving me a first aid.

She turned slowly and looked upwards, her eyes hazy and dreamy but shining and lovely. She felt a sudden gush of warmth enveloping her on seeing him.

"Arigatou Shinichi." she said, her voice was soft and mellow and a tender smile blossomed on her face.

Shinichi pulled away from her, a faint blush creeping up on his neck. He covered his face with his hand, trying to hide his embaressment.

"Its no big deal. Let's go."

They left the infirmary and made their way to the club room.

"Oh, how was your practise game today? Are you excited? The matches will start in three days, right?"

"Yes, everyone is in high spirits and pumped up for the tournament. A few teammates and I were planning to go to my house and watch a few recorded videos of our upcoming opponents."

"I see, wait a minute! Does that mean I held you up?"

"No no dont worry about it, I told them go ahead and wait at the family restaurant. It didnt take long anyway. I just need to get changed."

"I see, do you want to go together then?"

"Sure, wait for me," said Shinichi and entered the scoccer club room.

Once inside, Shinichi took mad gulps of air as if finally he could breath. These past ten minures or so felt erratic to him. the concern which flooded him when her heard of the accident, him sprinting all over the school premises, seeing her and then the rush of relief on seeing her not gravely injured. The next few minutes were even more bizzare.

Shinichi felt as if he had become hypersensitive towards Ran. When he had placed his hand on the nape of her neck, his palms were so much more warmer, the back of his hand felt ticklish due to her hair. However, the torture began when he had to weave through the long, silky strands. The thick locks wrapped around and slipping through his fingers were doing a number on his heart. Considering his ginormous crush on her, touching Ran like this felt extremely intimate and nerve wrecking at the same time.

Phew! Finally made it

Shinichi peeked at Ran, suddenly realising how still she was sitting. The sight he saw simply robbed him off his breath. Ran's face was tranquil, her long lashes were almost touching her upper cheeks, her breath was slow and steady, her full lips were slightly parted and Shinichi had the sudden intense urge to trace them with his fingers and investigate if her hair was softer or her lips.

.....Ran, I thought I could watch you forever, your eyes, lips, smile, hands, your every gesture.

.......I thought I could do it but I am slowly realising how futile this is. I have simply been enchanted.....

..... Even when I know I am sinking, I do not want to be saved. I really want to drown. I have been completely captivated by you.......

He memorised the image of her in his mind as best as he could, cleared his throat and said, "There all done."

Almost like butterfly wings, Ran's eyes fluttered open and she looked up around and met Shinichi's eyes with a dreamy, sleepy smile.

"Arigatou Shinichi."

Might as well pour honey in my ears Ran!!!!

Shinichi trampled down on his urge to pounce on her and crush her in his arms.

These whiplash of emotions is tiring. How come one moment I feel an emotion which almost like devotion but then the other moment I want to do unspeakable things to her?!?!

Shnichi felt shame but somehow managed to keep the conversation going till reaching the changing room bringing him to his current predicament of gulping in air as a way to clear his head off perverted thoughts.

He quickly changed and came outside. Ran was waiting outside holding her bag by her chest. Shinichi automatically grabbed her her bag and said, "Lets go."

Ran was slightly surprised but smiled and fell in step with him.

They spoke about casual things like the upcoming matches, Karate club's summer camp, other plans for summer vacation and reached the family restaurant. The boys were waiting outside for the duo.

Hama and Inoue shared sly a look after seeing Mouri's bandage covered hands and the fact that Kudou was carrying Mouri's gym bag.

"Oooo nice timing! We just got the takeaway as well. Lets go." Toonoka said ethusiastically.

They walked and chatted till reaching a common point.

"This is it for me," said Ran taking her bag from Shinchi.

"All the best for the matches! I will definately be cheering you guys on."

"If you have time do come to see us play," said Tonoka

Ran secretly met Shinichi's eyes, smiled and said, "Of course, I will most certainly be there."

Waving goodbyes, they went there separate ways.

After walking some distance Ran had the sudden urge to look back. The boys were all smiles and looked excited, energetic and so full of youthful energy.

Seeing them like this, seeing Shinichi like this made her happy.

She clasped her hands together, feeling a dull pinching ache in her hands but prayed.

"Kami-sama, please let the scoccer team play with no regrets. Also please heal my hands quickly, I wish to make a teru teru bouzu. I hope all the matches have clear blue skies."

Following the short prayer, Ran rushed home.

*****

I find this sooooo adorablee >////////<

A/N - THIS IS NOT MY IMAGE

A/N - All the credits to the original artist!!

Ran did mention about hanging teru teru bouzu for Shinichi's important matches and so the title. :)

Also in that case is a rare moment when 'Conan' is not really excited for the case but is actually more interested in going on a field trip with his Ran-'neechan'

The side-eye of Conan towards Heiji will always make me laugh :)))

A/N 1 - Hello folks. Another short fanfic for ShinRan, cause I have withdrawals of this lovely couple.

A/N 2 - Do let me know what you guys think about it.

A/N 3 - The images used are NOT mine. All the credits to the original artists

ENJOYYY!!!

*****

Shinichi glanced at his watch.

I still have ten more minutes till I meet up with her.

It was quite a chilly and a cloudy winter afternoon and him and Ran had decided to meet up to go for a New Year's shrine visit.

They were soon going to be third years, and life was going to change tracks as they would officially become adults, followed by pursuing careers, which would change so many dynamics in their lives.

However, a vague sense of unease and discomfort was nagging Shinichi. It was more of a reality staring at him and his growing realisation of how many times he had been lucky in taking down the black organisation.

It had been a few weeks since he had returned to his 'normalcy' but he had received quite multiple warnings and heads-up for his future.

The FBI operatives were the first ones to warn him about his whispered name in the underworld.

It was followed by a very grave warning from Mizunashi Rena-san,

"However it turned out to be young detective, you were terribly lucky that you found them first rather than them hunting for you."

She used the word 'hunt', if that was not the hard slap of truth, then Shinichi did not know what was.

This word had sent a chill down his spine, especially after fully uncovering how ruthless and cruel the black organisation truly was.

In hindsight, so many things had coincidentally worked out for him that it was almost laughable.

A drug which was supposed to kill him shrank him instead, the first person to discover his identity did not reveal it to the organisation, moreover, she ended up using the same drug for her own escape and become one of his greatest allies.

Then the other person who deduced his identity was Vermouth, who kept his secret intact.

So many undercover agents were revealed to him, who all turned out to be extremely valuable and trustworthy allies.

In all honesty, for the majority of his showdown, the ball was in his court. It was the black organisation who were dealing with a concealed enemy, a fact that Conan took full advantage of.

"As you are a minor, no official report has your name and contribution."

"We will not be including your involvement for your own good."

"Even without that, please know, how truly grateful we are for your support."

Amuro-san, Mitzunashi Rena-san, Jodie-san James-san and even Akai-san's mother had vowed to keep his involvement a complete secret.

"Young man, believe me, crossing the threshold of organised criminal organisations at such a young age will be far more painful than you can even imagine."

"We have lost too many loved ones in the process already."

"The guilt and the pain are far too heavy to bear. I do not wish for someone as young as you to go through it."

Shinichi had agreed with their words, he had a proper cover of Edogawa Conan and even the name of Kogorou Mouri to shield himself and his loved ones from lethal dangers but things will be far more different now.

"However, your name is already quite well known my dear silver bullet-kun."

"Be sure to protect your precious angel."

Shinichi felt suffocated as soon as he recalled Vermouth's last words, the warning of her words was far too real and omnious.

Ran.

'Childhood friends' was a safe lable for them at that time.

But now, it was 'Girlfriend', 'Lover' and eventually 'Fiancée', 'Wife.'

There was already a target on his back, but now, because of him, Ran will have one too.

The panic and the unease in his chest just kept increasing.

"SHINCCHIIIII"

He jerked up and looked in the direction of the voice calling him.

His heart responded faster than his brain.

The scene in front of him pulled him in a trance.

The clouds had cleared up to let a few beams of sunlight pass through, and through those shining beams of light Ran came jogging towards him.

Her eyes were shining, and a joyous smile had lit up her entire being as if she had blended with the soft, warm winter sun itself. She was wearing a thick white coat jacket with a red scarf and her matching red gloves, which were the gift given to her by him. As she ran her hoodie fell back, freeing her inky black hair, which was a stark contrast against her coat and the snowy backdrop in general.

"Don't run, you can slip and fall," Shinichi called out worriedly as he moved towards her.

Ran just giggled and, on reaching him, without slowing down, threw herself in his arms, burying herself all warm and cozy.

She was on time, but the moment she saw him waiting, a wave of joy washed over her and for some reason, she had to clear this distance as soon as possible.

Although slightly surprised and elated, Shinichi automatically hugged her back.

Bliss!

"This is my apology. I am warming you up, since you had to wait in the cold for me," said Ran, burying her face deeper in his chest.

"Silly girl, I didn't have to wait for long," said Shinichi as he fixed her hoodie back on her head to keep her warm.

Although it reminded him of the time when Ran had waited three hours in the snow, outside his home for him.

He felt a distantant pang of that painful moment and hugged Ran tighter.

Not just that, Shinichi's mind simply kept racing through different scenarios where Ran would become the main victim of any dangerous situation he encounters.

There would be people watching, observing and studying her movements to find weaknesses, blind spots, and locations she would frequent. Of course he knew Ran was strong and could fend for herself but having to deal with systematic organised criminal syndicates who would have no rules in harming her.

The prospects terrified him. What could he do to always protect her? What steps could he take to keep her safe? Things he could do so as not to disturb her peace.

Am I the danger to you Ran?

Do I have to go away to keep you safe?

NOOOOOO!!! Absolutely NOT!

Not this. Anything but this.

Even the thought of it felt like a death sentence to Shinichi.

However, this time, his mind failed him; instead of calming down, his panic inflated, he kept thinking of the worst possible scenarios.

In the future, if they are in different places, pursuing different careers, following their own paths and some other opportunistic unlawful syndicate takes advantage of this distance.

No place, no cafe, no convenience store, no neighbourhood will be safe.

He recalled how conveniently the black organisation would set up snipers Korn and Chianti in the middle of the day in the busy streets of Beika City. They had managed to assassinate Tequila and Pisco without leaving any traces. They had even cause a bomb panic in a freaking hospital, rigged an entire train coach with explosives just to get rid of Haibara.

All these actions were done by them without even knowing that Kudou Shinichi himself was the enemy in the dark. Had they known about his survival?

It would have been a catastrophe, like the time they had immediately mobilised to assassinate Occhan on the slightest suspicion.

His name was being whispered in the same abyss, from 'the silver bullet', his name was now referred to as the 'silver hunter', 'lethal silver.'

The warnings were a sugar coat; they were simply a reality check that Kudou Shinichi was no longer capable of living the life of an ordinary citizen. The target on his back was bold and clear.

His righteous self was up and ready for this challenge but what of his heart? His beloved?

He obviously couldn't just choose to randomly appear and disappear, go into hiding as he pleased and lie about himself.

The act of 'Edogawa Conan' was not something he wanted to put Ran through ever again.

He was scared.

"Shinichi?"

What if he loses her?

"Shinichi??"

I can't hurt her again. Never again!

"Shinichi~ Are you listening to me??

Shinichi gasped and loosened his hold on Ran. He pulled back but didnt let her go.

Ran looked up to him. His face was quite pale and serious, but his eyes showed a rare trace of fear and vulnerability.

Shinichi looked away, unable to stand the weight of her gaze

He took a few deep breaths to calm down.

It's still fine.

I am here, and she is here with me too.

Suddenly he felt warm hands applying gentle pressure at the sides of his face which slowly brought him face to face with Ran.

"Look at me, Shinichi," Ran whispered softly.

Her gaze was gentle yet steady.

His mind stilled. All the panic, paranoia which was raging like a storm, clouding his judgement had now simply surrendered to the warm blue eyes in front of him.

"Shinichi, please listen to me very, very carefully." Her voice gentle and cooing

"I will always choose you."

Her thumbs drew small circular patterns on his cheeks.

"You are all that my heart yearns for."

"Wherever you are, no matter where, I will be there too."

"Take me with you wherever you want to go. No matter how far, no matter how distant, if you are there I will be there too."

A slight rosy hue had painted her cheeks, her eyes were unburdened and joyous, her voice, although shaky with emotion, was clear and reassuring.

The moment stilled in time for both of them. Shinichi was flooded with emotions he could not identify.

He exhaled a deep breath and hugged Ran again, but unlike the previous hug, which taut and full of anxiety this hug was warm, soft and cuddly.

In the sea of emotions, he was finally able to pinpoint gratitude but Ran's words and actions were the highest form of mercy on his heart.

He pulled back and rested their foreheads together.

Only three words were coming to his mind.

The words were so long-drawn, overused, and repeated so many times that they did not even feel meaningful; however, that was all he could say to Ran.

"I love you."

Ran smiled back warmly and a tiny snow flake landed on her nose.

Ran looked up to see that the sky had gotten gloomy again but it had started to snow.

"First snowfall of the year, that too seeing with my precious person." Ran giggled as Shinichi put her gloves back on her hands.

"No, leave this one," said Ran, pulling back her left hand.

Shinichi looked puzzled as Ran looked at him cheekily, but then a light bulb went on in his head.

He entwined his hand with hers and pulled it into his coat pockets.

"Let's go, Ran."

*****

A/N - Once again, the image is not mine. All the credit to the original artist.

A bonus ShinRan pic caue I thought it fits with the theme of the chapter :)

12 Games: Shinichi and Ran Game # 8 - Secret Rating: T Summary: How long can they keep up? How long until they give in?

(Read here or in FFN ! Link provided.)

.

.

It wasn’t that they were purposely avoiding the topic of their relationship.

First of all, and to be absolutely clear, there was no relationship to speak of. They were as casual as could be, the typical standout beauty and brains, coexisting with the mortals in class. But everyone in the room thought they looked good together, and it came as a shock when one blessed soul mustered the courage to ask, “Are you two secretly dating?”

Shinchi blinked once, Ran looked at Shinichi, Shinichi looked at Ran, both looked at the classmate.

“No we’re not,” they said in unison, in a manner that sounded like they were actually secretly dating.

“You’ll make beautiful babies really,” the blessed soul blushed. Shinichi’s eye twitched. Ran nearly choked. Both could hear Sonoko’s laughter in the distance.

To be asked that question was crazy, to hear that follow-up was even crazier, because not only did it plant strange seeds in their heads - they were good friends, damnit - but constant and collective affirmation by people around had made them pause and think and wonder, really wonder, whenever they’d lend the other a pen or space out at lunch break or lie alone in bed at night, even for just a split second, whether as just a joke, what it would be like to bond, to date, or–god forbid–to hook up.

Which they hadn’t done, of course. All silly thoughts stayed in the head. Perhaps the farthest they’d gone physically was that extra two-second fingertip graze during the baton pass at the sports festival. The touch lingered a bit, and Shinichi wasn’t exactly sure if the burning sensation up his skin was due to the scorching heat of summer or something else as he watched Ran's back, sun kissed and sweaty, ponytailed hair flowing gloriously with the wind as she sprinted to the finish line.

They did hang a couple of times since then, left in the lab after school for research. Contrary to what others may imagine, all interactions were in fact, wholesome. In empty classrooms they learned a lot about each other – her favorite color, his favorite food. The way she’d touch her chin before selecting strawberry yogurt from the vending machine. The way he’d crinkle his eyes when reading texts from the bulletin board like he needed a pair of glasses. All sorts of trivial matters only a few knew about because nobody would dare hang around popular kids unless they were themselves popular. A misconception the rest of their classmates should learn to shake off.

Because the thing was, whether or not the other held such stature, it had nothing to do with why his heart did weird somersaults on the day she started addressing him by his first name. It was silly, it happened after a successful English report and he found himself fighting the urge to ask 'it isn't just me, is it?' in front of the whole class like a desperate sadboy loser. The same way it wouldn’t alter the words scribbled behind her notebook - her full name beside a heart beside his full name beside a question mark, under jagged loops of erasures caused by an approaching threat that was Sonoko.

There was no relationship to speak of. Not even situationship. But definitely there was something that had become impossible to ignore. And if it weren’t for that godforsaken question still lingering in their minds a month after it had been asked, they wouldn’t allow themselves to be put into this awkward position.

Maybe the best way to let the telltale fire die down was to be firm in the belief there was none to begin with. So they wouldn't talk about it. Wouldn't dwell on it.

If it was just them, they could survive this easily. But there was one major factor to take into account. The setting.

For what was high school if not absolute lack of privacy and the inane need of youngins to be informed of one another’s lovelife?

My contribution for the Shinran Only zine :]]]

The org never got back to us about posting or physical copies, but it's been half a year since the shinran only event, so I assume it's fine... They did pay for the work, so it's not a scam or anything, but I do feel sad we never got to see the zines, everyone's work was really stunning.

Including the background under the cut because I put my soul into it :D the amount of time I put into looking up references for Narita airport...

A/N 1) - To whoever that missed me :P I am back guysss. I wanted to write this fanfic but it kept taking too long and once I started writing it became waaayy too lengthy so please bear with me.

A/N 2) The fanfic is kinda inspired by this pic. Such cuties!!! <3

A/N 3) All the credits to the actual artist. This image is NOT MINE.

A/N 4) Please forgive the typos!

There are a few easter eggs in this fanfic. Let me know if you guys managed to find them :) Without further ado. Enjoy!

Shinichi was annoyed.

He clearly knew he was annoyed.

His gums were aching because he was clenching his jaw way too tightly, his hands were tightly fisted and he just knew for sure that he had a very ugly expression on his face.

Since he aspired to be a detective he had deduced why he was feeling this way but no amount of rational logic was helping him right now.

Meanwhile, the core reason for his irritation remained completely oblivious to his agony and was happily chatting away with him.

He sighed and went to his seat not like he could interrupt.

************

Shinichi's emotions were all over the place.

He glanced at Ran who was chatting with Fuji Kaname. The two of them had become acquainted when both of them were assigned morning duty and to make things worse a seat change had happened. Shinichi and Ran who were seated together previously were separated and that guy now occupied the seat next to Ran, meanwhile, Shinichi was thrown at the back of the class. Throughout his classes, Shinichi's eyes would wander towards them. He would have a strange churning in his stomach every time he saw them interacting. He knew what this meant. He has always known what Ran was to him.

The problem was the other boys were looking at her too. Back in elementary school they had a crush on her too but were too immature and childish to figure it out and acted like bullies towards her.

But now in middle school, these boys were trying to put in effort to talk to her and vie for her attention. He was well aware of the eyes on her, the interested, curious gaze, the infatuated look anytime Ran was around. Shinichi was almost glad that Ran was oblivious to the attention she was getting. At least she was not interested in them.

"Shinichi? What happened? Are you alright?"

Shinichi jerked up and came face to face with a pair of concerned blue eyes.

"R-Ran?? What's up?" Shinichi called out in surprise on seeing her.

"Oh I just wanted to confirm what time your soccer practice will get over today? Regional matches will be starting soon, right?"

"Oh it's just the usual time for this week, we will have extended practice from next week."

He answered her automatically.

"Hmmm." Ran had a look pondering look on her face. Meanwhile, Shinichi snuck a glance at Fuji who was staring at them and their eyes met. Fuji didn't turn his gaze away from them.

"Then I guess we can go back together. Is that alright?" Ran asked cheerily.

"Yeah, sure." Shinichi answered in a daze and Ran went back to her seat.

Shinichi felt a bubble of joy in his heart.

*******

"It sure has been a while since we walked back together." Ran stated simply.

"Ah..um."

"But I guess it is for this week only when our club practices will end together. Next week, I guess the soccer team will stay back for longer time."

"Hmm."

"Are you match-ups out already?"

"Hmmm."

"Shinichi?? Shinichi are you listening to me?? Shinichi??? Shinichi look out!!!!"

"Whaa..."

Shinichi couldn't get the image of Fuji and Ran out of his mind.

Should I ask her about him? Am I meddling? Will she become conscious of him if I ask her and start paying attention to him??

In his worries, he missed the steps in front of him causing him to tumble down and fall flat on his face. Thankfully it was not very high and just three steps.

"Shinichi are you alright??"

Ran crouched near him and checked up on him.

"What were you thinking?? You are hurt." Ran said softly wiping away the dirt.

"I am fine... I was just-

"Thinking about Sherlock Holmes." Ran finished for him absent mindedly while taking out a small first-aid pouch from her bag.

"No it was something else." Shinichi defended himself.

"Really? Shinichi are you capable of thinking of something else apart from Holmes and Scoccer, I didn't know that." Ran poked fun at him and chuckled as she cleaned his hands and face.

You, you idiot. I think of you. A little too much.

"So what got you in such a daze that you tumbled down like this?" Ran asked now bandaging him up.

Shinichi just stared at her in a daze. His eyes drank in her features, her hair, her eyes, her nose, supple-looking cheeks which were just waiting to be pinched and dare I go lower. Her lips.

NOOOOOOO!!!!! He felt his cheeks burn

Shinichi smashed himself mentally.

She just had to be the prettiest looking gal, didnt she. Shinichi almost resented her.

Cant you just stick to me? Like, forever? Why the hell is this Fuji guy making googly eyes at you!? Punch him away with your karate!

"Why is your face turning red? Don't tell me you have a fever too. You looked listless in the class today as well." Ran came closer to check his temperature.

"Enough! I am alright. Don't touch me so recklessly like this."

Shinichi couldn't stand this torment and before he knew it he was sprinting away from Ran as if set on fire.

Oh the pains of an awkward teenage boy with the girl he crushes on.

UGGHHHH!! What have I done!? She definitely hates me now. What do I do? I didn't want to behave like this. She must be hurt.

Panting heavily and completely out of breath Shinichi entered the house, ran to his room and slumped by the door.

He did not know how to handle this jealousy and worst of all he ended up being irritable towards Ran of all people.

I really need to apologise to her.

*****

"Shin-chan come down for dinner."

Shinichi's intercom buzzed.

The Kudou mansion was pretty big so they had intercoms in the rooms for easy communications.

Shinichi came down and took his place at the table and saw his parents share a glance.

"Ittedakimasu."

Dinner was strangely quiet and Shinichi observed the strange behaviour of his parents who kept glancing at each other and at him.

"So what is it you guys want to talk about?"

Yukiko and Yusaku looked at Shinichi though not very surprised with his observation.

"Well Shin-chan, your father and I were discussing a few things and we are deliberating the option of moving abroad, US to be more specific."

Shinichi was caught a little off guard by the statement.

"Nothing is final yet. We are just discussing and we would like to hear your opinion about it. I know it is a lot to take in right now but think about it."

"But why the sudden idea?" Shinichi asked slowly.

"It's not really sudden."

True, the US was a frequent family destination for them.

"As you know Yusaku's book on the Night Baron has become an instant hit and for research purposes, the US is a good option. The country has a broad spectrum of studies and case analogies."

The 'Night Baron' novel series was a very well-planned plot. Yusaku Kudo wrote individual crime thriller novels but it always had a shadowy and mysterious character who manipulated the protagonists in very subtle ways. Not something which would be picked in the first reading. After writing multiple novels with such a vague figure a lot of conspiracy theories were making rounds on the internet as to who this mysterious person was. Finally, a few weeks ago the first book In the Night Baron series was released which literally disappeared from the shelves within a day. The people devoured the book like crazy and it was still on the bestseller for six consecutive weeks already.

"Shin-chan, moving abroad will be a big change but I think living in the States will be good for you too. Think about it okay."

"Is that all?"

Yukiko and Yusaku looked at each other and nodded. Shinichi walked to his room and crashed on his bed.

He could only think of her.

Will I be able to leave Ran? Will she miss me? Will I become a distant forgotten childhood memory? Will she fall in love with someone and become his girlfriend?

Fuji's lovestruck face flashed in his mind and why just him, so many countless guys were infatuated with her. Who will win over her heart?

I-I- cant...

He had a vague idea of what he needed to do and for that, he needed to speak to hakase urgently.

****The next morning****

"Hakase? Are you up? Hakaseee??"

The door clicked open, "What is Shinichi-kun? So early in the morning?" Agasa- hakase said yawning and still very much sleepy.

Like a cheeky brat, Shinichi just pushed hakase inside and said,"I need a favour hakase and only you can do it."

"What is it?" Hakase asked a little more alert now.

Shinichi looked at him and deliberated for a moment but in the end hakase was best possible option.

"My parents are planning to move abroad hakase. I want you to take legal guardianship of me in their absence." Shinichi said in a blunt and straightforward manner.

"NANIIII??? Shinichi-kun do you have any idea what you are saying!?" Hakase was completely bewildered at the Shinichi's request.

"Please hakase, do me this favour! You and my father have been friends even before I was born, you have seen me since I was an infant and you just live next door to me. I-I have my reasons for not wanting to leave Japan and you are the only possible way I can convince my parents to let me stay here. Please." Shinichi deeply bowed his head in front of Hakase.

"Shinichi-kun!" Hakase was flustered by the sudden development and the request.

"Have you told your parents about it?"

"No, not yet." Shinichi said slowly.

"But why do you want to stay? Studying in the States is a wonderful opportunity, especially if you want to be a detective."

Shinichi looked up at hakase, his eyes showed a determined gleam.

*******

Feeling slightly better after talking to hakase Shinichi set off for school.

*****

Shinichi kept glancing at the clock and at the door of the classroom waiting for Ran to appear who had still not arrived. Ran was not late yet but it was later than usual time for her. Just then Ran walked in through the door.

Shinichi moved towards her but the moment their eyes met, a look of pain flashed in Ran's eyes and she hurried away form him to rush to her seat.

"Ohayo Mouri. It's rare for you to be this late." Fuji greeted her

Ran just passed him a sheepish grin and settled down in her avoiding Shinichi who was just left stunned in his place but quietly went back to his seat.

Of course, she is avoiding me, especially after how I behaved.

****

Shinichi tried multiple times to talk to Ran throughout the day but Ran successfully managed to avoid him and before he knew it she was sprinting out the door the moment classes got over. Shinichi felt dejected and was not sure what to do.

"Kudou?"

Shinichi turned and came face to face with Fuji and flinched.

You are the last person I want to see right now.

"I saw you were trying to talk to Mouri today."

"...."

"Arent you being a little too pushy? She is clearly avoiding you. Stop bothering her."

"Mind your own business." Shinichi frowned and shot back coldly.

"I will mind my own business after you stop bothering her," Fuji said haughtily, not backing down.

"It sure is a good play, playing innocent childhood playmates and taking advantage of that."

"Fuji-kun!" Ran called out horrified.

Shinchi and Fuji looked in surprise to see Ran standing there, looking at Fuji with hurt and disappointment. He paled under her hurt gaze.

"Mouri! I was just-" Fuji started now, stripped off his arrogance but stopped unable to say anything.

"Please never talk like that ever again," Ran said firmly.

"Let's go Shinichi."

She grabbed Shinichi's wrist and they walked away. Their footsteps sounded loud in the empty corridor but Ran refused to slow down as she was still feeling extremely annoyed.

"Ran calm down." Shinichi started slowly in a placating tone.

"How could you let him talk to you like that Shinichi!?" Ran glared at him feeling extremely agitated.

No Ran, I was actually just a second away from punching him in the face, you arriving there actually prevented a fistfight.

Ran was seething, she really thought Fuji-kun was a nice person. He was nice and polite as a seatmate, they got along fairly well but to think he had such a shallow opinion of her relationship with Shinichi.

Shinichi and her have been together since kindergarten, she has known him since she was four. All through elementary school and even now in the second year of middle school they have always been together. Also, Shinichi always had valid reasons for acting in a certain way and Ran knew for sure that none of his actions were ever meant to hurt her.

"I thought you were mad at me," Shinichi said slowly.

"I was a little annoyed but right now I am angry for a completely different reason." Ran huffed.

"Don't mind it, I don't think he really meant it anyway." Shinichi didn't want to defend him but he sort of understood where he was coming from.

"But even so." She mumbled.

"Gomen Ran, for yesterday," said Shinichi

Ran looked at him. The deserted corridor was dyed in an orangish-yellow hue of the setting sun and Shinichi's eyes were fixed on her with an unwavering strange intensity. They were so sincere, shaking almost shining. She felt a pang in her chest, it felt like a bittersweet ache. It didn't hurt but somehow it did, it felt warm and lovely. Ran felt a vague realisation. She has felt like this before but for some reason, this feeling was getting stronger with every passing day.

The moment Shinichi looks at me like that I will forgive him for anything and everything in less than a heartbeat.

A sweet smile blossomed on her face reflecting the warmth she felt in her heart.

"Shinichi is Shinichi no matter what." She said smiling. Shinichi grinned at her somehow understanding and not understanding the statement. She felt the same, the words that came out of her mouth were something which perplexed Ran herself but she didn't want to indulge much in these complex intense emotions for now.

This deduction nerd and her were walking back together, which made her happy.

*****

"Tou-san, kaa-san, please listen to me." Shinichi spoke with a deep breath.

Here goes...

"I wish to stay in Japan, I don't want to move abroad."

"But Shin-chan-"

"I spoke to Agasa-hakase, if you guys permit then he can take over my guardianship. He said that if you both agree to it then he will agree as well."

"What about wanting to pursue the path of being a detective?" Yusaku asked bluntly.

Shinichi clenched his fist and prepared to answer.

I got through to Agasa-hakase, I am sure I will get my intensions through to my parents as well.

"Tou-san, kaa-san, being a detective is my dream, and I wish to achieve and fulfil that with my own strength and efforts. Even if it takes a little longer, I want to remain in Japan. If in future certain conditions turn favourable I will think of going abroad, till then please let me stay here. Onegaishimasu!"

Shinichi felt a tense silence in the room but he looked at his parents with the same determination and desire which had won over Agasa-hakase in the morning.

"Fine then, I guess." Yusaku said cooly.

"Really!?" Shinichi shouted in surprise.

"But Yuu-chan!!" Yukiko whined but Yusaku managed to placate and reassure her.

Shinichi felt a sweet relief on getting acknowledgement from his parents.

I can do it! I will definitely become a great detective. I will be by her side. The girl who carries a first aid pouch for me. The girl who values the relationships of people around her. The girl who has me wrapped around her fingers. I won't have to part from her, for now, this is more than enough. For now, this will do.

*****

"Please it's alright. I really don't want to impose on your family time like this." Ran said flustered and distressed to Yukiko-san.

"Oh Ran-chan, don't worry about it. We really want you to join us."

Ran glanced towards Shinichi for help who simply shrugged his shoulders. Though fireworks of madddening happiness were exploding in his heart.

Good job mom!!!

"Alright then! It's a four-day trip and pack accordingly Ran-chan."

"Yes."

Ran was completely shocked to find that the Kudos had planned to move to America. She felt as if she had been robbed of her breath for a moment but when she found out that Shinichi was going to stay in Japan she felt a trickle of relief in her veins.

He is not going! He is not going to leave me.

As of now, she was in the Kudou mansion and was invited to Shinichi's parent's villa mansion in Karuizawa. The Kudos were planning to move to America at the end of summer vacation. They would be spending time with Shinichi in Japan during the holidays. Knowing that they would be leaving in two months Ran felt distressed about being invited to a family vacation but on Yukiko-san's insistence, she gave in.

Ran and Shinichi's eyes met.

Is this really ok?

Yes. Yes, this is perfect. Shinichi felt his face growing warm and looked away.

These kids really grow up really fast.

Yukiko's eyes gleamed with nostalgia and mischief as she looked at her son sharing a moment with her (future daughter-in-law?).

Another ShinRan fanshort..... cause why not? Cause we all love a healthy dose ShinRan, dont we? :) Enjoy!!

"Tell me, Ran! You need to answer my question!" Shinichi said adamantly.

"Mou~ why are you so persistent with it and why does it even matter?" Ran replied brushing off his question.

"Because I won fair and square, you must keep the promise," Shinichi replied firmly, not backing down.

Ran looked at him, and although he was speaking in a demanding manner Shinichi's lips were pulled in a pout, and his eyes had a childlike stubborn look in them. Almost like a kid begging for a toy.

Needless to say Ran's heart melted, not that she had a chance anyway. However, the question Shinichi had asked her, well the answer to that was extremely close to her heart so putting that into words was going to be difficult for her hence her delay in answering her question.

"Fine I will answer you, just give me a moment to collect my words, ok?" Ran replied, defeated by his persistence.

Shinichi stubborn attitude deflated immediately as he patiently waited for Ran's response.

The couple a few days back had a discussion about 'first love' and Shinichi accidently ended up confessing that he fell in love at first sight with Ran. Needless to say, Ran was over the moon and was beaming with joy. Shinichi was embarrassed but pleased to see her look so happy so he asked her as well, when did she fall in love with him?

Ran looked at him, blushed profusely and refused to answer. Shinichi driven by the curiosity of her reaction and his own case-solving mind was now persistently trying to make deductions as to when she fell in love with him. Thankfully they both know that they were each other's first love so it was just a matter of solving 'when.'

However, to his utter annoyance, he was not very accurate with this deduction about Ran and she always seemed to have an upper hand. Well, his chances of winning were negligible when Ran would look at him doey pleading eyes and completely non-existent when she would throw in a random kiss. He was never gonna win. But this time around he managed to somehow persist even after the relentless attacks.

The couple had a game they would play when they wanted the other to spill a secret. They would stand at a crowded intersection and guess the colour of the fifth passing car. Anyone who guessed correctly or was closest to the colour range would win the bet and make the other say or do the thing they want. This was more or less a pure game of chance so they had a 50-50 chance of winning. In this case, Shinichi had won and now was demanding the answer to his question as to 'when' did Ran fall in love with him and Ran was sneakily trying to avoid the question. Though now she had given in to his persistence.

Shinchi was patiently looking at her and the more he looked at her with his clear unwavering gaze the more she felt her heart tremble.

She began softly, her voice tinged with nostalgia,

"It was during the New York case when I fully acknowledged my feelings for you."

A look of surprise crossed his face, "When we were fifteen? You sure took your sweet time," Shinichi whined.

Here I am losing my heart to you the moment I saw you smile. Shinichi had complains.

"Let me finish."

"Go ahead," he said grumpily and looked away

Ran was amused with his childish antics but she continued.

"Shinichi, you are a very precious person to me. I have known you since we were in kindergarten. We have spent a lot of time in each other's company."

Shinichi glanced back at her.

"I look at you too, you know,"

"It was around the final year of middle school when I started feeling that you were a bit more special to me."

Shinichi's eyes sparkled as he looked at her.

"But even before that I really admired your courage, honesty, truthful nature and your idealistic principles as well."

"I did look up to you as an individual well before I realised that I loved you."

"Eventually and slowly other aspects of you became endearing to me as well. Your insane obsession with detective stories especially with Sherlock Holmes which ended up inspiring you to be a detective, a soccer enthusiast or even your single minded approach to achieve your goals. Even your bold but reckless behaviour which got you in trouble."

Ran spoke softly, her voice soft, compassionate but wavering, but her eyes were shining and shaking.

Meanwhile, Shinichi felt suffocated. His breath was punctured and agonised. He was certainly not prepared for this confession.

Ran continued.

"Slowly you were occupying a large part of me. Initially, when I had a vague realisation of my feelings, I was confused for a while. I didnt want these newly sprouted feelings to create confusion and misunderstandings between us. At that time you were my most precious childhood friend as well."

"Matters of the heart are delicate and fragile. I didn't want my admiration towards you to become misguided just because I was entering adolescence."

"But it was a hopeless case for my heart. During the case in New York, in the abandoned building, where we saved that serial killer your words reassured me. They were like a balm to my soul."

"That's when I realised that my heart had already fully surrendered to you."

"Your acts of kindness, attentiveness, protective behaviour, your unique ways of caring for people around you, all of it came rushing to me as if a dam had exploded on me."

Ran gasped for a breath. Even now, she felt her body tremble as she still felt that painful intensity of love. So many memories of their time together flashed in her mind. Her eyes glistened with tears, it was the sweet pain of love.

"I was so overwhelmed Shinchi, I realised that there was no way I would not love you, you are too deeply entangled in my soul."

"As for you being passionate as a detective, I am extremely proud of you, the way you protected Ai-chan, single-handedly bearing the burden to put an end to those men in black, taking the enormous responsibility of protecting the people around you. It sets my heart my ablaze with pride and honour. Thankfully I have learnt all of you."

"I feel your loneliness too. The worries, the sadness and the sacrifices you had to make. The dangerous endeavour you took upon yourself, I feel it all Shinichi. So much so that it hurts."

"I have learnt all of you, from your heart to your soul so that you do not need to spend a lifetime translating yourself, your actions for me."

"I no longer pinpoint to one particular moment but I am certain of the fact that I have loved you every moment."

The atmosphere in the room was strange and quite Shinichi was looking down and his bangs were hiding his face so Ran couldnt see his expression.

"Se-See, happy now," said Ran, nonchalantly trying to change heavy the atmosphere as she nervously fanned her face and looked up to hold back tears.

I knew I was gonna tear up! Shinichi, you idiot!! And now he is not even saying anything after making me such embarrassing things.

"Why wont you say anything? I am going to be really angry if you are secretly laughing at m-"

"Mmuph"

Shinichi kissed her. Without warning, without permission, but simply because he couldn't have done anything else. He couldn't breathe, he needed the breath she was holding. It belonged to him and he needed it back.

Ran's back hit the sofa under his passionate assault. Shinichi's lips moved with frightening intensity. He couldn't decide whether he wanted to devour her or bury himself in her or just simply melt into her.

Ran started to feel light-headed under the lack of air and attempted to push him away. Shinichi moved away, barely an inch away from her moist, swollen and slightly bruised lips. His body was still pressed on top of her, close and intimate.

Ran gasped for some air. Her face flushed with a lovely shade of pink, her eyes dazed, moist and wet but she did not even have the courage to face him.

"Shinichi, I-"

Again!!!!

This is not enough Ran! It is barely scratching the surface of my madness.

Shinichi kissed her feverishly because words could no longer express the depth of his emotions.

Every time he had thought that he had reached the pinnacle of his love for her, she would do something that would throw him back at the starting point.

Shinichi pulled away and their eyes met. The eyes spoke volumes of unsaid things between them. Shinichi gently caressed her face with his thumb drawing small circular patterns on her cheek while Ran melted into his touch.

Shinichi gave a small smile and buried his face in the crook of her neck. He felt a small lingering kiss on the base of her throat where he could vividly feel her pulse and even hear her heartbeat. This soft warmth was all his and his alone.

"Aishiteru."

Ran wound her arms around him, keeping him close and secure.

"Hmmm."

And the couple drifted off to sleep.

(Kinda close to the image of them I had in my mind of them falling asleep.)

(They look so cute!)

(A/N - All the credits to the actual artist. This image is NOT mine.)

******

A/N 1 - Damnnn I am on a rollll!!! This one has been on my mind for a while but I just could not pen it down properly but I hope you guys enjoy what I wrote.

A/N 2 - As mostly guessed this is after the BO part is over and Shinichi has told Ran everything.

A/N 3 - Please like and comment and let me know what do you guys think, also please forgive me for any grammatical errors.

A/N 4 - The images used are not mine. All the credit to the original artists!!

Bonus picture 1 - "Someone being patient with you is one of the softest forms of love" - Sarah Zuraiqi.

(She really is an angel)

Bonus picture 2 ..... Cause why not! (>////////<)

(They are sooooo adorable!!!)

A ShinRan fic I've had in my head for a while. @sauk made a drawing not too long ago of Ran teaching Shinichi karate, and that served as an inspiration.

Mouri Ran.  Karate champion.  Master of self-defense.  Medal and trophy winner.  Olympic contender.  The list of descriptions goes on and on.  All of her friends would agree.  Ask a certain friend who’s more than a friend, and he’ll add his own list.  Angel, greatest woman on earth, the most beautiful person he’s ever known with a smile that steals the heart; someone who’s too good for him.  And Ran will respond by reassuring him that he’s the love of her life, he’s not going anywhere now, she’ll make sure of that, all the while a slight tinge of pink fills her cheeks from his adoration.  But that is how Kudo Shinichi treats Ran, his girlfriend.  He’s completely besotted.  And she is to him, and they both love that they’re in love with each other.  Since coming through a trauma both never want to go through again, they’ve been closer than ever.  But Ran wants to make sure it never happens again.  Promises of never keeping secrets, going with him wherever goes, especially when his detective sense is tingling (you can thank the detective boys for that terminology).  And her status as bodyguard comes in handy when a confronted suspect pulls a knife and ends up with a kick to the head.  Ran and Shinichi, as their friend Sonoko says, make quite the power couple.  But Ran wants to take it further.  She can’t do all the kicks all the time.  She’s taken the initiative of teaching Shinichi karate.  How’s it going?  Well…

Inspired by @caelum1412dcmk 's amazing art I wrote a little fic. I hope it's up to snuff. Enjoy! Let me know what you think!